A new Japanese rooftop cocktail bar has opened at the former Madame Brussels CBD location. It’s the seventh venue that Mamas Dining Group has opened so far; from Suzie Q to the Windsor Wine Room, Straight outta Saigon and Hochi Mama 3000 to name a few.
The Write Drop spoke to CEO and Director of Mamas Dining Group Thai Ho for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I live in Melbourne at Ferny Creek which is tucked right at the edge of the Dandenong Ranges. It is one of those places where nature feels like part of your daily rhythm. Mornings start with kookaburras echoing through the trees, and on weekends I love heading out to the 1000 steps track walk. It is peaceful, grounding and a lovely contrast to the energy of working in hospitality. Being surrounded by greenery gives me space to reset, recharge and stay inspired.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The most unforgettable meal was my very first experience at Nobu. I still remember trying the miso black cod for the first time. It was one of those dishes that completely shifts your perspective on what food can be. The texture, the balance of sweetness and umami; it opened up my entire world to seafood and the possibilities within Japanese cuisine. It was the first time I realised that a single dish can be both simple and incredibly layered, and it has stayed with me ever since.
FAVOURITE BAR
Eau De Vie has always been my go-to. There is something about stepping inside that space. The dim lighting, the theatre of the bartenders, the way the whole room feels like a secret that never gets old. My drink of choice there is the Honey Butter Old Fashioned #2. It is smoky, creamy and incredibly smooth, almost like a warm hug in a glass. The balance of butter-washed whisky and honey creates this rich, mellow sweetness that I absolutely love. It is one of those drinks that feels indulgent without trying too hard, and it’s the one I return to every time.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
An old-fashioned is a cocktail that sums me up best. It’s timeless, steady and confident. There’s something about the way it bridges the old, the new and the present that really resonates with me. Classic at its core, but always open to a twist depending on the moment. It’s a drink that evolves while still knowing exactly who it is and I like to think my personality reflects that too.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Nothing fixes a rough morning like a plate of mie goreng topped with a perfectly fried egg. It’s the kind of comforting, salty, slightly greasy hit that brings you back to life. After that, a good long sauna session to sweat everything out, followed by an unapologetically deep nap. By the time I wake up, I feel like the system has reset itself. Perfect cure, every time.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
When I head to Sydney, my perfect night always starts at Fred’s. After dinner, I always make my way downstairs to their jazz bar which has become one of my absolute favourite spots in the city. The atmosphere is intimate, relaxed and full of soul. My go-to order is an Old Fashioned made with a good wood-fired bourbon. It is simple, precise and full of character, which is probably why it has become a constant for me. It is the kind of drink that rounds out the night exactly the way I like it.
FAVOURITE WINE
Little Giant Shiraz has become one of those bottles that always finds its way to the table when I’m with friends or family. It’s approachable, full of flavour and incredibly easy to drink which makes it perfect for shared meals and long conversations. There is something grounding about a wine that does not need to be complicated or expensive to bring people together. For me, Little Giant has become that reliable pick. Comforting, familiar and always enjoyed in good company.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Polperro Winery in the Mornington Peninsula is a place I always recommend. There is something incredibly calming about the drive down, and the moment you step onto the property you feel that mix of fresh air, rolling vines and understated luxury that the Peninsula does so well. The wines are beautiful, especially their pinot noirs, but it is the whole experience that stays with you. The scenery, the food, the atmosphere. It is the kind of winery you visit once and immediately plan your return.
NEXT DESTINATION
Japan is next on my list, specifically a trip through Niigata which is one of the country’s
most celebrated sake-producing prefectures. The region is known for its pure snowmelt water and exceptional rice which together create some of the cleanest, most elegant sakes in the world. The purpose of the trip is more than just tasting. I want to meet the local brewers, understand their craft, hear their stories and see the traditions behind each bottle. There is something special about sake made by small, family-run breweries who have been refining their methods for generations. Bringing that authenticity back to DISUKO is the goal, expanding our sake list with producers we have met in person, whose philosophy and craftsmanship align with the spirit of the venue. This journey is as much about connection as it is about flavour, and I’m excited to showcase more of Japan’s true sake culture on our rooftop.
HOW DO YOU PAIR SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES WITH DRINKS AT DISUKO?
At DISUKO, the food and drinks are designed to speak to each other. One of the recommended pairings is the Saikyo Miso Octopus with a glass of Toji sake. The octopus has this beautiful sweetness from the miso and a gentle smokiness from the grill, and the Toji sake cuts through it perfectly. It’s clean, balanced and brings out layers in the dish you might miss otherwise.
Another favourite is the Hotate Mentaiyaki with our Mr Roppongi cocktail. The richness of the scallop and the creamy mentai topping meets the bright, zesty kick of the drink, and the whole thing just works. It’s the kind of pairing that reminds you why food and cocktails should be a conversation, not an afterthought.
NOW OPEN
Disuko:
Level 3/59-63 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
