We’ve all had those chats, right? You and your work bestie daydreaming about opening a business together one day. Ben Liew and Karl Tang, who met while working at Paper Tiger, actually made that happen.
The pair opened Southeast Asian wine bar Makan in April last year and, after the success of their first venue together, Liew and Tang are back for round two. This time they’re opening Monica, a Hong Kong-inspired cocktail bar.
Taking over the former Nostru space on East Terrace in the first week of February, the 40-seat venue draws inspiration from Tang’s native Hong Kong – and in particular the city’s ’80s and ’90s bar scene. The brightly neon-accented space takes its name from a popular cover by singer Leslie Cheung, one of the fathers of cantopop.
Monica and Makan play to different strengths. If you want a wine, head to Makan, but for cocktails, Monica is your girl. Tang is behind both venues’ beverage programs and, while Monica will have a limited 15-varietal-strong wine list and classic cocktails, Tang is most excited about the Southeast Asian flavour profiles he’s bringing to the menu. Expect a mango-sticky-rice-flavoured milk punch, ginger Coca Cola-flavoured Old Fashioneds, tequila cocktails with grilled pineapple and gochujang, and a highball topped with pandan foam.
Liew’s food menu focuses on cold plates and charcoal-grilled dishes. “I was always inspired by charcoal food – like skewers,” Liew tells Broadsheet. “Since it’s a small kitchen, we can’t do too many complicated things so we’re just doing cold, charcoal and woodfired dishes.”
Start snacky with wagyu beef tartare served with nashi pear, kimchi mayo and Pringles, or go for the Hong Kong-style typhoon shelter barramundi wings. Liew also teases barbequed lamb skewers, “which are really popular in China”, and a take on Hong Kong curried fish bowls which he says are popular at hawker markets.
When it comes to mains, Liew is most excited about the 14-day dry-aged duck breast. Dry ageing will take place on-site and the duck will be served with an umeshu plum sauce, pickled radish, kimchi and a fresh smashed cucumber salad.
In a rare move for a city that tends to head to bed early, Liew says the plan is to keep the kitchen open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Monica will open at 14 East Terrace, Adelaide in early February.
