Luke Johnson, co-owner of MexiCali, Nobby Beach
We've drawn inspiration from traveling the coastal towns of Mexico and California and the taquerías we visited along the way.
Luke Johnson and a buddy opened a Mexican restaurant in Nobby Beach, it’s called MexiCali and chances are, if you’ve been on the coast for more than a minute, you’ve heard of it. The restaurant has not only become an institution for nachos, tacos and sangria, but it was also one of the instigators of the new wave of Mexican places on the Gold Coast.
Can you tell us where the inspiration for MexiCali came from?
My business partner Will and I met in a bar whilst on a surfing trip in Oaxaca, Mexico, and it snowballed from there. We’ve drawn inspiration from traveling the coastal towns of Mexico and California, and the bars and taco shops (taquerías) we visited along the way.
Favourite thing on the menu?
I’d have to say the Chilli Salt Squid is my favourite item at the moment. Our head chef Mauricio has been with us from the start and is a master of the cuisine, and alongside our kitchen team, the guys consistently produce top quality food for our customers.
When you’re not feeding hoards of hungry locals, how do you like to spend your time
Working! If I can find time though, I try to surf as much as I can. Travel.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Friends, family, travel, good times.
Where’s your go-to place to eat on the coast? (other than MexiCali of course)
Justin Lane – the seafood pizza is too good!
Thoughts on the general food scene on the coast at the moment?
Getting better. It’s good to see some new venues opening up. I do have respect for some of the operators here. Some that spring to mind are the boys from Burleigh Social, Adam from Justin Lane, Simon from Hellenika and the Fish House, Morgan from Bonita Bonita, Mitch from Etsu and Commune, Eddie from Smoothie Shack and Simone from Elsewhere.
Who inspires you?
My brother Matt has always been a big inspiration to me.
What does success mean to you?
Happiness and achieving your goals.
Only a Gold Coast local would know… The crabpot.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Smoothie shack at Nobby Beach.
Relax … Byron.
Indulge … Sydney.
Be inspired … Bali.
Check out MexiCali on The StreetPhotographer.
