Sydney chef Mitch Orr will join forces with Merivale to launch Kingdom of Rice at the Tennyson Hotel in Mascot.
Previously home to Mr Liquor’s Dirty Italian Disco by Mike Eggert and Jemma Whiteman, Mitch Orr will be launching the concept with head chef Lillia McCabe (Blackwattle) and Sophia Thach who will run front of house.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity with Merivale to serve this style of cuisine, introducing diners to food that is unique, yet approachable and something they had no idea they craved until now,” says Orr.
The menu has been influenced by Thach’s Khmer heritage and will feature flavours of kreung (lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, galangal, garlic and chilli paste), prahok (fish paste), herbs, lime and kampot pepper.
The kitchen promises share-style seafood, meat and vegies cooked over charcoal or in a wok.
Gourmet Traveller has confirmed menu items including green mango with sugar, chili and salt along with cubes of watermelon with dried fish for starters.
Skewers will also be on offer plus chicken wings stuffed with mushrooms and kreung and num pang.
Dirty Disco’s self-serve bottle shop will remain, with a focus on Cambodian and Asian beers, natural wine and a selection of cocktails inspired by South-East Asia.
Official open date to be announced shortly.
Image credit: Nikki To