Two Culinary Titans Rekindle the Past, Celebrating 20 Years of Taxi Kitchen

A celebration marking two decades of Taxi Kitchen, current Executive Chef Tony Twitchett will share the kitchen once again with previous maestro, Michael Lambie, to create a one-night-only menu that weaves the tales of their respective eras at this iconic Melbourne venue.

Picture this. It’s June 2023, and the neon lights of Melbourne’s cityscape shimmer off the Yarra river’s surface. High above the hustle and bustle, two renowned chefs are stepping back into their old stomping ground, the kitchen of Taxi Kitchen, a dining institution seated atop the iconic Transport Hotel.

Tony Twitchett and Michael Lambie, the only two Executive Chefs that Taxi Kitchen has ever known, are teaming up to guide diners on a trip down memory lane. The duo has dusted off the recipe archives and handpicked nine stand-out dishes, shaping them into five courses of unforgettable tastes.

Back in the early 2000s, Twitchett and Lambie ignited a culinary revolution in Melbourne with their out-of-the-box approach to traditional dishes. Their creativity led Taxi Kitchen to the top, gaining the recognition of being one of Melbourne’s premier dining destinations. Two decades later, they’re recreating the magic.

Expect a delightfully deconstructed version of Southern Rock Lobster ravioli, juxtaposed with the crunch of cucumber and a lime dressing that tickles the palate. The chefs playfully engage textures and flavours with dishes like Kingfish sashimi touched by a zingy ginger and wasabi dressing and wrapped scallops singing with notes of wasabi and soused shallot.

The main courses feature Twitchett’s modern take on the classic snapper dish and a Wagyu porterhouse that would make any meat lover’s heart flutter. And for the grand finale, the duo rolls out a passionfruit soufflé, complete with a molten white chocolate centre and a cooling coconut sorbet on the side.

But this evening isn’t just about food. It’s a celebration of the journey that Taxi Kitchen has taken, from its conception to its current status as a beloved fixture of Melbourne’s dining scene. The collaboration of Twitchett and Lambie serves as a testament to the kitchen’s rich history, the evolution of its menu, and the unchanging passion behind each dish.

So, mark your calendars for June 14th. It’s time to revisit old favourites, ignite new taste experiences, and tip your hat to the extraordinary talents that have shaped Taxi Kitchen. It’s an evening not to be missed.