EATING OUT POST-LOCKDOWN

Melbourne prides itself on its multicultural ambience, its arts and fashion leadership, its sporting tradition and of course its gourmet restaurants serving a variety of cuisines from around the world. Many businesses, but especially restaurants have had a hard time during the successive lockdowns we had to have. Unfortunately many did not survive, but some favourites have fortunately managed to keep open and are coming back with a vengeance now...

A favourite restaurant in one of the Melbourne lanes, called “Gingerboy” survived! It is located at 27 Crossley St, off Bourke St in the City and the style of food served is inspired by Southeast Asian very genteel street cuisine. The food is delicious and while spicy, never terribly hot, very tasty, sometimes surprising and always extremely well presented.

The restaurant has a wonderful ambience and the décor is very modern, yet draws on classic Asian materials and themes. Bamboo and rich red fabric feature prominently, but there are some surprises. For example, the bamboo-screened walls and ceiling are lit with hundreds of tiny lights giving the appearance of a starry sky. The tables are wooden and there are some interesting light fittings that are Asian retro (like something out of the “World of Suzie Wong”).

There is a bustling vivacious feeling in the place but at the same time there is warmth and intimacy. One just has to love the place in terms of both food and décor.  What to have? Well the restaurant prides itself on banquet-style food presentation with much sharing occurring on each table. Theoretically, one may have three courses with entrées, mains and desserts served. For an Asian restaurant, I am pleasantly surprised there with desserts (not the strong part of the menu in many other such restaurants).

This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme,

and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,

and also part of the Travel Tuesday meme,

and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme.