Chameleon Junction

First opening its doors in late August 2017, Chameleon Junction is the socially conscious venue created by hospitality veterans Harriet Pellizzer and Executive Chef ‘Tinka’ Lander. 

A wonderful addition to Moorabbin, this new concept café, restaurant and bar excites and entices guests with a menu and atmosphere that changes throughout the day (as its name suggests). The restaurant’s versatility sees it start the day as a lively brunch spot and finish the day as a trendy dinner destination. 

The eatery is committed to reducing waste and reducing the venue’s ecological footprint. The kitchen uses BPA-free plastic tubs and the kids dinner sets are made out of rice husk fibres. By using biodegradable materials, even down to the non-toxic crayons available for the kids, Chameleon Junction’s end-to-end pledge to sustainability frames their stance on how food should be prepared and how true hospitality should be enjoyed.

Under the watchful eye of Chef Tinka, the kitchen is in safe hands. The menu features a stunning selection of dishes inspired by contemporary Melbourne cuisine. Expect dishes with European, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, all prepared beautifully.

To start we loved the Fried Calamari. Tender ribbons of battered calamari were served with a delicious red mojo sauce.  The calamari was perfectly seasoned and went beautifully with the sauce.

The Lamb Kofta served with lime pickle, Israeli cous cous and Greek yoghurt was similarly delicious. We loved how the kofta was wonderfully juicy,

Continuing the trend of the dishes that preceded it, the spaghetti was, as expected, superbly executed.  The pasta was al-dente and, coupled with generous amounts of tender fresh seafood pieces and combined with the luscious bisque, had a wonderful depth of flavour.  The dish boasted a rich seafood flavour with a robust undercurrent of garlic.

Our favourite dish of the night, the gnocchi was truly gratifying. Think pillow soft gnocchi served with heady Grana Padano, charred brussel sprouts and roasted root vegetables with a pine nut crumb for textural contrast. Just yum!

If you want some greenery as part of your meal, never fear - You can certainly be friends with salad at Chameleon Junction. The Kale and Cauliflower salad was a beautiful amalgamation of flavours and textures and included a variety of grains all brought together with luxurious raita, crunchy pepitas and pomegranate.

Our visit came to a sweet end with the Buttermilk and Raspberry Jam Pannacotta with ivory sauce and vanilla tuille. Pleasing to eat as it was to behold, the pannacotta was smooth and well made.

Suitable for families and locals, Chameleon Junction makes everyone feel welcomed. Vibrant ambience, stylish interior and an accessible menu reflecting Melbourne’s cultural diversity, Chameleon Junction is waking up Moorabbin with its feel good approach to food. 

Location: Shop 4, 4-6 Station St, Moorabbin (opposite the train station)
Phone: 03 8525 1757
Link: http://www.chameleonjunction.com.au