Occasionally a new venue slips in quietly, without fanfare or excessive shouting from the rooftops and that Gold Coasters, is how you know it’s a good time.

And you know what makes secretive newbies even better? When they are an underground, mezcal-inspired speakeasy with a doorway you need to discover to be allowed entry.

HOW FUN.

As you might expect, all of those things are true of the new space we’re here to discuss today. That space is called Veladora. It’s named after a true Mexican classic – a Mezcal glass made from prayer candle holders – and it is unlike anything we’ve seen around here for quite some time.

Veladora’s unsigned doorway is the gateway to an otherworldly, Mezcal-inspired speakeasy allowing for an exclusive 30 guests at a time.

Slip inside and discover the Gold Coast’s newest signature margaritas, ice-cold Tecate and a slew of exciting new sips to rival any you’ve experienced before.

We’re particularly partial to Midnight in Cancun (for various reasons), which is made with Don Julio Tequila, Woodford Bourbon, almond and homemade Yucatan cordial.

There’s also the La Catrina with Sloe Gin, herbs liquor, blackberry and rosemary and look, it’s all a little bit dark and mysterious and those are our absolute favourite things. Of course you can sip on beer and wine too and there’s an impressive selection of each of those.

To eat, you’ll be greeted with some mind-blowing delights and we’d bet our Grandmother that you’ve never tasted combinations like these before.

How does black guacamole with green ants and mealworm-seasoned salsa sound? Maybe some squid ink-infused popcorn, spicy peanut and cricket trail mix and decadent duck parfait with cherry jelly and brioche? It’s all very exciting isn’t it?

The location of Veldora remains a closely guarded secret (and we’re not telling you either) but clued-up Coasties know to cross the bridge where the Broadbeach monorail once lived and look for a red palm tree to light the way.

We have no doubt you’ll find it and it’ll absolutely be worth it when you do.

LOCATION: Top secret, Broadbeach
HOURS: Thursday to Sunday 6pm until late

It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis – sounds a bit corny but we stand by it. So it’s pretty darn lucky the Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican meals, mmm there’s a little Mariachi band playing in our head just thinking about it.

And if you don’t like Mexican then this is guac-ward, because we’ve done the heavy lifting – aka eating – so you can pick your taco joint of choice and put your taco where your mouth is. Come on, don’t be salty – unless you’re a margarita of course.

So here’s our round up of the Coast’s best spots to get your Mexican fix, but before you go don’t forget the rules – first we fiesta, then we siesta. We’ll be there faster than you can say “extra guac, please”.

Chicos Taqueria
Hola chica, this Southern Belle is one of the newest additions to the Mexican scene. And what do they bring to the table? Glad you asked because tacos and un-burrito-ble burritos are clear heroes but if we’re honest, we’re yet to taste a dish we didn’t like. Don’t fret if tacos are nacho vibe, get around the delicious little morsels of flavour that are their empanadas.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

Nude Amigos
Grab your (fully clothed) amigos and head on town to Cancun – uhh, we mean Broadbeach – because Nude Amigos might be nude in name but it’s flavours are anything but. The space is as light and breezy as it is chic and vibey, it’s basically just begging of you to sip back on one of the exotic (see: very fancy) tequilas that take pride of place behind the bar. In fantastic news for our across-the-border neighbours, they’ve opened a second venue in Kingscliff.
IWhere: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Overlooking one of the Gold Coast’s best known beaches – Surfers Paradise – it’s big on size, vibes and margs… No really, the margs are giant and nothing gets us going like a cocktail as big as our sombrero.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Panchos
Who said the beachside burbs should be having all the fun? Not us, so if you’ve been having a siesta on our humble Hinterland’s worst kept secret and Gold Coast institution, Panchos, then this is the sign you need to get on out to Mudgeeraba so they can guac your world. With splashes of colour from wall to wall plus enchiladas, margs and tinnies at the ready you’re set for a spec-taco-lar feed.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba

Isla Cantina
Isla just go ahead and say it, this cal-mex might be the GOAT cultural combo and Isla Cantina understood the assignment when they curated not just their menu, but the holy trinity of Wing Wednesday, Taco Thursday and Sunday Specials so you’ve got not one, not two, but three reasons to treat yourself to those glorious water views and the Surfers skyline while you chow down on some mex-cellent fare.
Where: Shop4, G7 Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
It might just be the Cooly-est Mexican haunts to hit the south – Gold Coast we mean. The casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside makes the perfect home for this feisty Latina to dish up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Hail Mary
If you haven’t been to Hail Mary have you even been to Burleigh? Tucked away in a James Street laneway we’ll forgive you for missing this pink hued haven just this once. It’s not just it’s ridiculously good looks that maker her a winner, they deliver with the freshest, most flavoursome Mexican nosh you’ve ever tasted. With a daily lunch special like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $19, what are you even waiting for?
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquet if you’re in a group, so you can think less about what to order and more about the margaritas on the horizon. Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe and while it’s traditionally been a dinner-only spot, the Mexican gods answered our prayers and we’re officially on for lunch Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

California Tacos
SoCal vibes are so strong with this one it’ll have you singing CALIFORNIAAAAAA, here we come… No? Just us then. Well if you can depend on anywhere to give you a taste of authentic Mexican street-style tacos it’s a place called California Tacos, step into the beachy vibe at Burleigh or Broady and get better acquainted with the well-stocked bar – the only way a bar should be, we say. Salud!
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads & 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Mexican spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Especially now they’ve opened another outpost in Broadbeach. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings, neon lights and an epic fluoro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find and half price lunches Friday through Sunday in case you needed any more convincing.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Footy fever has hit Queensland again and there’s nothing better than tasty treats to accompany a night of screaming at the TV. These potato skins are easy to put together and so delicious you won’t even know they’re good for you!

Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes or kumaras
200 grams of mince
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 long red chilli, finely diced
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, crushed
1/2 an onion, diced
1/2 a red capsicum, diced
1/2 a cup of corn kernels
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt to taste
1 avocado
1 tomato
3 sprigs of fresh coriander

Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Wash the sweet potato and dry with a clean tea towel, leaving the skin on. Rub with a small amount of olive oil and salt and place on the tray. Bake for 45 minutes to 55 minutes or until soft.
Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes then slice in half lengthwise.
To make the filling, heat a pan on the stove top with the remaining olive oil.
In the pan place the garlic, chilli, ginger and onion. Saute for 3 minutes.
Add the mince, capsicum, corn kernels, cumin, ground coriander & cinnamon. Saute all the ingredients until the mince is cooked, salt to taste.
Scoop out the flesh from the sweet potato and place in the pan with the mince, gently mix through leaving it chunky.
Fill the sweet potato skins with the mince mixture and place back in the oven for 10 minutes.
Dice the tomato and avocado and chop the fresh coriander. Once the sweet potato is cooked pull it out of the oven and place on a serving tray.
Top with the tomato, avocado and coriander.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.