Alamat Gold Coast joins the Mr Kojima fam.
Alamat Gold Coast joins the Mr Kojima fam.
Holy hizola Gold Coasters – brace yourselves, your tastebuds, and your tums. A name foodies and fans of Asian-inspired eats likely know and love – one Mr Jon Hizola himself – has unveiled his brand new venue, Alamat Gold Coast.
Delivering our fill of contemporary Filipino eats, new foodie haven Alamat Gold Coast is alllll that and then some – as a spot brought to us by the man, the myth, the culinary legend behind local eats icons Mr Kojima at Chevron Island and then Masu Izakaya at Burleigh Heads.
Armed with that famed Hizola flair, the much-needed addition delivers diners the delectable flavours of the Philippines, with a modern take on Filipino-inspired fare – a cuisine, up until now, that has remained a relatively sparse offering on our culinary circuit.
As if a whole lot of local nosh notoriety isn’t enough to make us immediately want to drop everything and high tail it on over – the sound of the house specialities, such as the signature dish – Davaochon, made with roasted pork belly marinated in lemongrass served with homemade Mang Juan sauce – makes it damn near irresistible. Alas… we shall instead summon all of our self control and remain steadfast in our dutiful efforts to deliver all the GC’s #breakingbrews (for now).
Located just off the bustling Marine Parade strip, Alamat lies tucked just beyond Southport’s Loder Street bridge. While the new spot was also selected for its proximity to our local Filipino community, the addition signifies a mouthwatering win among the emerging nosh scene in the GC’s northern neck of the woods.
Those chomping at the bit to get a glimpse of the 50 pax newcomer, can expect a moody, yet inviting interior, clad with rich and rustic timber surfaces and greenery set against a palette of dark greys and blacks. Jons vision was to create a venue which was inspired by his core childhood mems – a warm, welcoming space first and foremost – one which invites locals to officially kickstart their culinary love affair with the flavours of Filipino culture.
The dream team behind this very chic fit out included builder Robert Quiambao, while the interiors were led by Brissy designer Nikki Domingo, though valiantly as the space vies to steal the show – ultimately, it’s inevitable that any swoon-worthy menu Jon cooks up will get all the glory #nocontest.
A man who certainly stand the heat, Head Chef Ricky Malooy heads the kitchen team, with 10 years experience including a residence at luxury Philippines destination Dusit Hotel Davao.
The dynamic duo has dug deep to deliver a menu of flavour-packed contemporary Filipino eats – bringing modern techniques to the traditional recipes reminiscent of their roots.
Much of the menu’s ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, though for authenticities sake some ingredients – such as the Ube Liqueur (a precolonial root staple crop of the Philippines) featured in the mouthwatering Manila Side cocktail, are imported. And we can all agree if there’s one thing that maketh a must-sip cocktail, it’s authentic ingredients.
So Southport, if you haven’t yet stumbled across this little gem, it’s high time you swing by. And for the greater GC – will Alamat make the trip worth your while?
We definitely think so. (But feel free to throw in a couple ‘a Manila Sides to really seal the deal.)
A side-quest is in order, sooner rather than later guys.
Where: Shop 8, 158 Marine Parade, Southport
When: Wednesday – Sunday 12pm-3pm, Dinner 5pm-9pm late trading on Fridays and Saturdays
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
If suburbs were reality show contestants, in the years gone by we definitely would have nominated the Coast’s all-work, no party CBD for a Beauty and The Geek style makeover (Southport being the latter, obvs #soz) But somewhere over the last few years, we must have blinked and suddenly Southport has got itself a grown up and decidedly more glam look #glowupalert
Gone are the days where we watch the Southern suburbs with mild disdain and try to keep our #fomo in check, because luxe new central GC hotspots are popping up left, right and centre. Just last week we introduced you to Southport’s latest takeaway coffee hookup, a chic new local worthy of making many a Melbourne laneway blush. Now we’re back with another new face to add to the growing list, and it’s the kind that invites you in to luxuriate over everything from laidback drinks to sophisticated soirées.
Equal parts tropi-cool and art deco chic, Como Kitchen & Bar is Southport’s latest newcomer and let us tell you, she’s a beauty. New owner Harrison Runje knows a thing or two about what it takes to run a successful GC venue after he grew up pitching in at his family’s restaurants in Byron and Hope Island for as long as he can remember. With that kind of hospitality pedigree running in the family, it’s should come as no surprise that his debut has been stronger than a good Affogato.
With a well-placed tram stop across the road conveniently linking the Central suburbs into the GC’s buzzing nightlife scene, Harrison saw the potential to meet the demands of a growing social hub among further plans slated for Southport in the coming years #watchthisspace.
Swinging open the doors on their glam new digs in February this year, the brief for Interior Designer Leanne O’Toole was to deliver a sophisticated yet inviting space that oozes Palm Springs meets the Gold Coast. An abundance of luxurious teal velvet seating invites you to take a load off, complemented by tropical greenery, lush pops of brass and geometric features. Meanwhile, the neon signage lights our way to the bar which has been fitted out head to toe in glistening gold, seductively drawing us in like hapless moths to a flame.
Speaking of moths to a flame, if you haven’t yet peeped the menu, we’re happy to report it is every bit as inviting as those stunning interiors. Like all the best Head Chefs, Paul Falzone drew inspiration from all over – from his Maltese/Italian roots to previous experience from fine dining kitchens and cuisines all over Australia. And he’s whipped up the perfect blend of Modern Australian meets Mediterranean fusion style eats with all of the deliciousness and none of the pomp.
Firstly, we are always here for a menu arranged by hunger levels bc #practical. They might be Small Plates but they sure pack a punch: ‘coz the Moreton Bay bug roll w/ lemon chive mayo, house made hot sauce in a brioche bun is comin’ in hot, closely followed by Sweet & spicy fried chicken w/ honey sesame seeds & green chilli sauce. And it would be totally shellfish of us not to not also mention the Pan fried scallops w/ creamy lemon, white wine cream sauce & pancetta.
Moving on to Large Plates, and if you haven’t already ordered a drink you’re going to need one to mull over all these choices. It seems a (w)risky move to skip the Whiskey pork belly w/ caramelised apple & cauliflower puree, but word on the street is the signature 12 hour slow cooked 1kg lamb shoulder served w/ chimichurri, roasted potatoes & seasoned greens is a feast not to be missed.
And our favourite menu of all, is of course the shaken, not stirred variety – aka the cocktail list (just kidding tho, we’ll take our cocktails however they come – shaken or stirred is a-ok with us). The we really lychee the sound of the holy grail, or rather Holy Lychee with Vodka, lychee liqueur, grapefruit juice. But it would be really hard to beat getting girls together for a big ‘ol pitcher of Como’s Green Gimlet share cocktail with Cucumber Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Apple Juice, Simple Syrup & Soda Water #cheerspitchers
Residents of Southport and surrounds rejoice, because it’s finally time for our friends and fam to come to us next time time celebrations are in order. With all the swagger to rival our southern neighbours, top notch nosh and cocktail specials that change weekly, Como Kitchen is set to keep the GC como-ing back for more.
Where: 410/411 1 Como Crescent, Southport
When: Tues-Sat 11am – Late, Sun 11am – 8pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Shiro Gelato & Snack is Southport’s new HQ of sweet and savoury Japanese small bites (and licks) you Japaneed to be acquainted with, like now, arigatou gozaimasu.
Perched just a hop skip and a yum from the G’s Southport tram stop, the conveniently positioned new venue is a #snaccident waiting to happen for lucky passersby. For owner Kei Okamoto, a well-placed location was the main priority when selecting the new spot for Shiro Gelato & Snack. His former experience dishing up street food style Japanese eats at markets, combined with head chef Shodai Kawakami’s ten-year culinary expertise is the ultimate matcha made in heaven.
The two-legged fuzzy ball mascot featured throughout the shop’s signage is your subliminal sign to leg it on in to discover the array of treats that await. The interior fit out was handled by the Shiro crew (what can’t they do), with a simply-appointed and welcoming space framed by classic crisp-white subway tiles – while the seductive glow of those house-made gelatos glisten from the cabinet beyond. The intimate, corridor style space offers limited casual seating to lick, sip and savour until the #hanger safely subsides.
For those not familiar with Japanese fare, you might be wondering just want you can expect from the Shiro Gelato & Snack menu. Think authentic light Japanese bites worthy of quashing the most serious of snack attacks (though, with a couple of Onirigi’s under the belt, you may still feel a lot like rolling on out of there).
The aforementioned savoury specialty Onigiri, is a popular Japanese rice ball lunch and snack dish, as tasty as it is convenient to nom on-the-go. The Shiro offering includes six signature flavours such as a classic salmon and takana, made with Japanese leafy green mustard pickles and spices promising a slightly spicy and tangy flavour. Though we also like the sound of the Negi Miso – Shallots, miso, citrus chilli paste a shal–lot.
For sweet tooths, curb your cravings by sinking your teeth into the beloved jelly-like, traditional Japanese sweet treat that is Warabi Mochi.
Though we’ll never miss an opportunity to gush about gelato (umm hello, we live for this), and the Shiro Gelato & Snack selection of Japanese flavours does not disappoint. Japanese eats enthusiasts will be soy into the Kinako – a roasted soybean flour flavour most commonly compared to peanut butter. Joined by yet more mouth watering contenders such as Black sesame, Matcha white chocolate, miso caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and lemon flavour.
Can’t decide which sweet treat you’re in the mood for? Same. Might we suggest a thinly Mochi-wrapped (and/or topped!) gelato scoop for the ultimate best of both worlds action.
There’s no doubt lucky northern locals will bento-ver backwards to get their Shiro Gelato & Snack fix, while for everyone else this little Southport side quest is a tasty snackrifice well worth taking.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
When: 11:30am–10pm daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Japanese food is absolutely heaven sent.
Made up of a myriad of mouthwatering flavours, intricate cooking techniques and perfect presentation, each dish seems more like art than eats but luckily for us, it is both.
Especially in the case of Chevron Island’s new Japanese eatery, Mr Kojima by a man whose dishes you’ve no doubt sampled before now.
That man is Jon Kojima and his culinary expertise has spanned over 30 years.
So yes, he knows what’s up when it comes to preparing a tasty dish.
Now Mr Kojima can be found right in the thick of it on Thomas Drive on Chevron Island with plenty of parking spots and it’s just lovely in general.
The space is long and narrow with wooden slats lining one wall, Japanese-style art at the front and a pretty textured wall behind the bar.
Which is stocked with plenty of sakes and Japanese whisky of course.
The food though is the star of the show and you can dine at both lunch and dinner time with a different menu for each.
At lunch time there’s an array of Bento Boxes to choose from including chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian varieties plus side dishes like Crispy Prawns, Wagyu Gyoza and Kingfish Carpaccio to name a few.
At dinner time there’s an extensive menu packed with everything from a Raw Bar with everything from Oysters to Beef Tataki, Taco Tartare and Salmon Usuzukuri.
You may then move onto sushi and small dishes like JFC Karaage, Crispy Prawns, Peppered Squid, Yakitori and Scallop and Crab.
Mr Kojima’s main dishes are where the magic happens and you’ll absolutely want to sample eats like Beef Cheek Katsu, Barramundi, Black Cod Miso Yaki and Rib Eye Fillet – along with pretty much everything else.
To drink, the aforementioned sake and Japanese whisky plus cocktails of course.
We’re quite fond of the Pink Geisha with vodka, shochu, strawberry and watermelon and the Imperial Garden with sake, vodka, lime, yuzu, mint and cucumber.
Mr Kojima is the kind of place you’ll want to keep going back to and indeed, it seems the local clientele have returned time and time and time again.
Laidback, friendly and with incredible dishes, what more could you want?
Head in to taste is all for yourself.
LOCATION: 1/62 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday 11am until 9pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
