Ms Elwood launches a tempting new Asian hawker-style menu to spice up the Bayside area
With an influx of Asian-fusion style venues popping up around Melbourne, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to dine at. Enter one-year-old Ms Elwood, Bayside’s offering that delivers something just a little different with its saucy new summer menu.
The mention of ‘hawker-style fare’ conjures up thoughts of excessive crowds and difficulty in finding a seat. But let me assure you that dear Ms Elwood provides a modern and casual dining space, oozing a cool and relaxed vibe with seats-a-plenty. The 50-seat venue tucked in a quiet section of Ormond Road is the perfect place to catch up with friends for a bite and a few drinks.
With the space originally planned for another Hanoi Hannah, owner Dan Dixon – who also owns The Joinery across the road – seized the opportunity to open something different in Bayside. And so, Ms Elwood was born.
The hawker-style menu provides everything from raw dishes, buns, ramen and poke bowls, shared plates and a selection of desserts.
To start, try the beautifully fresh sashimi of salmon, tuna and kingfish. The tuna tartare with rice crisp and Cambodian curry sauce is a deliciously interesting mix of flavours and textures. Next, munch on charred edamame with seaweed butter and extra crunchy Ms Elwood Karaage (deep fried chicken) with wasabi mayo.
If you’re a fan of dumplings (who isn’t?) keep a bit of space in your belly to squeeze in some prawn gyoza with ponzu dressing – you’ll be utterly satisfied after that feast. If you’re watching your wallet, make sure you visit on a Monday or Wednesday night where Ms Elwood dumplings are just $1 a pop!
If you can’t go past a poke bowl, Ms Elwood’s offering is a tasty medley of salmon with pink rice, avocado, pickled ginger and wasabi mayo which is super fresh and extremely filling.
Other shared plates include the Japanese crusted calamari, sticky pork belly and Japanese Pancake. For a happy ending, choose from a coconut and lychee pannacotta, yuzu spring rolls or the coconut and rum granita.
Or, if you really can’t decide (or too busy catching up to read the menu), opt for the omakase group menu which features six signature dishes chosen by the chef for $55 per person.
Ms Elwood’s version of the drink of the summer, Frose, has a secret ingredient and is a refreshing tipple that’s perfect for a warm summer night. Pairing well with most menu items is the Japanese Slipper, a concoction of melon Midori, zesty lemon and Cointreau. If you’re after something more tangy, the Madame Lychee martini with lychee liqueur, ginger and vodka really hits the spot.
Keeping things fresh and exciting, check out Ms Elwood on a Friday and Sunday from 5:30pm for Japanese Pizza – made with a matcha or charcoal base – and other Summer specials.
With Elwood beach and the Point Ormond Lookout just a stones throw away, Ms Elwood makes a great pre or post-beach venue this Summer.
mselwood.com
24 Ormond Road, Elwood
(03) 9525 7439
Open: Wednesday – Monday 5:30 pm – late