barbeque

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Kong – Richmond – Wednesday 4 June 2014 – Lunch

20140604-161631-58591920.jpgIt’s a really late time for lunch. The first week must have been good for Kong because there are several tables at 3pm just starting!

There is an air of confidence that must come from running one of the most successful restaurants in Melbourne. There’s no air of trepidation but it is that feeling that the examination is just beginning.

I was at Chin Chin for a banquet last Saturday and I’d rather not talk about it. It was probably absolute coincidence that the service and knowledge downstairs were not up to scratch. I’ll leave it at that.

Having been to the pop-up of Kong I know I love the food. I like the concept and the vibe around the food too. Walking in to the restaurant I definitely like the permanent version as well.

Unfortunately it is a quick lunch limiting me to one dish and it’s not easy to pick. In the end I have gone for the chicken ramen (wood roasted chicken with chrysanthemum, ginseng, chestnuts and fried ramen egg). The egg in particular is spectacular. The more flavoursome leg of the chicken is delicious but the breast is a bit too thick meaning the flavours haven’t penetrated as much. The broth is delicious – more complex and rich than many other ramen type soups I’ve encountered. The Korean Hite beer is good and the French marsanne is even better with it.

Next time I’ll be back to try a bit more or if it’s lunch I’ll have the ssam roti-roll or buns.

I’m sure there will be some long waits for dinner but the greatest thing about Kong will be if the quality remains long after the hype diminishes.

Kong BBQ on Urbanspoon

Nieuw Amsterdam – Melbourne, City – Saturday 24 May 2014 – Lunch
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Nieuw Amsterdam – Melbourne, City – Saturday 24 May 2014 – Lunch

Jerk chicken

Jerk chicken

American barbeque seems to be grabbing hold of Melbourne and I didn’t even realise it! What I thought was unique around here in Meatmother, has been starting to spread itself around.

The latest instalment I have tried is Nieuw Amsterdam. It might have the facade of simplicity done well, but there is more to doing a great barbeque than slapping some meat on a plate with some accompaniments. More than that, I think adding the Melbourne sensibility helps – as flavoursome, but not quite as large!

Nieuw Amsterdam is in a big space and it feels like they’ve taken a big risk. It is a nice place to eat – striking dark wood the feature. The service is professional but without the quiet confidence you often find.

We were having a catch up after a long time between drinks so we didn’t order for ages after we’d arrived. But I knew what I wanted. I had been on a pulled pork diet during the week so I needed to mix things up and the Jerk Chicken caught my attention straight away. Catherine order the brisket. There is also a pork belly chops option for the bbq trays and you are served the meat with a red cabbage salad tossed with some chilli, mash potato, sauce, pickle, and some bread and butter.

The chicken was perfectly cooked maintaining its juiciness, and the combination of spices used as a rub is delicious. The mash is great with a beautiful consistency, no doubt from lots of butter! I love the large pickle – enough for each bite, and the simple cabbage salad kept things fresh. I tasted the brisket too and it was absolutely delicious – melting in the mouth!

Nieuw Amsterdam is by no means a copycat. Finally we are getting great North American food from both sides of the Mexican border. The more the better – especially at these prices!

Nieuw Amsterdam on Urbanspoon