Claypots Evening Star, South Melbourne

Date: Wednesday 28th September 2011

Restaurant: Claypots Evening Star, South Melbourne

Address: Stall 101, South Melbourne Market

Phone: 03 9645 5779

Commentary : Sarah Andrew

This relatively new venue is located at South Melbourne Market. This is an iconic seafood bar, whose success in St Kilda and Fitzroy is well known. Owner and chef Renan Goksin has gone for a Teppanyaki style restaurant on this occasion, drawing from super fresh seafood, which is all on display in the centre of the restaurant.

The venue is bespoke, taking in a lane way via roller door access on market days. Dining is zoned with tables scattered in the laneway, counter bar seating wraps around the kitchen gallery (showcasing all the seafood on offer) and a vast amount of outdoor dining, waiting for summer to arrive! The signature piano is tucked in a corner and is used on a regular basis.

We specifically chose Wednesday evening as there is live music on this night, plus Friday night and the afternoons on the weekend. Sadly business got in the way of staying for the live music, but we did have a great experience, giving us incentive to return for the music another time.

Upon arrival my dining companion and I selected a counter bar position so we could eye our prey! It was great being able to ‘do laps’ of the kitchen gallery, viewing all the fish and shell fish on offer - far more exciting than selecting from a menu. Not that we needed a menu or the display as we met a local who is a Wednesday night regular and he happily shared all he knew about every dish, with enthusiasm that was engaging and appreciated.

In keeping with the style of the menu we opted for a number of small plates (priced between $2.00 and $15.00) to experience as much as possible. This included:

  • Kilpatrick oyster - Coffin Bay
  • Grilled yabbies
  • Scallops
  • Steamed blue swimmer chilli crab
  • Octopus stick (kebab)
  • Grilled sardines
  • Grilled king prawn
  • Eggplant salad

Fresh fish of the day

Best seats in the house

Fresh snapper

Delicious Crab

 

We both enjoyed a glass of Cava followed by a rose, from a wine list that clearly supports boutique wineries. You will find several of our wines listed by the bottle and glass but I will leave you to visit to find out which ones!

Over the duration of our visit the venue slowly filled and by the time we left the band had set up, most tables were full and a good night was about to get better. Claypots is open seven days a week from 11am - 11pm. I imagine by summer time it will be in full swing and there will be action outside in the way of food, wine and good times.

Definitely a venue to check out with your friends, or one of those safe venues that if you are on your own it will not matter as the manager Harriet welcomes everyone like a long lost friend. You will recognise her by the ‘uber’ friendly personality and larger than life smile!!!

Go - enjoy and go again.

Cheers Sarah