Yamagen rejuvenated on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is carving itself out a niche as an Australian foodie destination.

Much of it is because of Yamagen Izakaya.

The 30 years old restaurant, located within the QT hotel on the Gold Coast, has just been revamped by designer Nic Graham.

Graham has created three unique spaces: the bar, table-seki and the sushi, an exclusive sushi counter that seats a mere 15 patrons. There’s a glass box kushiyaki grill set in the middle of the restaurant. Add to that the vibing bar and chic Japanese rock garden.

The food comes from a culinary team including executive chef Adam Lane, along with Perry Fuller, Shintaro Kosugi and Mitsuo Yoshino over at the sushi counter.

They want to create a blend of “east meets west” urban street style, mixed witrh pop-culture kitsch, and the feel of a Japanese fishing village, a blend of share plates, kushiyaki (grilled share dishes), and a la carte items. The menu includes sashimi tacos, pork dumplings, beef skewers, grilled chicken on a stick (yakitori), pork belly with caramelised miso, yellowfin tuna tatare, and miso black cod.

There was a big launch party to kick it off, attracing Johnny Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard and other luminaries like Tim Robards, Kris Smith and a bunch of locals.

Yamagen's executive chef Adam Lane, who came out of Nobu, London's Nahm and Sydney's Sake, says the place is special.

“I love the lightness and delicacy of Japanese cuisine,” Adam Lane told Yahoo 7.

“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.”

Yamagen’s bar manager Jordan Melling has also put together a good offering for discerning diners and liquor lovers – the place offers 67 whiskies. That’s the largest range in Queensland!

by Leon Gettler, August 4^th 2017