Spotlights (M.S.G Edition) — Chanel Tang (Creature Creature)
Chanel and her partner, Ambrose are the creative minds behind Creature Creature. Their works are rich tapestries, painted with a mystical precision that transport us to a world alive with wonder and intriguing folklore.
We spoke to Chanel about discovering the flavours of an entire continent, the ritual of sharing food and her favourite dish: Roast Duck on Rice from Roast Duck Inn
Can you describe the role Asian restaurants have played in your life?
When I was growing up in Wellington, New Zealand, I believe we did not have much access to Asian restaurants because of the small population and even smaller Asian community. It wasn't until moving to Melbourne when I was 10 years old, that we discovered a vibrant restaurant culture and all the accessible delicacies. Melbourne truly felt so international compared to our hometown. It was food that changed this scary life move into being something very exciting.
Over time we discovered more diverse flavours. We were used to cantonese cuisine but we were able to try other Chinese food from different regions, then Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean for the very first time. I feel pretty lucky to live in Melbourne where the variety and authenticity of food is so strong.
For me eating meals in restaurants is always associated with my family time and I still feel that way now when eating with my husband or friends, its very wholesome. Asian restaurants in particular as they are unpretentious, and commonly about sharing food and a focus on flavour and company above all else.
What inspired you to illustrate this dish?
When I first moved to Melbourne with my family in '95 we heard of this magical place called Victoria Street in Richmond, full of reasonably priced Asian restaurants. An exciting concept for us where, in New Zealand at the time, eating Roast Duck at a Chinese Restaurant was a special occasion treat. The family went for Sunday dinner and with no idea which place to choose, we went to the restaurant right in front of where we parked the car. We all ordered roast duck on rice which was $5 a plate. Since that night we continued to go back to that same restaurant every fortnight for the next 15 years! The waitress called my Dad "Uncle". We affectionately called it "Our favourite restaurant" as we did not know how to pronounce the name (It was called Minh Xuong, still operating in the CBD and Preston). The Richmond branch has since closed but this remains one of my favourite dishes. I currently recommend Roast Duck Inn in Box Hill for the best in the business. Cantonese flavours have always been the most comforting to me, and this is a perfect combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, salty/sweet sauce, the fullness of rice and veggies and tea and simple broth to wash down the oily palette.
“The family went for Sunday dinner and with no idea which place to choose, we went to the restaurant right in front of where we parked the car. Since that night we continued to go back to that same restaurant every fortnight for the next 15 years!”
Did illustrating the dish change your appreciation of it?
It made be recall all the memories associated with it and looking a photos for reference made me very hungry! It was hard to pick one dish as I consider myself quite obsessed with food, but this dish does represent my culture and identity in a special way
Why is it important for you to push this message right now?
Asian culture has a special relationship with food and the ritual of eating which is a great gift to share with the world. I hope it can continue to be shared and appreciated in light of COVID-19.
Any recommendations for Asian takeaway joints at the moment?
I have be ordering Dodee Paidang, the best Thai food around and Hawker Chan, for unbeatable flavour. Both in the CBD. Also would recommend Veggie Mum in Fitzroy for all vegetarian/mock meat menu which we call 'future food' as the taste is so real.
“Asian culture has a special relationship with food and the ritual of eating which is a great gift to share with the world.”
ABOUT THE M.S.G PROJECT
This special edition of Spotlights is in collaboration with More Of Something Good (M.S.G). We interviewed five of their artists about their favourite Asian restaurants, how COVID-19 has affected the hospitality industry and their current take-away recommendations.
More Of Something Good is the No.1 Online Illustrated Food Directory. In response to the racially-targeted attacks and stigma surrounding COVID-19 and the Asian community, STUDIO MIMU are countering the fear and tension with an online directory of Asian restaurants recommended by artists. M.S.G is a 100% not-for-our-profit initiative that’s good for the hood.
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More Of Something Good