A fresh new venue is always good news but what’s even better is when that fresh new venue is by a group of people who have delivered such a thing time and time again.

Get excited Gold Coasters, The Gennari Group is back with a new addition to the Broadbeach dining scene, this time in the form of modern Asian venue Maggie Choo.

She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and of course, bulk good vibes.

Find her on Surf Parade, right next door to Broadbeach institution Koi Dining (one of The Gennari Groups many babies), with music pumping and neon lights aplenty.

Now you’ll probably hear Maggie Choo before you see her, a sign by the bar reads “if the music is too loud, you’re too old” and yes Maggie, we may just be but we’re coming anyway because there are many things to love about this place.

At the front, you’ll find high tables perfect for people watching and sipping many a frosty tipple but inside is where the magic happens.

A Cherry Blossom tree has been placed in the centre of the room and from that tree, millions of flowers grow up and out across the ceiling.

Paper umbrellas line the roof of a room at the back and there’s sleek, Asian-inspired artworks featured on porthole-esque windows.

Part of the kitchen is open, so you can watch the crew doing their thing and there are a few more neon signs placed throughout.

The whole effect is very impressive and the perfect spot for snapping all of the Insta content.

Now onto the menu that is made up of VERY fresh Asian dishes.

Start with the Thai Beef Tataki, Kingfish/Tuna Sashimi or the delectable Gado Gado that you absolutely must try!

Of course, the Honey Chicken Wings (with bush honey, yuzu and furikake) always go down a treat.

Moving onto the small plates like Indonesian Fritters, Prawn and Crab Dumplings, Bug Rolls and a range of Baos too.

Don’t visit without sampling the Tom Kha Curry which is made up of Moreton Bay Bugs, Prawns, Coconut and Kaffir Lime.

It’s perfectly balanced and the seafood is fresh and it’s well, perfect honestly.

There’s also banquet menu’s available for when you just can’t decide so Maggie will choose for you, the Tease is $45pp or Luxe for $55pp and vegans don’t miss out either, with an array of dishes available.

Cocktail-wise, expect some very interesting, very yummy sips including My Bubbles – an adult bubble tea – and Head in the Clouds (serves four), which is made up of all the watermelon things plus cherry things and look, just taste it.

They’re all amazing though, stay awhile and taste them all.

If you’re in need of a good time, laden with tasty eats and some of the best sips around, Maggie Choo is your girl.

Opening Wednesday 16^th September.

LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: TBC

Words and photos By Kirra Smith

Everybody loves the feeling of a big, warm hug right? Now more than ever. Well Gold Coasters, that’s exactly the feeling you’re going to get when setting foot inside Bonogin newbie The Hunted Cafe.

If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of venturing out to the Bonogin area, you’re in for quite a treat (more than one treat actually).

It’s quiet, leafy and probably the most relaxing place on the entire Gold Coast. So beautiful in fact that, like us, you feel the need to head straight home afterwards, pack up your things and move there.

Particularly because as mentioned, The Hunted Cafe opened there recently and it’s perfectly at home amongst the laidback, country vibes in a stunning garden setting and with wooden accents throughout. A big open window looks out onto the road and the bush beyond.

Out to the side there’s a garden area with tables under the trees and a big grassy spot for the little ones to run around.

Owners Emma and Kane Mutkins plan to have some nighttime events down the track too, think live music and something along the lines of pizza or slow cooked brisket to eat.

Heaven.

Now though, the menu is of the brunch variety and includes homestyle dishes everyone will love.

Think Sweet Corn and Zucchini Fritters, Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Buttermilk Waffles.

If you’re after more of a lunchtime dish, there’s Poppy’s Burger, which is Emma’s Dad’s recipe, Seasonal Soup and a Pulled Pork Sandwich to name a few goodies.

To drink, there’s beloved Social Espresso Coffee plus Milkshakes, Smoothies and Super Smoothies in Açai and Pina Colada flavour – because Emma’s Mum loves Pina Coladas and same.

Takeaway-wise there’s wraps plus Fuel Bakehouse Cruffins and Doughnuts and Emma’s own Brownies and Caramel Slice.

Kane makes the sourdough crumpets and how good is a cafe the whole family is involved in?

The Hunted Cafe is also a corner store, so you can grab milk and bread while you’re there.

There’s also locally made candles by Tara McDonald and dried flowers by Mother and Daughter team Magnolia Lane.

It’s just delightful all round honestly. Oh and it’s called The Hunted Cafe because you have to hunt to find it, what a treat. 

If you’re in the mood for some relaxed brunch time away from the hustle of the city with bulk community vibes and delicious eats, The Hunted Cafe is your new favourite spot. Ours too.

Seeya there for some fresh air.

LOCATION: 555 Bonogin Rd, Bonogin
HOURS: Monday to Friday 6.30am to 6pm (kitchen closes at 2.30pm), Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Today we find ourselves in Mexico, which is absolutely a place we’re happy to be (if only metaphorically), because in Mexico, there are tacos and there are margaritas. You know where else there are tacos and margaritas? The Collective in Palm Beach.

More specifically, the recently launched TaLA, a fresh new LA-inspired taco bar that is an absolute delight for the tastebuds.

TaLA opened on Tuesday 8th September (unsure how it’s September but here we are) and it’s perfectly at home amongst Luckie’s American Diner, Mazi’s Greek Kitchen, Umami’s Asian Fusion and The Italian Job’s pizzeria.

It’s a revamp of the previous Mexican venue at The Collective, with a whole new vibe and menu inspired by the Southern Californian-style of Mexi-eats.

LA taco bars have a history of ensuring the use of quality ingredients, brought to life with authentic Mexican recipes and experimental modern twists.

Delightful.

For example TaLA is serving up 16 (!) impressive taco creations, all of which are completely gluten-free.

With flavours like Dukka Lamb Rib with hummus, pomegranate and rocket and Pork Belly with pineapple curry and toasted coconut, you’re absolutely going to find something you love.

Veggie lovers are also well taken care of with options like Southern Fried Shimeji Mushroom with wasabi ranch and radish and Vegan Harissa Eggplant with parsley pesto and rocket.

How good do all of those sounds friends.

In keeping with The Collective’s share-plate vibe, there are of course, many incredible dishes to share too.

Popcorn Halloumi for one. It’s tempura battered haloumi with a red pepper sauce, Street Paella with chilli lime marinated squid, chorizo, sweetcorn, pickled onion petals, spiced mexi rice and grilled lime.

Umm, both of those please.

Of course there are many margaritas to order from the bar and if you ask us, that’ pretty much the best time you can have.

See you there every day of the week forever.

LOCATION: The Collective Palm Beach, 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
HOURS: Monday from 5pm until late, Tuesday to Sunday 12pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith