Like a conveyor belt specialised in pumping out captivating, delicious eateries — Mark Wallbank and Che Barrington have hit the nail on the head again with their new delightful creation, Go Go Daddy. The dynamite restaurateur and executive chef dream team delve deep into their expansive knowledge of Asian cuisine, bringing us a new and revitalized taste of oriental street fare.
Much like its beloved predecessors, including Moo Chow Chow and The Blue Breeze Inn, this Ponsonby Central hotspot is no wallflower. Updating the vibrant interior of the former resident, Honeybear, there is a bright mural by French artist Egle Zvirblyte that captivatingly covers the stone-tiled wall. The animated illustration carries over to the play menu design, setting the scene for the delights of the playful, zesty menu.
And what a menu it is. Go Go Daddy combines Wallbank’s cult favorites — including Moo Chow Chow‘s divine, caramelized pork hock and soft shell crab — with new and exciting fare. Bringing the flavors of Thailand to our own backyard is the bold beef brisket laksa, a delicious intertwining of succulently smoked meat, fresh vegetables, and crunchy peanuts, all spiced up with a kick of pickled mustard.
Whilst gorging on the entire menu seems like the only feasible outcome, we suggest saving some room for dessert. The refreshing lychee sorbet is a moreish fusion of flavours, combining juicy passionfruit curd and wonderful candlenut praline, devilishly topped off with a ginger star anise wafer.
Understanding that all this taste-testing can be thirsty work, Go Go Daddy offers an assortment of fresh beverages to swill down the goods with. The drinks menu serves up a trove of flamboyantly named cocktails, from the vodka, papaya and lemongrass blended Big Booty Bubble Tea to the bourbon, brandy, rum and absinthe concoction, Lazy Tiger Punch.
A fun, friendly and affordable destination for those hankering after quality Asian street food, Go Go Daddy is another gem amongst Mark Wallbank’s extensive repertoire on its way to becoming a much-loved Ponsonby Central addition.
