So it pleases me to no end when I find out about new Filipino restaurants that are doing well.
On our recent trip to the Gold Coast I became aware of two new restaurants. One is called Sampaguita and the other is Mooli, both located at Mermaid Beach.
The focus of this post though is Mooli. Mooli, according to Chef Owner Rodi Solatan, is another name for daikon or labanos. The reason being, Mooli is a joint Filipino-Japanese restaurant. The Gold Coast being a “tourist” area has got a sizeable Japanese population so it makes business sense to combine the two.
After a full day at the beach Mooli’s range of traditional Filipino breakfasts (available all day, I should add) were exactly what we were craving. We ordered Tapsilog (pan fried sirloin served with garlic rice and egg) and Longsilog (Solatan sausages served with garlic rice and egg). We also tried their Adobo (Pork Stew in Soy Sauce), siopao (steamed pork buns) and empanaditas (Solatan fried pasties). To top it all we also tried their JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken).
The tapa was a bit dry but the rest of the dishes we ordered were excellent. The Adobo is more Chinese style with the strong presence of star anise but it is very good nonetheless. High commendation goes to their Solatan loganissa and Siopao! The longanissa was so good I could eat a dozen and still want more. Their Siopao reminded me so much of how it tastes back home! Mooli is worth visiting even just for these two menu items!
We intended to eat at the restaurant’s premises but there was no space available for us as there was a party being held on the same night we visited. Mooli is actually on the small scale. It can probably fit only about 20 people at a time. It’s designed more as a take-away café rather than a full on eatery.
I am extremely grateful though to Tita Liz and Chef Rodi for accommodating us despite the busyness of that evening. It’s clearly printed on their menu that “bookings are essential” and I can understand why...they serve excellent food!
Mooli is about an hours’ drive from where we live but we’ll surely be back very soon!
Mooli
Rodi & Liz Solatan, proprietors
6-2529 Gold Coast Highway
Mermaid Beach 4218 QLD
07 5575 6974
Thanks also to Patrick & Pilar for their generosity that evening
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13 comments:
Looks like some great pinoy eats! I'm with you on the decline of some Filipino restaurants. Here in Chicago, our cuisine is poorly represented by mediocre restaurants. I wish that we as a community could be more vocal and make Filipino cuisine more accessible and approachable as other Asian cuisines.
The food was definitely good!
Sad to say, some of the restos that have shut can only be described as mediocre...
I suppose we do our bit by blogging...
Your post and Joelen's comment really highlight the frustration I feel regarding the availability and familiarity of Filipino cuisine! Thailand and Malaysia actually have government-supported programs in place to promote their food in other countries, providing capital to open restaurants and sending seasoned chefs overseas. They're on to something! Look how popular Thai cuisine is in the US given that the Thai ethnic population is a fraction of Fil-Ams (3rd largest Asian group behind only Chinese and Indian). It's a shame - Filipino food is awesome!
I hope to explore this issue in future posts - it's really a big deal for me! 8-D
Wow, that's a passionate comment!
Didn't know 'bout those gov't supported ventures...but sounds like a good plan...don't know though if Phil gov't can afford it though...
i'm looking forward to your post 'bout this!
i have had the opportunity of sampling their dishes and most certainly recommend a return... well done Mooli.
Thanks Anonymous!
mooli in Visayan is "to come home".
Thanks for that Edik! The Solatan's actually come from the Visayas region...just not sure which part. We'll be visiting them again early next month...tanungin ko sila!
The Solatans come from Cebu City, Philippines.
I am Rodi's sister presently residing in Maryland, USA
Nice to meet you here Maria Theresa! Thanks for dropping by!
I am a supporter of Mooli. Not just because of the beautiful food but more so on the personal touch of Tita Liz and Tito Jun. They truly present the real meaning of the word, hospitality. Mabuhay to Mooli and also to you, Elmer, for taking the time to include our very own Mooli to your "beancounter."
M. Liu
No probs Maritess.. nice of you to drop by... i try to do my bit to promote Pinoy food downunder... thank God for Mooli for being excellent at everything...
Every time I miss Filipino food we always go to Mooli. I love the lechon and pok sinigang. Thanks to Chef Rody and Tita Liz.
Highly recommended for those who wants to eat excellent Filipino food. My husband and his family loves Filipino food and can't wait to visit Mooli again.
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