Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar Set to Open in Melbourne CBD

The latest Asian culinary venture to hit Melbourne aims to bring fine dining-quality dishes to a casual dining atmosphere. Opening on Friday, July 11, Lucy Liu draws influences from all corners of Asia; expect to see traditional Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine on the menu.

Michael Lambie (The Smith and Circa), Scott Borg and Zac Cribbes are the masterminds behind Lucy Liu, and they’re excited to bring a fast and flavoursome menu that will suit the desires and dining trends of Melburnians. “I’ve worked with the flavours of Asia for many years. They inspire me, and sometimes they infuriate me, but they are my infatuation,” says Lambie. “Here I get to create upbeat street food with an intriguing mix of authentic Asian influences and flavours."

Just to clarify, the name was apparently not influenced by the third of a Charlie's Angel currently playing Joan Watson on Elementary, though the association seems pretty unavoidable.

All the dishes are new creations sprung from the inventive minds of Lambie and Cribbes. We’re licking our lips just thinking about crispy fried Szechuan duck with watercress salad and tamarind sesame dressing. Other dishes to look forward to include Korean crisp pork hock with apple, spring onion jam and spicy hoi sin, and a red curry of king prawns bouillabaisse style.

The cocktail menu here will also be Asian inspired, so expect a lot of fresh and vibrant flavours. We’re certainly intrigued by the coconut mojito, and apparently they’ve got their own spin on the reliable Mai Tai.

Lucy Liu opens Friday, July 11, at Oliver Lane (off Russell Street) in the CBD.