From Peruvian pop-ups to flavour pimps – Mongrel unveils its Milton digs
After 13 months of well-received pop-up restaurant experiences, the Mongrel trio have made good on their promise of a bricks-and-mortar joint of their own. The self-proclaimed ‘flavour pimps’ have installed their brand-new bar and eatery on Park Road in Milton, promising out-of-the-box flavour pairings, a choice list of Australian-made beverages and a fresh take on casual hospitality.
The details
The concept behind Milton’s newest face Mongrel began when pals and hospitality veterans Henry Wu and Gabriel Escalante-Gafau started tossing around ideas for their own food and drink concept – one that foregrounded fun and fare that didn’t subscribe to trends. With experience under their belt working at Fortitude Valley spots such as Bloodhound Bar and Netherworld, the duo already had the know-how in place to execute a concept, but it was only after enthusiasm and encouragement was added from Gabriel’s wife Annie Bingley did the idea go from fanciful to full-throttle. In order to fund the grungy, streetwise brainchild of the trio’s collective imagination, the group started hosting pop-up dinners around Brisbane, taking over venues such as Naïm, Ploughman Bar, King Arthur and Betty’s Espresso for one-off events showcasing their vision. These evening (and one brunch) services proved popular, with diners responding to Mongrel’s evolving menu that favoured secondary cuts and underrated ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
The space
After earning enough cash and cred from their pop-up venture, the Mongrel crew looked to secure a space of their own. As Red Hill locals, the trio were already big fans of Milton’s burgeoning bar scene, and when a sunny corner space on Park Road presented itself the team didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Across numerous weekend working bees, Gabriel, Annie and Henry dismantled the venue’s central bar, sanded the floors and spruced up the space. The resulting aesthetic is rustic and casually cool, with a new custom-built bar, bolstered kitchen, handmade furniture, pool table, a striking mural from Freak Street and an open deck space contributing to Mongrel’s laid-back vibe.
The food and drink
When it came to refining the menu for Mongrel’s permanent home, Gabriel has stuck to his roots, blending pop-up favourites and new ideas for a Peruvian-centric selection of eats. The Mongrel kitchen is continuing its trend of spotlighting misunderstood ingredients and flavour pairings, with delicate combinations creating remarkable items. Mongrel’s menu of refined street food is easily shared, with bigger dishes designed to satiate the loudest of belly grumbles. Long-time fans of Mongrel’s fare will recognise pop-up staples including lamb-brain croquettes and ox-tongue tacos, while octopus and piquillo pepper tequenos, pork-belly chicharron, fish and octopus ceviche and the signature Green Noodles – udon noodles with Peruvian pesto and panko sirloin steak – are shaping up to be new favourites. As the veteran booze slinger, Henry has crafted a bar offering of boutique labels, favouring artisan Australian breweries, wineries and distilleries for Mongrel’s drinks selection. Craft brews and natural wines showcase Mongrel’s contemporary tastes, while a forthcoming menu of cocktails will also be imbued with interesting twists, from green-tea sours to gin and tonics.
Mongrel is now open. Hit up the Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
