And it's set to make waves in Surfers Paradise.
And it's set to make waves in Surfers Paradise.
We all get excited when we hear a new modern Australian noshery is Gold Coast bound. Especially when it’s rumoured to serve up locally sourced land and sea eats in an uber-chic beachside setting, because no surprises here – this is our ‘curren-sea’! But there’s more to unpack here, because this notable newbie will propel us straight into ‘Mind Blown’ status, with a Josper oven for charcoal grilling flavour elevation. The result? A levelled-up taste bonanza, beautifully staged in the new Meriton Suites along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade. So friends, prepare for a ‘sanding’ ovation when you experience the $2.5 million COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen, the new pinnacle of relaxed GC dining. Oozing casual sophistication, this sun-believable stunner is set to open mid-June…and we’re ‘beachy’ keen!
With uninterrupted ocean views and a location-appropriate design infused with muted blue, green, contrasting brass, leather and marble fixtures, COAST, you have our undivided attention. Adorning the first floor of the Meriton Suites, the 750 square metre venue will showcase flexible but distinct spaces spilt into a 110-seat restaurant and 160-seat bar. This includes a main dining room, lounge dining area, private booths for a more intimate vibe, and a spacious outdoor bar area for wining and dining with the ocean breeze. But the piece de resistance has to be the 14-metre marble bar… Just imagine the cocktails you could drink here!
The brainchild of GC restaurateur super couple Justin and Elizabeth Allie, COAST certainly has good genes. The Allies boast over two decades of experience in the industry, responsible for the likes of Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar in Surfers, The Fish Shak in Southport, and in-demand catering company Gourmet en Counter. And the name dropping continues with Space Cubed Studio – the architectural masterminds behind Loose Moose, Rubi Red, Cali Beach and La Luna – tasked with the high-end fit-out which echoes the land and sea focus, and construction connoisseurs Open Projects Group handling the build.
Who is the Head Chef entrusted to deliver a share style menu defined by delicious, simple and locally sourced dishes you ask? The one and only Rhett Willis, who keen reality show fans will recognise as the silver medallist from MasterChef: The Professionals. This certainly isn’t his only claim to fame though, with over two decades of culinary experience in some of the country’s best venues, including Jellyfish and Cha Cha Char and Sir, we’ll pay that.
If you’re anything like us, we drooled a little (and by a little we mean a lot) when we heard the signature dishes will include the Chef’s In House Aged Cut of Beef smoked at the table, and the Duck Liver Parfait Stuffed Brioche Doughnuts. And remember their secret weapon which we mentioned earlier? Yep, we’re talking about the Josper again. Which is a traditional Spanish charcoal oven which delivers a bespoke smoked flavour. Oh and for the vegetarians amongst us, never fear! Because they’re promising an extensive array of vegetarian options to round out the menu #SoMuchYes.
We’re not done with the wow factor though, coz the venue will exhibit a 2,000 strong wine bottle cellar, comprised of 80% Aussie vinos and has there ever been a better centrepiece in the history of centrepieces? No, there has not. While we’re discussing wine (we do this a lot), COAST will also offer an impressive vintage vino collection with prized drops from Torbreck, Yalumba and Veuve Clicquot, to enjoy on their own or with a complementary food pairing. Fancy!
AND, for the fine wine devotees? Brace yourselves, because you can sip on a 26-year vertical Penfolds Grange Magnum Collection valued at over $60,000! Aaaand we just fainted.
So ‘water’ you waiting for? Start planning a mid-June rendezvous at COAST with your faves because this one is sure to be something special.
Where: Level 1 Meriton Suites, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Hours of operation to be advised
Words by Bianca Trathen.
It’s been talked about for a long while now, and it almost seemed like it would never happen, but if you haven’t already heard the news, the Gold Coast has now got its own on-the-sand beach club!
Now, before you go and get all overly excited, at the moment the opening is just a trial. After talks, the City of Gold Coast has awarded Australian Venue Co. the opportunity to host the Beach Club during the trial period from Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022. But from the looks of things, if it’s a hit, it could be the beginning of more to come. Hallelujah!
Aaaaand without further ado, say hello to Kurrawa Beach Club!
Australian Venue Co. is no stranger to our city and operates a number of the Gold Coast’s most loved pubs, including The Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, which recently underwent a $2.3 million renovation. The group also runs the famous Exchange Beach Club in Melbourne. So these guys certainly know what they are doing!
So, what can one expect?
The temporary Beach Club will be the perfect place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the beach’s golden sands and rolling waves, but with the extra of benefit of being catered to, right on the sand. The venue will feature daybeds, casual dining areas, bookable VIP cabanas, a kids play area and a community recreational zone complete with volleyball nets. So all in all, there will be something for anyone and everyone! *excited squeal*
The decor and vibe of the space will be neutral tones of white, beige and light blue; blending seamlessly with the surrounds of beautiful Kurrawa Beach and the leafy foreshore. The beach here is already an eye-pleaser — and they plan on letting the space speak for itself. Because why not?!
The onsite container kitchen will deliver a fresh summer-inspired menu including snacks, seafood skewers, burgers and light salads and a dedicated kids’ menu using fresh, local seasonal produce. The bar will serve up textbook summer sips, including a line-up of homegrown brands such as Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon, and everyone’s chosen drink of the summer, Hard Fizz.
As you’d expect, no summer is quite complete without an extensive line-up of entertainment. And whilst some things are still hush-hush, you can expect live music from local Gold Coast artists, a Sunday Family Day, and all-age friendly activities such as yoga beach sessions and a community beach clean-up day.
Australian Venue Co State Manager QLD Scott Brydson is enthusiastic surrounding the venue’s opening. “Gold Coast is famed for its picturesque beaches, active lifestyle and exciting hospitality offering, and we have designed the Kurrawa Beach Club concept to showcase the best this incredible city has to offer”.
The pop-up will be an excellent addition to the already bustling social scene of Broadbeach, which not only promises patrons an enjoyable experience but supporting locals through employment and business partnerships.
Open now, we suggest you block a day out and be one of the first to experience an exciting new layer to our hospitality scene – yew!
When: Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022
Where: Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
We know we’re guilty of banging on about it — but seriously how good is our climate for being outside socialising with drinks in hand and living your best life? When you look at the rest of the world, we have it pretty darn good year-round: 300+ days of sunshine and not one snowflake in sight!
So when we hear of impending venues opening that will fully utilise our terrific climate, we get a bit excited. When we see that they will be next level and something the Coast hasn’t ever seen before, our heart skips a beat. And when legendary Gold Coast operators Artesian Hospitality announces they’re opening a mega lifestyle and entertainment rooftop precinct in Surfers Paradise — we swoon hard!
It’s been a long time in the making, but we can now reveal Cali Beach will open to the public from Friday 24th September from 5pm! Yipeee!
Matthew Keegan is the Managing Partner of the group behind this fabulous new venue and excitedly tells us, “Cali Beach marks the start of something special for hospitality and entertainment offerings in Queensland, and Australia in general. But, at Artesian, our mantra is to lead, not follow. Given its scale, Cali Beach was a significant investment for our group, with development taking just under twelve months and costing almost $10 million. it’s a landmark venue for all of Australia that epitomises our commitment to creating unique experiences which exceeded all expectations!”
So what can you expect?
Featuring luxe poolside daybeds, incredible dining and bars, multiple glimmering pools, an outdoor cinema, and even a beach volleyball court for some sun-drenched sweaty action — Cali Beach is going to take daytime socialising on the Gold Coast to an entirely new level.
Stretching over 5000 sq. metres and situated on the corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Elkhorn Avenue — four stories above street level — the precinct enjoys a spectacular prospect over Surfers Paradise beach and unparalleled views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Be it Day or night; it is simply breathtaking!
Prior to opening, Cali Beach will also unveil the roster of the national and international resident DJ’s and artists lined up to perform at the venue. You can expect to see some big names — our lips are sealed, though. If spending a day in one of their poolside cabanas sounds like your idea of heaven (ours too), bookings for these their booths and daybeds are available soon. Well, noon Friday 10th September to be exact. Set a reminder, people!
This fantastic addition to our hospitality scene on the Gold Coast has even attracted the attention of the leading man himself, Mayor Tom Tate. He gleamed, “This is exactly what Surfers Paradise and our city needs. I applaud the team behind this development as it will be a beacon for locals and visitors. I look forward to seeing the evolution of Cali Beach into one of those must-visit destinations year-round.’’
The luxurious and sophisticated precinct will open to the public at 5pm Friday 24th September 2021 before the official grand opening event on Saturday 25th September.
Cali Beach is sure to become Australia’s most prominent open-air destination — it’s official: we are spoilt and we can’t get enough!
> Check out our Facebook & Instagram for more photos! Or have a look around with a video here!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
You know the saying “all good things come to those who wait”? Well we have waited. And good things HAVE COME in the form of the most hotly anticipated restaurant opening of the year, Michael Lambie’s Rubi Red. Cue the hysteria!
To say we’re excited would be a gross understatement because this place has all the makings of an icon. For a start, Michael Lambie….and need we really say more? This world-renowned chef and culinary trailblazer boosts a resume so impressive, that we literally had to read it three times to take in all the household names.
Secondly, the vision presented on paper by Michael and fit out superheroes Zero 9 Constructions has translated to the real deal with the utmost accuracy, finesse, and wow factor. Our sky-high expectations were exceeded as the it-girl vibes of this two-storey stunner are off the chain. Blending bold and dusty shades of pink and you guessed it, red, with black, white and rich greenery, it’s on-fleek yet unique with just the right amount of oriental accents. From the plush velvety couches, red perspex overhead at the bar accompanied by neon pink strip lighting, to the chinoiserie wallpaper in the private dining room, it’s a feast for the eyes. Offering both downstairs and upstairs seating with the full menu offering on both, it’ll be a hard decision to make. And we haven’t even started on the food yet.
On that note, ohmygawd can we order literally everything please and thank you?! The menu features an exciting array of some of Michael’s much-loved dishes, along with Rubi originals created with local and regional produce. For starters, let’s talk, well starters.
Expect Freshly Shucked Oysters with red nam jim or ponzu dipping sauce; Kingfish Sashimi with green chilli, coconut foam and Thai Basil; Yellowfin Tuna Tataki with Rubi Red ginger and wasabi dressing; Salt & Pepper Chicken Ribs with lemon and kewpie mayo and Rare Breed Sticky Pork Belly with palm sugar caramel, young coconut salad and red chilli to name a few.
The Dumplings & Buns menu will make you salivate with the likes of Crayfish Buns featuring a milk bun with fresh crayfish and Rubi Red cocktail sauce; Singapore Style Crab Dumplings with black vinegar and chilli oil dressing; Korean Fried Chicken Bun with spicy gochujang and pickled radish and Ginger King Prawn Dumplings with chilli and spring onion dressing. Yep, we just wiped our drool away.
If you have room (make room), sink your teeth into the Drunken Free-Range Chicken with Shao Xing wine, spring onion and ginger; Roasted Miso Pumpkin with miso glaze and red curry dressing; Cantonese Style Steam Cod Fillet with ginger, spring onion and smoking sesame oil and a Michael Lambie classic, Crispy Fried 1/2 Chinese Sichuan Duck with water chestnuts and tamarind sesame dressing. These are larger dishes designed to share but as if – anyone who tries to stick their fork on our plate will live to regret it. And if you’re already having a hard time deciding before you’ve even arrived, we love the Let Rubi Choose option of 5 plates for $62pp or 7 plates for $75pp, giving you a fantastic sample of Rubi Red’s best!
You will however need to choose your accompanying drinks, so speaking of our fave liquid treats (another nice segway) you NEED to order the Hahachika with rhubarb, ginger, basil and pomegranate because it pairs perfectly with, well, everything. It’s even dubbed “liquid poetry capturing the essence of living in the moment” and we are here for it. We’re also not saying no to the Mai Thyme with Umeshu, peanut, thyme, pineapple and almond, it’s screaming a little me time! This Rubi chick must love her beverages because the cocktail menu is simply perf, and this is yet another reason we are obsessed with her.
So make your way down to the old Hellenika and Miss Mee ‘hood, pull up a pew (maybe even outside at street level because you can here!) and marvel in the magnificence of the eclectic and intriguing, Ms Rubi Red.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
When: Opens Friday 11th March at 12pm. General opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 5pm till late, Thursday 5pm till late, Friday – Sunday 12pm till late.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
