Rooftop bar and dining room now open.
Rooftop bar and dining room now open.
It’s all fun and games in Nobby’s right now as the much-loved beachside suburb welcomes long-awaited, new South-East Asian bar and eatery Miss Mee.
Particularly since we are now allowed to frolic in bars (at a safe distance of course), which means rooftops get their literal time in the sun again.
If you ventured past lately, you’ll no doubt have noticed the changes taking place inside the double storey building where our beloved Hellenika once lived.
Well, the newbie (by the crew at Justin Lane) is now open and we’ve got all the details.
The now iconic space is a centrepiece in Nobby’s, eye-catching and loved amongst locals.
Now Miss Mee has moved in, spiced up the decor and more good times are sure to roll.
Entering from the street you’ll be greeted by a glowing, pink neon sign featuring the lady herself.
Off to your left is the downstairs bar and dining area and to the right, a set of alluring neon pink stairs that you know can only lead to fun (and sure to be the backdrop for many an Insta-snap).
The downstairs area is lowlit, featuring neon lights snaking across the ceiling, a cosy pink and white corner with walls that will keep you entertained for days and a huge, stocked bar for all your sipping needs.
Up those pink stairs though is of course the rooftop bar, decked out in black and white gloss tiles, white high tables, a corner area that can be booked for private events with it’s own neon lit bar and a vintage tuk tuk overseeing it all.
The entire space is absolutely packed with colour, quirky neon lights that add plenty of character and absolutely somewhere you’re going to want to spend some time.
To eat, there are of course many a South-East Asian delight including classics like Nasi Goreng, Pad Thai, Massaman Beef, Green Curry and Whole Deep Fried Fish to name a few.
There are also small plates like Bao, Sticky Chicken wings, Satay Chicken Skewers and Salt and Pepper Squid if you’re keen to try a few.
Banquet options mean you only have to choose from five or eight courses for $49 or $69 per person and there’s a vegan choice too.
To drink, there’s an array of Asian-inspired cocktails to sip including a Smoking Singapore Sling, Miss Mee’s Bubble Tea which is a booze-infused version of the beloved drink and a Spicy Lychee Margarita (among many others).
The wine list is extensive and there are both tap and bottled beers if you’re in the market for a frothy (which you are, because it’s been awhile).
If you’re in need of a colour-infused experience that also includes tasty eats and a unique beverage or two, you’re in luck. Your new mate Miss Mee has you covered.
Pop in this weekend for a long-awaited rooftop jaunt with the crew.
LOCATION: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday 5pm until late, Friday to Sunday 12pm until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
There are certain Gold Coast venues that one can never get enough of. One of which, quite obviously, is Hellenika in Nobby Beach. In fact, if we could just move in and consume Saganaki every day, for the rest of time that would be ideal.
Now that’s sorted, here’s some really great news. There are even more opportunities to enjoy the exceptional eats and abundant good vibes you’ve come to know and love at Hellenika because (how’s the build up) their Brisbane venue is opening this week and Hallelujah.
That’s right Greek food lovers; you may now travel a very short distance, as opposed to all the way to the Gold Coast, to get your Hellenika fill and that is something to celebrate.
The brand new venue can be found inside The Calile Hotel, also brand new and probably your new favourite place on the planet. Owner of Hellenika, Simon Gloftis, says The Calile and Hellenika Brisbane are an absolute match made in heaven and, in our opinion, absolute interior goals the both of them.
The restaurant’s interior, set to be completely different to the Gold Coast, will be all marble and white stone surfaces with vaulted ceilings and skylights and quite the classic beauty. The fitout is a pared back version of a resort-style classic and we are really quite excited.
Now to the food. The menu will be very similar to the Coast’s (including all your faves – Taramasalata Dip, Zucchini Chips and Junee Lamb to name a few) but, with the addition of breakfast, there’ll be a few new dishes for you to fall in love with.
The morning menu will be filled with Greek-inspired breakfast treats like Rizgalo, a rice pudding that’ll be Hellenika’s take on porridge, Bougatsa, a custard-filled filo pastry dish (love you already) and The Onassis, a big breakfast option featuring a lamb cutlet (of course) among other tasty treats.
Oh and there’ll also be a Brûlée Grapefruit dish and a magical dish featuring Greek yoghurt, seasonal berries, crushed macadamias and Manuka honey.
We’ll take one of everything please.
Excitingly, if you opt to stay at The Calile Hotel you may eat said delicious dishes by the pool, celebrity-style.
Also excitingly, Simon has coaxed Hellenika’s original Head Chef and Restaurant Manager, Brian and Tessa Kelly, back from London to oversee the Brisbane venue so you know you’re in excellent hands.
Hellenika Brisbane has been a dream four years in the making so happy days for Simon and the team and us, the good people of southern Queensland who get to eat even more epic Greek food on the daily.
Friday cannot come soon enough.
LOCATION: The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s not often we have the pleasure of chatting about our northern neighbours but there is certainly a lot to discuss when it comes to Brisbane’s dining scene. The most important aspect of which is the city’s adoption of one of our favourite restauranteurs and one extremely talented head chef.
Yes, it’s Simon Gloftis (founder of Hellenika, The Fish House and nineteen at The Star) and Kelvin Andrews (former Head Chef at The Fish House and nineteen at The Star), two of the Coast’s most impressive foodies and now, owners at SK Steak & Oyster.
As you’ve no doubt heard, the pair opened the venue within The Calile Hotel in Brisbane and it is exceptional in every sense of the word.
Before we begin, some context. In late 2019, the pair embarked on an eating tour of the US to ‘gather intel’ (which roughly translates to tasting all of the things) on the style of venue they were planning. They wanted a sophisticated space with white tablecloths, a piano and of course, the highest quality produce they could source.
Which is exactly what they’ve created.
SK Steak & Oyster greets you with a beautifully stocked circular wall of spirits including a stunning array of single malt whiskey’s that we would very much appreciate sampling.
Inside you’ll find an air of unpretentious sophistication with fresh flowers dotted throughout, plants tucked in overhead, a completely open kitchen and a window showcasing some of the finest cuts of meat there are.
The team are dressed in crisp white dinner jackets and are both very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable and the entire experience is one that will stay with you always.
Now to the food and although words may not do it justice, let’s see how we go.
The premise is of course, steak and seafood and as mentioned, it’s of the highest possible quality.
To begin, oysters of course. SK’s are sourced daily and served with a champagne mignonette that takes champagne and oysters to a whole new level.
The seafood platter is a must with oysters, prawns, bugs, mussels and lobster and it is unlike any seafood platter we’ve ever laid eyes on. Fresh, flavorsome perfection.
Next the raw seafood is an absolute taste sensation and we sampled the Raw Yellowtail Kingfish with smoked dashi, white soy and jalapeno and The Petuna Ocean Trout Tartare with shallots, cornichons and capers. Melt in your mouth and beautifully balanced, the both of them.
Now there are a few ways to go and if you’re a risotto lover, Kelvin’s Lobster Risotto is the best you’ll ever have with southern Tasmanian Rock Lobster and crustacean bisque. The flavours guys, too good.
Of course, you’ll want to sample a steak and there are many to choose from depending on your preference. We went for the eye fillet and it was life changing. Crisp on the outside and pink in the middle, soft and just exceptional honestly. No sauce required… but available if you can’t do without.
Sides-wise there is an entire potato menu and we love that a lot. The Moreton Bay Bug Mash Potato is the greatest mash in the world (actually), do yourself a favour. If you’d like a salad too (because at this point, why not?), the SK Signature Wedge Salad has blue cheese dressing (!) and bacon on iceberg lettuce. YUM.
For dessert, you must try the signature Strawberry Cake that Kelvin has absolutely perfected, is sweet and smooth and we’re in love with it to be frank.
To drink, cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, all able to be matched with your dishes and all absolutely sensational.
Quite obviously, it’s worth a trip to Brisbane just to sample the goodness that is SK Steak & Oyster, not to mention you’ll be supporting two former Gold Coasters who have firmly made their mark on the Brisbane dining scene and have zero signs of stopping there.
World takeover? We’re here for it.
LOCATION: Ground floor at The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
HOURS: 12pm to 3pm and 5.30pm to midnight daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
