So 'rice' to meet you KL Dining!
So 'rice' to meet you KL Dining!
If there’s one cuisine that makes us weak at the knees, it’s Asian. But not just any Asian will do, we’re talking Malaysian so you can imagine our glee when we heard rumblings of a new Malaysian / Chinese restaurant in the works. Setting up shop in the high traffic flow Mermaid Waters Shopping Village, we welcome KL Dining to our Gold Coast eats scene and although we love our man folk, #TheOnlyMenWeWantAreRamen.
Unlike other Malaysian fare on the Coast, KL Dining specialises in truly unique dishes AND pre-order specialties which you won’t find anywhere else on the GC. Like Rob the Dentist, there’s an air of mystery because these pre-ordered dishes aren’t featured on the standard menu. Nothing makes us want something more than knowing it’s so extra, it has to be pre-ordered and well played KL Dining, well played.
Owners Michael and Donna Chan are no strangers to the restaurant biz, previously running two successful Gold Coast nosheries over three decades. Michael is also the Head Chef and this man knows his chow, cheffing since the tender age of 18. A born and bred Malaysian Chinese, he moved to Oz back in 1983 and no, we are not giving him back (Australia: 1, Malaysia: 0). Working for many of the renowned restaurant groups in Singapore and Malaysia before relocating, Michael has valuable experience in all facets of the industry. A true food Picasso, he has always enjoyed the art of creating with new, traditional and super special ingredients and Sir, your skillz in the kitchen are second to none.
The modern yet authentic restaurant space was designed by Arran Woollams at Space Cube Designs, with Altran Constructions managing the build. Offering guests their choice of indoor or covered alfresco dining, it accommodates up to 150 people. In addition to high visibility from the always busy Markeri Street, Michael and Donna chose the location because they love the suburb, its people, and its laid back yet buzzy vibe #CanRelate.
Signature dishes include Garlic Roast Chicken, Duck Salad Platter, Diced Eye Fillet and Curry Chicken Bread and we wish someone looked at us the way we look at anything involving bread. In true Michael style, your meals won’t just be expertly prepared and cooked, but presented like a work of art.
So for a Malaysian Chinese eats experience packing laska love, taste, and true craftsmanship, wok on in to KL Dining.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: 5.30pm – 9.30pm Monday to Sunday (lunch coming soon)
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Do you like your Thai served with a side of oceanside luxury? And your dishes presented with high-end WOW-worthy details, feeding your eyes and stomach with spectacular flare and flavour? We’re even talking liquid nitrogen in some dishes, as well as bubble smoke on cocktails and no, this is not an immunity challenge on Masterchef, but what you can expect at Nahm Talay Thai in Surfers Paradise, opening Friday 9th September.
Situated in the newly renovated Paradise Centre, Nahm Talay Thai is the latest offering from Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet. This duo know a thing or two about executing traditional Thai and Asian dishes in style, with a five-restaurant strong portfolio in Queensland, including Chong Co Thai at Pacific Fair. Add talented chefs Metira (May) Wongtom and Nitis (Kai) Shombunsode into the mix, as well as a stunning DBI Design interior, the final product is a total vibe.
Offering indoor/outdoor dining, a beachfront balcony (perfect for events may we add), plus booth and couch seating, the venue accommodates 120 guests. Picture luxurious accents blended with a high quality, modern beach aesthetic to complement the multi-million-dollar views. Cool grey hues and whites are warmed up with a sandy colour palette creating an oasis-like feel. There are contrasting textures throughout, a unique roof design, beautifully designed bar, and eye-catching golden metallic wave artwork.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner until midnight EVERYDAY, let’s start with the AM timeslot and oooh, the Soft Shell Crab Egg Lava definitely caught our eye. Featuring a croissant with salmon caviar, tobiko sauce, vine cherry tomato, and parmesan, LBR – we were born to eat caviar for breakfast. There is also a wide range of other brekky crowd favourites, but with an exciting Nahm Talay Thai twist. Pair your meal with a darn good coffee or refreshing (and super pretty) cold pressed juice and yep, you’ve started the day right.
If you’re more of a lunch or dinner person, the menu is once again off-the-Richter good. Order a serve of Crispy Pork Bao to start, with steamed bao, crispy pork belly, cucumber, coriander, spring onion, long red chilli, peanut and sesame oil. Then, it’s signature dish-o-clock and besides happy hour, this is our favourite time of the day.
Tuck into the Lamb Shank Massaman Curry with slow cooked lamb shank, mild curry, potato and cashew nuts, or the Barramundi Fillet steamed with lime sauce. Or, if you’d rather make friends with salad, you can’t beat the mouth-watering flavours of the Wagyu Salad. We’re talking Wagyu MBD 9+, Thai herbs, tomato, cucumber, rice power, chilli powder, house dressing and pear.
And for dessert, may we recommend the Cream Brulée, with egg, cream, pandan, sugar, coconut, vanilla ice cream and chocolate crumble. Drool.
Now let’s get down to business – cocktails of course. Pat and Alex certainly don’t do anything by halves and their jaw-dropping drinks menu is a testament to this.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bubble Smoke Lychee Martini and you had us at bubble smoke. With vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice and lychee syrup and bubble smoke top, the yum-factor is only rivalled by the presentation.
Laying off the harder stuff because you’re in detox mode? Same (not really) and good news, the Mocktails are as delish and insta-worthy as their boozy cousins. We’re ordering the Mint Lychee Frappe with lychee, lychee syrup and mint.
Also, a quick shout out to the Jellyfish Shots because these things are quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve seen, and yes we’re back to alcohol #oldhabitsdiehard.
This brings us to the pointy end and the hardest decision yet. Should you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (no more complaints about not being able to find a restaurant for a late-night feed, finally a venue open till midnight!) and our advice is a unanimous “all of the above”.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 9th September, open 7am – midnight, Monday – Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY NAHM TALAY THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
We all have our favourite suburbs around the Coast. You know, the local where you go for coffee and hangs, the strip where you head for Friday knock offs, or the spot where you know you’ll get some great food and avoid the crowds. In saying this, though, where do you place Surfers Paradise in this mix?
Things have slowly been changing in our best-known suburb, meaning it’s not only the tourists who are flocking here. Ask any local. Quality eateries and first-class bars are popping up all over.
Pride of place in the centre of Surfers Paradise is Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre; however, not only will you find top-rated shopping here but three places we highly recommend you ought to put on your to-dine list; if you haven’t already!
Baritalia
Who doesn’t like themselves a taste of Italy every day now and then? Baritalia pulls out all the stops when it comes to a comfortable and genuine taste of the Mediterranean — and right in the heart of the Gold Coast, no less. Swing in for breakfast, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with dishes like Free-range Baked Eggs with chorizo and charred sourdough or all of the baked, flaky sweet treats. Not forgetting perfectly poured Allpress coffee. (What a way to start the day?!)
Lunch and dinner are serious odes to the old country. A salivate-inducing selection of 48-hour fermented pizzas, all hand-stretched and baked freshly to order, will have most people’s attention. But, if you can look past those, you could find yourself with handmade gnocchi/pasta dishes as well as made-to-order paninis that will truly make your mouth water! Backing up all this tasty fare is a superb range of Italian focussed beers and wines ‑ if you close your eyes and smell the aromas, you may convince yourself you’re somewhere in the European haven.
PappaRich
Asian food is without a doubt one of our favourites here on the Gold Coast. Chinese and Japanese are obvious frontrunners but, what are your feelings towards contemporary Malaysian food? For those in the know, this often-overlooked cuisine is a delicious and fragrant street hawker-style alternative — rewarding the curious with big fresh flavours and a whole new sensory experience.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the small no-fuss eatery is the spot to enjoy charming signature Malay dishes like Chicken Laksa or Crispy Fish Egg Noodles, with lighter bites like Chicken Satay Skewers the perfect way to start things off. There’s a great selection of vegetarian dishes and breads to choose from and a plethora of interesting Malaysian beverages — hot and cold — to try! We. Are. There.
The Local Tavern
Being such a busy place to be, for the most part, it’s always rewarding when you find yourself a comfortable and authentic venue to pull up a chair at. The Local Tavern, in our opinion, is the epitome of everything a local pub should be.
Being a true Aussie pub — minus the cliches — the venue serves ice cold drinks, an ever-revolving lineup of entertainment, and brilliant food with a classic pub leaning, all with utter ease. From oversized buckets of Loaded Fries to Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tacos and an array of lip-lickingly Schnitty’s, it’s a smart move to head this way when you find yourself famished. Tying the space together are giant screens dedicated to sport of any and all disciplines. Grab your mates (even if they support the other team) and head to The Local Tavern for your next fantastic matchday with a difference.
Chevron Renaissance really does have dining-out down pat!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY CHEVRON RENAISSANCE
