Sultry, striking, and sexy, Suzie Q, the exceptionally daring newcomer, boasting modern Chinese food, has boldly arrived on the gregarious end of Chapel Street. Not even a few of months in, she’s already proudly marked her territory.
Rocking up for dinner, I’ve barely stepped foot in the door, and I’m already getting a boisterously fun vibe. With an 80’s retro fit out, glowing dimly lit red interior, I feel like I’m seated at the centre of a red-light district. Outlandish red velvety carpet floor, a DJ blaring loud music and an epically massive bar, it’s a bit reminiscent of a night club. Put together, it all screams, ‘this dinner for 2 isn’t going to be a quiet one’, yet whilst not the most intimate, certainly an entertaining one.
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Sultry red doors -
Suzie Q’s feast -
Retro Interior
Asian inspired cocktails are a must to begin, with quirky Chinese inspired names such as ‘Dragons breath’ and ‘Kung Fu Kick’. Love it when they make it easier for me to decide which drink of choice I’m vibing, with images of the cocktail glass shape next to a description. The ‘Golden Child’ ticks all my boxes, tequila, Yuzu, and a ‘spicy’ option available, yes please. Little mishap however. My dining partner’s first drink, a striking green potion looked fancy, but after sip had a somewhat resemblance to a soapy dishwater. Courteous waitstaff however handle it so kindly and are very open to swapping it to something more of our taste. Full respect to this polite attitude, and Suzie Q is winning on all fronts.
The feed me menu is a no brainer. Even just a table of 2, we get two entrees and 2 mains and a side for just $49pp (these days very often barely covers a main meal). Hard to go past the Kingfish. Raw slices bathe in a thick flouro orange chilli oil and have a unique sweet distinctness, from the Oriental Goji Berry. (I believe these days ‘Goji’ is considered a superfood, so I’m eating it, cheekily hoping the super power will offset all the toxic cocktails. Hey -it’s nice to dream). Cubes of deep fried Salt and spicy tofu aren’t necessarily a highlight, but still crisp and filling. A beautiful thick chunky fillet of barramundi has a nourishing and fragrant ginger and soy broth. Dessert wise, not a plethora of options, and given the party mode surrounding, very tempting just to go back to Suzie Q’s drawing board, and try a ‘China Doll.’ In my case, an ‘Eye for the Tiger’ whiskey based with a sweet plum, to satisfy my post dinner sweet craving.
Rumour has it, there’s a karaoke bar somewhere within vicinity. But it will take quite a few more of Suzie Qs magic potions to let that happen. So for now we call it a day, and leave the belting of the tunes for another night.
Suzie Q is a flirty, fun filled fabulous addition to Chapel st. Now that she’s arrived, couldn’t picture the Street without her.
Suzie Q– 247 Chapel St, Prahran 3181
Mon – Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri – Sun 12-3pm | 5pm-11pm
