Wagga’s latest restaurant and function centre Madamelle that is set to open in early October. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
Celebrated Riverina chef Jamie Shepley is opening Wagga’s first Asian fusion restaurant – along with deck, bar and function centre – early next month.
The new venue – Madamelle – will be above his existing cafe Mr. Lawrence. It includes additions to the former Knights building by BC Bennett Constructions, creating a spacious modern venue high enough to take in sweeping views of the Murrumbidgee River.
“This was Brendan Bennett’s vision. He said we need something down the river and thought this could be something spectacular,” said Jamie’s wife and part owner Cassie Shepley.
“We have Mr. Lawrence, which is commonly known and nicknamed Mr. L., and then we decided to go with Madamelle which is a more feminine version and a little bit more fun.
““We’re going for a really casual, comfortable atmosphere with a focus on Asian fusion.
“We’re really trying to take advantage of the river view, and having a beautiful space for celebrations, corporate events, that includes great food, great atmosphere, great outlook and great service.”
An Asian fusion restaurant mixes cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Thai with upmarket Western cooking styles and presentation. Restaurants often serve smaller share plates, allowing diners to order a range of dishes for the table. Popular examples include Akiba in Canberra and ChinChin in Sydney, but we’ve never seen anything quite like it in Wagga or Griffith before.
“We think there’s a real need for Asian Fusion,” Cassie said.
“We have some great Asian restaurants in Wagga but this will allow us to encompass the great view of the Murrumbidgee River, have great food, great cocktails, all in a purpose built fun and lively venue.”
A strength of the new venue is the flexibility in its configuration.
“There will be a restaurant, and there’ll be a central deck on the middle which will be dining as well,” Cassie said.
“On the other side there is an event space that can actually break down into three event rooms, or one big, large event room.”
Capacity is still being finalised but it’s in the region of 250 for cocktails, but more intimate for seated dining.
For Jamie and Cassie, Madamelle is their dream, but the Riverina has benefited from their journey along the way.
Wagga restaurateur Jamie Shepley has spent his career bringing quality food to the Riverina. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Jamie Shepley’s desire to bring rave-worthy degustation to the Riverina began when they began Graze restaurant at the popular Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory more than 16 years ago.
Jamie then took his skills and reputation to The Oak Room at Wagga’s Townhouse Hotel on Morgan Street.
From there he was head chef at The Roundabout Restaurant, now known as The Charles on Tarcutta Street.
During the COVID pandemic Jamie opened Mr. Lawrence, before tempting residents with perfectly cooked meat at Hide Steak and Bar at The International Hotel ahead of its move to Morgan Street. That restaurant is now owned by his former chef Sarn Rudd and her husband Darren.
“We’ve got some amazing people in the team so far and this is Jamie’s dream from the start: to open a beautiful space like this that locals and guests to the Riverina will love,” Cassie said.
