Rubi Red is slated to open soon by Melbourne's acclaimed chef Michael Lambie!
Rubi Red is slated to open soon by Melbourne's acclaimed chef Michael Lambie!
When we heard award-winning Executive Chef and hospitality honcho Michael Lambie had relocated from Melbourne to our sunny Gold Coast shores, we high-fived (a lot), licked our lips and waited patiently for him to bring his world-renowned culinary magic to the local eats scene. And thankfully, we won’t need to wait much longer with the unveiling of his brand-new venue inches closer, as Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar will be opening next month at Nobby Beach in the old Hellenika & Miss Mee location. Squeal!!
The inspiration behind what’s set to become the new ‘it’ place in town, is a beautiful Asian Lady named Rubi Red who has travelled extensively throughout Asia, with an enormous passion for delicious cuisine. Rubi naturally fell head over heels for the GC (she’s only human…well, fictitiously human….but same-same), and decided it was THE spot to pay homage to her eclectic Asian dining experiences and open her namesake restaurant.
With capacity to seat over 300 guests, this lush Asian sensation will set our foody hearts a-flutter. Currently undergoing an extensive and lavish renovation by the team at Zero 9 Constructions, Rubi Red will feature a stunning restaurant on the ground floor, with dining extending out onto the pavement. Yes, you read that right – we are becoming as cool as our interstate and international neighbours! Because it’s the GC and we heart our rooftop bars, Rubi will also integrate this into her multi-level magic, plus a super-swish private dining room for those special events and celebrations.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Michael is one of the masterminds behind the likes of Taxi Kitchen (Melbourne CBD), Lamaro’s Hotel gastropub (South Melbourne), The Smith (Prahan) and most recently, Ruby’s southern culinary ass-kicking sista, Lucy Liu (Melbourne CBD). He’s also enjoyed stints as Head Chef at The Stokehouse (St Kilda), Circa at The Prince (St Kilda), and Marco Pierre White’s self-titled restaurant in Knightsbridge. With numerous chefs’ hats and awards under his belt, this man is a culinary wizard and someone we will simply forbid from ever leaving us because, well, all of what we have previous stated.
Patrons can expect nothing less than the best from Michael’s new planned Pan-Asian menu for Rubi Red. His previous hit dishes at Lucy Liu include Soft Shell Crab Jianbing with spicy hoisin, Kingfish Sashimi with green nam jim and coconut and Thai basil and the larger famed Pork Hock with apple kimchi pancakes and hoisin. If these dishes don’t get your mouth-watering of what is instore for us, we don’t know what will.
Accrediting his previous restaurants’ success to a savvy business model offering superior quality at the right place and in the right environment, Michael is one clever cookie in addition to being a world-class food guru. Excited to mentor the up-and-coming chefs of the future (watch this space – anyone who works under him will go places), he has handpicked the crème of the crop to help give Rubi the edge she deserves.
With plusher than it-girl vibes and what promises to be a showstopping menu, we’re calling it – Rubi, you’re destined to be a sight for sore eyes – and our flavour of the year.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
When: March (watch this space for more details)
Words by Bianca Trathen.