Another epic brunch spot from the crew.
Another epic brunch spot from the crew.
The year has kicked off in a good way Gold Coasters. We’ve already been gifted a few sweet new venues and from what we’re hearing, there’s plenty more on the way.
And one that’s already here that you don’t need us to tell you is an absolute must-visit is Espresso Moto Mermaid and see, what a time to be alive.
The team who started their run in Palm Beach quite a few years ago, have opened a similarly epic space on a corner block in Markeri Street with plenty of good vibes and even better brews and eats on offer.
The space wraps around the street facing block with open windows all around, both outdoor and indoor seating, plants suspended from the ceiling and dotted throughout and of course, a neon sign in the back reading ‘Moto Nights’. Which we all know are the best kind.
Recycled timber from Burleigh Second Hand has been used to craft the windows and a vintage surfboard shapers bench has been repurposed too. It all comes together perfectly.
Now if you’ve had the pleasure of visiting the OG in Palmy, you’ll know the eats are as good as it gets. Luckily, some things don’t change and we can confirm the same for the newbie.
The Bacon & Egg Roll has (and always will be) a firm favourite, absolutely stacked with streaky Canadian bacon plus aioli and housemate tomato relish on a twisted ciabatta slipper. The goods.
There’s also the You all know me A.E.P that we LOVED. It’s got all of the avocado, edamame, and pea smash with pumpkin hummus, spinach, bullseye beets and wasabi peas on toasted sourdough. Defs taste that one.
Plus Eggs Benedict with house made hollandaise on ciabatta with a choice of bacon, smoked salmon or roasted mushrooms AND an epic Breaky Bao with streaky bacon or mushrooms with poached eggs, spinach, chilli jam and miso aioli. Both taste sensations obviously.
To sip, All Press coffee – a big, fat chocolately blend in fact and one we like very much. There’s also an array of fresh juices, smoothies (the banana is heaven), house made Chai teas and soft drinks too.
Keep an eye out for Espresso Moto Mermaids’ Seafood night featuring all your faves; fish and chips, salt and pepper calamari, school prawns and fish tacos to name a few plus of course beer on tap and a selection of wines.
Trust us, their night eats are easily as delicious as their daytime ones.
That’s a lot of good stuff from the crew.
Get down there and show them (and your belly) some love.
LOCATION: 1/88 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
HOURS: From 5.30am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Here we are again to discuss a few of our absolute favourite things –you guessed it – exceptional eats and interiors we would like to replicate in our own homes immediately thank you very much.
The latest combination of the two and our most recent eatery crush, can be found in a little place we (and everyone else) like to call Mermaid Waters, where many a great little venue lives and a spot we will now be visiting a LOT more regularly.
It’s called Project Tokyo and it’s an intimate space found in the precinct where Lucky Bao and Nude Sisters Kitchen also reside, bringing the aforementioned exceptional eats and interiors, Japanese-style.
It’s the work of Franz and Geoff, a hospitality guru and chef who have long wanted to open a venue of this variety and we’re pretty happy they did.
The interior is the work of one OJ Thompson, the genius behind Oi Izakaya, Goto Restaurant in Southport and Double Barrel Kitchen (to name a few). It’s made up of moody blues and natural wood with beautiful, authentic artwork painted onto the walls and flags marking the entrance.
It’s pared back, perfectly put together and exactly the type of space we Gold Coasters love.
Menu-wise you can expect modern Japanese dishes from snacks and starters including the always-loveable Edamame, Lotus Root chips and tasty salads to signature dishes and some absolute stunners off the grill.
The Fried Lotus Chips with Miso Kingfish and Salmon Tataki were a standout and one of Chef Misa’s creations so don’t miss out on that one.
We of course, recommend all of the sashimi – Seared Tuna, Kingfish and Seared Salmon, fresh and delicious, yes please. Next up, the Gyoza is some of the best we’ve sampled, so definitely choose a few of those too.
The Duck Harumake was a standout, a crispy little package filled with duck, carrot and wombok and served with sticky Hoi Sin sauce. Loved it.
There’s also sushi, some very delicious tempura dishes, chicken yakitori (skewers) and grilled scallops you’ll definitely want to taste.
For dessert don’t go past the Chocolate Fondant with Green Tea ice cream, it’s next-level.
In conclusion, you should probably try everything and maybe go back the next night to do it all again.
Project Tokyo is that good.
LOCATION: 90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters
HOURS: Open for dinner Wednesday to Monday and lunch Saturday and Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
