Golden Monkey

This article first appeared in the Jul/Aug 2012 issue of World Gaming magazine.

Boasting cafés and watering holes inspired by cultures from every corner of the globe, Melbourne is a multicultural melting pot. The Stallion caught up with Adam Ong, owner of one the city’s hottest nightspots and eateries, Golden Monkey.

Melbourne is one of my favorite places to party. It’s safe, exciting and there are just so many options. Late one night I thought I would trot on down to see my old mate Adam Ong and his nightclub Golden Monkey, an establishment everyone has been talking about.

After heading down Monkey Alley and descending the staircase I found myself in what appeared to a 1920s style opium den, only without the scent of illegal narcotics. Instead I was enveloped in delicate aromas of the Orient and for a moment didn’t know if I was in China or Australia.

The knowledgeable and attentive staff guided me through the maze of wooden screens to a seat at the bar, which I chose over a spot at one of the many hidden-away tables. Feature pieces of antique furniture, tea lights, cushions, decorative lanterns and stylish music are some of the ingredients that make this place special.

WGM: So Adam, we already know you are a proud Australian, but where does your heritage come from?

Adam Ong: I was born in Victoria but my Mum is from Guangdong, China and my Dad is from Penang, Malaysia. My parents met at Victoria Market while my Mum was working in her family’s fruit shop. My Dad was a student studying medicine at Melbourne University at the time.

WGM: Were there any additional difficulties becoming a businessman because you were Chinese Australian?

AO: In terms of the path I chose… no. For me it’s an advantage because Golden Monkey’s customer and staff base is an equal mix of Westerners and Asians. As I grew up in Australia I have always been able to understand and interact well with both cultures.

WGM: Were you always an entrepreneur? When you were younger did you think you would do something else?

AO: I never actually knew what I wanted to do until now. I actually enjoyed all subjects at school from art to math to science. I eventually chose to study commerce at Melbourne University as it had wide career options and was the “Asian” thing to do [laughs]. However, it was during university when my world opened up and I discovered all the excitement of nightlife. So this is when I decided with my business partner Michael Chen that we would open up our own bar.

WGM: When did Golden Monkey open and what is it about the place that you love so much?

AO: Golden Monkey opened on 8 December 2005. What I love about the bar so much is that it reflects and pays homage to my Chinese heritage but twisted in such a way that it appeals to people of all different cultures and backgrounds. Many Australian’s only interaction with Chinese culture is at their local Chinese restaurant. So it’s nice to be able to show them another side. Most importantly our staff are very warm and friendly, and it’s like one big family at our bar.

WGM: So Adam, where to going forwards – a Golden Monkey in Macau or even Shanghai?

AO: Michael and I recently helped opened a bar in Taipei called BEAU with a group of friends from Hong Kong. Things work very differently in Asia and we are still getting used to their taste in drinks, food and music. In terms of a Golden Monkey in Asia, I have always thought that would be like selling ice to Eskimos! At present, we are in the brainstorming process of a new restaurant concept in Melbourne. As soon as things become more concrete WGM will be the first to know!

Golden Monkey’s decor is reminiscent of old Shanghai

This is the kind of bar that will transport you back to a time of romance, mystery and decadence that might have been found in old Shanghai, only with slightly more upbeat music. Every Tuesday from 7:30pm Opium Jazz plays blues, groove and live jazz and on Thursdays from 9pm you can catch Shaolin Funk’s brand of live soul, R&B, hip hop and funk.

The food menu features incredible Asian cuisine from Chinese yum cha favorites to tasty Japanese izakaya dishes, perfect as a full meal or a simple bar snack. I wasn’t with the Panda so I declined the food, but what I saw looked very tempting.

The cocktail list is a work of art, featuring everything from delectable Asian-themed signature creations to quintessential old-school classics. A glance at the back bar reveals a jawdroppingly large collection of luxurious and rare spirits that ranks amongst Melbourne’s biggest and best. Sure you can just get a beer or a vodka lime and soda but if you want to get creative there are plenty of options to choose from.

Rum lovers shouldn’t miss the “Melbourne Rum Club” on the first Monday of every month where you can indulge in rum tastings, rum cocktails and rum tales. In addition to being the perfect place for a date, Golden Monkey is also the ideal place to host a private function.

Owner Adam Ong is truly proud of what he has created and claims all customers are treated to Golden Monkey’s world famous “monkey love”. This is the perfect place to chill out and the whole WGM crew (including yours truly) will be spending a good deal of our time here when we are in Melbourne for the Aussie Millions in January.