First stop? The Last Supper
Air Raid Arcade is one hip and happening hot spot, with clothing stores, a coffee shop, quirky bars, even a barber. Tucked behind a wall of tropical plants on the Cavenagh Street side resides a relatively new local gem, fast-earning a reputation as a one-stop-shop for good times.
By Tierney White
THE LAST SUPPER is everything, all at once. It’s a bar, a pizzaria, a cooking school, a comedy club, a place to read books, you name it. Even if it’s not ‘that’ just yet, it could be. That’s the attitude of owners Monica (Mon) Bugno and Briant Clark, the local husband and wife team who say they are proud to offer punters a mixed bag.
“It’s about building community, it’s about making connections with people who also love the same things you do, like foodie stuff,” Mon says.
“Everything that we do has meaning for us … they’re things that interest me, and it’s a passion for us. I’d like to think that, if people come on their own, we can help them make connections.”
The pair took on the biz last year after Briant promised he’d find his love a commercial kitchen to run her cooking classes. In the 18 months since, they’ve firmly landed the hot spot on must-do lists of locals and visitors alike, with word getting around on their bar and jam-packed program of activities.
With regular wine and cheese pairings, murder mystery events, karaoke, and a space for comedians to flex their funny bones – all the while dishing up delish tucker and shaking up a storm behind the bar – it’s no wonder The Last Supper has become such a hit. Mon says the biz centres around a love of food.
“I guess I’m a big foodie – I just love food and booze, and always have. I grew up in a small country town called Griffith, which was settled by Italians, and so I had a very traditional Italian food upbringing. I’m half-Italian, half-German, and my Nonno and Nonna had an orchard, my dad’s a rice farmer,” she says.
“Growing up, there were lots of grapes and oranges … we’d raise our own animals and make salami … we’d pickle and preserve all of our leftover fruit and veg, that’s when I learned how to make pasta.”
Mon’s upbringing combined with her love of food and hospitality is reflected on the menu. Treat your tastebuds to a range of fare including arancini balls, garlic bread, pizza, and desserts. Wash your feed down with a local beer or a glass of prosecco, or sample a refreshing spritz from one of the largest spritz menus in town.
If you want to take your own cooking skills up a notch, roll up your sleeves and roll out some dough with Mon’s Pasta Party Classes, or learn how to pickle veggies and make focaccia from scratch.
They’ve also got a bunch of great events – including a Valentine’s Day paint and sip with cocktails, nibbles and chocolates – that can be purchased for 25 percent off thanks to Tourism Top End’s Let's GO! campaign.
Whatever you’re up for, be it a glass of wine, a good feed, a cooking experience or simply company, Mon says the door is always open.
“We want people to feel welcome. They’re not just another bum on a seat, we want them to know how grateful we are that they’ve come to our venue, and we hope you have a great time here.”
Pickle Party Extravaganza
Celebrate the humble pickle with a pickling station, nibbles board, trivia, and themed party favours.
WHEN SUN 8 DEC | 2-4.30PM
COST $59
Fettuccine + Lunch Class
WHEN SUN 22 DEC | 12.30-3.30PM
COST $75
European Christmas
Enjoy a cozy European-style Christmas. Feast on share boards and mains, salads, baked ham, and Swedish meatballs.
WHEN TUE 24 DEC | 6PM & 7.30PM
COST $70 | CHILD $30
Learn to Bake Focaccia & Make Labneh
WHEN SAT 4 JAN | 3-4PM
COST $69
Black Garlic Pappardelle Lunch + Learn Class
WHEN SUN 5 JAN | 12.30-3.30PM
COST $85
Unlikely Matches: Food and Drinks
Test your tastebuds with a selection of three different food and drink pairings.
WHEN SAT 11 JAN | 3-4PM
COST $65
French Cheese & Bubbles Exploration
Sample three different French cheeses, each paired with a distinctive sparkling wine.
WHEN SUN 12 JAN | 1-2.30PM
COST $74.25
Discover Nordic Tinned Seafood
Try a mixture of four dishes, each featuring seafood from the North, paired with drinks.
WHEN SAT 18 JAN | 1-2.30PM
COST $89.50 | $63 FOOD ONLY
Spinach, Potato and Mushroom Ravioli + Lunch Class
WHEN SUN 19 JAN | 12.30-3.30PM
COST $89
INFO thelastsupper.com.au
