Food and Drink
Pepper Lunch
Posted by Trish Gallagher
14. Jan, 2013
We are lucky to have an abundance of good Asian restaurants in Melbourne, there must be a list somewhere that states exactly how many, but we are never shy to throw one or two more into the mix. Opening just before Christmas comes Pepper Lunch – Japanese ‘fast food’ (no… not as fast as sushi) a nifty little restaurant that serves cook-at-your-table meals in a matter of minutes.
The first time I went to Pepper Lunch it was 40+ degrees. All I really wanted to do was plunge my head into a bucket of iced water, but I ventured in regardless thinking a nice cool Asian slaw and some sashimi might be cooling.
Forget it. All dishes are served on a cast iron plate that is heated to 260 degrees, (exactly the ‘wind heat factor’ outside) and you essentially cook your lunch before your eyes.
The counter suggested I started with ‘ a la carte beef’ ($8.90) – a mound of rice with a ball of butter buried in the middle and surrounded by very thinly sliced raw beef – a quick stir around and it’s miraculously cooked. I know this isn’t a new concept but it never gets boring.
A bit more adventurous on the second visit, I had the kimchi beef ($10.50) doused in sriracha – you can throw a few extra dollars in and get either a drink or miso soup. There is a decent menu selection: salmon, chicken, prawns and interestingly – hamburger.
Aside from tasty meals and a fresh looking yet understocked salad bar, there are two other bonuses to Pepper Lunch for mid week workers and hungry shoppers – it’s cheap and it’s super quick. The food comes out in record time (the kitchen cooks the rice – you do the rest) and starting at $8.90 it’s rare to get a hot fresh cooked lunch with change from a tenner these days.
Thanks Japan!
PEPPER LUNCH
311 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
9078 6388
Mon-Wed 11.00am – 10.00pm
Thurs-sat 11.00am – 11.00pm
Sun 11.00am – 10.00pm
facebook.com/PepperLunchVictoria
Entertainment
MICF: Dazza and Keif Reenact the Romeo + Juliet Movie Playing All the Roles
Find out why Dazza and Keif Reenact the Romeo + Juliet Movie Playing All the Roles is one of the best shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
MICF: Bronwyn Kuss – Pillows xxxx
With a unique blend of dry wit, tragic storytelling and magnetic charisma, Bronwyn delivers a master class of comedy at her new show Pillows xxxx as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).
Alessio Carducci: you think youre better than me?
What is the difference between a polemicist and a polygamist? Find out at Alessio Carducci’s outrageously funny and borderline controversial MICF show, you think youre better than me? Runs until April 21 at The Dove Club.
Uncategorized
An interview with Christie Johnson, Melbourne Marathon
We spoke with dietician Christie Johnson ahead of the Melbourne Marathon.
The Market Runners
A new grocery service focuses on fresh produce and delivers the good in old milk man costumes.
Tea and Cheese Pairing
Tea and Sympathy are holding a tea and cheese pairing afternoon tea where you will get to learn about where these treats come from.