Overview
So long MissChu, hello Saigon Lane. Restaurateur Aki Kotzamichalis has taken over the licenses of the popular Vietnamese eateries in Bondi, Glebe, Darlinghurst and the CBD — which, from December, will be trading with new menus and a new moniker to match.
Kotzamichalis is best known as the man behind Bali restaurants Ku De Ta and Saigon Street, with the latter establishment inspiring the Sydney rebrand. "It's a massive undertaking" Kotzamichalis told Concrete Playground. "Rebranding, painting, renovating, new menu, staff training, you name it."
The Saigon Lane menu will be inspired by chef Phil Davenport, who previously served as head chef for seven years at Ku De Ta. Think green rice fried tiger prawns, Vietnamese chicken coleslaw with peanuts, and pork belly banh mi. They'll also retain a number of favourites from the old MissChu menu, including the popular Atlantic salmon dish and a selection of dumplings. "We didn't want to alienate anyone," said Kotzamichalis. "Anything that is really popular we'll keep or tweak."
The menu will be the same at all four sites, although there'll be a bigger focus on takeaway at the "rush in, rush out" tuck shops in Darlinghurst and the CBD. The restaurants in Glebe and Bondi, on the other hand, will feature a selection of signature cocktails, at least two of which will be available on tap.
The new interiors, meanwhile, will come courtesy of Alex Zabotto-Bentley, who'll make use of the same bright colour palette seen over in Seminyak. "Saigon Lane will have a similar look and feel to its big brother, but with a few unique twists that will be revealed when we open our doors in December," promised Kotzamichalis.
For more information about Saigon Lane visit www.saigonlane.com.