Take a squiz at Pac Fair’s fancy new Italian eatery, Squiseato.
Take a squiz at Pac Fair’s fancy new Italian eatery, Squiseato.
In excellent news for foodies and fashionistas, rounding up the girls for your usual retail therapy routine just got a huge level up, with an exciting new collab that’s just hit our stores, well – one store in particular. With one of our OG retail icons David Jones Pacific Fair officially welcoming Squiseato, a totally new concept that’s got us all kinds of intrigued, and suddenly, rather peckish.
Bringing a whole new meaning to #treatyoself, our OG department store recently welcomed it’s own artisan (would you expect anything less?) restaurant-come-café-come-bar, nestled right in the heart of DJ’s just beyond the boujee beauty counters.
In what may well be the ultimate ‘collab we never knew we needed’, David Jones and Create Catering have joined forces to launch the pilot store as two brands that share a common passion for providing top notch customer experiences. Like something dreamed up by Carrie Bradshaw herself, the new destination offers shoppers a #SATC worthy spot to mull over potential purchases, refuel and recharge with some gourmet nosh (gotta keep that stamina up after all), or perhaps grab some tasty bites for the road.
Squiseato, a play on the Italian word ‘squisito’ – meaning exquisite – already gets the nod from us and our unapologetic love of puns. The venue combines European inspirations, Italian flavours and the goodness of quality Australian produce. Though that signature DJ’s flair for the finer things is perhaps the biggest influence, with sumptuous all day eats such as authentic hand-rolled pasta, lobster brioche rolls, Champagne and premium wine paired with freshly shucked oysters all on the menu.
For Create Catering managing director Anthony Whitehouse he’s ‘throwing it all in’ to partner with David Jones and bring a whole new food culture to the world’s longest standing department store. With 30 years in the biz and an impressive track record including turning a flagging eatery into a Michelin star restaurant, if anyone can turn a department store into a thriving culinary hub, it will be Anthony.
“David Jones is really driven by service and that appeals to me. It’s the oldest department store in the world, and they want people to have the best in the world – the best clothing, the best shoes. So why not the best food?” says Anthony.
Located on the first floor adjacent to the beauty section, the unexpected space at first glance might appear as some kind of a mirage to famished shoppers if not for the unmistakable aromas first alerting them of its presence. The fit out for the eater has been treated to exactly the types of luxurious finishes you’d expect considering its location, with a contemporary look and elegant black finishes and statement marble counters.
No longer need we toil away, hunting through the racks for that designer bargain as the blood sugar levels slip dangerously low, with the new culinary collaboration offering convenience and indulgence. The menu extends far beyond the usual cafe fare, prominently featuring gourmet savoury dishes to rival the usual sweet suspects. The Truffle Gnocchi with Porcini Butter, a dish from chef Stefano Sepe’s own Nonna, will be a must try – as will the Squiseato signature sandwiches, the Lobster Brioche Rolls.
A #ladieswholunch worthy selection of premium wine, spritzers and even Champagne Jacquart to complement means only one thing – a toast to a successful shopping expedition or just a downright mouth watering meal is definitely in order.
Where: Pacific Fair, 4 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Something grill-iant has been a ‘cookin in Broadbeach, with the eagerly anticipated arrival of kōst Bar & Grill set to swing open its swanky new digs this Saturday.
A brand new spot for sophisticated sips taking up residence in the Oracle Blvd precinct will lure us in with the hypnotising aroma of flame-grilled food and an equally enticing facade.
A contemporary bar & grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, this mammoth new space is set to redefine the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach.
Along with seafood towers, roving champagne and caviar trolleys, and a purpose-built dry aged cool room that can be seen (drooled over) from Oracle Boulevard, our wining and dining game is about to cop a serious upgrade.
A meticulous project three years in the making for hospitality honcho Dave Galvin, kōst is the ultimate culmination of 25 years of hospitality experience all poured into one shiny, sleek and sexy venue.
After already bringing us faves such as Crafty’s, Mozza Mozza and Bird Royale, Dave has really been playing the long game to ensure kōst is a show stopper in every sense of the word.
The brief was to deliver a coastal inspired, design led space with a sensory immersion through food, wine, cocktails and live fuel cooking methods — with the first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven in Australia the venue’s crowning jewel.
Dave adds “I have always been a huge fan of charcoal and live fuel cooking and dining in a beautifully designed venue. These are just two of my passions that were part of the inspiration for creating Kōst. After an extensive search, we finally managed to find the perfect location where we could bring this concept to life.”
Seizing the opportunity to snap up three previous tenancies, kōst has amalgamated the sites into one sprawling super-venue.
The luxurious space boasts an impressive 130-seat restaurant, in addition to private dining room, bar dining and outdoor pavilion spaces.
Though the space is just as pretty as it is functional, with cascading greenery, marble surfaces, chic lighting and arches a-plenty.
Returning to Australia this year to oversee the culinary direction for kōst, Executive Chef Sebbie Keynon developed the entire menu, bringing inspiration from restaurants across the globe in Paris, London, Moscow and Jakarta.
The trademark theme of relaxed luxury is also carried through the menu, with top shelf produce elevated with a little help from the signature wood-fire treatment.
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.
There’s a full suite of premium seafood with options like the Raw Bar, and dishes such as kōst ceviche, citrus rressing and a prawn cocktail, kōst signature sauce revival, through to the seafood platter and seafood tower when it’s truly time to indulge.
Though, how coal-d you skip the kōst specialty ‘Over Embers’ offering, with a full selection of ocean, land and earth delights to spark a whole lot of culinary joy?
Even the drinks get the grill treatment, with a Mahalorita, 1800 coconut Tequila, Cointreau, charred pineapple, toasted coconut, lime, smoked salt we’d be tempted to walk over hot coals to get our hands on.
Though it might come at great kōst to our social budgets and waistlines — we’re tipping that pretty soon, reflecting on Broadbeach’s eats scene will be defined as a whole new era: before-kōst and after-kōst, with this impressive new venue set to steal the show.
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
When: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11:30 am–9 pm, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 am–9:30 pm and Friday, Saturday 11:30 am–11 pm
Instagram: @kostbarandgrill_au
Website: kostbarandgrill.com.au
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.
Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)
Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
