Nobby Beach favourite Ally Chow is excited to announce the arrival of their new ‘sister’ restaurant on the shores of Kirra Beachfront: Billy Chow.
Like any sibling, there are similarities and differences between the two restaurants. If Ally Chow is Trent and Leisha Scarr’s tribute to Asian cities and their street food, then Billy Chow is their nod to coastal Asian lifestyle.
Located just beyond the dunes looking across the Pacific, Billy Chow faces the cooling summer breeze and winter sun. To suit the coastal vibe, Billy Chow has moved from Ally Chow’s moody inner-city vibe to a peachy palette showing a femininity that’s open to nature.
With an all-day-and-night dining menu weighted heavily to Scarr’s signature ‘snacks’ such as handmade bao and dumplings, the menu is perfect for grazing. However, it also encompasses flavoursome wok-tossed dishes to share, plates of deliciousness that have been “handmade with quality ingredients, the best produce from the best suppliers”, as well as and Asian influenced cocktails to pair with your food.
Food intolerances and preferences are clearly marked on each menu item, with one of the available banquets being vegetarian.
Some dishes to look out for include ocean trout crumpets with XO butter, tempura Moreton Bay bug bao, beef short rib with banana chilli curry, and the ‘perfect for summer’ mango panna cotta with aloe vera shaved ice.
A cocktail and wine list accompanies the food, the umeshu bubble tea tipped to be the favourite summer beverage, alongside Vietnamese coffee martini and a cherry blossom sour, both sporting an Eastern twist.
Trent shares the kitchen with Head Chef Tony Katipa, who has worked in several hatted restaurants across New Zealand and Australia, joining the team at Ally Chow in 2022.
For Creative Director and owner Leisha Scarr, Billy Chow is the natural progression in the couple’s hospitality journey. Having owned and operated Ally Chow for the past six years, Trent and Leisha believe that Billy Chow is going to be the perfect addition to the Kirra dining scene.
“I am excited to showcase what we have been working on for a few years now, a continuation of what we love to do, creating good vibes and using great quality produce,” Leisha tells us.
The decision to open Billy Chow in Kirra is a nostalgic one for Trent, who grew up surfing the coast.
“I love what we do and want to keep filling the room with happy people,” says Trent. “Kirra has a special place in my heart, so the ocean views are a big plus. I’m excited about making the space buzz, sharing the love of what we do with locals and visitors.”
Top grazing food, stellar cocktails, a punchy vibe and awesome view. Billy Chow has it all…well almost! All it needs is you!
Billy Chow, 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra Beach, Ph: 0437 003 989
NOTE: Good Food Gold Coast dined as a guest of Billy Chow. Photos by Pandanus Lane.