A fresh new start for the RSL and the Lakes Entrance public will see Saigon Seasons Restaurant officially open next Monday, August 10.
Two young chefs, Nicholas Vu and Dillon Kennedy, have taken on the venture with enthusiasm and are keen to invite everyone back to the venue with a “bigger and better” menu.
Although the name Saigon Seasons may sound Vietnamese, the cuisine offered will be Chinese and Western style.
“The name Saigon Seasons means much more to us than just a cuisine,” Nicholas said.
“My grandfather An Van Vu came to Australia and set up a restaurant called Saigon Seasons with his wife, my father Eddie, an aunty and an uncle. My grandfather retired in 2014 and passed away in April this year. We wanted to honour his legacy and give a nod to what he established by naming our new restaurant Saigon Seasons.”
Nick and Dillon are cousins and grew up together, both beginning their working life in the kitchen at Nick’s Restaurant in Lakes Entrance. Dillon was 14 when he started at the restaurant, going from doing the dishes to serving as head chef for the last three to four years.
“I had the experience of working with chefs from Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam and learnt from the best about their cuisines,” Dillon said.
“I am really excited to take the next step in my career and feel most at home in the kitchen.”
Saigon Seasons is in Nicholas’s DNA. He grew up in and around that restaurant and started learning the trade from his dad Eddie, becoming experienced in all areas.
“I am very proud to be opening this restaurant with Dillon,” Nick said.
“It is a big step and I am looking forward to honouring my grandfather’s legacy.”
The boys have faced regulatory obstacles along the way, causing significant financial strain, but are rising above the bureaucratic delays and looking forward to showcasing their skills.
The kitchen at the RSL has been completely renovated by the pair and is sparkling and ready for service.
Meals will be available for lunch from 11.30am to 2pm and dinner from 5.30pm to 8pm, seven days a week.
“We would like to thank the RSL Lakes Entrance manager Jay Merino and the board for their amazing support. Everyone has been so welcoming,” Nick and Dillon said.
Mr Merino said the RSL is very excited about this new chapter.
“We welcome the guys on board and back them 100 per cent,” he said.
“This will be a more family-friendly based venue and we are looking forward to the exciting new cuisine,” he said.
“The renovations are going well at the venue and it will all add to a fresh start.”
Follow the Saigon Seasons Facebook page to keep up with news at the restaurant.
