Aaron Turner is turning up the heat in Victoria’s seaside getaway of Anglesea this summer, opening a second location of The Hot Chicken Project. The casual eatery, which the Igni chef first opened in Geelong in 2015, opens tomorrow in Anglesea and brings together Nashville fried chicken, natural wine and an easy-drinking beer the chef has made himself.
“Those coastal town guys kind of get left behind,” says Turner, who grew up on the Victorian coastline. “We just wanted to do something cool and fun and professional down that way. We’re trying to cross the city with the coastal vibe; it’s all about keeping it cool and fun.”
The menu at the Anglesea location will include the classics from the original in Geelong, including fried chicken based on a recipe Turner picked up when he was living and working in Nashville, alongside typical American sides like slaw, fries and pickles. Turner’s go-to order is hot wings with blue cheese sauce and a side of slaw. He’s also planning on spicing up their seaside offering with a menu of seafood dishes featuring local produce, to be launched later this summer.
Drinks-wise, there’ll be two natural wines from local winemaker Anthony Brain of Livewire, who the team have collaborated with to create a limited-edition viognier on skins and a free-run cabernet franc. Turner has also been busy working on a beer under the name Radicale. The American wheat session ale, which comes in a distinctive hot-pink can, is the first from Turner, and will be followed by a second beer in the near future.
The Hot Chicken Project is also planning some parties towards the end of the year featuring DJ decks in the carpark next door, some of those hot-pink cans and, of course, plenty of fried chicken. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for more details.
The Hot Chicken Project, 143a Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea, Vic, no phone, thehotchickenproject.com.au. Open 7 days, noon-9pm.