In celebration of the Chippendale New World Art Prize 2016 in partnership with Vivid Ideas, President of Chippendale Creative Precinct and Creative Director of Kensington Street, Nicky Ginsberg warmly invites you to join a travelling feast for the senses at the Mekong Banquet Dinner on Thursday 2nd June.

From 8PM till late at Mekong, Kensington Street’s newest dining venue, fellow diners will join the esteemed judges of the Chippendale New World Art Prize to revel in authentic flavours of the Indochine. This is a one-nighter event, and selling fast.

Guided by the River Spirit, we invite you to float along Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, adrift in the aromas and pounded spices of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Thailand.

Photography by Lauren Commens

With exquisite Teusner wine pairings carefully selected by Director of Cuttings Wine, Justin Walters, and a degustation menu designed by Chef Tiw Rakarin, formerly of Mama’s Buoi (Surry Hills), Alphabet St (Cronulla) and global establishments across America and Europe, the evening promises a feast table laden with entrees, share plates and desserts from one of Sydney’s premier Asian fusion chefs.

It’s a travel story documented through dishes - experimental, honest, gratifying and above all, an entirely new experience.

Squid ink dumplings bloom from the steam of a five-spice broth; as the chickpea pancake (Coco & Chick) tells a story about the humble Burmese street cart; “Grandma in the garden” pays homage to the heartfelt food of our childhood champions; and an abundant seafood amok receives applauds from even the royals.

Echoing the 2016 Prize theme of 'Spirit', the journey will invigorate and awaken the traveller - this is food for the soul.

Photography by Lauren Commens

Photography by Lauren Commens

And the esteemed guests to sail with us?

Wayne Tunnicliffe, head curator of Australian art at the Art Gallery of NSW; Dr Stanley Quek, Executive Chairman of Greencliff and the prize’s benefactor; Pat Corrigan, renowned art collector and philanthropist; and Janet Laurence, internationally celebrated installation artist.

As discussion over the table begins, the evening will offer a fascinating insight into the world of Australian art from some of the industry’s key contributors. Guests will also be joined by a professional facilitator to spur on the conversation, initiating conversation on the importance of art collection and philanthropy.

Photography by Lauren Commens

History was often defined by where people could gather, eat, drink -- feast. There were the Persian courts, Florentine town squares, French salons, New York speakeasies rising from post-industrial smoke.

Mekong is the place for our city. The upper-level restaurant boasts glass walls that overlook the hidden Spice Alley and surrounding Chippendale skyline. Here rises our pagoda above the sea, its windows golden and spilling with sound. And below, the warm haze of Chinese lanterns seeps outwards like luminous underwater life.

Together, we dine on food and culture whilst sharing our unbridled love of art, its acquisition and its creation.

For $75 a head, book your seat on this culinary river cruise -- where the only travel essentials required are a thirst for fine food, wine, culture and art. All aboard!

Mekong is located at 14 Kensington Street (upper level), Chippendale NSW 2008.

Opening hours:
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 6-10pm.
Lunch: Thursday to Sunday 12-3pm.

For additional information, please email nickyginsberg@kensingtonstreet.com.au or call Nicky Ginsberg on 0417 494 317

Nicky Ginsberg
Creative Director

32-34 Kensington Street
Chippendale 2008
0417 494 317
www.kensingtonstreet.com.au