When we’re asked what our definition of romance is, it goes a little something like this. We’d like to be wined and dined (duh), pampered (obvs), and treated to a night of luxury at a spiffy hotel. Oh and if someone could do the next fortnight’s laundry, ironing, vacuuming, groceries, cooking, dishes, and school drop-off, we’ll be yours forever #ActsOfService. Well, there’s one place that does the top three on our wish list like a boss #flexemoji. It’s The Star Gold Coast friends and as always, there are options-a-plenty to sweep your soulmate off his/her feet.

Nineteen At The Star
There are fancy-pants restaurants and then there’s Nineteen At The Star! Enjoy a decadent set menu, guaranteed to make anyone fall in love. To start, think the likes of Natural Oysters in Champagne Mignonette and yes, we all know where this is leading…. #bomchikkawahwah. Shared entrees include Queensland Spanner Crab, with brown butter, macadamia, and sourdough, and a choice of mains (our pick; Fillet Steak with potato pavê, roast shallot, black garlic and bordelaise). Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without dessert and with two on offer, we’re going for the Strawberry Cheesecake with citrus mousse and jus frei. $140 per person and bookings are essential. Available for dinner only.

The following three restaurants are celebrating Valentine’s Day with decadent love-themed desserts. Enjoy their usual delicious a la carte options, then finish it off with these exclusive sweet treats.

Garden Kitchen & Bar
Spoil your other half (and your tastebuds) with an exclusive Valentine’s dessert made with luurve. Designed to be enjoyed together, savour the textures of the Valrhona Chocolate Share Plate. Choc it out for $19. Available for dinner only, bookings encouraged.

Cucina Vivo
In typical passionate Italian form, Cucina Vivo is also serving up an extra spesh dessert offer! It’s called the Italian Kiss and yes, it’s as satisfying as a kiss from an actual Italian #IYKYK. Made with Italian pastry, crème fraiche semifreddo and macerated strawberries, it’s the best $14 you’ll spend all year. Available for dinner only, bookings encouraged.

Kiyomi
Not to be left out of the exclusive V Day dessert-fest, Kiyomi is also offering a special sweet finisher for Cupid’s favourite night of the year. The Peanut Fondant with chocolate fondant, peanut butter, chocolate and vanilla ice cream is sure to dazzle the object of your affection. $25 and available for dinner only, bookings encouraged.

Azure Spa & Fitness
If you’re after something less ‘foody’ and more ‘feely’, this one’s for you! For the month of February, Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a Rejuvenating Massage for Two. This rhythmic body massage will ease away tension and re-align energy flow #yesplease. Plus, enjoy the sanctuary of an Azure Spa private cabana. $600 per couple.

Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel or The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm (and OMG, the sleep-in alone has us swooning). You’re guaranteed 25% off the best available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails and a few trips to the roulette table #PutItAllOnRed. The offer is valid until 31^st May.

To book or for more information on any of The Star’s Valentine’s Day activations, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations on Tuesday 14^th February

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.

From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.

Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport

The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.

Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.

To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach

Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.

From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads 

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kellie Leader.

Okay so maybe don’t take our headline literally…or do and LBR here, as if you won’t. Southern dwellers, the news is all good because the founders of Nobby Beach’s Bine Bar & Dining have just spawned a new golden child in pumpin’ Palm Beach. Aptly called Tank Bar & Dining, just like its big sis, Tank promises delicious chow, great beer, and a cracking good time. Boasting 10 rotating craft beer taps showcasing local and international brews among other things, it really would be plain rude not to swing in for a tipple #PutYourMannersBackIn.

Opening last week, this two-storey gem packs plenty of personality and has something for everyone. In addition to the impressive craft beers on offer, there’s a variety of canned bevvies, a selection of wines, and a mouth-watering choice of cocktails. Add in the perfectly paired meal options from the extensive family-friendly menu and humdinga ocean views, it’s safe to say Tank is here to stay.

Patrons can perch at one of the high tables out front, or head inside to experience some raw and rustic feels at the downstairs bar. Then, follow the ‘Beer Drinkin Drive’ street sign and nah, you don’t have to ask us twice. Venture up the stairs lined with an eclectic collage of new and retro vibing poster art, and we srsly love anything that reminds us of a giant Pinterest board.

Upstairs, it’s a whole new keg of beer, with a clean, white, airy aesthetic dressed with plenty of hanging, draping and hugging greenery. Picture a white VJ panelled bar, tasteful wooden accents, rattan pendants, and a transparent roof which offers the best of both worlds. It allows the iconic Gold Coast sunshine to light up the room, plus shields us from any shoddy weather. Plus there are those things called ocean views and yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.

Owners Scott Imlach and Simone Tunbridge are proud to add Tank to their portfolio of GC clangers, which includes Bine Bar & Dining (as mentioned), Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, Nightjar, Precinct Brewing, Nightcap, Nobbys Arc, Barchino, and The Backyard and holy heck Tank, you’ve got some fine genes there.

Let’s talk food, which BTW is also available for takeaway. If you feel a snack attack coming on and don’t we always, dig into some Crispy Chicken Karaage with jalapeño mayo. In keeping with the crispy theme, how about adding some Crispy Fried Mushrooms with spiced hommus coz you can. If a burger is screaming your name, it’s probs the Texas Brisket Burger with BBQ brisket, pickled onion, dry slaw and aioli #BunInAMillion. There’s also a section of the menu dedicated purely to the almighty Chicken Shnitty, and our pick is The OG with Napoli and cheese. Or, if you’re more of a bao bae (samsies), we’re obsessed with the Pork Belly Bao with dry slaw, teriyaki and pico de gallo.

As far as beverages go, when in a craft beer bar, one simply must partake in a frosty Bronson of some persuasion. Lagers, pale ales, IPA’s, mids and more live here, and we can’t pick between the Balter XPA pale ale and the Brookvale ginger ale so stuff it – we’ll take both. Otherwise you can go with a cider, zero beer, vino, seltzer and as mentioned, a cocktail. It would be very un-us not to unpack one of these bad boys and we’re going with the Pornstar Martini. Cheeky by name and refreshing by nature, it’s made with vodka, passionfruit liqueur and pulp, lemon juice and sugar #TwoPlease.

With something happening every night including live music Friday to Sunday, walk-in (no bookings) for a relaxed dinner with friends and family, an after work drink on the deck, and enjoy this slice of laid-back watering hole heaven.

Where: 1166 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: 3pm – midnight Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm – midnight Saturday & Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.