Unfortunately, this restaurant has now closed – but you should stick around and check out these other restaurants!

Santa Claws has arrived early.

It always seems to be around this time of year, when the temperature rises and the seafood cravings set in, that we’re left scratching our heads as to where to find that perfect fresh-off-the-trawler fix.

But scratch no more, friend. Because that exciting moment has arrived, when crabs quite literally pop back up on our collective radars – this time thanks to the the launch of the King Crab Co. pop-up restaurant, at Marina Mirage.

Taking up residence on the ground floor, overlooking the Broadwater, the ‘Gold Coast’s first, American-style, pop-up crab den’ has so much more to offer than the opportunity to fish around for a sordid pun or two to dish up to your fellow diners.

Wait. What could surpass the sheer delight of inviting friends to a ‘pop-up crab den’?, you ask?  Well, for starters, when everyone bibs up like a baby for the the main event – classic Louisiana-style, boiled crab – that’s an infinitely enjoyable moment too.

In case your mouth isn’t already watering, it’s worth elaborating that this signature offering is available two ways – either as the traditional ‘crab in a bag’ or chilled on ice accompanied by a range of butters and sauces. (Mmmm….butters.)

King Crab Co. co-owner, Karl Daniel, says his team have taken on board learnings from their Brisbane pop-up earlier this year, and will ‘one up’ the aphrodisia levels by offering twice as many main menu items and adding a live oyster shuck bar and wood roaster to the waterfront location.

So if for some weird reason, you’re not already scuttling to find your car keys, rest assured there’ll be plenty to lure you in to the ‘crab den’s’ depths, amidst the selection of fresh oysters, hot wood-fire pizzas and fresh seasonal side dishes.

Oh, and before you de-bib and regretfully retire all crab puns for the day, be sure to loosen your top button and try the house-made ice creams and desserts. Or even better, a creation from the tipple-worthy cocktail and spritz menu – which is a collaboration with Moet Hennessy.

Catch the best crabs – and freshest seafood – on offer this summer at King Crab Co. – opening Wednesday 12 December, on the Ground Floor of the Marina Mirage, Southport.

By Camilla Jones

As you’re no doubt aware, not all coffee is created equal and, while it has been our extremely over-caffeinated pleasure to indulge in many a quality Gold Coast cuppa over the last few years, it seems the stakes are continuing to rise and we are here for it.

Enter the latest contender on our local hit list, Jack’s Coffee Roasters, a specialty roastery bringing bulk good vibes and the tastiest of brews to Marina Mirage. Having only opened in the last few days, Jack’s has already been swamped with caffeine lovers keen to try something a little bit different on the shores of the Broadwater.

Let’s start by discussing the aesthetics of the place, because we know you love a pretty interior as much as we do and this one is certainly a goodie. The colour palette is made up of pastel pinks and greens with a sweet, while tiled floor and a bar made up of some of the prettiest tiles around.

Pendant lights hang low from overhead, a silver La Marzocco coffee machine takes pride of place and a neon sign reading ‘now brewing’ shines out from the back wall. The entire space is a pure delight.

Jack’s Coffee is roasted in Australia’s first custom-built roaster, built right here on the Coast, before it’s served at peak freshness, between seven and 14 days after roasting, giving all you coffee connoisseurs’ exactly what you came for.

Passionate about liquid gold, as they call it (as shall we from now on) the team at Jacks Coffee Roasters will serve up two bespoke house blends.

For those who prefer espresso, filter or black coffee, the Bold and the Beautiful is a smooth, well-balanced blend dominated by flavours of milk chocolate and a honey-like sweetness matched with a medium acidity.

The second blend, the Milk Knight has been created for the addition of milk with the coffee emulating notes of dark cocoa and nuts with hints of stone fruit shining through with low acidity. YUM to all.

Now, some of us over here are quite simple folk, fans of frothy cappuccinos all day long but we also understand we should probably branch out and Jack’s is just the place to do exactly that.

Not only will the team be serving up perfectly crafted espresso, they’ve also got all your Nitro, filter and cold brew needs covered and each and every cup is rich and flavoursome and some of the very best brews around.

Besides coffee (as if you need anything else in life) Jack’s are offering a tasty gourmet eats menu complete with home-style rustic sausage rolls and pies, French pastries, AND ham and cheese croissants sourced from a local French baker.

The breakfast menu (running until 1pm daily) boasts goodies like Jack’s Signature Big Breaky (very big and very tasty), Smashed Avo with Feta, Ricotta Hot Cakes with syrup AND gelato and Handmade Sourdough Crumpets.

So all the very best things.

Get there Gold Coasters, epic Insta-snaps and exceptional brews await.

LOCATION: Ground, Marina Mirage, Shop 14, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: 7am until 9pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Hey ya’ll this is the 2019 list! Click here for 2020’s events.

Okay Gold Coasters, the time has come to discuss Valentine’s Day once again. This year we’ve decided that, although we will no doubt be at home watching To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before with the dog (again), we’re happy for all the people who will not be doing that and will instead be getting all romantic with their significant other.

So, in honour of that (and because it’s our job) we’ve complied a list of all the loveliest spots to get loved up this Valentine’s Day. May we also mention that celebrating love doesn’t have to mean with your partner and should you wish to take your bestie, or your Mum, or even your dog out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, we fully support that too.

Here’s the list (from north to south).

The Fireplace
Umm can you say romance? Dinner, by the fire, with wine, that’ll do. Choose The Fireplace at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort for a delightful supper crafted by Executive Chef, Matt Hart with a Chandon Sparkling on arrival and a menu that’ll make this one a Valentine’s Day to remember. All for just $79 per person.
Where: The Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Ristorante Fellini
Italian food is pretty much the epitome of romance is it not? This Valentine’s Day Ristorante Fellini is turning up the charm with a special six-course course San Valentino Dinner and a complimentary glass of sparkling. The menu is filled with five-star dishes including chocolate dipped strawberries to finish and views across the Broadwater to add a little extra magic. Tickets are $160 per person.
Where: Level 1, Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Southport Yacht Club
Dine with your loved one at Southport Yacht Club this Valentine’s Day overlooking the Club’s 300 berth marina and enjoy the shimmering lights of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Enjoy a three course dinner for $79 per person, including a glass of bubbles upon arrival. Tickets here. 
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Yamagen Japanese
Sure love is good but have you ever had Japanese food? Yep. Particularly that of Yamagen Japanese. You’ll fall head over heels with Yamagen’s mouth-watering Omakase set menu, featuring favourites such as thinly sliced snapper and miso black cod. Plus there’s live acoustic music and bubbles on arrival to set the mood with a special gift for each guest too. Just $99 per person with a set menu. Get your tickets here.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Bazaar Marketplace
Indulge in Bazaar’s full marketplace experience with a few Valentine’s Day twists. Dine on trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats and Asian delights, salads plucked fresh from QT’s rooftop garden and the finest spread of sweet treats on the Coast! Make it a date night to remember with live acoustic music, a fondue dessert ‘love station’ and a cupid waitress spreading the love. Plus, each lovely couple will receive a polaroid to remember the moment. Tickets $99 here. 
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Hilton Surfers Paradise
Couples are invited to share in a sumptuous and sophisticated dinner for two at the Hilton Surfers Paradise’s Executive Lounge as they take in the exquisite view of the Gold Coast. For $250 per couple, the lucky lovers will be treated to a glass of Champagne on arrival and a signature Seafood Platter for Two, delivered straight to the table fresh from renowned Catch Restaurant. To complete the romantic evening, they will indulge in a divine dessert as they look out to see the Surfers Paradise skyline come to life.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

SkyPoint
Be romantic, be daring and take your relationship to new heights on the SkyPoint Couple’s Night Climb on Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14 February. Sweep your partner off their feet with the country’s highest external building climb. Reaching the summit of 270 metres about sea level, SkyPoint has its heart set on delivering a thrill for everyone this Valentine’s Day. If couples prefer to stay indoors and cuddle up, SkyPoint is taking date night to a new level with the “Valentine’s Dinner in the Stars” event on the level 77 Observation Deck.
Where: SkyPoint, Level 77 of Q1, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise 

Videre Restaurant 
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with stunning panoramic views of the Gold Coast. Indulge in a set menu with matching wines prepared by our Chef de Cuisine and enjoy live entertainment and a special gift for the ladies. There are two seating times available – a Sunset Dinner from 5.30pm to 7pm with a three course set menu and matching wines for $119 per person and a Romantic Indulgence from 7.30pm with a five course set menu and matching wines for $169 per person. Get your tickets here.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross St, Benowa 

Elk Espresso
Keen for a day date? Elk Espresso is just the spot for a loved up lunch. Select any main from the lunch menu including lightly spiced calamari, crispy skin salmon, Wagyu burger or Spring Salad coupled with a glass of wine for just $25 per person. And if you’re lacking a lad, then bring your Lassie! Four-legged friends are also welcome when dining outdoors (see doggy date for the win).
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Roosevelt Lounge
If you’re into getting a little bit fancy for Valentine’s Day, Roosevelt Lounge is the place. Hide away in a cosy, velvety corner of The Roosevelt Lounge while sipping the finest French Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne to the croony sounds of The Roosevelt Band. Whisper sweet nothings between a decadent sharing menu of antipasto, haloumi fries, King Prawn tacos, grilled Wagyu Sirlion 5+ complete with an assortment of lovers chocolates to finish. $159 per couple includes two glasses of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Bistro On3
Treat your partner to the ultimate date with our loved-up two-course or three-course Valentine’s Day Dinner at Bistro On3 in the Sofitel Gold Coast. Two courses are $85 per person and three for $95. Get your tickets here.
Where: 81 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

room81
Can’t wait to spoil your Valentine? room81 invites you to treat your beloved to an evening that will stir the passion and delight the senses. Commence your enchanting odyssey with an arrival glass of Prosecco, then indulge in a four course degustation journey. Tickets are $149 per person here.
Where: Where: 81 Surf Pde, Broadbeach 

The North Room
How does a little bit of secluded sophistication sound for your Valentine’s Day? Yes please! That’s exactly what you’ll get at the intimate Mermaid Beach dining room that is The North Room. Plus six decadent dishes and a glass of champagne for just $99 per person. Just love and good food here, what more could you need?
Where: Shop 1/2527, Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach 

Restaurant Labart
Plan the most beautiful evening imaginable with a date at Burleigh’s Restaurant Labart this Valentine’s Day. Indulge in a stunning six-course set menu including new dishes like Smoked rainbow trout with tarragon, pea, mint and Duck, witlof and caramelised apricot and old faves like Local spanner crab, leek, roasted crab broth. It’s just $90 per person or an extra $60 per person with matching biodynamic wines.
Where: 8 West St, Burleigh Heads

AVVIA Restaurant
The Palmy favourite is all set to host you on your special night with a four-course set menu for just $79 per person. Pull up a seat on the deck with the sweet sounds of the ocean crashing in the background and prepare for a night of epic indulgence (and romance) with all your favourite wine, beer and cocktails on offer too. Lovely.
Where: 3 Twenty Third Ave, Palm Beach 

Tasca Coolangatta
The sweet little Cooly spot is planning a sweet little Valentine’s Day do with a Chefs Special four course share menu plus a sparkling wine on arrival for $70 per person or add matched wine to each course for $99 per person. It’s the perfect space for a cosy night with someone you love.
Where: 114 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Words by Kirra Smith