The man behind Adelaide Central Market’s Real Falafel has opened his next Mediterranean-inspired venture: Blue Venus.
Founder and chef Mitch Aldawsari describes the bar as a warm, inviting space.
“It’s the type of place you’d go alone, but still meet new friends,” he says.
Blue Venus features cocktails with Middle Eastern flavours, small plates, and themed nights, and it stays true to its colourful name with turquoise-painted walls and floral ceilings.
The fun interior, formerly small bar Vinyl, will house lots of events, with karaoke nights on Sunday and Thursdays enlivened by bartenders delivering drinks via airline trolley.
Aldawsari says the menu focuses on creative concoctions of six to eight ingredients that thread flavours from the cocktails through the meals. He promises Mediterranean kicks.
“We have a roast Turkish Delight cocktail, and lots of pomegranate,” he says.
The bar also has a charitable component, with a percentage of sales going to LGBTQIA+ and women organizations. Originally on a protective visa himself, Aldawsari left Saudi Arabia in 2015 for fear he’d be persecuted for his sexuality.
The bar will serve as an homage to Aldawsari’s Middle Eastern roots and as a welcoming space for all.
“I’m excited to bring my culture to a new business, so my Aussie family can have a new experience,” Aldawsari said.
“It’s a place for everyone.”
Follow Blue Venus on Instagram here.
Find Blue Venus on Level 1, 20-22 Gilbert Place.
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