One of the most anticipated Northside openings of the year, Pincho Disco from the Kickon Group is an ode to new-age Latin American eats, extravagant cocktails and live entertainment. Expect a journey of flavours hailing from across the entire content – from Colombia, Peru and Chile to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil – in signature dishes thoughtfully prepared by head chef Diego Cardenas and his team.
The share-style menu features traditional mole paired with ‘pinchos’ (translating to ‘skewered’, generally referring to small snacks of meat and vegetables), ceviche and aguachiles, wood-fired meats, modern Latin American desserts – including a rotating Soft Serve of the Day – and more. A snapshot of the menu includes a purple corn tortilla of rainbow trout with matcha, burnt pineapple and charred lime, Argentinian-style provoletta cooked to a golden crust and the Peruvian olive and octopus tostada.
After training in kitchens around Colombia, Peru and Spain (including a stint under one of South America’s most respected chefs, Harry Sasson, who features in World’s 50 Best), Cardenas’ ambition is to now bring a world-class gastronomic experience to Melbourne. The kitchen is overseen by the Kickon Group’s culinary director Jake Furst, who was recently crowned 2023 AHA Victorian Chef of the Year for his work on the menu at Terminus Hotel in Fitzroy North.
“I look forward to offering Melburnians a dining experience that shines a spotlight on the flavours and memories of home, whilst incorporating innovative cooking techniques and a new level of creativity,” says Cardenas. “There is much for us to share that will surprise and delight, from Nikkei-style dishes that combine Japanese technique and Peruvian flavours, to dishes inspired by Argentina's local Italian communities.”
Though there’s beer and an extensive wine list that caters to lovers of both classic and new-style drops, it’s the cocktails that steal the show at Pincho Disco. Cha cha around the room with a Chilli Cha Cha of jalapeno-infused Patron and tropical fruits, or sip on an easy peach-tinged gin sipper, the Pinch O’Peach.
With bright miami-inspired decor and sleek modern touches, the two-storey space is designed to be the grand setting for luxurious dining, drinking and entertainment experiences. DJs are booked to play Wednesday through Saturday, with sax players and Brazilian drummers set to join the party on Friday and Saturday nights. Here, the vibrant culture of Latin America tango dances with Collingwood’s contemporary pulse.
