Former Hellenika premises at Nobby Beach on Gold Coast to reopen with ‘Asian twist’ on Justin Lane restaurant

The former Hellenika restaurant at Nobby Beach has been transformed in preparation for its launch on Friday. See the photos.

THE former Hellenika restaurant at Nobby Beach has been transformed into an ‘Asian twist’ on popular hangout Justin Lane in preparation for its launch on Friday.

Co-owners Ayman Muhor and Jenna Hamill, who also own pizza and pasta eatery Justin Lane in Burleigh Heads, said this afternoon that they will launch Miss Mee to the public on Friday after months of renovations.

Miss Mee is designed to offer a casual dining experience, in contrast with fine dining establishment Hellenika, and a menu heavily influenced by Thai cuisine.

“Expansion had always been on the cards,” Ms Hamill said.

Miss Mee co-owners Ayman Muhor and Jenna Hamill at their Nobby Beach restaurant. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

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“Ayman has always been an entrepreneurial person – he always liked to be expanding.

“When this came up it seemed like a no-brainer (to take over the restaurant). It is very similar but very different at the same time to Justin Lane.

“It is far enough away from Justin Lane…..to replicate something with a point of difference but still delivering that fun relaxed vibe we deliver there.”

The couple, both frequent travellers to Thailand, took over the former premises of Greek eatery Hellenika in November last year from noted restaurateur Simon Gloftis.

They launched their new Mediterranean-inspired venue in time for Christmas called Loki and not dissimilar Hellenika.

General manager Johnny Hall at the new Miss Mee restaurant. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

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However, they say Loki was not what they wanted to roll out to the Gold Coast and they ended up shuttering the operation in January after just a few weeks and letting the staff go.

“We took on all of Hellenika’s bookings and honoured those,” Ms Hamill said adding that the menu was largely unchanged.

“We kept everyone employed over the Christmas period but it was not the right fit for us.

“It was not what we had a passion for. This had always been in the back of our minds and after giving it a go we are so proud of what we have achieved.”

The new venue can seat, with COVID restrictions in place, 56 people across both the lower and upper levels. It can seat more than 200 per sitting at full capacity.

Miss Mee will reopen on Friday. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

The interior has been designed by Space Cubed and Artwork Gallery to reinforce the ‘casual vibe’ through neon lighting, Thai-inspired graphic art and booths seating large groups.

Dishes on the new menu include Mh How, which is caremilised mince, chicken and pork, ground up and served on a wedge of pineapple.

“We love Thai cuisine. They use a lot of very fresh produce – stuff you can eat every day.

“Three of the chefs we have are from Bangkok so it is very authentic.”

They used a consultant called Max Mullens, who has worked with Thai food expert David Thompson, to design the menu.

Ms Hamill said they aimed to appeal to a broad cross-section of the Gold Coast population.

“We want it to more relaxed and casual with more emphasis on good cocktails – we’ll look to have a DJ over the weekend – as opposed to just focusing on having great food.”

Opening hours are Wednesday to Thursday 5pm to late and Friday to Sunday 12pm to late.