Overview
Way back in the golden year of 2013, culinary wizard and Melburnian hero Andrew McConnell opened Supernormal Canteen, a test kitchen for the permanent (and wildly popular) Supernormal in the CBD, which ran for eight glorious weeks. After a long hiatus, McConnell has decided to resurrect the Canteen at the site of his old joint, Luxembourg — previously the home of McConnell's first restaurant Golden Fields, where he first served his coveted lobster roll.
Far from simply copying and pasting Supernormal's success onto a St Kilda location, Supernormal Canteen will look to find inspiration from Tokyo street food, retaining the pan-Asian influences that seep into all of McConnell's restaurants. Similarly, the fitout will reflect the a more casual and inviting approach, with scattered seating and varied furniture being the order of the day.
The staff, too, will take a step away from the polished fine dining at Supernormal, and will instead be getting about their business in the far more comfortable uniform of a t-shirt. "We want Supernormal Canteen to be a fun, approachable local, bursting with people," says McConnell. "The kind of place that is just as much loved for the good times as it is for the food and drink. Think izakaya style with a twist."
Supernormal's 2IC, Tim Goegan, will be taking the reins as head chef, pumping out a minimalistic menu that will feature tasty treats like garlic clove yakitori, steamed pork buns, and an intriguing yet delicious sounding pig's head bao. There'll also be a whole mess of Japanese beers and themed cocktails, as well as a comprehensive wine list.
Slated to open its doors in July, Supernormal Canteen will start its operations as exclusively home delivered for two weeks, giving punters the chance to sample the wares in the comfort of their own home before taking the plunge and actually leaving the house. With a fresh menu, fancy new digs, that extra little something McConnell brings to dining, and the option to never leave home again, there's excitement brewing down south.
Supernormal Canteen will open in July at 2/157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.