Melbourne 3000
Walking up Flinders Lane with a post-Movida glow, discussing our dinner plans (at this stage still undecided) we spot a very cool looking restaurant. "This is the one the Movida guy told us about!". Open just 4 weeks now, ChinChin is the newest operation from Andrew McConnell and Chris Lucas with ex-Jimmy Liks Chef Andrew Gimber.
And what a place!
From the team at Projects of the Imagination the interior, with it's high pressed metal ceilings, graffiti like posters on the walls and a whole bunch of timber and steel columns and, along with a very striking menu, led to a decision made. Just when you thought that Flinders Lane and its ubiquitous corner sites were full to bursting, this minx comes along for a share of the pie.
Interior View
Back a few hours later for a late nosh we were not disappointed. A pet hate of mine is when people judge a new restaurant too harshly. 3 weeks old, there will always be teething problems. This is a big space with an ambitious menu and a bunch of new staff learning as they go. Yes, the vegetables were the same in a few of the dishes - this to me says "smart operator" - less wastage and cheaper when buying in bulk.
The Wine Guy (an apron worn with these words just in case you missed him) assists in choosing the 2009 Garagiste Chardonnay from Mornington Peninsula. A perfect example of how fresh and well matched a young Chardonnay can be with Asian flavours. Very tempted by the wine exclusively made for Chin Chin made by Yabby Lake winemaker Tom Carson.
2009 Garagiste
Chardonnay
Mornington Peninsula$65 menu pricing
Being an avid menu reader, I felt the need to order off the menu. If making another decision is a bit of a stretch after a long day, "Feed Me!" will create a surprise banquet menu.
Very cool menu
We start with the kingfish sashimi w Lime, Chilli, Coconut and Thai Basil. The coconut cream drizzled over the top with the fresh lime is a match made in piscatorial heaven.
The seared Scallops on the Half shell w Crispy Sweet Pork and Green Chilli Nahm Jim is my preferred surf and turf option - mouthfuls of salty, sweet goodness.
The Green Curry of Rockling, Eggplant, Snake Beans and Thai Basil, Jumbo Clams wok tossed w Black beans and Chilli and the Twice Cooked Hopkins River Beef Short Rib w Saw Tooth Coriander and Prik Nahm Pla was my pick of the more substantial dishes.
Not being so partial to baby corn, the vegetables were a little of a distraction but the flavours in the dishes were rich and intense. A little more gravy and this would have made the side of Chin Chin Roti that we ordered sing (one of my favourite things from my days in India).
Not being so partial to baby corn, the vegetables were a little of a distraction but the flavours in the dishes were rich and intense. A little more gravy and this would have made the side of Chin Chin Roti that we ordered sing (one of my favourite things from my days in India).
There are so many things on this menu I want to come back for - time to find another excuse to flit down to the great southern city!
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