If you didn't already know, my dad and uncle own a restaurant called Cheng's on Fitzroy. They've had it for just over two years now and it's going slow but steady. I used to help out when they first opened but eventually did everyone a favour by quitting because I was the World's Worst Waitress - spilling beers and breaking glasses over customers, tipping sauces on table cloths, and suffering from a serious phobia of carrying drink trays.
I've learnt a lot from my family's experience in the restaurant business - mainly that it's freaking hard. Opening up in the midst of the GFC didn't really help either. Nonetheless, after much perseverance and patience, I think that my dad and uncle have come a long way. And if they read this, I just want to let them know that I'm very proud of them (awww).
My dad previously worked in the airline business before quitting to take over a cafe in Kirribilli. With no hospitality experience (except being a waiter when he was younger), he tirelessly managed the cafe for ten years before handing it over to my cousin Eugene (who has now transformed it into a really hip place called Cool Mac). Looking for something more challenging, my dad realised that there lacked good, modern Chinese restaurants in the area.
On the other side of the globe, my uncle had been working for an insurance company in Hong Kong for many years. Although he was happy in his job, his real passion has always been cooking. Even everyday homemade dinners were innovative and of restaurant standard. It was pretty much inevitable that he would one day be the head chef of his own establishment.
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| Uncle Matthew and Dad |
Combining their talents, they've now established a modern Chinese restaurant. The idea behind it was that they wanted to challenge common misconceptions of Chinese food as greasy, MSG-fuelled and sloppy. The dishes on the menu are traditional Chinese dishes with a modern twist. My favourites include the Capital Pork Ribs, Sweet and Sour Pork with Fresh Strawberries, and the Soft Shell Crab San Choi Bao. And unlike tacky restaurants with poor quality service, my dad ensures that the waitstaff are attentive, polite and personable.
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| Capital Pork Ribs (mmmm) |
So I'm hoping that after reading this you'll have a sudden craving for Chinese food and give my family's restaurant a go. You know you've always wanted to.
Cheng's on Fitzroy
Shop 3/12 Fitzroy Street
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Ph: 9955 8554
I wholeheartedly endorse this fine dining establishment. I am one of the people who had exactly the misconception of Chinese food you described (greasy MSG-fuelled and sloppy pretty much sums up my Chinese food experience prior to Cheng-a-Leng's on Fitzroy), but after my first sampling of the food at your family's restaurant (which turned out to be a feast!) i was amazed. Definitely not the stodge I was used to, completely the opposite, with light dishes but intense flavours and an emphasis on quality ingredients (from what i could tell at least), it was a meal to remember!
ReplyDeleteps uncle matthew rocks those glasses like no one else
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