All new everything.
All new everything.
Here’s some happy news for you and the Gold Coast in general. Beloved Broadbeach institution Koi Dining & Lounge Bar have reopened after a few weeks spent completely transforming the look, menu and general vibe of the space.
After an absolutely huge 13 years of operation the Koi team, led by Patrik Gennari, decided it was time to create something bigger, better and fresher and so here we are to discuss it.
The sleek, new design boasts quite the coastal feel with a combination of wood, stone, marble, copper and cane textures. The space has almost doubled in size with the back wall removed to reveal an open kitchen. There’s a casual bar section at the front and both sit down alfresco and indoor dining areas throughout the venue.
The ceiling is one of the most stunning aspects of the space with woven lights by homewares extraordinaires Three Balls Red grouped together to create a beautiful visual effect.
It’s all very open and inviting and the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a delightful dining experience with the crew.
Speaking of dining experiences, let’s chat about the menu which is all new everything too.
Spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is on quality produce with an array of flavours and we would like to eat every single dish possible.
For breakfast, there’s things like Ricotta Pancakes and Salmon Rosti, Pina Colada Bircher and Crab Scramble and of course, a menu specifically designed for the kids.
At lunchtime, the woodfired pizza oven is cranking out flavours like San Danielle, Vegetarian and Wagyu and they’re all some of the best looking pizzas around.
For dinner, start with a Chargrilled Marinated Octopus and then move onto a Chargrilled Premium Beef with a side of Truffle Mash Potato perhaps.
There’s also an array of signature cocktails that you simply must sample and of course, a wide range of wines, beers and spirits.
To sum up, Koi Dining and Lounge Bar is like a whole new venue and one you’re going to want to test out at the earliest available opportunity.
We love.
LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: Open from 7am until late daily
He’s the man behind three of your favourite Broadbeach venues, The Loose Moose, Roosevelt Lounge and Koi, as well as Glass Restaurant at Marina Mirage and mentoring the girls at Broadbeach newbie GG’s Eatery & Bar. With such a diverse local restaurant portfolio, it’s safe to say Patrik Gennari knows hospitality.
We sat down for a chat with the man who has been feeding Gold Coast locals exceptional food for decades to chat being born into the industry and new venue plans for 2018.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast from Sweden 25 years ago.
What is your favourite thing about living here?
The lifestyle, the people and the perfect weather. We seriously live in the best place in the world.
How did your foray into the hospitality industry come about?
I was pretty much born into the restaurant industry with my father owning restaurants throughout Europe and Asia. I went to restaurant school in Sweden and then ventured to the Gold Coast to open my first restaurant 25 years ago.
Of all the venues you’ve opened, which is your favourite to spend time in?
I love spending time in Koi. It was the first big venture I opened and there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into creating it all those years ago. I see it as my baby, so I have a soft spot for Koi Dining & Lounge Bar.
Why do you think they’re each so popular?
The Gennari Group has done a fantastic job of diversifying our portfolio. Our tagline is “something for everyone” and I truly do believe we do.
Your venues are all quite unique, how do you come up with such diverse concepts?
Koi in Broadbeach was the first restaurant of its kind 11 years ago, when we opened it, and we haven’t really changed the format of always delivering great food. It’s all about consistently great food… in prime locations. All our restaurants have fantastic atmospheres. With Glass, we designed the restaurant to capture the magnificent view of Marina Mirage. With The Loose Moose, we noticed a lack of anything like it on the Gold Coast. Same for the Roosevelt Lounge. There was nowhere that offered a beautiful dining experience followed by dancing with live entertainment.
What do you have planned for the remainder of 2018?
I have a few things in the pipeline so you’ll be seeing more of our venues popping up.
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t take anything for granted”. I am constantly trying to better my brands with each brand having some sort of refurbishment every couple of years. I am fully aware that you are only as strong as the people around you.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Beach: Broadbeach
Cafe: GGs Eatery & Bar (formerly Grocer and Grind)
Restaurant: Kyomi, The Star Gold Coast
How do your weekends usually look? The weekends are the busiest part of my week, with late nights visiting all four venues. A sleep in is what I look forward to.
That’s the invitation of Broadbeach’s newest swoon-worthy watering hole and diner, The Loose Moose whiskey bar and restaurant. The brainchild of Patrick Gennari (owner of both Koi and Glass Dining & Lounge Bars), The Loose Moose is centrally located under the Oasis, next to Hatch & Co. and offers a seriously sophisticated setting, in contrast to its kooky moniker.
Inside Gold Coast recently popped in for a bite and we absolutely loved it – mounted moose head and all! Here’s five reasons why we think you’ll love it too!
The Loose Moose has splashed out on some seriously impressive digs. In fact, it could be the most well executed, themed fit out we’ve seen on the coast in a while. Channelling antique steampunk in spades, you’ll want to examine every charming nook and selfie-inducing cranny of this venue.
It’s the little details that make the difference here – the walls are adorned with bespoke copper pipe lighting, cool clocks and vintage photos. Cabinets showcase beautifully preserved, near century-old antiques, while needle gauges in front of the kitchen give you that ‘olde worlde, engine room vibe’, putting you in mind of a time when trains were powered by steam and the moonshine was fierce.
Seating for 140 patrons comes in a perfect mix of robust leather booths and swanky bar stools. There’s even a nifty crank-turn communal table that can be lowered for group dining, or raised for evening cocktails and tapas.
The statement (and sure to become legendary) taxidermy moose head behind the bar is a decor focal point, but it’s the radiant lighting that steals the show. The ceiling radiates orange light behind giant fans and coal orange metal barrels bathe the restaurant in what feels like a fireside glow.
The venue’s only a week old, but you’d never know. The Loose Moose runs like it’s been there for years, with speedy service offered by well turned out staff, who wear a mix of suspenders, hats, fringe skirts, and sparkle headbands.
We spoke with Manager, Adam, who says he hopes The Loose Moose will develop into a bar akin to ‘Cheers’, where patrons and staff are on a first name basis and feel like The Loose Moose is their second home.
Not too an ambitious of a goal, especially when you have a dedicated whiskey cabinet, where patrons’ personal bottles are safely locked up and proudly on display behind the host stand. When their respective owners’ pop in for a drink, the barkeep supplies glasses, rocks and accoutrements for you and your guests.
Finally, electroswing tunes finish off 1920s vibe, putting you in the mood for a suitably stiff drink.
Bar manager, Billie Jean ‘The Whisky Queen’ has done her homework when it comes to stocking the bar. The brick walls are lined with 130 whiskeys, 30 rums, 20 gins, 60 bottled beers, plus a large selection of vodka, cognac, tequila, wine and 15 beers on tap. Phew!
The cocktails resulting from all this exotic liquor are outstanding. For example, rather than a plain ole’ Old Fashioned (Mad Men fans will be more than familiar with this cocktail), why not try a new twist on the old favourite, with a date, apricot, or fig version?
That’s The Loose Moose’s promise, so if you’ve been craving Buffalo Wings or some other naughty North American indulgence, go crazy and keep a relatively clear conscience, or stick with your diet and enjoy something equally delicious, yet light, like their range of tapas or gourmet salads.
All the traditional American favourites are here, served with a grandiose flourish. Like their Captain America Dawg; a huge double smoked brockwurst with jack cheese, pickle mayo, ketchup, mustard, and tangy slaw. The Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try too, as is the Mac and Cheese with smoked cheese and chorizo, the range of chargrilled burgers and melt in your mouth smoked ribs.
Head Chef Michael Dragosevic told us he thinks the Volcanic Ass Burner wings are the hottest on the Coast. If you disagree, be sure to let him know. He has an arsenal of Carolina Reaper Chilli’s (the hottest chilli in the world), and is happy to make your serve ‘hotter than hell’, if that’s what blow your hair back.
As the neon sign by the kitchen says, all menu items are available for takeaway too, so if eating loaded fries on the couch is your thing, you can totally do it. Hooray!
Fancy a breakfast hotdog or red velvet pancakes to get your day off to a tasty start? Your wish is The Loose Moose’s command! It’s open from 7am till late, 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a win-win-win in our book – we love a place you know will be open basically any time you need to chow down.
“Let’s get loose at ‘The Moose!’” is bound to be the phrase on every Gold Coaster’s lips soon. We called it here first! Be it for eggs, or a late night whiskey, The Loose Moose is definitely a place you need to check out.
Hours: 7 days. 7am till Late for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (All items also available for take away)
Location: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Phone: (07) 561 323 56
Website: http://www.theloosemoose.com.au
Copy: Camilla Jones
Photography: Marleigh Kelly
A world of old-school New York glamour awaits with the opening of Roosevelt Lounge in Broadbeach this week.
The space is the epitome of decadence and an entirely unique concept for the Gold Coast’s blossoming bar scene. Entering through a velvet curtain, you’ll find yourself in a breathtakingly seductive space that will certainly place all your senses on high alert.
The attention to detail is immaculate, as you’ve come to expect from owner Patrik Gennari (of Glass Dining & Lounge Bar, Koi Dining and Lounge Bar and The Loose Moose fame). A copper pressed ceiling, sizeable silver mirror, a bookcase laden with leather-bound books even Ron Burgundy would envy. Black and white photographs of the one and only Marilyn Monroe and crystal-laden light fixtures also feature in the perfectly appointed room.
The wooden bar is luxuriously extravagant, made with rich mahogany and stocked with premium beverages the likes of which you may have never seen before. The vibe is similarly fitting, sophisticated and aimed at the well-heeled 30 plus crowd.
The cocktail list is a theatre-themed extravanaganza of molecular mixology (try saying that five times fast) and the dining experience equally lavish.
Think antipasto boards laden with the highest quality spreads, small and medium share plates with options like Yakitori Pork Belly with caramelised wasabi apple puree, yuzu sesame and watermelon radish (!) and savoury smoked salmon-filled cones.
The food is truly sensational and washed down with an icy cold glass of Dom Pérignon, what could be classier.
Highly recommended for a night out with girlfriends who love getting dressed up for a night of dancing in the most sophisticated of settings – fringed frocks highly recommended.
Be warned, there’s a strict dress code, collared shirts for the fellas and no visible tattoos.
LOCATION: Next to The Loose Moose, 75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: From 5pm until late
Words by Kirra Smith
