Sydney meets Melbourne: an evening at Lucy Liu

By Ariadne Lopez

It’s always a treat when Sydney-based Principal Lawyer John Ridgway visits the Pacific Legal Network (PLN) Melbourne team. This usually involves going to one of his favourite locations, an Asian fusion hotspot called Lucy Liu.

By entering a dark hallway with neon red signage, you’ll find this hidden gem in the cobblestone alleyways of Oliver Ln in the CBD. From the moment you walk in, the friendly and super-attentive staff set the tone. I like to give bonus points when an establishment offers a coat and bag room because, in my opinion, you know you're in for some top-notch service.

I am convinced that a prerequisite for a great dinner spot is dim lighting. In this case, it created the perfect environment to try the famous and delicious grapefruit gin and tonic cocktails, a great starter drink before exploring the extensive wine list.

Even on a Monday night, the place is buzzing with people seated on high-top tables, booths, or the lively kitchen bar. The menu can seem endless, but fear not, the staff walk you through it like the seasoned pros they are pointing out the must-try specials (which, of course, we did).

Never having to ask the waiter to top up your drink encouraged free-flowing conversation, brainstorming new island adventures and planning future events.

The great thing about going with a regular (aka John) is that he knows the menu inside out, and every dish we ordered did not miss. From dumplings to duck to COD, all cravings were catered to.

The Lucy Liu ambiance gives off a trendy and youthful vibe, just the right environment for a PLN team night out.