Nineteen reasons to head to The Star Gold Coast.
Nineteen reasons to head to The Star Gold Coast.
Judging by the buzz of our fave brunch haunts, we think we can safely speak for the entire GC when we say weekend breakfast just hits different when someone else makes it. Super bonus points when you also get to skip the dishes.
And somehow, somewhere along the line, we blinked, and queuing up at ‘da club instead became queuing up for our fave Eggs Benny and extra hot Cap – life sure comes at ya quick. Regardless, the payoff is infinitely higher because instead of lost phones and vodka-raspberries that taste like regret, these days we’re instead rewarded with basking in the morning sun, savouring delicious brunch morsels (with our dignity firmly intact).
And luckily for us locals, at any given moment we’re only one elevator ride away from one of the best breakfasts on the coast, luxuriating poolside, watching the world (or the GC, technically) go by below and if we haven’t already sealed the deal, the breakfast cocktails certainly will.
As fit for all the most special of occasions as it is for ‘just because’, feel free to stroll on in to The Darling’s – well, darling Nineteen restaurant and bar like you’re stepping onto a yacht. If you’ve not treated yourself to a trip up to the 19th floor lately, the swanky digs coupled with those spectacular city views will leave you wondering, why so long between drinks?
The luxe interiors, decked out in plush jewel-toned velvet seating, and framed with floor to ceiling windows with the outlook to the city and ocean beyond are worth the trip alone – but the eats and sips are definitely worthy of sticking around and getting comfy on one of those aforementioned velvet lined lounges.
Now this is not your regular breakfast, it’s a boujee breakfast. As controversially as reading the last page of a book first, we’re coming out swimming and skipping straight to the crabtivatingly claw-dropping creation that’s Crab Omelette – QLD Spanner Crab, Tarragon, Hash Brown, Fermented Chilli, because if that doesn’t scream 5-star-breakfast, we don’t know what does.
Chef Uday Huja has put his sophisticated spin on all the b-fast faves plus some of his trademark Southern specialties for maximum indulgence. Now of course the breakfast gang’s all here, like Bircher Muesli with Seasonal Fresh Fruits – aka the dish making oats way more delicious than they have any right to be (and try as we might, we can never get ours as good at home). Still on the sweet side, but just a dash more indulgent – a tower of French Toast, Seasonal Fruits, House Made Butter all doused in Maple Syrup is a perennial fave that always hits the spot. For those who prefer their breakfast on the savoury side, it will be a tough call between the Corn Fritter, Jalapeño Salsa, Avocado Mousse or Eggs Benedict, Mushroom or Ham, Onion & Balsamic Jam, Sourdough.
And would you look at that, we got so carried away at the thought of starting our day with all that deliciousness that we almost forgot to mention one of the best parts about a fancy-pants brunch outing – the brekkie cocktails #blasphemy. Because who wants to skip the chance to indulge in a Breakfast Martini or Breakfast Margarita? And as if by magic, somehow by slapping the word ‘breakfast’ in front, a mid-morning cocktail becomes a whole lot less ‘really Janet, it’s 9.30am?’, and a whole lot more channelling our inner ‘real housewives of the GC’, daaaahling.
But if even the thought of some classy breakfast cocktails aren’t enough to peel you out of bed – never fear, because sometimes you can have your sleep and sips too. This is one situ where the early bird doesn’t always get the worm – sometimes the early bird misses out on Bellini Saturdays at The Star, and well, we know what we’d prefer #cheers.
From 4pm – 7pm every Saturday, summon your bestie and sidle on up to bask in those impeccable rooftop vibes on the stunning Nineteen at The Star terrace. $79pp buys you a share platter to fight over and bottomless Bellini’s to sip while you soak up those million dollar views.
Let’s get down to business because these platters are doing their best to show up Bellini’s on repeat, which is no mean feat. Including all the savoury suspects you could hope for, start by slurping (but not really, because our Mum’s taught us better than that) back a couple of Freshly Shucked Oysters and House Cured Olives #fancy. Then move on to crunching your way through the Mushroom Mozzarella Arancini Balls and French Fries w Garlic Aioli. And what share platter worth its salt would be complete without a fine Charcuterie Plate w Toasted Sourdough, complete with Cheese Selection w Pear Gel.
So whether you’re an early(ish) bird, or more the graze-the-afternoon-away type, we’ve come up with precisely zero reasons why you shouldn’t kick your weekend off at Nineteen at The Star.
Where: Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Breakfast 7:00am – 10:30am Saturday, 7:00am – 11:00am Sunday, Bellini Saturdays 4.00pm to 7:00pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter Atrium Bar and the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.