Gallery: Young’s Palace Readers’ Preview x Broadsheet Access

Chef-couple Big Sam Young (ex-Mr Wong, Totti’s, Lotus 2.0) and Grace Chen (ex-Est, Queen Chow, Poly) just opened Young’s Palace on Kellett Street, the anticipated sequel to their beloved French Chinese bistro, S’more. And a few lucky Broadsheet Access members scored invites to an exclusive Readers’ Preview on opening week. It’s why Access members love us – we bring all the hottest new restaurant openings in Melbourne and Sydney directly to you.

Beyond the red neon Young’s Palace sign, guests dined in a space that’s a little bit luxe, and a little bit gangster. Fringed pendant lights hung above the tables, the carpets were a vibrant red, and there was a splashy Vicki Lee painting on the wall. The new neighbourhood joint is an amalgamation of Chinatowns all over the world – from New York to Paris, Amsterdam and Sydney. And the custom Readers’ Preview menu featured no-frills, classic Westernised Chinese dishes drawn from those very same Chinatowns.

Access members tried crispy crab wonton with sweet chilli sauce (an Americanised version of crab rangoon), served alongside a fresh spinach, green bean and enoki salad to cut the richness. There was a pared-back steamed scallop dish, with ginger shallots and a soy vinaigrette designed to showcase the flavours of the seafood. Of course, Young’s beloved sweet and sour pork was a hit. It was everything the dish should be – tangy, crunchy and piping hot. And there were curated wine pairings, too.

Guests heard from Young in conversation with Broadsheet Sydney food and drink editor Grace MacKenzie and enjoyed a long, leisurely feast as dishes continued emerging from the kitchen all evening. Conversation flowed as members connected with one another over a shared passion for food and culture. It was a Readers’ Preview to remember.

If you missed out, don’t worry. Access hosts exclusive restaurant previews like this whenever there’s a hot new venue opening in Melbourne or Sydney. To stay in the know, and nab your seat at the next one, join our membership program today.

Did we mention it’s only $12 a month?