Tonka's second coming

Trying to open a second restaurant during the silly season has proven too tricky for Mykal and Kate Bartholomew and chef Adam d'Sylva, owners of Flinders Lane restaurant Coda.

The three have postponed the opening of their new venue, Tonka, until the end of February. "When you have a busy restaurant and it's Christmas time, opening a new business is bound to be delayed," Kate says.

Builders have been in the space for the past two months. The 120-seater will feature installations by Melbourne artist Naomi Troski. The head chef is yet to be finalised, but Tonka's menu is expected to feature flavours from southern India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.