The cultural landscape in Brunswick East is growing. East Brunswick Village is lucky to be the epicentre of one of the suburb’s main entertainment destinations, with more attractions added regularly. We already have amazing restaurants, a cinema, a brewery, and organic grocers, and now we have a new wine bar that is primed for a delicious drop and a chat with your friends.
The vibrant tapestry of cultures and histories of the surrounding areas is weaving into our dynamic community, and the newest addition to the culinary landscape – Rocket Society Wine Bar is here. Helmed by the visionary duo Joseph and Nat Abboud, whose gastronomic prowess has already left an indelible mark with the renowned Rumi restaurant nearby, Rocket Society emerges as a homage to innovation and exploration, echoing the spirit of the Lebanese Rocket Society that once aimed for the stars in 1960s Beirut.
Embracing The Ethos of Its Namesake
The Rocket Society is a wine bar that transcends the ordinary. The menu is an ode to Lebanese heritage and cosmic curiosity, and much like its older sibling, it offers a range of flavours that tantalise the palate and ignite the imagination.
Drawing inspiration from Lebanon’s culinary traditions, the day’s offerings feature an array of sandwiches, reminiscent of flatbread sandwiches, each named after the historic rockets launched between 1962 and 1963. From the indulgent batata-filled creations to the savoury delights of minced lamb kofta, every bite narrates a story of culinary ingenuity and cultural richness.
When The Sun Sets
Rocket Society is almost like two venues. A spot for some delicious lunch options by day, but at night, it transforms into a sanctuary for nocturnal epicureans. The crackle of the charcoal grill and the clink of glasses produce an enchanting ambience, and the evening menu celebrates the art of communal dining. With offerings like barbeque lamb adorned with carob molasses and succulent sweetbread skewers, you are invited to embark on a culinary odyssey under the starlit skies. And it’s important to keep in mind that the brains behind all of this gave us Rumi, one of Melbourne’s most beloved dining spots.
Complementing the culinary offerings is a meticulously curated wine list that traverses continents, offering a selection of over 50 bottles sourced from Australia, Lebanon, Morocco, and Europe. From the velvety richness of indigenous Lebanese grapes to the crisp allure of Australian varietals, each sip portrays a level of tradition, inviting guests to explore the nuances of wine culture.
The Rocket Society also offers a repertoire of cocktails that pay homage to aviation and exploration. From the classic Paper Plane to the contemporary zest of the Life on Mars, each concoction is crafted with precision and passion, offering a sensory journey that transcends time and space.
More Than a Wine Bar
Beyond the culinary delights, The Rocket Society is, quite simply, the place where you want to hang out. A testament to design and ambience, where mid-century inspirations blend seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics, the black-and-white photographs of the original Rocket Society and accented retro furnishings create a space that exudes nostalgia and sophistication. Here, you are invited to immerse yourself in a world where past and present converge.
For us, the highlight is the venue’s very specifically intentioned communal table. When we originally caught up with Joseph to talk about Rumi’s arrival in Brunswick East, he gave us some off-the-record information about his new wine bar venture. The communal table exists to help the community reconnect, share stories and savour flavours. Come down, meet your neighbours, and realise why it doesn’t have to take a village, but it’s nice if it does.
The Rocket Society is a space where gastronomy, culture, and community intertwine. Guided by the Abboud’s visionary spirit, everyone is invited to catch up, relax, enjoy and reconnect. The biggest issue will be which wine to choose next.
Continue Reading
We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!
We wanted to put East Brunswick Village (EBV) to the task and have had our sales team answer these ‘six essential questions you should ask when buying an apartment’, and we think we shape up pretty well!
