13 May 2019

There’s a thing going on… Mrs Jones says goodbye, but not for long.

| Alex Tricolas

Soc Kochinos (foreground) with chef and partner Dan McConnell

The popular corner that houses Me & Mrs Jones will soon have a thing going on that promises to give a much-needed injection of attitude into ‘old’ Kingston. Namely, she will be no more – renamed, refurbished and replaced by a reinvigorated bar and restaurant, and promising to take the food and wine experience in Kingston to new levels.

Owner Soc Kochinos tells me that along with a new name (with a hint of the old for continuity’s sake), patrons should expect a complete overhaul of the current menu by chef and partner Dan McConnell, with a move away from café food in favour of what he calls a big city bistro experience.

Weekday breakfast will be out (although brunch remains on weekends) and affordable business lunch will be in, along with a slick evening offer that is all about good food and great wine, boutique tap beers and cocktails with a renewed energy and sense of sophisticated fun.

McConnell adds that he wants to celebrate the great relationships the group has built on over the years with suppliers, and in particular the oyster growers of the south coast – arguably the best in Australia – with a serious oyster bar showcasing an array of fine specimens.

Also, lovers of raw and cured seafood be on notice, McConnell will be utilising all his culinary skills at the raw bar with an appetising range that includes sashimi, tartare and ceviche dishes.

Add to that, a selection of innovative and on-trend small and large share plates with a global influence, a grill section to make any steak lover drool and quirkily named signature sets – fixed price set menus that are specifically created to cater to the romantic date or either a boy’s or girls’ night out, with each emphasising the fun of the social get together.

“It’s going to be special,” say the pair. “There is going to be a real quality offering. We love the old Kingston precinct – it has charm and it has history – we want to get its heart beating again.”

Me & Mrs Jones is expected to close in early July and re-open in Mid August, shiny new and ready to party. Stay connected for more updates.

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