As Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) unveils its new fine dining destination, Canvas, the transformation from a casual café to an elevated dining experience sparks both curiosity and excitement. Once a humble spot offering breathtaking views alongside affordable fare, the MCA café has now been reimagined by The Big Group, specialists in high-end events, aiming to create a dining experience that resonates with the artistic spirit of the museum.
Elevating the Space
The potential for a culinary success story reminiscent of Michelin-starred establishments, such as RIJKS at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, is what many Sydney-siders are eagerly anticipating. Canvas officially opens on Thursday, October 24, but soft-launched in September, inviting guests to experience the marriage of fine dining, contemporary art and scenic harbour views.
Culinary Talent Takes Charge
The Big Group, has enlisted the talents of Josh Raine, the former executive chef of the celebrated Tetsuya’s, where he led the kitchen from 2018 until earlier this year. Raine’s impressive background includes stints at iconic venues such as Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford, Pied à Terre in London, and St Betty’s in Hong Kong. Raine’s vision for Canvas transcends mere gastronomy; he sees it as a canvas itself, where culinary art meets visual creativity. “Our goal wasn’t to take away the space, but to elevate it,” Raine explains, emphasizing a commitment to providing an exceptional experience that showcases some of Australia’s finest produce.
A Unique Dining Environment
Canvas aims to be more than just a restaurant; it is a venue for young culinary professionals to shine. Canvas will compete with prestigious neighbours like Bennelong, Quay, and Aria, all known for their artful takes on Australian produce. By day, it will serve as a vibrant lunch spot, while at night, it transforms into a private event space. The design of the restaurant, adorned in creams and natural timber, is intentionally understated, allowing the stunning views to take centre stage. This environment mirrors Raine’s approach to plating, where he applies sculptural techniques to create visually striking dishes. Co-founder of The Big Group, Bruce Keebaugh’s bold move to offer a luxury dining experience amidst a landscape increasingly saturated with more affordable options is a testament to his confidence in the MCA’s unique allure. “When everyone went left, I always went right,” he muses, suggesting a willingness to carve out a distinct niche in the competitive market.
An Artistic Culinary Experience
Raine draws inspiration from both his artistic family background and the contemporary art that surrounds him at the MCA. He describes the creation of each dish as akin to curating an art exhibition, from conception to presentation. Signature dishes feature premium Australian ingredients, including Tasmanian wasabi, Mayura Station wagyu, and Cowra lamb, custom-cut in an eye-catching tomahawk style.
A New Era for the MCA
With the introduction of Canvas, the MCA not only enhances its culinary offerings but also reinforces its commitment to providing an enriching cultural experience. Keebaugh, shares his enthusiasm for this venture, highlighting how the hybrid model of restaurant and event space will showcase culinary talent to the world and acknowledges the current challenges faced by many high-end dining establishments, yet he remains optimistic about Canvas’s potential to create memorable experiences rather than solely focusing on profit margins. “Will it be the biggest money spinner? Probably not. But will it tell a beautiful story? Yes,” he affirms.
Anticipation builds around a dining experience that promises to be as dynamic and inspiring as the art that graces the museum’s walls. For locals and travellers alike, Canvas is set to redefine fine dining in Sydney, blending breathtaking views, exceptional food, and the vibrant energy of contemporary art into an unforgettable experience.
By: Lydia Kelly
Published: Tuesday the 22nd of Oct 2024