English Japanese
Eccentric
After about 7 minutes by foot from Hawthorn station, an all red building appears before your eyes. The interior of the building stretches beyond your imagination once you step inside.
A restaurant? Trick art? The owner, David, calls it a funky pop-up restaurant which makes you feel like you have just entered the world of a picture book.
Beyond the broad white bar area lies the red dining room with a little fireplace. The room is designed for casual parties for family and friends, etc.
As if in contrast to the red dining room lies another chic all black room. The room is established as a private bar with bartenders for the party on the day. It is designed for dinner parties, business meetings and seminars, etc.
The outdoor area is just perfect for this time of the year. What a funky place! The image of Japanese pirates originates from new-modern styled design. David really likes Japan and is inspired by various Japanese restaurants, creating brand new design and an unbelievably calming space.
Owner profile
David Christianson
Winning a design award with the club that he designed personally, David is passionate about art. Babushka is neither a restaurant nor a pub. David has turned it into a carefree space where guests can enjoy art, design and delicious food at the same time. He hopes that all patrons may be able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Chef profile
Leigh Shan
Despite her small figure, Leigh's eyes shine with glamour when it comes to cooking. It feels like she is enjoying the different food inside her mind when she talks about cooking. Leigh comes up with a huge variety of dishes that conveys her passion for cooking.
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Bloody Mary Oyster Shot
One of David's favourite! Oyster X Bloody Mary! Fresh oysters combined with tomato juice and vodka! Celery and olive oil are also added to enhance the flavour.
Savoury Ice-cream Cone with Labneh-cheese and Fresh Cherries Marinated in Vodka and Balsamic
Mini ice-cream cone with healthy Labneh-cheese and cherries marinated in vodka and balsamic. This is yet again another one of the chef's original recipe. The flavour is derived after multiple attempts with different ingredients. It is regarded as a delicacy that cannot be compared to any other cuisines.
King George Whiting Skewers in Middle Eastern Spices with Vodka Infused Orange
Using unique spices and oranges from the Middle East, this dish stimulates all your senses! This original recipe was created when the chef was a child, when her father was playing around with different spices. Enjoy the crispiness!
Babushka Potato Pizza
Pizza base (brushed with garlic butter) sliced potatoes, rosemary, salt flakes and goats cheese. America decided to pit pineapple on their pie. Shame :: $12.00
The dish is of great popularity since Babushka's opening. An effort was made in combining pizza and potato together. To prevent it from becoming too thick and rich, the pizza base is made by crispy pita base. Garlic butter, thinly sliced potato and goat cheese are then added on top. It tastes fantastic with the additional rosemary.
Fish n Babushka chips
Beer battered Rockling with chips. Served with a homemade Chernobyl tartar sauce :: $14.50 (extra bites :: $3.00 ea)
Fish n chips may be found anywhere but this dish cannot be found anywhere else. The golden chips are fried in Kirin beer batter. It is definitely worth a try!
Mamma Babushka’s Baby Burgers
2 open baby burgers (veggie available) with homemade aioli, caramelised onion and melted cheese. Rocket and tomato on the side served with fries and tomato relish :: $14.00
When the chef asked her friends "What would you want in a bar", the majority of people answered with "hamburgers". As such, hamburger made its appearance onto the menu. Since the hamburger is mini, it gives the guests some more space for other dishes and it can be ordered as a take-away. The combination of garlic, mayonnaise and burger is irresistible. Forget your knives and forks. Use your hands and gulp it down!
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Drinking Kirin Megumi!
After being asked why he chose Kirin Megumi beer, David replied that he conducted a thorough research on which beer would complement the restaurant's dishes the most. Kirin Megumi was then chosen on the basis of its fine quality and its refreshing taste, especially when consumed with Aussie food such as potato, hamburgers and hot dogs.
Moreover, the brand name of Kirin Megumi is becoming more popular these days. Besides, it really is a fine tasting beer. It matches the trendy, artsy Babushka perfectly.
Anyway, ENJOY!
A pop-up restaurant that brings together art and dining like no one has done before. David would like to enjoy his time with a group of friends, delicious drinks and food. The place holds special events depending on the season and time of the year; David believes that it would be delightful for people to use this space and enjoy themselves. It seems like he has many ideas in store to excite those who visits.
Babushka plans on building a new kitchen and bar in the terrace as summer approaches. Try out some of the chef's delicious dishes with a beer in your hand while bathing underneath the sun! Can't wait for the summer!
Babushka
URL: http://www.babushka.net.au/
Corner Burwood Road and Power Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122
TEL：0411 759 005
Open: Tue-Fri 5:00pm-1:00am, Sat 2:00pm-1:00am, Sun 2:00pm-11:00pm
*Booking available for groups of more than 10 people.
>> Editor's Note
Despite his busy schedule, David answered all the questions with confidence and a smile on his face. It conveyed his love for Babushka. I was surprised by his energy and effort when he said that he still want to add some more art into the already satisfying interior.
I could see that the chef and all staff members work together as a team in an effort to prosper the restaurant. The chef's passion for cooking is beyond description. Listening to the detailed explanation of the dishes and the ingredients used alone made me want to drool.
Enjoy the delicious dishes while admiring Babushka's art!
