Recently, this sweet al fresco bar, which sits outside the award-winning Sage restaurant – same owners and operators – held a canapés and cocktails event ($60 a head for six of each), and will continue holding special events after their official launch in November. I like the idea of a bar that serves more than just fantastic drinks – to settle in and enjoy fantastic food at the same time is delightful.

Chef Chauvin is from France, where he worked in two-Michelin-star Pic and Nicolas La Bec. His food is exquisite and it’s no wonder Sage is up for a national award in Sydney for best European restaurant.

The scallop tartare with apple cloud and aged balsamic droplets (I told you, the food is exquisite) was so delicate and matched perfectly with the Batman Bellini, a sexy combination of sparkling wine, peach schnapps, peach nectar, rosewater and sugar mandarin. Where did Batman come from, you ask? Well, Mint Garden Bar and Sage are on Batman Street in Braddon, at Gorman House Arts Centre.

Next came pork belly with cider jelly, pickled papaya and coriander with the Jack Rose cocktail (Calvados, lemon juice and grenadine) – another winning combination.

The soiree attracted a large crowd, with most booking last minute, so it was a hectic start and it took a bit for the pattern to settle in. And it meant that not all drinks and canapés were explained when served, a difficult task when “bam” you’re full and the crowd is in full swing.

Other canapés included a cucumber gaspachio and grapefruit caviar, rainbow trout, pea mousse, carrot granite, eucalyptus snow and potato glass, as well as two sweet items, my favourite being the Lapsang Souchong tea (famous for its smoky, drawn out flavour) and chocolate tart with passionfruit gel, served with a Passionfruit Daquiri.

The Mint Garden Bar will be hosting other special food and drink events, with details being finalised now. Events may feature wine, cheese and preserved meats; suckling pig and boutique beers; and South American tapas and rum-based cocktails – easiest to become friends with “The Batman” and keep up-to-date on Facebook.

Permanent bar food will include baby calamari with lemon and fresh herbs from the chef’s own garden, mini hotdogs with house-made relish and mini wagyu burgers.

The idea of canapés and cocktails is fun, although you have to have enough canapés to soak up the alcohol.

The Mint Garden Bar has two outdoor marquees. Call 6249 6050.