BLACKBOOK U R B A N P R
BLACKBOOK U R B A N P R I M E R The after-work crowd at Choo Choo’s Coconut and lime pannacotta with strawberry-mint compote – a favourite at Magic Mountain Saloon Alfresco dining at Le Bon Ton Handmade tofu with heritage tomatoes at Saké Outside the three-storey Magic Mountain Saloon Bad Frankie co-founder Seb Costello a cult-like following, so it was a no-brainer to extend them after hours.” The restaurant also offers three types of ramen – satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato), pork and roast chicken – on its later menu, served until about midnight or when the last person goes home. “They’re a big hit with late-night diners,” explains Heierling, “including hospitality workers who have clocked off for the evening and are clamouring for a high-quality, substantial and nourishing late-night dish.” Over at Crown Melbourne, where hotel guests and casinovisitors come and go all night, chef Donovan Cooke’s team at the Atlantic’s Oyster Bar & Grill (theatlantic.com.au) shucks and slices until late. What better way to finish an evening than with a nightcap of champagne, oysters and sashimi or a hot bowl of seafood chowder? Choo Choo’s (thetoffintown.com), the restaurant and bar adjacent to music venue The Toff in Town, has long been a favourite with romantics. Its interior features booths resembling vintage train carriages, complete with velvet curtains for privacy and service button. Modern Thai-inspired dishes are served until 3am on weekdays and 5am on the weekend. Choo Choo’s kitchen mastermind, chef Karen Batson, is also responsible for the offerings at Magic Mountain Saloon (magicmountainsaloon.com.au). This fun three-level, all-day venue has a menu showcasing big, punchy flavours. Some of the dishes are replicated from its sister venue, but with the addition of a wood grill there’s the option to tuck into dishes like scotch fillet with chilli, soy and holy basil. The kitchen stays open till 1am Friday and Saturday and closes at midnight the rest of the week. The enormous Brazilian rotisserie at Belleville (bellevillemelbourne.com) cooks up to 90 chickens at any one time, and hungry night owls head here, hoping they’re not sold out. The Up Late menu, available BAD FRANKIE REALLY QUITE GOOD It used to be the staple dish for those who can’t be bothered with dinner, but Melbourne bar Bad Frankie is taking the toasted sandwich, or “jaffle”, in new directions. To complement its range of boutique Australian spirits, chef Michelle Boyle has come up with a range of jaffles to satisfy any craving. Tuck into the chunky house tartare and fish finger number or the Shroom (garlic, red wine and thyme mushrooms cooked between wholemeal slices with spinach, Australian feta and mozzarella). Its most famous offering, however, has a sweet side. The Lamington is a take on the classic Aussie cake. Chocolate-soaked sponge cake is filled with jam, rolled in coconut and served with fresh cream. Open until 11pm Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 1am from Thursday to Saturday. badfrankie.com CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: © THE TOFF IN TOWN, © SAKE, © MAGIC MOUNTAIN SALOON, © BAD FRANKIE, GRAHAM DENHOLM, © MAGIC MOUNTAIN SALOON 28 DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS
Belleville’s crisp rotisserie chicken (and its famous poutine, left) Magic Mountain Saloon’s friendly staff Thursday to Saturday until about midnight, features those juicy birds, glazed in miso butter and served with a variety of sauces, as well as lobster mac’n’cheese croquettes and sliders. Just out of the CBD, but a destination in itself for those looking to kick on into the wee smalls, is Le Bon Ton (lebonton.com.au). Modelled on a New Orleans saloon and with a smoker in the beer garden, its menu satisfies Melbourne’s obsession with American BBQ and craft beers. Until 5am on Friday and Saturday (only 10pm the rest of the week), hungry diners can team freshly shucked oysters, chicken ribs, brisket sandwiches and banana cream pie with a Hurricane cocktail off the tap. ♦ On Location CHICAGO’S SECOND WIND Beyond buzzy West Loop, Humboldt Park, Bridgeport and Hyde Park are the city’s still-under-the-radar neighbourhoods. BY ELIZABETH TULIPANA FROM TOP LEFT: © BELLEVILLE, © MAGIC MOUNTAIN SALOON, © THE PROMONTORY Wagyu beef strip steak with bone marrow and roasted carrots at the Promontory In Chicago, there are emerging neighbourhoods to explore other than the West Loop. Humboldt Park, south of also-on-the-rise Logan Square, is a secret that isn’t out yet. Start with a walk on the 606, an elevated park that was once a rail line, followed by brunch at Grandma J’s Local Kitchen (+1 312 982 1630), known for its fried chicken and crêpes. Nearby, An Orange Moon (anorangemoon.com) sells vintage midcentury modern furniture. Finish with a cocktail at the retro bar the California Clipper (californiaclipper.com) and hand-rolled tagliatelle at Rootstock (rootstockbar.com). South of the Chicago River is Bridgeport. Start a day there at Jackalope Coffee & Tea House (jackalopecoffee.com) for iced coffee and a Puffs of Doom cream puff. Visit the art studios at the Zhou B Art Center (zhoubartcenter.com) and the Bridgeport Art Center (bridgeportart.com), a former warehouse with galleries and a sculpture garden. For dinner, call the Duck Inn (theduckinnchicago.com) to reserve the restaurant’s signature rotisserie duck for two. On Lake Michigan, Hyde Park is home to Promontory Point, one of Chicago’s best beaches. Don’t miss the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art (smartmuseum.uchicago.edu). Order the kalbi short ribs and Gulf prawns from the wood-burning hearth at the Promontory (promontorychicago.com). The second storey is an eclectic music venue for ending the night. ♦ DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM 29
