Mum Cha at Colombo Social

Overview

When Shaun Christie-David launched Colombo Social — a contemporary Sri Lankan diner and social enterprise that supports asylum seekers, refugees and people facing food insecurity — his parents' experiences migrating to Australia in the 1980s were a major inspiration. Memories of his mother's cooking and the way her food bridged cultural divides in her adopted home continue to resonate in every aspect of Colombo Social and Plate It Forward, Christie-David's meal donation charity.

Given their close relationship, it might not seem all that surprising that the restaurateur is now joining forces with his amma, Shiranie, for a new series of special menus. What's less expected, however, is that Christie-David is also inviting some of Australia's top chefs to team up with their mothers in the Enmore Road kitchen as well.

Colombo Social's Mum Cha events will be delivering multi-course set menus on the last Saturday of every month. In June, Christie-David tapped Merivale's Executive Chef and TV personality Dan Hong (Mr. Wong, MuMu), who was joined on the pots by his mother, Angie Hong. The second event in the series, which takes place on Saturday, July 27, will showcase the talents of Melbourne's Atlas Dining founder Charlie Carrington, who will be cooking alongside his mother Jacqueline. Carrington's impressive CV includes stints at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordan Ramsay in London and pyro-powered Surry Hills diner Firedoor.

The eight-course menu will be inspired by Charlie and Jacquie's trips around the world, featuring elevated interpretations of international dishes including a garlic butter-infused smoked drumstick paying homage to the chicken Kiev, a curious fusion of Italian and Asian flavours via a bolognaise vermicelli san choy bao, and a beef taco with European inclinations, dressed with cabbage, peas, mint and ricotta. There are just 40 seats available for the eight-course meal every month, so you'll have to book quickly if you don't want to miss out. Each $150 ticket includes a welcome cocktail on arrival, plus unlimited premium red and white wines for the duration of the 90-minute sitting.