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The Rockpool Group's Neil Perry, Trish
Richards and David Doyle have launched their latest
restaurant, Spice Temple Melbourne, at Crown, and their
sixth venture in Australia.
Based on the winning formula of its Sydney sister, Spice
Temple is a modern Chinese restaurant that is driven by a
philosophy that incorporates the traditional values of the
best possible service with a deep respect for the highest
quality produce.
Designed by former Bates Smart architect, Grant Cheyne,
in association with David Nock of 1:1 Architects, the arrival
experience of Spice Temple is one discovery and surprise
and although more conventional than the Sydney
precedent, it is a theatrical journey through a sequence
of spaces.
Located over two levels, the two dining rooms and two
semi-private dining rooms are warm and dramatically lit,
and while there is an emphasis on comfort and experience
rather than a certain theme, the spaces are intimate,
relaxed and sexy, with subtle influences of the exotic
street hawker food markets in China.
The arrival experience at Spice Temple is one of discovery
and surprise and although more conventional than the
Sydney precedent, remains a theatrical journey through
a sequence of spaces.
There are warm, dramatically lit dining areas defined by a
perimeter of timber 'curtain' and music specially selected
for the restaurant by Anton Monsted is played over a high
quality sound system.
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While there is little reference to Asia in the architecture,
Spice Temple's design has been influenced by the street
hawker food markets and greatly complements the menu
that draws inspiration from the provinces of Sichuan,
Yunnan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Xinjiang.
Rawness and simplicity reverberate throughout the
understated fit out, and there is an emphasis on comfort
and experience rather than a certain theme, decor or
iconic statement.
Over two floors, spaces have been made intimate and
seating fairly dense to enhance the atmosphere and relax
the mood. The dramatic, theatrical lighting and screening
devices create a sense of personal space and privacy.
All furnishings, decorative light fittings and joinery
were custom designed for Spice Temple, and newly
commissioned 'second generation' photographic
portraits by Earl Carter embellish the atmosphere.
"I am delighted to have been invited to participate in
the development of the Melbourne incarnation of the
successful Sydney restaurant which I had earlier
developed with Bates Smart. Spice Temple Melbourne
is unique although in this case I did not want to drastically
depart from the popular fundamentals. However, I did
take the opportunity to fine tune a few details and
turn-up the eclectic feel", says Cheyne.
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