Readers will know that whilst I am a bit hesitant in trying out modern fusion adaptations of Asian food, I have always tried to keep an open mind. This has paid off in quite a few instances and I've really enjoyed some of those meals. So although I had heard of the opening of Little Valley by the infamous Rick Shores (which Iron Fist cannot stop complementing), it hadn't really made my list with its modern Chinese cuisine. Having said this, I did not hesitate to agree when our friend suggested we go there for a birthday party celebration.
Situated down a side alley on Warner Street, there was a sign that indicated that entrance could be found down the laneway.
Arriving before our reservation of 6pm, we were told that our table wasn't ready yet and given a lounge seat near the bar to wait. We had full view of the epic open kitchen which was always enjoyable to watch.
Our table was finally ready a good 20 minutes after our reservation, which was unusual given that we were one of the first groups that evening. Thankfully, the birthday girl had already made an election ahead of time and our banquet menu was set without us having to deliberate over what we were going to order.
From their signature cocktails, I tried the Waking Panda. Containing Vodka, Elderflower, Mandarin and Citrus, I loved the fruity punch, but it was light in alcoholic punch. All our friends who also got cocktails found this to be the case across the board.
Sitting on a long table with 11 other people, we were grouped to segments of four, and so our shared dishes came out in four our little congregation. First up was the Cured Scallop, Spiced Pumpkin Seed, and Chilli Oil. These were a definite flavour punch to kick of our meal, the scallops were well marinated, chilli was spicy and pumpkin seed added so much texture to it, but unfortunately this overpowered any fresh taste to the scallops.
We also had the Prawn, XO, Corn Siu Mai. These were small bite sized pieces and we each had two. Although named Siu Mai, these tasted a lot more like har gow. The skin was quite thin and delicate, we liked the fresh prawns inside and appreciated that the xo sauce and corn didn't overpower the prawns.
Interluding with a Cleanser, this was fresh and crisp with a refreshing citrus tang before we started the more substantial dishes.
Before we arrived we had actually run into a couple of friends on our way there, and the Chinese Bolognese with Nduja XO Sauce and Prawn Floss was their favourite dish here. Although we did really enjoy the noodles with its light spice, al dente texture and unique stringy pork floss, the portion sizes alone left much to be desired. As mentioned we shared our dishes between four and ended up with little more than one tablespoon's worth of bolognese, hardly enough to properly savour the dish by any means.
Another of the larger dishes was the Pork Cheek, Mustard Greens with Apple Sweet and Sour served with Jasmine Rice. Again, shared between four, this meant that we only had two strips of pork each to accompany our rice. Although the pork itself was crispy and well seasoned, I only wish there was a little more. As for the sauce, it was a little too sweet for my tastes.
Also to go with the rice, we had a standard dish of Baby Asian Greens, Ginger, Garlic and House Oyster Sauce. These were cooked well with a tender crisp result. It tasted more or less like what my mum makes every night at home.
For dessert we had some Salted Duck Egg Steamed Buns. The buns were sweet and fluffy. I enjoyed the runny custard centre but didn't particularly like the crunchy undissolved sugar shards inside.
Unfortunately, even after paying $59 per head, half our group still had to go for a Maccas run after the meal, so it is definitely not an experience that I could recommend.
Taste: 5/10
Value: 4/10
Service: 8/10
Environment: 8/10
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