Two of Australia’s rising culinary stars have joined forces to bring to life the first off-property dining concept from The Star Entertainment Group, to be opened in July at nearby Jones Bay Wharf.
The new restaurant, to be known as ‘Chuuka’, will be a fusion of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine, combining the best flavours and cooking techniques from each into unique new dishes and featuring fresh local ingredients. Chuuka will move into space formerly occupied by Flying Fish restaurant at the wharf’s end, overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Jointly leading the effort will be Chef Chase Kojima, who has opened two other restaurants at The Star Sydney, and Chef Victor Liong, originally from Sydney but currently based in Melbourne heading up Lee Ho Fook restaurant.
Striking colours and artworks will feature amid the restaurant’s décor, which will offer 130 seats across two levels. On the ground floor will be a 60-seat dining space, outdoor bar area and wine room. Upstairs will include the remaining 70 seats, with the space also able to be turned into a private dining room for functions and events.
The Star Sydney COO Dino Mezzatesta said the company has been blown away by the menu and dining concept devised by Chase and Victor.
“We are committed to delivering first-class experiences for our guests and I am excited to see the impact Chuuka will have on the vibrant and diverse Sydney food scene.”
Chuuka will be the first time the two chefs have worked together and Kojima says their distinct cooking specialities have resulted in both needing to learn a new cuisine, but that this has brought out the best in their respective abilities.
“It’s great to work with different people to expand your creative horizons. This is an incredible opportunity to challenge and push myself into new gastronomic realms and learn a whole new cuisine.
“Victor and I have really enjoyed being playful with this new menu – inserting both our own signature flavours and cooking styles while challenging each other to create something totally new.
“I think we’ve created a concept that’s interactive and engaging by having a style of cuisine that is familiar, that references our heritages, all the while inserting our combined layers of creativity,” Liong added.
Chuuka will bolster The Star’s dining options, which also includes BLACK Bar & Grill, Momofuku Seiōbo, Sokyo and the newly-relocated Flying Fish.