Celebrity chef Karen Martini is now culinary director at Johnny’s Green Room
It was never going to take long for Karen Martini to find a new gig, after the closure of her restaurant, Hero at ACMI, last month.
The lucky venue to snap up her services Carlton rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room.
Martini has taken up the position of culinary director.
“Leaning into my Italian roots, we’ve developed a menu celebrating seasonality and playful twists on classics,” Martini said.
“Johnny’s Green Room will have a whole new look and a whole new menu — just in time for summer.”
The Melbourne iconic bar will reopen in December after closing in July for renovations and will feature an Italian summer-inspired menu and semi-retractable rooftop.
Matthew Bax, one of Australia’s best cocktail makers will oversee drinks.
Diners can expect a focus on pizza and small plates, and spritz, wine, beer and more.
Martini’s split from ACMI was highly acrimonious, with more than 70 employees reportedly informed by art and screen museum workers that they were fired and had six hours to leave the site.
ACMI claims the restaurant was forced shut over “significant unpaid debt.”
Jonathan Jackson, 8th November 2023
