Vardis Group launches ‘Span-Ital’ restaurant in Woolloomooloo

Posted by Daniel Palmer on 16th October 2008

The Vardis Family, owner of the iconic Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill and Sydney establishments Georges Café, Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse, and Steersons Steakhouses, this week announced the launch of Velero on Woolloomooloo Wharf.

Velero, meaning sail boat in Spanish, will bring to Sydney a unique cuisine called Span-Ital, which merges principles and flavours of Spanish and Italian cooking with fresh, locally-grown Australian produce to create a distinct culinary experience.

Velero food

Head Chef Craig McFarland, formerly Head Chef at The Tilbury and Senior Sous Chef of A Tavola Restaurants, has created a simple yet delicious menu, which will be altered on a daily and seasonal basis. The gourmet range of Tapas will be a staple, however.

Sommelier Gary Armstrong, formerly Restaurant Manager at the renowned Paramount Restaurant in New Zealand, in addition to working as a Sommelier in Sydney at Wildfire and more recently at Guillaume at Bennelong, has carefully selected a range of local, Spanish and Italian wines, in addition to an enviable Sherry selection.

Velero Restaurant

Velero replaces Salon Blanc, which was taken over by The Vardis Group in July 2008, on the coveted Woolloomooloo Wharf strip. George Vardis, owner and second generation Restaurant Manager with a decade-long experience in the business, believes the rebrand will create a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere on Sydney’s iconic wharf.

“Velero is located only five minutes from the city centre, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of corporate life,” he noted. “Velero capitalizes on the beautiful, relaxed, and friendly nature of the city of Sydney. At Velero you will find a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, coupled with a fantastic fresh food that is unique to waterside dining.”

The new restaurant will be officially opened on Tuesday 28th October.