Manly’s Papi Chulo has announced that it will be closing its doors on Sunday, April 29. But all is not lost for Merivale fans, with the venue’s departure making way for something rather exciting. A second Queen Chow venue will take over Papi Chulo on Manly Wharf this winter, straight after a slight refurbishment of the existing space.

“We have had a lot of fun at Papi these past four years, but felt the time was right to evolve the space and its offering,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. “Queen Chow has been a tremendous success in the Inner West, so we’re going to take the very best bits from there and create something really special for Manly.”

Executive chef Patrick Friesen and dumpling master Eric Koh will be taking charge of the food offerings, serving up a modern Cantonese menu that will feature around roast meat, live seafood and dim sum.

But Papi Chulo’s departure won’t be without its own celebration. The smokehouse and grill has launched a ‘best of’ menu for its final few weeks. Menu favourites abound from both the past and present, with Friesen crafting the menu with help from old and new staff.

“Papi Chulo had a lot of bangers on her menu over the years and this is our way of giving Manly locals and our regulars one last bite. Of course, it had to match with Autumn seasonality, but quite a few old-timers have made a comeback. I can’t wait to have the porchetta again,” he says.

There’s the famed pea guacamole, served alongside Papi’s signature smoked meats with hot wings and comeback sauce, porchetta, pulled pork and Rangers Valley wagyu brisket, whole baby snapper, King prawns, Riverine hanger steak and the charcoal chicken platter. There’s also the Papi Chulo for burger fanatics, the crispy fish, and a hot chicken sandwich making an appearance. A chocolate chip and macadamia cookie, salted caramel brulee tart and tres leches with grilled stone fruit prove that there’s dishes for both sweet tooth and savoury fans alike.

“The last four years at Papi Chulo have been incredible, professionally and personally”, says Friesen. “I was proud to call Manly home for much of that time and truly believe it is one of the best postcodes in Sydney. We are excited to give Papi the send-off she deserves, as we prepare the Manly Wharf site for its exciting new chapter.”

Queen Chow Manly
22-23 East Esplanade, Manly
merivale.com.au