Supernormal

Andrew McConnell, chef and restaurateur, continues to deliver with his handful of successful restaurants in Melbourne’s culinary rich city. Supernormal is another venue to add to the mix, delivering pan-Asian cuisine with an undeniably Japanese interior. The name rightly suggests exactly the opposite: quirkiness and wit, where playful Japanese items accent the space with katakana signage, neon cherries, and even Japanese snack vending machines. Influences from Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Seoul are reflected throughout the Japanese-focused menu.

The wine list is clever and interesting, commented the judges of the World’s Best Wine Lists 2017, which maintains the venue’s eccentric theme. The list is well-presented with descriptions of the wine included for diners’ use. A good selection of Champagne is a fine accompaniment to the Japanese cuisine; options include Pol Roger ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ 2002, Arras ‘Grand Vintage’, Tasmania 2007; and Krug 2002. The Riesling collection is notable, another great pairing for the cuisine served, covering Clare Valley, Mosel, Rheinhessen and even the Canberra District, NSW, with names like O’Leary Walker, Joh Jos Prüm, Keller, and Nick O’Leary. A strong sake section includes descriptions of each sake, such as 100% pure rice sake, ‘Nama’ (unpasterised), or ‘Kimoto’ (traditional yeast starter), for example.