Plant-based dining continues to prove itself far from fad thanks to the ongoing embrace of vegan fare in fine dining restaurants across the globe. But a new take on the plant-based venue is about to make its way to Sydney.

Behind the enterprise is US chef, restaurateur and well-known plant-based pioneer Matthew Kenney. His first Australian food concept Alibi will land at Ovolo in Woolloomooloo in late March. Alibi will encompass the majority of the hotel’s ground floor, with the restaurant set to focus on the innovative and the seasonal.

Kenney already has a reputation stateside. The chef was classically trained in the French style, before turning plant-based and launching a culinary school. After successfully tackling the American market, Kenney has turned his attention to the wellbeing lovers Down Under. “I’ve had a long relationship with Australia and the timing was simply right. Australia is seen as a leader in wellbeing and lifestyle and Ovolo came to me with the opportunity at the right time,” he says. “The food scene is so vibrant here – great produce, chefs, sunshine. I’m enjoying exploring the amazing and diverse produce available in Australia.”

Kenney’s vision will be overseen by Group Executive Chef, Kasper Christensen who will be incorporating the plant-based into the existing breakfast and room service offering as well. For Ovolo, jumping aboard the wellbeing bandwagon was a no-brainer. “We have listened to the market and know that healthy eating is a priority, so we made the decision to partner with Matthew to develop a new plant-based concept not yet seen in an Australian hotel restaurant,” says Ovolo Hotels’ Founder & CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala.