Mr. Miyagi Takes to the Big Smoke With QT Melbourne
- Written by Ana Majkovska
Windsor Japanese favourite Mr. Miyagi has partnered with boutique hotel QT Melbourne to bring a unique Mr. M experience to the Melbourne CBD. Mr. Miyagi In the Big Smoke will bring a specially created menu of succulent meat, smoke and fire with Japanese finesse. The restaurant pop-up will be located (in true Melbourne style) down QT Melbourne's 'Hot Sauce Laneway' at 8 Portland Lane, Melbourne. Mr. Miyagi In the Big Smoke will open its doors for an exclusive 6-week pop-up Thursday to Saturday evenings, launching June 30.
QT's events space, Hot Sauce Laneway, will be transformed to a winter dinner destination this season with a new menu of juicy, slow-cooked meats, smoked over Binchōtan, served in a delicate and approachable way. Delectable, smoky flavours will be combined with beautiful Japanese ingredients to create a mouth watering experience. The menu is designed to share, and all dishes can be paired with the Japanese-inspired QT beverage list or one of Mr. Miyagi's signature Cocky Ts.
The menu includes Mr. M's take on Smoked Salmon to start, served with a cloud of smoke for tableside theatrics. Larger dishes will include Togorashi Lamb Chop served with edamame and pea smash with shiso dressing, as well as Smoked Sticky Soy Scotch with a smoky glaze, shichimi spice, white ginger and sesame. Japanese Style Rockling Tortilla - housemade nori soft tortilla, yuzu yoghurt, grilled shishito peppers and shiso salt is a true crowd pleaser. Top off the evening with the show-stopping Hickory Smoked Miso Caramel Coal.
“This idea was sparked whilst Executive Head Chef, Kyle Doody was camping on the banks of the Murray and cooking over a searing hot fire pit. The flavour of wood smoke is just as important in this menu as salt. We wanted to integrate some of the amazing flavours that everyone loves about smoky foods with our signature Mr. Miyagi style: chopstick-able, delicate but ultimately, mind-blowingly delicious” says Mr. Miyagi Founder, Kristian Klein.
Complementing the menu concept, and taking elements of smoke, char and embers, QT Melbourne Bar Manager Joshua Hampshire has created an epic cocktail list using Japanese spirits from House of Suntory and influenced by his travels to Japan. The 'hero' cocktail is the Golden Gai, a theatrical and modern twist on a Manhattan. Emitting a sweet smelling haze as it hits the table, diners can expect a mix of flavours including delicate sweetness from chocolate and vermouth, umami from whiskey and bitters and, of course, a smokiness to round it out.
Also, QT Guests are invited to take Mr. Miyagi to the bedroom, with a selection of signature dishes appearing on the room service menu for the duration of the activation.
QT Melbourne General Manager, Lee Davey says, “We're thrilled to see restaurants and the Melbourne hospitality scene thriving again after such a difficult couple of years. Expanding Mr. Miyagi into the city for this collaboration with QT is a true testament to the strength of everyone in this industry, including our incredible teams who have worked so hard to make this happen.”
The two Melbourne institutions are excited to be welcoming guests to this strictly limited experience.
