Experimental Japanese fare from an ex-Nobu chef, quirky cocktails and a disco-dedicated nightclub are all below the identical roof at Kissuu, a brand new venue on the Darlinghurst stretch of Oxford Road. It’s the creation of Paul Schulte (ex-Prince of York) artistic director of Starvation Group (Cafe Parker).
“Having spent a bunch of time travelling in Europe and the States, I like the vibe of a music-driven consuming venue,” Richy Penny, Kissuu’s co-director and music curator, tells Broadsheet. “There aren’t many venues like that in Sydney, so we noticed a spot available in the market.”
Most evenings at Kissuu will start downstairs, within the dimly lit 40-seat restaurant. Behind the menu is co-director and head chef Adam Burke (ex-Nobu London, Toko Dubai and Sunset Sabi, Manly).
“We wished the meals to be enjoyable, a little bit bit totally different, and designed to be shared,” Burke tells Broadsheet. “The house owners have been very open to me mixing issues.”
By that, he means mixing Japanese delicacies with different influences. Amongst Burke’s favorite dishes are the prawn and scallop gyoza, impressed by his Burmese father. They arrive served on khao swe (Burmese curried coconut broth), laced with lemon gel and spiced with balachaung (a relish product of onions, garlic, dried shrimp and chillies). He additionally recommends the kingfish sashimi taco, topped with a yuzu-togarashi (seven-spice) dressing and finger limes, in addition to the spatchcock hen, marinated in koji in a single day then roasted over an open wooden fireplace.
To match is an equally artistic drinks checklist. Signature cocktails embody the Twisted Geisha (Tanqueray gin, sake, lychee and lemon) and the Subsequent to the Koi Pond (coconut-washed Casamigos Blanco tequila, yuzu, lime and basil).
Kissuu’s late-night events will occur upstairs within the lounge, which is decked in crimson neon, plush golden-orange sofas and a DJ sales space that appears like a disco ball. It’s far more intimate than most Sydney nightclubs, with house for simply 100 dancers. Disco would be the constant theme.
“I’ve all the time been a extremely large disco fan, since I first began stealing my mum’s cassettes, till now,” says Penny. “It’s tasteful and simple to take pleasure in, and it’s timeless, so it crosses all age teams.”
Most evenings will start with “funked up” variations of classics by Diana Ross, the Gibson Brothers, Candi Staton and the like, earlier than progressing to disco-house. Penny’s additionally planning occasions, akin to particular month-to-month events, and exhibits by worldwide touring DJs.
Kissuu
245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
(02) 8054 8787
Hours:
Tue to Sat 4pm–midnight
