Kiyomi, Gold Coast

Kiyomi Gold Coast

Dressed with edible flowers, green apple matchsticks, foie gras and mizuna
this scampi is a feast on the eye and a seductive dance on the palate.

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Gold Coast in sunny Queensland is world famous for its seemingly endless stretch of beach along its coastline.

Japanese real estate investors poured hundreds of millions into this sunshine haven and made it one of Australia’s hottest tourist destinations in the 1980s. But what is a resort without a casino that adds so much glamour and excitement to a vacation?

Owned by the Echo Entertainment Group that also operates The Star casino and resort in Sydney, Jupiters Hotel & Casino was established at the Gold Coast in 1985. And after thirty years of entertaining holiday makers from every corner of the earth, it is now embarking on a 345 million transformation to lure more gambling and entertainment dollars. This upgrade boasts a sparkling new poolside, two new restaurants and stylish hotel room designs.

With the kind invitation of Wonderland Publicity and Jupiters Hotel & Casino, I am here to check out the hotel and its new facilities.

Welcome to the Gold Coast

Chauffeur Allan at his gold stretch limousine

Chauffeur Allan at his gold stretch limousine

I am greeted at Gold Coast airport by chauffeur Allan, who is tending to a gold stretch limousine from Jupiters.

“Good afternoon sir and welcome to the Gold Coast” he says with a smile.

Interior of the Ford stretch limousine

Interior of the Ford stretch limousine

He introduces me to the hotel’s stretch limousine which is spacious to say the least.

“It’s a beautiful day isn’t it?” he tells me. “Help yourself to a drink and we should be at the hotel within thirty minutes” he adds as I stretch my legs and sink into the plush black leather seats.

Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Located in Broadbeach just twenty minutes north from the Gold Coast airport in Coolangatta, Jupiters offers holiday makers a chance to spin a few dollars on the Black Jack and roulette tables.

Kiyomi Japanese restaurant by Chase Kojima is now open

Kiyomi Japanese restaurant by Chase Kojima is now open

But I’m not here to gamble at the casino today.

Rather, I am eager to check out a brand new Japanese restaurant where the brains behind the food is already well known to so many Sydneysiders.

Lobby of Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Lobby of Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Kiyomi is a rare Japanese citrus fruit that is a hybrid between a mandarin and an orange.

At Jupiters, Kiyomi is the spanking new Japanese restaurant headed by Executive chef Chase Kojima who also oversees the food of Sokyo at The Star casino and resort in Sydney.

Located on the same mezzanine level as the lobby, the restaurant has a vista over the entrance into the casino on the ground floor.

Kiyomi, Gold Coast

Bar tender preparing two Chasing Kiyomi cocktails at Kiyomi, Gold Coast

Bar tender preparing two Chasing Kiyomi cocktails at Kiyomi, Gold Coast

I meet up for pre-dinner drinks with PR and marketing executives from Jupiters, Wonderland Publicity and esteeemed fellow food bloggers Gourmantic and Inside Cuisine.

The cocktail menu looks like a dream girls’ night out on a couple of pages.

As I walk into the bar area, the bartender is topping San Pellegrino mandarin sparkling onto a couple of signature cocktails.

Chasing Kiyomi 

Chasing Kiyomi $18

Chasing Kiyomi $18

Served in a tall glass, Chasing Kiyomi is Tanquery gin, Grand Marnier, orange bitters and Aperol topped up with San Pellegrino mandarin mineral sparkling.

A liquored cherry cradled by an orange peel adds a tinge of sweetness to a crisp, citrusy finish. This one turns out to be my favourite among five Kiyomi cocktails this evening.

Japanese margarita 

Japanese margarita $18

Japanese margarita $18

I am a not a fan of cocktails but I love downing margaritas in a single gulp after licking the entire rim to gather as much salt as I can on my tongue.

This Japanese margarita with Herradura Plata Silver tequila, Cointreau, agave nectar and yuzu juice tastes too much like any margaritas I have had in my time.

The black salt rim (presumably black salt harvested from volcanic regions around the world) as stated on the menu is obviously missing.

Yuzu Collins 

Yuzu Collins $18

Yuzu Collins $18

A Tom Collins is probably as iconic an American cocktail as a Singapore Sling is to the Raffles Hotel though the latter might be younger by almost a century.

Served in a tall glass to the traditions of a Tom Collins, Yuzu Collins at Kiyomi is Tanqueray gin, kakushigura shochu, yuzu juice, bitters and sparkling soda.

Lacking in sugar sweetness, I suspect it might be a modern interpretation of the original.

Momoiro Sour

Momoiro Sour $18

Momoiro Sour $18

Momoiro Sour mixes onigoroshi junmai, shiso leaf and lime juice with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Personally, I find this cocktail too tangy and wonder if sweet sake is best mixed with lime juice.

Uma 

Uma $18

Uma $18

Uma is Japanese for horse and this cocktail has been designed with its elegance and poise, combining sweet flavours of Canadian club complemented with kakushigura shochu, yuzu juice, vanilla infused sugar syrup and ginger beer.

Seared scampi with foie gras, apple and mizuna

Seared scampi with foie gras, apple and mizuna $9 each

Seared scampi with foie gras, apple and mizuna $9 each

As it should be, scampi is so lightly seared it is sashimi-like.

Relieved from their shells, the scampi is dressed with edible flowers, green apple matchsticks, foie gras and mizuna on bamboo leaves over a bed of crushed ice. Green apple offers crisp tartness against rich foie gras, gently teasing the subtle sweetness of the scampi. It is a mouthful that sings complexity and elegance.

Though everyone on the table left the scampi head alone, I found sucking out the innards to be one of the highlights of this dish.

Hiramasa kingfish, miso ceviche and crispy potato 

Hiramasa kingfish ceviche, miso and crispy potato $19

Hiramasa kingfish ceviche, miso and crispy potato $19

Having worked with legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa may have influenced the trademark pairing of green chilli with raw fish.

Slivers of hiramasa kingfish ceviche are enhanced by sweet miso while a filigree of crispy deep-fried potato offer crisp textural contrast.

Tuna tataki, asparagus, enoki and tosazu leek sauce

Tuna tataki, asparagus, enoki and tosazu leek sauce $24

Tuna tataki, asparagus, enoki and tosazu leek sauce $24

Slices of seared tuna tataki gloriously red in the middle are garlanded with colourful flowers.

Tosazu leek sauce is perhaps chef Kojima’s take of an elegant Japanese style vinaigrette that brings together the seafood and leaves.

Moreton Bay bug with grapefruit, sambal, mayo and vinegar 

Moreton Bay bug with grapefruit, sambal mayo and vinegar $24

Moreton Bay bug with grapefruit, sambal mayo and vinegar $24

Tempura is very much refined in crisp morsels of Moreton Bay bug.

The spiciness of sambal mayo is subtle though I prefer the tangy vinegar as a dipping sauce.

Dewazakura Seijo Karakuchi (Yamagata) $71

Dewazakura Seijo Karakuchi (Yamagata) $71

Seijo Karakuchi is Dewazakura’s table sake that can be served hot, warm or cold. It displays subtle herbal aromas with a crisp and dry finish.

Choosing cold means we have a carafe with a hollow cradle for crushed ice that keeps the sake chilled.

Dengakuman toothfish, caramelized miso and cucumber

Tasting portion ~ Dengakuman toothfish, caramelized miso and cucumber (full size $37)

Tasting portion ~ Dengakuman toothfish, caramelized miso and cucumber (full size $37)

Dengakuman toothfish is smoky from the binchotan.

The combination of sweet caramelized miso from the grill with the flaky and succulent texture of this fish possibly one of the most beautiful mouthfuls that one can experience with seafood.

Wagyu +9 striploin, eschalot and spicy teriyaki  

Wagyu +9 striploin, eschalot and spicy teriyaki $55

Wagyu +9 striploin, eschalot and spicy teriyaki $55

Wagyu striploin arrives with charred aromas and a healthy blush of pink.

Each slice is tender, full of beefy flavours and enhanced by a spicy sweet teriyaki.

King brown mushroom, truffle poke and lime  

King brown mushroom, truffle poke and lime $14

King brown mushroom, truffle poke and lime $14

King brown mushrooms are intricately scored to absorb earthy truffle flavours with a tinge of tangy lime.

Queensland roll, Crispy rice & spicy tuna and Tai Nori 

Queensland roll $23 (top left), Crispy rice and spicy tuna $20 (bottom left) and Tai Nori $19 (right)

Queensland roll $23 (top left), Crispy rice & spicy tuna $20 (bottom left) and Tai Nori $19 (right)

The showcase of Chase Kojima‘s sushi begins with crispy rice and spicy tuna, Queensland rolls and Tai Nori.

Crispy rice and spicy tuna, Queensland roll and Tai Nori

Crispy rice & spicy tuna, Queensland roll and Tai Nori

A slice of tuna rests on a crispy log of toasted rice with a dollop of spicy mayo adding a tinge of creaminess to the fish.

Tai is laced with shio konbu salsa and craddled by a sheet of crispy nori that bursts of sweet fish, tangy lime and textural elegance.

Queensland roll combines sweet spanner crabmeat, soy paper, avocado puree and puffed rice. Unlike most nigiri sushi, this one takes on a sweet and creamy mouthfeel with gentle pops from the puffed rice.

Goma street

Goma street $14

Goma street $14

Goma street is one of Kojima’s most popular desserts at his Sydney restaurant.

It is replicated here and this familiar sight brings back sweet memories. Chocolate and black sesame ice cream combine with a swoop of black sesame paste that resembles Japanese calligraphy.

Dark chocolate disks are interspersed with sesame mousse and cystallized black sesame pops while crumbly bits of sesame caramel complements the ice cream.

Chase Kojima, Executive chef of Kiyomi, Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast

Chase Kojima, Executive chef of Kiyomi, Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast

Chef Chase Kojima greets us after dinner to tell us about his inspiration for Kiyomi’s menu that is driven by the freshest of seafood and seasonal ingredients that Australia has to offer.

Kiyomi is like the little sister of Sokyo in Sydney.

The menu is tighter with some of the most popular dishes such as the tuna tataki, Hiramasa kingfish ceviche, crispy rice and spicy tuna set to entice the Queenslanders.

Kiyomi at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast

Kiyomi at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast

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Hotel & accommodation 

Superior king room ~ Standard level accommodation

Superior king room ~ Standard level accommodation

Our visit to Kiyomi includes complimentary accommodation at Jupiters.

This room is spacious with a long desk and television though its 1980s design is apparent. Wifi connection is complimentary at the hotel’s lobby level though incur additional charges in the room.

Mini bar, complimentary tea and coffee

Mini bar, complimentary tea and coffee

A mini bar is well stocked with red, white and sparkling wine, juice, beer, soft drinks and standard liquor.

A view of the city from the hotel room

A view of the city from the hotel room

The view from the rooms is either overlooking the new swimming pool or coastal views of the beach.

Swimming pool, Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Swimming pool, Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

I decide to work off last evening’s beautiful dinner with a few laps in the pool the next morning.

The Robert Gatenby Boardwalk, Gold Coast, Queensland

The Robert Gatenby Boardwalk, Gold Coast, Queensland

The location of Jupiters on Broadbeach Island is merely a fifteen minute walk to the nearest beach.

Kurrawa beach, Gold Coast

Kurrawa beach, Gold Coast

After a 6km walk along Kurrawa beach, I have burnt off last evening’s indulgence and I am ready to check out the buffet breakfast.

 Buffet breakfast at Food Fantasy

Breakfast juice counter

Breakfast juice counter

Buffet breakfast at Food Fantasy starts at 6.30am daily to 10am daily.

For the health conscious, there is a variety of fresh juices and fruits to cleanse and detox.

Fresh fruit counter

Fresh fruit counter

Passion fruit, apples, pineapple

Passion fruit, apples, pineapple

Waffles

Waffles

Crisp waffles, butter and maple syrup awaits those feeling a little more wicked.

Streaky bacon, scrambled eggs and sausages

Streaky bacon, scrambled eggs and sausages

Beetroot, watermelon, green apple & orange juice

Beetroot, watermelon, green apple & orange juice

Streaky bacon, scrambled eggs and sausages

Streaky bacon, scrambled eggs and sausages

And after that morning swim and a beautiful walk along Kurrawa beach, it’s time to tuck into a hearty brekky before heading back to Sydney.

Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

Jupiters Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast

ChopinandMysaucepan dined courtesy of Wonderland Publicity and Jupiters Hotel & Casino. Interstate return flights, airport transfers, accommodation and breakfast at Food Fantasy were compliments of the hotel. Prices are included for readers’ information. All views and opinions on this blog post are our own at the time of attendance.

The buffet breakfast at Food Fantasy starts at 6.30am to 10am daily. Price for adult is $30, children 5 – 12 years $15 and children aged 4 and below at for free.

Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast
Broadbeach Island (off Gold Coast Highway)
Broadbeach, Queensland

Tel: +61 7 55928443 or 1800 074 344

Kiyomi on Urbanspoon

Food Fantasy on Urbanspoon

Kiyomi opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm – 10pm

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11 Responses to Kiyomi, Gold Coast

  1. Love the look of that dinner – assume you didn’t drink you way through all those cocktails – I was feeling dizzy just reading about them:)

    • Chopinand says:

      Dear Rachel,

      Actually, I did drink my way through all those cocktails (in addition to the sake and some Japanese whisky) since I needed to taste in order to write about them.

      It was comforting to know I did not need to drive and all I had to do was stumble my way back to the hotel room :)

  2. Nice ride! And how incredible was that scampi?!

  3. Raymund says:

    Sounds like a dream weekend to me, you are so spoiled :)

  4. I haven’t been down to Jupiters in ages. I’m so glad they invited you – your reviews are some of the best and always even handed and honest. All that food looks SO good!

    • Chopinand says:

      Dear Maureen,

      Thanks for your kind words. I’m not sure about doing the best reviews but I always try to be objective and fair when writing about a restaurant.

  5. Hotly Spiced says:

    I haven’t been to Jupiters and had no desire to go then but then came the renovation. I’m so glad it’s been so much improved. I’ve read your review of Sokyo before and agree that Chase is an incredible talent and we are lucky to have him in Oz. Fantastic that he’s opened up on the GC xx

  6. I just can’t keep my eyes off that Tuna tataki – it looks delicious!

  7. That wagyu!!!
    And that amazing tray of waffles 😀

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