Oh what a night! Last week we were treated to delicious morsels and free-flowing Champagne at the launch of Yamagen at one of alluxia's favourite hotels QT Gold Coast.
Yamagen; already a hero of the Gold Coast dining scene for over 30 years, has just re-opened its doors with a sleek new look.
Yamagen has been carefully designed to ensure the overall dining experience is more than just a culinary journey. Designer Nic Graham was tasked with reimagining a traditional Japanese izakaya – or casual eating house – with the added objective of 'upping the ante' on an expanded bar component in keeping with the hotel's upbeat holiday vibe.
Naturally, QT's design DNA of quirky contemporary fusion became the defining road map, and the result is an invigorating blend of "east meets west" urban street style, pop-culture kitsch, and Japanese fishing village charm.
"What is great about QT is that it allows us to play within the boundaries of what is a strong cultural eating style and aesthetic deeply rooted in tradition to a dramatic and somewhat irreverent effect while still honouring its history," said Graham.
The new look was unveiled last week with more than 400 invited guests sampling the new menu. VIP guests included Amber Heard, Kris Smith and Tim Robards who were only too happy to snap a few selfies with guests. The fabulous event also featured Japanese dancers, musicians and drummers and the after party kicked on at the Stingray Lounge until the wee hours.
With an all-star culinary team at the helm including Executive Chef Adam Lane, Yamagen blends old school kitchen samurai skills with new school chef innovation. Yamagen reinvents a traditional Japanese izakaya with a stylish and innovative twist. Spanning three unique spaces Yamagen's culinary journey has been carefully crafted with some of the finest Japanese chefs.
"I love the lightness and delicacy of Japanese cuisine, and I really enjoy the
challenge of mixing ingredients that you wouldn't usually think of putting together – finding the perfect balance of flavours is what keeps our work exciting," said Lane. "I am thrilled to be bringing this to Yamagen and we will constantly be innovating to bring new and exciting dishes to the menu – Yamagen will always excite and challenge the palate."
Seating up 76 guests, the innovative menu includes Sashimi Tacos and Ura Maki Rolls. Table-seki is the restaurant's main dining area and the best place to take advantage of the full Yamagen experience. With dishes such as Terryaki Chicken with crispy skin, local warrigal greens, charcoal roasted leeks in a house made teriyaki glaze to Crispy Pork Belly with nashi pear, wasabi, watermelon radish and smoked vinegar. Our favourite was the Sashimi Tacos with salmon and spicy tuna, yuzu avocado, warm sushi rice, sesame, watermelon radish and house spicy mayo. Yum!!
Adding to the experience is Yamagen's exclusive sushi counter, led by Mitsuo Yoshino. Here, guests experience an authentic omakase – a stream of market fresh sashimi and sushi, as well as delicate share plates, like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare – expertly selected by the chef.
The dining experience also extends to the bar, where Yamagen melds classic cocktails with modern Japanese inspiration, using unique Japanese ingredients such as sudachi (Japanese citrus fruit), gyokuro (shaded green tea), yuzu bitters (citrus), shiso leaf (Japanese style mint), matcha (ground green tea) and Sake.
Jordan Melling, QT Gold Coast's Bars Manager, has also curated one of the most extensive range of Japanese Whisky in Queensland (65 - including Yamazaki 25 Y.O., Hibiki 30 Y.O. and Hakushu 25 Y.O.) and adds to the whisky drinkers experience through hand-chiselling ice blocks ensuring premium purity and a slower melt time.
Yamagen is stylish and innovative Izakaya dining that will transport you to the vibrant back alleys of Tokyo, so get ready for the hustle and bustle!
Yamagen is open for dinner six nights a week from 5.00pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Book a stay at QT Gold Coast at alluxia here.
