Melbourne’s original floating bar and restaurant, Arbory Afloat, has emerged from hibernation, and transformed into Afloat Viva Mexico. Back for its eighth year, this seasonal venue has whisked Melburnians away to dreamy, sun-drenched destinations in the past, from the Amalfi Coast of Italy to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. This year, they’re taking us away to sun-kissed Mexico, combining the spirit of Oaxaca, Tulum and Mexico City with the jungle-meets-beach paradise of the Yucatan coast. Arbory Afloat is open every day for bookings and walk-ins, from 11am until 1am.
Arbory Afloat
Find the marvellous Mexican theme in ever corner of this open-air venue, from the interiors to the food, drinks and music. Find festive energy on board, with lively cultural events like a Day of the Dead celebration on Thursday November 2. There will also be a daily line-up of DJs, playing from midday till late.
The transformed venue features two Tulum-inspired bars, with Alang Alang thatching on the roof and a stone finished bar top. On the lower deck, you’ll find a brand-new dining and lounge area, inspired by the beach bars in Tulum. Relax on plush lounge seats, curved banquettes, under cabanas and more. Meanwhile, the upper deck has river-edge dining cabanas, a combination of low and high tables, and an 80-year-old olive tree.
In the coming weeks, the lower deck will also have a pool area with its own agave bar, poolside beds, double day beds and a standalone taco hut.
The food
With a rich culinary history, the menu will have dishes from around the country, combining traditions with modern techniques. Feast on seasonal produce and unusual ingredients from both Australia and Mexico. “It will be fun, fresh and spice-centric, curated with bold and complex flavours from across Mexico,” said Executive Chef James Gibson. “Fit for fiestas for all shapes and sizes, you can revel in Mexican dishes you’re already familiar with and experiment with those you may not.”
Look forward to an array of seafood platters, small plates, tacos, large plates, and wood-fired pizzas with a Mexican spin. Start with raw bites, like prawn aguachile rojo, salmon tiradito and baby snapper ceviche verde. Or, share a premium seafood platter, stacked with oysters, prawns, scallops, clams and more.
Other small plates include Chilaquiles with totopos, tomatillo, jalapeño, coriander, black bean & cotija, or Hueso Asado with roasted bone marrow, cecina, pico de gallo & bread. The tostada will change on a daily basis, and there’s plenty of house-made dips to enjoy.
There’s also plenty of tacos for you to enjoy, like Barbacoa with lamb shoulder, chipotle, salsa roja picante, onion & coriander; Campechanos with braised brisket, pork sausage, chicharrón, onion & coriander; and an Al Pastor with pork shoulder, pineapple, chilli, onion & coriander.
The Carnitas Torta is filled with roast suckling pig that arrives whole in the kitchen, as well as avocado, refried beans crema and jitomate. Other highlights include the Arrachera flank steak and the Pescado de Mexico, or whole baby barramundi.
Don’t forget dessert! Try the Flan de Chocolate with coffee tequila caramel, or opt for the Corn Cake with Horchata salted caramel and lemon cream.
The drinks
This year, you’ll find an extensive beverage list that has been designed to complement the new menu. There’s plenty of new creations, as well as classic drinks that have been reinvented to suit the new theme. The curated list centres around mezcal and tequila, with margaritas aplenty and heaps of classic cocktails. 12 of the cocktails are available on tap.
Arbory Afloat has teamed up with Four Pillars to create the Four Pillars Afloat Pink Gin. This drink has been distilled with Mexican oregano, habanero chilli, bitter orange, agave syrup, finger lime and pink grapefruit. You’ll find this special gin in an array of G&Ts, as well as the signature Pink Gin Spritz.
Soak in the sunshine and enjoy Mexican-inspired beers, like Balter Cerveza and Pacifico. There’s also seasonal craft options that will match the warmer weather. As for the wine, there’s an extensive list of reds, whites and sparkling that will pair well with the food.
There’s also a variety of non-alcoholic beers, wines and cocktails available, so that everyone can join in the fun.