Overview
Darlinghurst's much-loved ramen joint Chaco Bar has been serving up authentic Japanese fare to Sydneysiders for over five years. Now, the brand is expanding to Potts Point with a dedicated yakitori joint opening in the old Jimmy Liks space. Come October, it'll take on the Chaco Bar name, while the existing Darlinghurst digs will become Chaco Ramen.
Owner Keita Abe had been hoping to focus more on both his ramen and yakitori offerings — so is splitting the concepts all together. "We've been running two concepts in one small kitchen and were very limited with what we could do," says Abe. "Now, we will have room to really specialise in both ramen and yakitori with these separate shops."
Abe snatched up the Victoria Street space because it was already approved to have a charcoal grill, which can be a feat to obtain as it requires specific ventilation.
Letícia Almeida
At the new Potts Point Chaco Bar, you can expect a similar Fukuoka-inspired yakitori offering to what's currently on offer (at nights) in Darlo. Think skewers of organic pork belly, spicy lamb shoulder, wagyu tongue, miso eggplant and ponzu okra; plus, all parts of the chicken, including thigh, wing, heart, tail and gizzards. An omakase menu will also be up for grabs.
As it is traditional for some Japanese meals to end with rice or noodles, there is a potential for some mini bowls of ramen to make the menu, too — but that is still in the planning phases.
Expect big things from the new restaurant's fit-out, too, which is being looked after by designer Matt Darwon — his work can also be seen inside Crown Street's Toko and at Clayton Wells' Automata. It'll all, of course, centre on a new robata grill and a woodfired stove, with all of the fiery cooking on display from an open kitchen.
As far as the existing Darlinghurst location is concerned, it'll soon be dubbed Chaco Ramen and only focus on the namesake dish. As the venue relaunches, diners can expect some exciting new ramen and soup options from the kitchen — plus snacks like edamame, taro chips and gyoza — but no yakitori whatsoever.
Chaco Bar will open in early-October at 186–188 Victoria Street, Potts Point and, at the same time, the existing Darlinghurst location will become Chaco Ramen. Keep an eye on this space for more details closer to the launch.
Images: Chaco Bar Darlinghurst by Letícia Almeida