Popular restaurateur Frank Lam epitomised what it is to be a true Territorian

Territory icon Frank Lam – one of the longest-running restaurateurs in Darwin – passed away last week at home with family.

Magic Wok owner and chef Frank Lam working his magic in the kitchen.

OBITUARY: Frank Lam 19/2/49 – 20/3/20

THE coronavirus restrictions have robbed Darwin of the opportunity to say goodbye as it would have to popular restaurateur Frank Lam, a Territory icon who passed away last Friday at home with his family.

Frank and wife Julie ran the successful Magic Wok Restaurant and were the longest- running restaurateurs in Darwin having run establishments for over 48 years.

Beloved by locals and frequented by visitors, it was a place that welcomed everyone.

Frank grew up in Hong Kong where food and family are centrepiece of daily life. He worked as a Hong Kong policeman until he was given an opportunity to obtain culinary training and migrate to Australia.

Opportunity knocked and he landed in Darwin on July 20, 1971 (the “hey days” of Darwin as he would say) to work at the Penthouse Restaurant and the Don Hotel.

He told of feeling like a million bucks when dressed like Dr Zhivago and with a pocket full of cash, he went for dinner at infamous Charlie’s Restaurant. It was over his Italian meal that he met waitress Julie and a whirlwind union began.

Julie and Frank married on October 18, 1972 and had their reception at the house they ended up residing in on East Point Rd.

Their love for Darwin and its people ran deep and they knew from the beginning they had found their home and a place of acceptance.

Tai Hung Tol Chinese restaurant opened in 1973 on Parap Road and began as a small takeaway outlet until Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin and pregnant Julie and daughter Jessica were evacuated to Melbourne.

Frank stayed on in post-cyclone Darwin and volunteered at the food kitchen at Darwin High School. Post cyclone Darwin was full of opportunities and Frank and Julie grew the Tai Hung Tol into a large bustling restaurant that received several Gold Plate Awards over the years.

It was the epitome of Asian fine dining and is most remembered by the bridge at the entrance and silver service. He later opened the Genghis Khan Mongolian Restaurant and the Magic Wok, daring to be different and expand the dining experiences of Darwinites.

Frank never wanted to leave the Territory nor did he wish to retire as he was wired to work, to serve and be part of the community. He and wife Julie ran the Magic Wok Restaurant in the West Lane Arcade for the past 16 years along with Frank’s brother Yui, who worked opposite him as a chef.

It is a “locals place” with a loyal following of regulars who have now lost an iconic restaurateur.

Frank had been unwell for more than a year, battling terminal cancer but bravely enduring treatment while continuing in his beloved restaurant. His three adult children Jessica, Lindy and Brendan, and five grandchildren, all live in the Territory.

Frank epitomised what it is to be a true Territorian. He was fearless when faced with adversity, genuine, inclusive and a rebel with a lot of heart.

A small family funeral will be held today at 10am due to current restrictions.