01 Mar 2023
Words Christine Retschlag Informer 105

It’s a dog’s life

It’s Australia’s first AC Marriott – named after the founder of AC Hotels, Antonio Catalan – designed to celebrate the beauty of classic modern design with its European soul and Spanish roots. The AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank also comes with extra bite, with the acclaimed Peter Rowland Group opening Sorolla and Bar Triana. Even better? As Christine Retschlag discovers, you can dine with your dog with a menu just for pets.

First, a confession: as an adult, I have never owned a pet. This makes me possibly the last person on the planet qualified to select from tonight’s restaurant menu what a dog may wish to order for dinner. Would Rex like the Galletas of Sweet Potato, Fennel and Spelt ($9) or perhaps the Sashimi de Pollo with Chicken Sashimi, Peas and Chamomile ($12)? Or would he prefer the Tartar de Carne – a Beef Tartare, Parmesan and Pasta ($14), second only to the vegetarian option of Veruras of Quinoa, Dutch Carrot and Bell Pepper ($11). And let’s not forget the La Paleta dessert: Banana, Peanut Butter and Olive Oil ($11), all served in exclusive designer dog bowls. 

I am dining at Sorolla on the seventh floor of Melbourne’s new AC Hotel by Marriott and in which head chef Ryan Flaherty has curated a special menu... for dogs. (A point to note: while dogs can’t eat in the actual restaurant, they can eat in the adjacent lobby or bar). So delicious are these dishes I almost forgo the human menu in favour of the canine Chicken Sashimi. It’s a sign of the times, right down to the dog bed strategically placed near your table. Feeling like a night in? You and your pooch pal can retire to your quarters and order room service. Yes, it’s a dog’s life, but not as you know it. 

Located in one of Melbourne’s premier events, arts and entertainment precincts, the hotel features 205 rooms and suites – there’s a floor dedicated to dog rooms and guests pay extra for cleaning. Boasting sweeping views of the city skyline, notable neighbours include South Wharf precinct – Australia’s largest urban renewal project – on its doorstep. DKO Architecture, in collaboration with Capital Alliance, designed this shimmering hotel with its geometric glass facade to create a bold architectural presence within the Fishermans Bend skyline. 

The story which unfolds inside is just as fascinating. Boasting an industrial chic vibe, inside it’s all muted Melbourne greys with natural stone tiling, warm textured timber, metal details, soft layers of drapery and brass accents. Its signature king suites come replete with a free-standing eggshell bath and rain head shower from which you can enjoy the Greek Korres amenities. (This is Melbourne, after all). Dyson hairdryers and straighteners are also notable features, along with the soft-as-clouds bathrobes that will make your pooch pout with envy.

There’s an outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool spanning the width of the building (dogs are allowed on the pool deck but not in the pool), pool bar Bar de Buceo, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a meeting and event space.

But arguably it’s the brand’s signature AC Lounge, which acts as a co-working space during the day, and sophisticated social hub during the night, which is the key feature with its lavender cart where you can scoop up a calico bag of scent to use later in your bath or under your pillow. 

Not to mention the nightly gin cart where inhouse guests are afforded a complimentary G&T, including the signature AC Gin served in a special glass designed to heighten the taste, aroma and palate experience. Would your dog like a cocktail? How about the Dirty Mutt-tini crafted from one cup of fresh water, half a cup of beer broth, and garnished with a little beef meatball. From here, it’s a comfortable cha cha into the adjacent Bar Triana before sashaying a few metres along into Sorolla.

Owned by Capital Alliance, Melbourne based diversified mixed-use real estate developer and investment company, this “lifestyle brand” hotel marks Marriott International’s nineth hotel in Melbourne and the third new hotel to open in the Victorian capital over the past 12 months.

But what would Rex make of all of this fuss? Chef Flaherty admits even he was surprised when first asked to design a menu for dogs.

“Once the initial shock wore off it was really fun to write a pet menu. I wanted to stick with it being a bit Melbourne, so there had to be a vegetarian dish on the menu. It’s the kind of menu where pets might want to eat the same as their owners,” he says.

In fact, according to the chef, we humans could order from the pet menu and eat everything on it. As long as we don’t expect any seasoning.

“Instinctively, as a chef, you just want to season a dish but with pets there is no real need. In my head what I’m doing with the dog’s meal is like the old school meat and three vegetables. I care about the presentation but I don’t know if the dog cares,” he says.

Chef Flaherty says a lot of research went into curating the menu, avoiding the obvious chocolate and cooked meats, but serving up pasta and raw meat, with the pasta and steak tartar meal proving to be the most popular with pets.

“It’s something everyone can relate to. At the end of the day, people order something the dog likes. I never stick around to see if the dog eats it or spits it out. I don’t want to know if the dog hates my food.” 

More bite than bark? You be the judge. END