1st Edition’s quirky comic-book-themed culinary experience

A 22-seat chef’s table restaurant with a superhero focus is unlike anything else you’ll find in Brisbane.

Old and new school hip hop pumps through the sound system like a nightclub; diners sing and dance along in their chairs, while the shadowy image of Batman looks down from walls lined with murals of the world’s greatest superheroes.

Welcome to the recently opened 1st Edition in Fortitude Valley.

The work of Marvel and comic-loving mates Marc Grey and Steve Maiden, the venue is a tiny, 22-seater chef’s table experience, but without any of the wankery that sometimes follows such models.

Here it’s all about fun, with diners perched on stools along an L-shaped bar laminated with comic strips, under blue-tinged, ultra dark lighting, while chefs plate up dishes and bartenders shake up drinks within arm’s reach.

While pretentiousness certainly isn’t part of the package, the blokes clearly take their crafts seriously, with Grey behind a cracking cocktail menu that offers signatures and spins on
classics worthy of a superhero; while Maiden combines his love for Mexican and Asian fare with a little French technique to create a share-style menu that’s both approachable yet out of the ordinary.

1st Edition delivers a chef’s table experience.

A salami-infused Ninja Turtle negroni is representative of the quirk hiding in the drinks list, while “Storms old fashion” emerging from a cloche-trapped billow of smoke adds to the venue’s theatre.

But it’s the mystical purple potion, “Doctor Strange”, combining rhubarb, gin, lemon and lavender and delivering citrusy, floral refreshment that you’ll want to smash down faster than Iron Man.

Spidey’s margarita also warrants hero status and will come in handy to tame the flames flickering in your mouth from the Korean-style popcorn cauliflower ($20).

In a huge bowl, piping hot florets arrive lacquered in a bulgogi-inspired sauce that’s equal parts sticky, sweet, spicy and ultimately addictive as it hits the tastebuds in all the right ways. Perhaps better than the margarita to subdue the firestorm is the spanner crab ($24). While jalapenos feature here in a cucumber emulsion poured over the dice of gently steamed crustacean, the overall dish is one that speaks of freshness and brightness.

Like a sesame-tinged seafood tartare, the cold crab is ready to be scooped up with deep fried artichoke chips.

Also requiring the use of hands are the chicken ribs ($18). Marinated first in a mix of miso, chilli, lime juice, salt and a few other ingredients that Maiden is keeping more closely guarded than a superhero’s true identity, the meaty ribs are then drenched in gluten-free flour, which repels oil when deep-frying, resulting in crispy, crunchy chicken that pulls straight off the bone without any of the grease. Terrific!

While the ribs are mild, a red duck curry fusing birds eye chillies and jalapeños into the gravy produces a heat that creeps up on you like Batman and Robin – BAM, POW, BOOM!

Maiden, who delivers many of the dishes to diners himself so he can passionately explain the process behind them, says this tongue-tingling version is, in fact, vigorously muted compared to his first instalment that left taste testers running for the nearest tap.

The only disappointment of the night is the cheeseburger gyoza; akin to the Suicide Squad of dishes, it’s well hyped but ultimately underwhelming.

Like the comics 1st Edition is based on, this restaurant and bar is a hell of a lot of fun and sure to find its own cast of loyal fans.

Just note, bookings are strictly 1½ hours long at 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm, so if you want to stay around and keep drinking, which you will, book the last sitting.

1ST EDITION

356 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley (entry via California Lane)

0408 234 023

1steditionbar.com

Open

Wed-Sun 5.30pm-midnight

Must-eat dish

Chicken ribs

Verdict - Scores out of 5

Food 4

Service 4

Ambience 4.5

Value 3.5

Overall 4

For more reviews visit delicious.com.au/eatout