Spicy new spot serves chicken with a difference

Award-winning chef Aaron Turner has returned to Australia to open another hot-chicken outlet, this time in Geelong. The Hot Chicken Project is due to open in two to three weeks in a single shopfront in Geelong’s arts precinct. Turner is teaming up with Kate and Nathan Veach (Bistro at Banks and Kilgour Street Grocer and Cafe) and Nathan Johnston, of Geelong-based Cartel Coffee.

In 2013, Turner closed his acclaimed Drysdale restaurant, Loam, which he ran with his ex-wife, and headed to Nashville, Tennessee. He returned to Melbourne to set up Belle’s Hot Chicken in Fitzroy with Morgan McGlone in July 2014, before returning to the United States. Turner was reluctant to talk about his involvement in Belle’s, saying only that he had sold his share. McGlone says he wishes Turner all the luck with his ‘‘Geetroit’’ project. The lure of living by the beach and good business opportunities has drawn Turner to Geelong, where he plans to open a second restaurant.

The Hot Chicken Project will serve spicy, Nashville-style hot chicken (from mild to blow your head off), natural wines and craft beers. The 40-seater has a vibe Turner describes as ‘‘Nashville ghetto’’.

The Hot Chicken Project, 84a Little Malop Street, Geelong, will be open for dinner from Tuesday to Thursday, all day Friday and Saturday and for brunch on Sunday