Sydney's got their charcoal chicken game down pat with the likes of Frango's and El Jannah, and we've got high hopes for Melbourne's coal-roasted snack future with the arrival of CHE, a new casual eatery named after the acronym of its three specialities: charcoal chicken, helados (ice cream) and empanadas.
CHE is landing on the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets on August 5, brought to you by the team behind CBD South American restaurants Pastuso and San Telmo. Chef Alejandro Saravia, who is Peruvian, will be adding a Latin American touch to classic grilled chicken by marinating his chooks in Peruvian chilli and dark beer for 48 hours before the bird hits the charcoal smoker and grill. Let's not forget the chicken salt, which will be house-made from dehydrated chicken skin that have been smoked and ground.
Birds aside, CHE will serve empanadas, delicious pockets filled with beef, chicken or veggies, after which you can sweeten the deal with a scoop of helados, Latin America's take on ice cream that at CHE will involve a dulce de leche soft serve with blueberries, Malbec jam and crushed macadamia nuts. Hoo boy.
Look out for CHE in early August at 296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.