Melbourne’s NGV may be renowned as an art mecca but it seems that it will shortly also earn a reputation for its food offerings. Namely, southern city favourite Supernormal will be moving into the gallery this summer, as a part of a 10-day residency at the NGV Garden Restaurant.

All apart of the NGV Triennial Extra Festival, Supernormal Natsu will make a home for itself at the cultural hub between January 18-28 of early next year. The festival itself is Melbourne’s largest presentation of contemporary art and design, utilising work by 100 artists and designers from 32 different countries. There’s dance, performance, music, bars, food, architecture and conversation expected.

Supernormal Natsu will be providing just some of the festival’s fare. The pop-up venue is a celebration of summer itself, with the word derived from the Japanese haiku poetic word natsumeku, referring to nature’s seasonal change as summer comes around.

The existing restaurant space is expected to undergo an overhaul that will see a hibachi grill placed in the front and centre of the outdoor terrace. Shared feasting is encouraged, with the space to be filled with large oak tables and benches, each designed and created by local Geelong designers Relm.

The menu will follow a similar revamp, with new dishes to be introduced that celebrate the produce of the season that follow the Japanese influence of the venue. Chefs will grill yakitori throughout the night on a charcoal hibachi grill, with cold soba salads, seafood served on crushed ice, packed bao buns and specialty vegetable dishes to accompany. The restaurant will also serve up lunchtime bento boxes which can be enjoyed as a picnic on the lawn out front.

“The Triennial EXTRA festival is an incredible celebration of art, music and fun in the cultural hub that is the NGV- and we get to do what we love to do in one of the most beautifully situated dining rooms in the city. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” says Supernormal Natsu’s Andrew McConnell of his decision to be involved.