Suzie Q - Modern Chinese

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Living just off Chapel Street in the Prahran/Windsor area, there's always something to do on the long stretch of Chapel Street from Dandenong Road end where the Astor Theatre sits in the corner, to the Toorak Road end in South Yarra where The Como Centre that houses Palace Cinema Como and the live taping of Channel 10's The Project exists. I honestly literally don't ever have to leave my hood for entertainment with local theatres on hand ( Chapel Off Chapel , The MC Show Room , the NICA events), and a plethora of restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and retail outlets all at my doorstep and within a half hour walking distance from one end to the other end of Chapel street within the landmarks mentioned.


On my way back from my weekly Saturday volunteer job which always gives me great joy to give back to the community and brighten someone's day at Chatty Cafe , I walked past Suzie Q at 247 Chapel St, Prahran (03) 9115 0666, and their bright neon sign at the window caught my eye. It was red, my favourite colour and I couldn't resist walking in to take a look, and unplanned, decided to have a taste of their menu. Unfortunately, I have but the power of one at an impromptu moment, and seriously could not eat any more than the two entrees I thoroughly enjoyed. Chatting to the hostess, seems they've already been on Chapel Street for two weeks, and at this point in time, offer dinners every evening, but lunches only from Friday to Sunday. Open 7 days a week, operating hours are Mon-Thu 5-10pm, and Fri-Sun 12-3pm (2 hr break to reset for dinner) & 5-11pm. The renovation was complete and I could barely remember the Chinese restaurant it housed before it. This restaurant is spacious and bathed with a sultry red that I found enticing. I had a wander of this contemporary Cantonese restaurant that spans two levels with more private dining space on the mezzanine level, restrooms and karaoke.


Owned by the Mamas Dining Group (@ hochi_mama ; @ straightouttasaigon ; @ kissandtellmelbourne ; @ windsorwineroom ), this is a revival of the unapologetically rebellious, mysterious and ahead of her time Suzie Q who ruled Chinatown in downtown San Francisco in the 80's. Her underground Chinese restaurant was a well-kept secret -a hidden gem that drew people in from across the city with her timeless dishes and unforgettable ambience. Now decades later this legacy has been revived right here in Prahran. Mitchell & Eades were tasked with the design that includes custom banquettes and earthy finishes, basketweave tiled bench tops, brass wall lights, and plantation oak wall panels. There are plenty of red accents which I love, that'll have you awash in the red glow of oriental charm, exposed brickwork, plush booths etc. every detail considered. It ensures Suzie Q is going to be a feast not just for the taste buds, but visually too.


See here for the menus at Suzie Q, which features all the things you know and love about Chinese cuisine with a modern spin that's part nostalgia, part rebellious, which like Suzie Q herself, is said to leave an unforgettable impression that'll have you coming back for more. I'm certainly ready to go back with a group so I can taste a bit more of everything. There's power in numbers, so think about booking their set menus (see link), which requires groups of six plus, and they start from $59.50pp. See here for the drinks menu of wines and spirits, sake, mocktails and non-alcoholic options. Typically Asian and not big on desserts, the dessert menu has two choices; fried ice cream, and a white rabbit sandwich; and no, it's not real rabbit. See the menu for details.


I went for the Main Menu but could not take on the 'Feed Me' option as number one, you need two people, and secondly I probably could not have finished a small, a large and a side all by myself. The feed me menu is only $49 per person and available for groups of 2-6 guests. Rather than have just one meal, I opted for two smalls and got the Black Bean Beef Tartare of beef, black bean, blistered peppers, green chilli and prawn crackers and the Wombok & Shitake Dumplings of wombok, shitake mushrooms, coriander, and Sichuan soy. This is not your regular tartare recipe you're familiar with, but one influenced by a pop of heat and modern Chinese flavours. The beef was tender and fresh, and I did have to get used to this beef tartare done differently and served with crispy thick shards of prawn crackers. Shitake being my favourite mushroom, the dumplings were heavenly, plump and slightly resistant to the bite which is lovely and you got a generous mouthful with every bite - the slightly crisp edges just added to the textural experience. I was absolutely full after that, and can't wait to go back and dominate the rest of the menu and wear it down bite by bite.



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#restaurant
#food_drink
#bar
#family_friendly
#lunch
#nightlife
#dinner