Exciting news fresh out of Broadbeach today involving beloved Italian eats by people whose culinary talents have wowed us for quite some time already.

Yes friends, it’s a new Italian eatery adding to The Oracle Boulevard’s already thriving dining scene. Orzo, which translates to ‘barley’ in Italian, is the epitome of exceptional work by Social Eating House and Bar’s owner and executive chef, Matthew Jefferson, along with his wife Dayna who have gifted us with sophisticated coastal Italian cuisine.

And it absolutely delivers on all fronts.

Having only just opened in the last couple of weeks, Orzo exudes an elegant, relaxed vibe that’s also reflected in a menu that focuses on sustainable, local produce that will span lunch and dinner. Italian food all day long, what a treat.

The space itself is perfectly reminiscent of coastal chic with muted pastel tones, a curved wall and an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs work their magic. A wall filled wines, low lighting, gold and marble accents and light wooden light fixtures bring it all together and we are absolutely in love. You may choose to perch inside amongst all that beauty or outside in the fresh air to watch the world go by.

They said it would be the epitome of a coastal hug and that it absolutey is.

The menu features housemade pastas paying homage to southern Italy with mouthwatering dishes, all of which we would love to eat every day forever please.

To start, choose the House Made Foccacia with whipped ricotta and rosemary oil (to die for), the Fried Zucchini Blossoms with stracciatella, tomato and miso and vincotta (one of the most beautiful dishes we’ve ever sampled) and the Veal Carpaccio with tuna mayo, pickled onion, crouton and caper leaf (another life changer). Yes, all of them. Absolutely divine.

Pasta-wise, the Gnocchi with cherry tomato, basil and bush tomato was the fluffiest, most perfect dish of it’s kind we’ve ever sampled. The addition of a crunchy bush tomato concoction meant we wished it would go on forever. On the side add Heirloom Tomatoes with stracciatella, basil and olive oil and you will be one happy Gold Coaster.

There are mains along the lines of Pancetta Wrapped Spatchcock with chicory and grape and Pan Roasted Fish Fillet with sauce vierge with green olives and walnuts and of course, those are absolutely magical too.

There are also delights like house-cured meats and a variety of cheeses (AKA the love of our lives) so you might want to sample those too.

To drink, there are a beautiful array of Italian wines and beers and a list of cocktails that rivals any other.

The Negroni Orzo is perfection with strawberry gum, meletti and pandan and the Little Italy is obviously a delight with Aperol, vodka, lemon, mango and marjoram – the perfect summer sip. The entire list should be on your to do list of course.

So there you have it. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the next-level goodness that is Social Eating House and Bar, you’ll know everything about it is unparalleled.

Make sure you get down there to experience it for yourself, Orzo is one of a kind and we are moving to Broadbeach now, good bye.

LOCATION: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
HOURS: Daily from 12pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

If there’s one thing recent times has gifted us, it is a slew of new phrases that are now part of our daily language. One of which is pivot, a thing that many Gold Coast businesses are doing very successfully, making our lives even easier than they were before.

A group of such businesses you’ll know quite well, are those found at Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach of the eating and drinking variety, all very good at what they do and all very accessible thanks to a new thing they like to call Dial + Drive-Thru.

Which yes, is as great as it sounds and consists of exactly that. As of right now, you can call ahead to your favourite venue within Oracle Boulevard, order some goodies, get an allocated time and head to the new drive-thru section to grab it and go.

Genius.

So what’s on offer you ask? Well, everything.

Orzo is serving up their exceptional Italian eats including cook-at-home pastas and your choices of accompanying sauces. There’s also ready-to-eat dishes like handmade lasagne, salads and of course, you may add a bottle of wine to complete the experience.

The Lamb Shop is offering their absolutely delicious souvlakis (could eat four of these at a time, don’t do that) plus small plates and bar snacks like Housemade Pork Sausage with Tzatziki.  Wash all that down with a beer, wine or cider and you’ve got a good time.

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar have their extensive menu available for takeaway. It’s filled with an array of Asian dishes like Pork San Choy Bau, Dumplings, Baos and some incredible curries to name a few. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of sampling their dishes, do yourself a favour now.

Social Eating House has a fine dining share-style menu to go including dishes like Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Chargrilled Chicken and Korean Twice-Cooked Glazed Lamb Ribs to name a few. There are sides, a few cook-at-home options and cocktails to go too. So good.

The Cuban Bar & Lounge Dining have many a tasty Cuban delight including Paella Cubana, Salmon Ceviche and Cuban Chicken Breast Skewers PLUS Spanish Churros for dessert. Yes to all of that please. Of course, there’s plenty of wine and beer to go and that’s our new favourite thing.

Mecca Bah is all your Mediterranean food dreams come true including MEZZE PLATES, Stone Baked Mecca Bah Pizzas and Morroccan Chicken Salads among other things. It’s all ten out of ten goodness and all available to enjoy in your stretchy pants right now. Bless.

Broadbeach Pizzeria is a relative newbie on the scene and they absolutely have all your hand crafted pizza options covered. Start with Mozarella sticks and waffle fries (obviously) and then treat yourself to a Spicy Spanish Prawn and Chorizo pizza or perhaps a Gourmet Pepperoni is more your style. They have it all.

Guzman y Gomez are all about good Mexican eats to go and we can confirm, they’re onto it. All your fave Mexi-goodies are there including burrito bowls, tacos, enchiladas and Nacho Fries (OMG) and you may as well taste them all.

No Name Lane is the Boulevard’s exceptional coffee joint but not only delicious brews, the team are also serving up their famous brunch eats like Smashed Avo on Sourdough Toast (the best), Reuben Sandwiches and Potato Hash Benedict and it’s all amazing, all the time. That’s your breaky run sorted.

Noodle Broadbeach have a snack menu on offer including things like Spring Rolls, BBQ Pork, Deep Fried Squid and Chicken Wings so you can grab something yummy to sample on the go. Not sure where you’re going but perhaps around through the drive-thru again? Why not.

There you have it, breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted in absolute style thanks to Oracle Boulevard. Impressive pivot guys, love your work. Get ordering here.

Words by Kirra Smith

Ahh our humble, little ol’ Gold Coast… we’re famous for our food and fab beaches, but what about fashion? Well if we know a thing or two about Gold Coasters, it’s that beating our chest and making a big hoo-ha isn’t really our vibe so you might be surprised to know that some of Australia – and the world’s – most loved fashion brands started right here. Yep, turns out we’re really good at making more than just epic margs.

Here’s our pick of the 10 labels putting the GC on the global fashion map!

Kivari
What started as a humble stall at The Village Markets has since blossomed into a global brand bringing elevated resortwear to the everyday. So much so that even Saks Fifth Avenue can’t get enough of them – see, it’s not just us! If you aren’t familiar with Kivari’s signature look think ultra feminine meets boho prints and patterns, crafted for the dreamers and the wanderers – it’s giving major holiday energy and we’re here for it.

Olas Supply Co
Inspired by founders Joel & Nicole love of travel as well as the places and people they found along the way, so we guess you could say that Olas Supply Co isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. They’ve got goodies for the ladies, the lads and even your mini’s so the whole fam can get kitted out in your favourite swag from signature tees to matching sets that have summer written all over it. Designed for life by the ocean, they’re the ultimate for our sunkissed summers.

Rhythm
If you don’t already know Rhythm, then are you even really a Gold Coaster? It’s the quintessential surf brand that’s all about the good vibes and great design. From swimwear to clothing, Rhythm have become experts in capturing that laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of the Gold Coast. Consciously created, each and every piece is thoughtful designed with the coastal lifestyle in mind – think endlessly cool and comfortable.

Grace Loves Lace
If you’ve ever been a bride or are dreaming of one day being one, we bet you’ve pinned a Grace Loves Lace gown on your Pinterest board. Come on, don’t deny it – they are behind the most pinned wedding gown so you’re not alone. Known for their effortlessly beautiful bridal gowns, Grace Loves Lace has become an icon in the wedding space not just in their home town, but all over the world. They’ve got more than 20 showrooms globally so clearly they’re doing something very, very right. With a focus on comfort, style and individuality Grace gowns are made with movement in mind because ain’t nobody got time to be uncomfortable on their big day! But it’s not just lace they’re all about, there’s so much more – just take a look at their latest collection, an evolution from their signature silhouettes introducing more structured options made from crepes and more, while maintaining their commitment to gowns that move with you.

Peony Swimwear
Peony’s journey from The Village Markets to becoming a world-renowned sustainable swimwear brand has been one of our favourite success stories. Ever since lawyer turned swimwear mogul, Becky Jack, quite her day job to launch the boutique swim brand out of her garage the brand has not missed a beat delivering collections each and every season that make us immediately add to cart. With swim that as luxe and chic as it is eco-friendly, it’s no wonder celebs like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid approve of this Gold Coast gem.

Isabelle Quinn
Since 2015 Isabella Quinn has been bringing some of our favourite designs to life, think feminine and contemporary silhouettes with a hint of romance. Known for her signature crochet dresses and unmistakably IQ prints with pops of seasonal colours and floral influences because there’s more to life than black, white and beige. This Gold Coast brand has paved their own way and carved a niche in not just the local fashion scene with refined silhouettes in each hand-made piece, but Australian’s all over wanting a piece of IQ because IYKYK.

Sabbi
They might be relatively newbies on the fashion scene but boy have they made a splash with their iconic “this senorita needs a margarita” fits – and truly we’ve never related to something more. Cool and quirky by nature, Sabbi was born from a fusion of love for both art and fashion, with all the designs hand-painted by Jase and Ash themselves made for every day life. And what’s more iconic than a fit that can take you from beach to bar? Spoiler: nothing.

Cleo Harper
Fitness meets fashion with Cleo Harper, the activewear brand that’s all about looking fab while breaking a sweat. Known for their flattering cuts and attention to detail, Cleo Harper’s pieces are made to move with you, whether you’re hitting the gym, taking a hot girl walk in Burleigh or just popping out for the farmers market and your caffeine fix – Cleo Harper have got you covered, literally. Designed on the Gold Coast, this label has built a loyal following of women who love workout gear that look as luxe as they feel when you’re wearing them.

Homebodii
We don’t think we’re out of turn when we say that Homebodii were the pioneers of lounge and sleepwear, and can you believe founder Ingrid Bonnor did it all from right her? Known for their aesthetic designs, the label has become a go-to for brides with their dreamy robes, pastel prints and lace lined pieces they’ve got everything from custom pj’s for the whole family as well as dreamy lingerie for all occasions. Because why not inject a little romance into your every day life? If you’re a home body looking for something beautiful to slip into, Homebodii’s got your name all over it.

LSKD
Okay so technically these guys aren’t quite Gold Coast grown, but they started their journey just down the road in Logan so we’ll claim them as our own – and their flagship store is right here at Pacific Fair. Never ones to be content with settling for the norm, you’ve probably seen the insane evolution LSKD has been on these past few years and it’s not just us who are big fans – they’ve built a cult following. Functional, design-led pieces are at the forefront of the brand so you’re guaranteed to love the buttery soft fabrics and trend-making silhouettes. They’re on a mission to inspire people to be 1% better every day and let’s just say that’s a whole lot easier when you’re kitted out in their epic fitness apparel.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski