Tommy Tacos expands with Lo’: a Southern style bistro in the former Homme space

It was just over six months ago that chef Tomas Bidois brought his humble taco pop-up to a Highgate laneway.

Since then, Tommy Tacos has become a cult favourite of sorts, and a must-visit for any taco enthusiasts around town – but before he fell in love with Mexican food, Bidois spent four weeks travelling around the south-east corner of the US.

It’s this southern American cuisine that Bidois will bring to his latest venture, Lo’ – which will take over the former Homme space at the front of his laneway taqueria at the start of June.

One of Perth’s most beautiful dining rooms, the restaurant’s large scale wood-fired oven will be put to good use “to bring an element of smoke or fire to most dishes”.

Riffing on southern classics, you can expect to see comforting plates like a mammoth Berkshire pork chop, brined in tea and apple juice – and served with braised greens and “Hoppin’ John”: a southern staple rice ‘n peas.

Of course, more southern staples like buttermilk biscuits with fried chicken and shrimp and grits will make an appearance, alongside wood-roasted oysters with casino butter.

You can also get your fix for weekend breakfasts, serving an indulgent, hangover-busting fried chicken and waffles with miso maple butter, steak and eggs with country gravy and fried boloney and egg sandos – not to mention a make-your-own Bloody Mary menu.

Speaking of drinks: the focus of Lo’s drinks list will be suitably American, with a curated selection of bourbons, American and West Australian wines plus cocktails that evoke a hot summer in the south – think fizzy peach iced teas and mint juleps.

Lo’ will be located at 448 Beaufort Street, Highgate, and is scheduled to open on June 5, 2024.