BKK, Windsor’s latest restaurant opening, is set to replace the much-loved Saigon Sally from October. Dubbed BKK in an ode to Bangkok airport, the restaurant’s menu is abound with punchy, authentic flavours and is the Commune Group’s first foray into serious Thai cuisine.
Known for their alliterative sister restaurants Hanoi Hannah, Saigon Sally and Tokyo Tina, Commune Group last month announced the temporary closure of Saigon Sally. Making way for BKK at the Duke Street site they are now on the hunt for Sally’s new digs with Melbourne’s CBD, or even interstate, being considered.
Opening 5 October, BKK has chef Sean Judd (Nahm, Longrain and Chin Chin) at the kitchen’s helm whose expertise in Thai cuisine was just one of the drivers for the group’s decision to re-invent the restaurant site and create a new local.
“Melbourne has such a great palate and willingness to embrace big flavours and new environments. We are Melbourne boys through and through and want to create a new restaurant for our city,” says co-owner Simon Blacher.
Judd understands that cooking is a craft rather than an art. Only though practice and repetition can you make good dishes great. He and the team take no short cuts in their preparation which comes through in punchy authentic flavour. Dishes on the Judd’s menu will include red curry of prawns, barramundi and scallop wrapped and grilled in banana leaf. Also featuring will be coconut braised lamb shoulder with cucumber relish.
“We have always been into Thai food, its inclusive nature and diverse offering, combined with Sean’s expertise meant it was a natural decision to create BKK,” adds Blacher.
Complementing the exciting flavours of each dish will be a selection of crisp white wines, with varietals such as Chablis, Gewurztraminer and dry Rieslings.
Cocktails will feature strongly with options like the ‘Boarding Pass’ with Vodka, salted watermelon, fig, yuzu and fresh berry syrup expected to be popular with diners to counteract the spices.
Whilst the bones of the restaurant space remain the same, the team has re-imaged the room and incorporated edgy design elements including backlit 80’s glass bricks, an illuminated central bar and texture rendered brick walls.
BKK will be open from Wednesday – Sunday from 5:00pm, as well as Bottomless Brunch on Sundays from midday. Bookings available online at www.bkkrestaurant.com.au or by phone (03) 9533 2342.
Image credits: Bri Hammond
