They say Australia is the lucky country and in particular those of us who call the Gold Coast home (made that bit up, but look around friends). Well, in the last week the lucky country got even luckier and (again) in particular a little place on the south east coast of Queensland, we like to call Burleigh Heads.

The latest little pot of gold comes to us in the form of a brand new bar but not just any brand new bar friends, it’s the kind that dreams are made of.

Rosella’s Bar flew into town just last week ahead of the Australia Day long weekend and it is the refined Aussie-inspired bar you never knew you needed in your life. But need it you do and, as usual, we’re here to tell you why.

It’s the work of local lads Jon Debeere (next-level wine connoisseur) and Jack Connor (ex-Aloha cocktail creator extraordinaire) who are both passionate about all-Aussie adventures and wanted to showcase the work of local wine and craft beer makers, plus do a little making of their own.

It’s an intimate space found on the highway in Burleigh, where a little hairdressing salon once lived, and streuth is it a beauty. Louvered windows open out into the street so you can perch yourself up there and watch the (unfairly good looking) world go by while a couple of booths and high tables line one wall and, of course, you can perch at the bar and have a chat with the boys (or talk their ears off if you’re us).

Brightly coloured, Aussie-inspired artwork is hung throughout, vintage, stained glass light shades hang overhead and Ken Done cloths line the bar. It’s beautifully put together, refined with a side of tongue in cheek and we are absolutely here for it.

Let’s chat drinks though because they are, of course the star of the show. The cocktail menu is unlike anything you’ve seen before with over 10 signature cocktails plus all your old faves. Each one is made with Australian spirits and each one is way more epic than the last.

The Ironman, for example, is made with Beenleigh white rum, Bundaberg small batch rum, lime, banana and a Nutri Grain Orgeat (a housemade syrup type situation) and topped with, you guessed it, our beloved Nutri Grain. It’s a gamechanger and our new go-to tipple.

The Rosella is made with White Light Vodka, rosella jam, Australian bitter, lemon and lilly pilly and served in a rosella shaped glass, all delightful and refreshing. Honestly, they’re all some of the best we’ve ever sampled so do yourself a favour and get there ASAP.

The wine list is equally as impressive, filled with natural, Australian-produced wine made with minimal intervention, many of which you won’t find anywhere else on the Gold Coast (or Queensland for that matter).

Rosella’s are all about showcasing Pet Nat wines (Pétillant-naturel) which refers to sparkling wines produced in the ancient way where the wine is bottled before primary fermentation and finished without the addition of secondary yeasts or sugars.

Sounds fancy, is amazing. We taste-tested quite a few and, let it be known, they are some of the most flavour-filled, clean tasting wines we’ve ever come across. And we’ve come across a lot.

Oh and there’s also Fosters. In a can. Not to mention MANY other Aussie beers you’ve probably never seen before. We’re in love.

Now to the food.

The menu has been designed with a nostalgic nod to the Aussie eats you know and love but minus the throw-it-on-the-barbie-and-hope-for-the-best attitude your Dad was all about.

Think Vegemite Beef Jerky, Bug Sambos, Raw Aussie Beef Burgers and Prawn Cocktails but all made with a refined, sophistication to match the exceptional drinks menus.

Last but not least, there are jaffles. The very best jaffles at that. How does Vegemite, Cheddar and Wattleseed butter sound? Yep. There’s also Onepot Lamb with soft herb cheese and spiced chutney.

Okay we’re done. Seriously just go. Right now. We’ll seeya there.

Love you ‘Straya.

LOCATION: 6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 4pm until late weekdays and 12pm until late weekends

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Burleigh Heads is on absolute fire with venues swinging open their doors left and right, much to the delight of locals who apparently can’t get enough of tasty eats and bunkering down somewhere warm with a wine in hand (same to be honest).

The latest eatery to grace us with its’ presence is Restaurant Labart (opening tonight), a stylish space on Burleigh’s West Street, where Burleigh Chinese once lived. It’s simple sophistication at its finest and unlike anything the Gold Coast has seen before.

Which is of course, due to the fact that Restaurant Labart is the work of Sydneysiders Karla and Alex Munoz Labart who bring quite the impressive rap sheet to our beachside city.

But first, the interior. The narrow space is beautifully designed with walnut leather bench-style seating lining the walls and not-quite-khaki paneling with dark wood furniture and low-hanging lighting completing the picture. The vibe is earthy, refined and understated and we quite like it thank you very much.

The menu is, happily, the star of the show and that is a concept close to our hearts (and tummies). It’s made up of snacks (best) and both small and large share plates all of which are absolute taste sensations.

To share we recommend the BBQ King Prawns with shellfish butter, crème fraiche and finger lime and the Veal Tartare with sun-dried tomatoes, tarragon and potato crisps.

The large plates are all kinds of goodness and in particular the Seared Mulloway with peas, dill and horseradish and the Grilled Lamb Rack with charred turnips and green herb sauce should make you happy.

For dessert (OUR FAVOURITE) Chocolate Mousse with popcorn ice cream and salted popcorn is probably the most exciting dish there is in the world. Keep that one coming please.

You may also indulge in a cheese plate and if that’s not enough to have you making a reservation right this minute, please explain.

To compliment the stand out menu, a carefully curated selection of wines (including biodynamic and natural choices) along with Australian craft beers and seasonal cocktails are on offer to delight your tastebuds.

As mentioned owners Karla and Alex made the move from down south where Alex was the Head Chef at famed Sydney venues Monopole and Cirrus Dining, both of which were awarded Chefs Hats during his tenure.

Restaurant Labart is their first venture and, with the philosophy of aiming to simply make people happy, they’re sure to fit in just fine around these parts.

Excuse us, we’re off to consume all the chocolate mousse before the rest of you get your hands on any.

The end.

LOCATION: 8 West St, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Dinner Wednesday to Saturday 6pm until 11:30pm. Lunch Friday to Sunday, 12 until 3 pm

Words by Kirra Smith. Photos supplied – interior shots by Andy MacPherson – food images via Restaurant Labart.

As complex as life can be, sometimes it’s the simplest things we end up enjoying the most. Often great food around good company goes hand in hand, right? Taking this ethos and running with it to an all-time high is Burleigh’s newest and most likely tastiest new addition — Freddy’s Chicken Shop.

Wandering the chic streets of Burleigh on any given day, as you scope out the boutique shops, meet friends for coffee, or seek some shade after an epic session at the beach often means you’ll be looking for something tasty to eat. And this is precisely what the owners here had in mind when they first thought up the concept.

Bringing Freddy’s to life are the owners of the Burleigh Pavilion, and they know all too well how this much-loved suburb is famed for its casual just off the beach vibe and playful lifestyle. Last year when things got a little strange in our lives, you may remember the introduction of the cutest looking vintage caravan out the front of the Pavilion selling coffee, breads, and baked treats. This is where the seed was sown. It didn’t take the lads long to connect the dots and realise Burleigh was missing an epic no-nonsense chicken shop with great quality fast food — that at the same time isn’t hugely unhealthy. After all, this may sound like a revelation, but fast food doesn’t need to cost you your health!

Taking up a prominent space on the corner of James and Connor streets, this breezy and whitewashed space is your new favourite lunchtime hangout. With copious amounts of window seating available, the wrap-around counter houses an array of freshly made salads and hot treats which you can easily choose your size of helping — ideal for taking back to the office or a sneaky accompaniment to an evening meal at home.

The mainstay of the menu is — you guessed it — chicken. But not just any chook will do. Freddy’s is big on ensuring their food is memorable for all the right reasons with chicken sourced from a free-range producer in the Noosa Hinterland. Believe us, great quality chickens like these cook easier, requires less seasoning, and to top it off, are utterly delicious.

Besides a collection of drool-worthy burgers such as The Freddy’s, which consists of grilled chicken breast, a selection of salads, aioli, and their very own comeback sauce, you’ll have the choice of handmade rolls and the option of grabbing yourself quarter and half chickens with a serving of their own chips. Gravy and chicken salt are naturally offered for your pleasure! — Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

In the drinks section, Freddy’s is whipping up a small list of made-on-the-spot milkshakes, stocking a great selection of soft drinks, and we are told in time will be serving alcohol — patience now!

Since opening, the shop has been a roaring success. With the venue excited to see people have caught on to the essence of grabbing their food at Freddy’s and then taking it away to a beautiful outside space to enjoy — because whether it’s the beach, a park, or creek, let’s face it, we have a few to choose from around Burleigh Heads.

Hours: Every day 11am — late
Where: 19 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Words by Alex Mitcheson.