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Restaurateur Chris Lucas (the man behind Chin Chin, Society, Maison Bâtard and Grill Americano) and his wife and creative partner Sarah Lucas are preparing to open two new restaurants – Noēma, a contemporary Greek restaurant, and Wishbone, a Hong Kong-inspired eatery – at 435 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
"They are very different concepts, but both are built around generous food and serious hospitality," explains Chris Lucas.
Noēma, opening on November 19, is Lucas' most personal project to date, reflecting the Greek heritage that has shaped his life through the confident and contemporary dining culture of Greece today.
Developed alongside long-time collaborator and Lucas Collective head of culinary Damian Snell, the menu will be built around exceptional Australian produce, with seafood at its heart, alongside seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs and dishes cooked over fire. Olive oil sourced from south of Athens, fresh citrus and hand-grown oregano will underpin the flavours throughout.
Named after the Greek word for thought and understanding, Noēma will look beyond familiar ideas of Greek dining to deliver something sophisticated, fresh and distinctly Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Wishbone will welcome diners from November 24, spanning three levels accessed via McKillop Street. Taking inspiration from the culture and energy of 1960s and '70s Hong Kong, and drawing on the restless spirit of the city's Wan Chai neighbourhood, the restaurant will reflect these influences in its atmosphere, aesthetic and attitude.
Led by Hong Kong-born chef Dan Chan, who has headed the kitchen at Tombo Den since it opened and previously worked at Hong Kong's Yardbird, the menu will draw on the food Chan grew up with, expressed through a modern and playful Australian lens.
Expect everything from dumplings and snacks to roast meats and larger plates, with a menu designed for guests to order generously – grazing, sharing and adding another dish as the meal unfolds.
"Noēma and Wishbone each come from something I care about deeply – one from my Greek heritage, the other from a long-standing love of Hong Kong," says Lucas.
The two restaurants will occupy the dining precinct at the base of the 48-level tower at 435 Bourke Street, bringing two very different dining experiences to Melbourne's midtown.
Bookings are now open for both venues.
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