Birdcage was a winebar with food to suit, which we called Tapas Japanesque. The wine list was full of interesting lighter reds and aromatic whites, and I studiously avoided Chardonnay. It was located in the foyer of the old George building in StKilda. My partner was Bruce Dowding, an accountant who established Rochford Wines in Macedon, made some great Pinot’s and owned Café Society for a few years. He was also my partner in Prentice for a time.

Our original chef was Kazu Nomura, who had previously cooked at various restaurants around Melbourne, including The Society and most notably le Japon. Kazu was a brilliant chef with a caricature chef’s temperament. Our first sushi chef was Hiro Nishikura who now owns and runs Shira Nui, 247 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley (03) 9886-7755. I think it’s Melbourne’s best Sushi, both Hiro and his nigiri have an Elvis quiff. Mitsuo Shitanda followed Kazu. Mitsuo is great chef and one of the world’s gentlemen. We name name our best Wagyu bulls after Mitsuo san. Steve Kovac’s and Becc poured wine and sold countless serves of Joh Sushi, these days Steve owns Miss Jackson 2/19 Grey Street, St Kilda (enter from Jackson Street) 9534 8415.

Ben Canadier, Richard Cornish and Dave Mac were some of the many regulars who adorned the bar stools while Japanese Businessmen chatted up 7 foot transvestites named “Kevin” and I upset Real Estate Agents who’s nick name is “puppy dog”.

Peter Walsh painted the walls in a trompe d'oillestyle. Ollie McGill and an abbreviated Cat Empire provided music on a Friday. Here is the link to the bootleg CD.

We had a successful run for two years until selling it. I had previously worked at The George with Don Fitzpatrick as well as Dogs Bar with a spell at Tolarno with Iain Hewitson in between. StKilda has changed and I’ve moved away, other than the occasional double shot latte at Miss Jackson or a late night Coopers at Barney Allen’s.