Most people would agree that snacks and sake make for a pretty great combination, but this new Newtown venue is as much about what you’re listening to as it is what you’re eating and drinking.

It’s why co-owner Matt Young moved his 2500-strong record collection into the bar – and while it looks great on the walls, it’s not just for decoration.

Ante is based on the concept of “jazzu kissa” a Japanese music café, where meditative listening is as important as what’s being served up in the glass or on the plate.

Young is also the founder of Black Market Sake, which explains what’s being poured. The focus here is junmai sake, otherwise known as pure rice sake. It means that it only contains four ingredients; rice, water, yeast and koji. There are no other additives such as sugar or alcohol. If you like your wine natural, there’s a big chance you’re going to like your sake junmai-style.

Don’t know much about sake? This is the perfect place to learn. There are over 60 varieties on offer and you can sip by the glass, enjoy a carafe or commit to a bottle. If you need more guidance, chat to the staff about what flavour profiles you like and they’ll build you a flight of three so you can sample a few options.

Like any good bar, the snacks are important and here it’s about pairing dishes that showcase sake. While the menu features Japanese ingredients such as bonito flakes and fermented chilli paste, the dishes aren’t strictly Japanese.

Food is courtesy of chef Jemma Whiteman, ex-Pinbone, Billy Kwong and Lankan Filling Station, so expect to see those influences on the menu.
For instance, take the beef kare pan. Japan’s beloved deep-fried bread bun has a filling that recalls Sri Lankan spices rather than the traditional Japanese curry. And then there’s tagliatelle with fermented shiitake mushrooms that points to Whiteman’s time doing pasta at Mr Liquor’s Dirty Italian Disco.

Ante
146 King Street, Newtown
Thurs – Fri from 5pm, Sat – Sun from 12pm
ante.bar
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