Despite 2011 being a year of astonishing restaurant openings, Ms G's which opened in late 2010, is still crowded as ever. Thankfully you can get around the no bookings policy by turning up a bit earlier when it is still bright (thank you daylight saving).
Everything at Ms.G's is a bit quirky - the decor, the food, even the name - which if you haven't realised yet, is a play on monosodium glutamate, MSG. Cocktails are packaged in disposable sealed bubble tea cups, a bottle of Srichacha is available at every table, and the menu is laden with cheeky messages, such as "Asian mothers are the best mothers". It all screams young and fun!
Zen naturally orders the 'Handsome Boy' lemonade ($14) which is Bishonen sake, Contreau, Jack Daniels, lemon, lime and orange jelly. I have the ultra refreshing Ms G's Famous Yuzu Slushee ($14), a concoction of limoncello, Russian Standard vodka, yuzu juice and Regan's orange bitters.
There's four of us, so we start with four mini banh mi. They disappear in about two mouthfuls and are rather pricey at a dear $6 each, which could almost get you two banh mi at Cabramatta. Available in crisp pork belly or chicken katsu, we all opt for the pork belly. It's good. Really good. But I'm not sure the price tag is justifiable.
The prawn toast ($14) is slightly over-fried but saved with a tasty yuzu aioli and lots of fresh herbs.
The Vietnamese steak tartare ($18) is by far, one of my most favourite dishes at Ms.G's. Finely chopped bits of steak is mixed with a divine marinade, it is textural with fried shallots and other things, and just so full of flavour. It is best eaten by the scoop with a prawn cracker!
There's also the fried baby chicken with kimchi mayonnaise. Half serve is $15 and whole is $25. We order the whole but the serving size baffles us. Just how small is this chicken?
Nonetheless, the chicken is crunchy, juicy and moreish, and the kimchi mayonnaise is simply beautiful.
The spaghetti vongole ($22) is perfectly cooked egg noodles tossed with surf clams, chilli, lager, chorizo and Thai basil. We also get the duck noodles ($18), a wholesome combination of shredded braised duck, XO sauce, soft poached egg and the usual suspects - cucumber, coriander and spring onions.
A lighter and equally scrumptious dish is the crispy spiced tofu ($22), served with heriloom tomatoes, steamed eggplant and Thai basil.
And it just keeps getting better once you reach dessert.
The pandan chiffon cake with strawberries and coconut sorbet ($12) has been the talk of the town since Ms G's opened. The play on flavours and textures is fun and delicious but for all the hype it created, I think it's a little over-rated.
I much prefer the tantalising mandarin granita with lime mousse and Calpis yoghurt sorbet ($12) and the 'Stoner's Delight' - doughnut icecream, chocolate, rice bubbles, pretzel, peanut brittle and marshmallow ($12).
So just as we were thinking nothing could top this relaxed night out, my random suggestion of a foot massage is well received. Before we know it, (don't worry, I know it's not good to get massages straight after a meal - this was at least an hour later) we're lying down on adjacent chairs, getting our toes, feet, ankles and calves rubbed, pressed and squeezed in all the right places. Bliss!
A foot massage after a delectable feast - that's just how I roll.
Ms G's
155 Victoria Street, Potts Point, NSW
Phone: (02) 8313 1000
Web: merivale.com.au/msgs
I do love Ms G's (but not MSG of course). Think it's such a fun quirky place, and I'm with you -- get there early to beat the crowds.
I really do think that this place is AMAZING! The food is absolutely delicious. I am all for the mini banh mi. OMG! DROOL!
I've only ever heard good things about this restaurant. Such great food within groovy, quirky surroundings. I love it. Glad you had a fabulous night out and ended it with a great massage.
I found it to be a little hit and miss myself.
Yet to have the tartare. It does looks like it's be really good!
Love the idea of a mini banh mi - and also love the idea of a post dinner foot massage.