Know what time it is? No, not hammer time but Langham time! Thursday 23rd June, the GC’s long-awaited luxury hotel The Langham, Gold Coast (along with Jewel Residences also managed by the luxe-perts at Langham), will unleash a level of lavish we’ve only seen in the feeds of our fave cashed-up influencers! Only no filters required ladies and gents – this priceless gem between the jewels (quite literally) is pure posh perfection, with dining options of the same calibre thanks to a star-studded culinary team.

The Langham is dishing up hotel dining industry veteran Craig Robertson as Executive Chef, served with a side of Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele, and for dessert/all things pastry (our weakness), Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson.

For ‘starters’ (pun totally intended), Craig Robertson boasts over 35 years’ industry experience and 20 years’ as an Executive Chef leading large-scale teams in luxury hotel environments. Translation, the man can cook anyone under the table…or the Gaggenau oven. Robertson’s most recent gig was Executive Chef at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort where he led the Culinary Operations across multiple outlets with diverse, international cuisines.

Like we mentioned, joining this icon is Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele. Originally from Belgium, David has over 25 years of experience in Michelin Star fine dining and luxury hotels across the world, including Belgium, Australia, London and New York. Most recently leading the F&B pre-opening operations for the launch of the first Curio hotel brand in Australia, this star is definitely Langham-worthy.

And the icing on the cake is Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson, two-time recipient of the Belgium Chocolate Master, plus maker of the 2009 Best Praline in the World. Ryan was previously Pastry Chef for Belgian chocolate brand, Callebaut, Head Pastry Chef at a 3-Michelin star restaurant in Belgium, and is currently team captain for the Australian Pastry Team prepping for the 2023 World Pastry Cup. What a résumé!

Together the exceptional team have created unique culinary offerings across the variety of new Langham Gold Coast dining venues. These range from a humble club sandwich and decadent buffets through to Japanese robatayaki, Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine, and award-winning cocktails. No prizes for guessing which of the above we’ll be sampling first….cheers!

So, if anyone can deliver a world-class dining experience to elevate your senses, it’s this trio. Forming an integral part of the overall luxury experience for guests, the extensive range of dining options will provide a cohesive feeling of luxe. Plus, there is a strong focus on sustainable produce, and a collaboration with local suppliers to create a bespoke Langham experience unparalleled on the Gold Coast.

So do yourself a favour, and book yourselves in for a deluxe stay-cay and sample all of our region’s finest eats venues, all in the one spectacularly flash hotel location. And when we say flash, we actually mean it because your phone’s camera will be in overdrive capturing all the highbrow glamour and style of The Langham, Gold Coast experience.

For reservations or to find out more about the experts leading The Langham, Gold Coast’s dining experiences, click here.

Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise.
When: Bookings are available now. Official opening – Thursday 23rd June 2022.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST

It’s almost a rite of passage of our youth, sloshing (stumbling) around in muddy fields for days on end, the never ending festival queues and lost mates. So what do you do when your love of live music remains but the mere thought of that sentence makes you feel like a nap, and your mud tolerance left right around the same time the bottle-o stopped asking you for ID? Well, *drumroll pls* because our beloved Blues on Broadbeach, is swooning and crooning its way back to us for its 23rd year!

One of Australia’s largest free music events, this year the beachside fest that never misses a beat will transform Broadbeach from Thursday 16th May until Sunday 19th. And after striking a chord among music lovers for some two decades now, this GC institution sure knows a thing or tune about showing us a blue-dy good time!

Set to take the stage over four funk-filled days, this year’s line up is jam-packed with International headline acts including the smouldering musical stylings of American folk-rock icon, Melissa Etheridge, Ana Popovic, and blues-rock collab Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton.

With gigs going down across 16 of Broady’s finest venues and stages, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling the ultimate guide to the best spots at which to grab bevvy and bite while you soak up the best of the ‘Fest.

Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
If you’re revelling in or around the Kurrawa beachfront and find yourself in need of a refuel, The Oasis Shopping Centre is going to be your jam for all things delish and refreshing. Though it may be the most convenient pit stop to the Kurrawa Park Stage, you’re certainly not compromising on choice or caliber when it comes to dining options. If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed or bevvy – the likes of Elk Espresso, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Grand Dynasty are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Victoria Park Stage
Nude Amigos
Perched right by all the Victoria Park stage action, this Mexican eatery and margarita bar is the perfect venue to sit back with a cocktail, treat the tastebuds and drink in those live tunes. Fresh, local produce takes centre stage for the entire lineup of enticing eats – in the form of next-level authentic Mexican fare. The menu ranges from bites that will perfectly pair with any of the signature margi’s, to a full blown banquet option – top it off with the toe-tapping sounds of some world-class acts and you’re in for a wine-derful time.
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Federation Park Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
If all that festival-going has you craving some Greek eats and hospitality, Unicorn Seafood Restaurant can and should be your o-fish-al port of call this Blues on Broadbeach weekend. Located down the Surf Parade end nearest the Federation Park Stage, this seafoodie Mediterranean gem has got you sorted with a satisfying all-day menu – including a seafood platter to die for, and sea-riously why wouldn’t you?! Surrounded by blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Surf Parade Stage
Vida Broadbeach
If you’re frolicking in the vicinity of the Surf Parade Stage and feeling a little famished – our suggestion is to head to Vida Broadbeach without delay. Don’t let the fresh face fool you, this dapper debutant has all the makings of a star – serving elevated seafood, Mediterranean flavours and crafted sips, plus some show-stopping good looks to boot. If festivities fuelled by Crab Bruschetta and Truffle oil fries are wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 95 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Oracle Boulevard Stage
kōst Bar & Grill
This contemporary bar & grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, has redefined the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach. Luring us in with the hypnotising aroma of flame-grilled food and an equally enticing facade kōst Bar & Grill has a front row seat to all the action on Oracle Boulevard.

Treat yourself to everything from boujee ‘bar snacks’ like coal roasted potato, labne, smoked roe, through to the roll of the moment, bay lobster roll, gem lettuce, kōst signature sauce, and the premium Australian wood-fired lobster where 24 hours notice is required #worththewait.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Den Devine Stage
It’s Broadbeach’s 365 home of jazz and blues – so it’s only fair that Den Devine should get its own dedicated Blues on Broady stage! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Broadbeach Mall Piano Bar
Harajuku Gyoza
Gyoza load of all the festival action, then hop on over to Broady’s very own beer stadium and dumpling bar, Harajuku Gyoza to top up the tank. It’s dinner and a show x2, since you also get to watch the chefs prep goodies through the kitchen’s open glass windows. There’s also an array of Japanese-inspired cocktails and craft beer on tap – aaah, that should put the pep back in our step after all those questionable dance moves (… just us?).
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose Stage
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, and the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their very own stage – some might say it’s a real Blues on Broady ‘moose-t do’! A tap house with a prohibition themed twist, the vibes here are always immaculate – one of the best if you’re looking to grab a well-deserved drink after bopping away all day/night long.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
A stalwart watering hole for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis – The Broadbeach also gets the honours of being one of the official music hubs for the festival, as is good and proper! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

The Lucky Squire Stage
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven, so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put two and two together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub across two epic levels, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting bragging rights to its own stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up vibes when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader

Who doesn’t love an all-day menu – and an extensive, Mediterranean seafood infused one at that – and we know you all do, so #AllEyesOnUs. GC, may we present Unicorn Seafood Restaurant and no, this is not us describing its supernatural deliciousness (although, there’s that too) – it is literally named Unicorn Seafood Restaurant. This may ring a bell to Kingscliff folk and for good reason, because both unicorns share the same maker and yeah, this is beginning to sound like the next sci-fi instalment of Star(fish) Wars. Time for us to scale back on the seafood and mythical horse funnies and get back to the task at hand – telling everyone how so-fish-ticated the food is at Phoenician’s newest eats destination.

Earning a rep as the best seafood restaurant on the NSW north coast, Unicorn Seafood Kingscliff didn’t let a little ole thang like Rona get in the way, opening its doors mid-pandemic and never looking back. Fast forward to February this year and second time is definitely a charm, with the Broadbeach arm setting the local foodie scene alight with its seafood-erranean (the Bennifer of seafood and Mediterranean) goodness.

Well known for delivering a seamless dining experience with impeccable food, service and amazing ambience to boot, proud local owners Mr. and Mrs. Sharma has produced another o-fish-al crowd favourite. Upon entering the space, you’re suddenly living your best life in the exotic surrounds of the Mediterranean, with refreshing blue and white hues and relaxing ocean murals. Combined with a welcoming, relaxed and laid-back vibe, it’s an all-rounder done right. Mixed booth and chair sitting adorn the inside, and outside dining gives us the GC meets coastal Euro feels.

To start proceedings, we recommend the Beetroot Feta with pita bread and a round of Oysters (any which way you like). If you’re keen on an entrée (same) and crustaceans tickle your fancy (same again), it’s no accident that the $50 Lobster Mornay here is the signature special and people pleaser. And if you don’t order it, make sure your +1 does because sharing is caring and if they object, well that’s just ‘shellfish’.

The Whole Sole is another Unicorn specialty with natural flavours in abundance, and if you feel like going all out then friends, behold the Seafood Platter for Two. It has all our ocean’s finest, including fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed dozen oysters (natural, mornay and Kilpatrick), barbequed bugs, barbequed prawns, garlic prawns, fish, calamari, lobster mornay and fresh fruits to freshen the palette. There are also several prime meats, pastas, poultry and vegetarian dishes on offer so if seafood doesn’t float your boat, trust us – there are endless mouth-watering alternatives that will.

If you’re still hungry at this point (and we’d be surprised if you ordered the platter because we reckon it could feed a small country), how about Strawberries Romanoff for dessert or everyone’s fave, a classic Sticky Date Pudding. Please sir, I want some more!

Something else unicorn-status worthy is the wine (bottle prices range from $39 to $160) and cocktail menu. With around twenty to choose from, we suggest starting at the top and working your way down. Get the party started with an Oyster Shot with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire and Tobacco, before playing posh with a French Martini with Chambord, vodka or gin, pineapple juice and garnished with a cherry on the rim.

So next time you’re Broady-bound, come sea for yourself that a real-life unicorn exists and enjoy a truly fin-tastic feed.

Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
When: Open 7 days

Words by Bianca Trathen

Story sponsored by UNICORN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT