The award-winning Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar introduces banquet dining!
The award-winning Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar introduces banquet dining!
Hungry? Good, you’ve come to the right place and even if you’re not, starvin’ Marvin mode will be activated when we tell you about a FAVE GC noshery’s latest offering. Those of us who have experienced the unparalleled Persian paradise that is Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar, know that this taste-bud-titlliator is the duck’s you-know-what’s. This year, its gastronomic game has reached new palette-pleasing heights, cementing OMFG status (Officially Majorly Flipping ‘Gruel’… and srsly, any excuse to quote Mean Girls). How could it possibly get better you ask? A bonza Banquets Menu featuring five different options will do it every time.
Established in 2011 by local culinary royalty, Erfan Jalilian and Mohammad Shirmehrjerdi, Shiraz has been making Gold Coaster’s drool with authentic Persian cuisine for over a decade. And, with the recent addition of banquets, one’s thing’s fo’ sho’ – you won’t leave hungry. Serving up decadent feasts, meat lovers, non-meat-lovers, and everyone in between (including small peeps – there’s even a ‘Kid’s Banquet’), are chanting, “holy hummus” in unison.
Firstly, let’s unpack the ‘Standard Banquet’ which may we add, is anything but standard. With four starters including Mast-o-Khiar; a mix of yoghurt and cucumber with a touch of ground mint and rose petals pairs perfectly with the Mixed Breads. Our pick of the three mains is the Zereshk Polo, slow-cooked chicken Maryland in a tomato sauce with a hint of cinnamon and Persian spices served with saffron rice with barberries (zereshk) and slivered pistachios. It’s a bona fide winner winner chicken dinner. Then tuck into the two mind-blowing middle eastern desserts, including the Vegan Baklava with pistachios and walnuts. $59pp (minimum of four).
Next, we have the ‘Shiraz Feast Banquet’ with six starters, six mains, and three desserts. Think Zeytoon Parvardeh, Persian-style marinated olives with pomegranate sauce, crushed walnuts and Persian spices, Mahiche Lamb Shank; slow-cooked lamb neck cooked in a unique turmeric sauce and caramelised onion, and Persian Orange Cake made with fresh oranges and almond meal, soaked with Shriraz’ Middle Eastern spiced syrup, and finished with cream cheese icing and chopped pistachios. $79pp (minimum of four).
For vegie devotees, behold the ‘Greens Banquet’ inviting you to nom your way through six starters, six mains, and two desserts. The Kashk-E Badenjan is a Persian fave; eggplant dip with special Shiraz herbs and spices and served with a whey-like fermented dairy product (kashk), as is the Loobia Polo with green beans, mushrooms and plant-based minced meat, cooked with spices in a tomato base and mixed with rice. And for something sweet, have a go of the Bastani Sonati; ice cream with saffron, pistachio and walnuts. $59pp (minimum of four).
And of course, we’ve saved the best for last, which is aptly named the ‘Shiraz Ultimate Banquet’. It certainly lives up to its title with eight starters, eight mains, and four desserts #ded. Sink your laughing gear into Mirza Ghasemi; soft roasted eggplant in tomato and garlic sauce, with eggs, Meygoo; marinated king prawns grilled to perfection, Ghafghazi Kabob; a skewer combining grilled marinated chicken breast and marinated rib fillet, and it doesn’t get any better than Lime and Pistachio Cheesecake. $99pp (minimum of four).
So, don your stretchy pants, pack your appetite, and head to the multi-award winner named after our fave ‘grape juice’. With more A-grade eats and sips than you can poke a magic carpet at, the new banquets menu is pure Per(sian) perfection.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
When: 11.30am – 9.30pm, Monday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHIRAZ AUTHENTIC PERSIAN RESTAURANT + BAR
Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.
Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.
Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
If we were asked to describe restaurant heaven, it would go a little something like this: We’d be perched on an outdoor terrace with our posse, rocking our cutest #OOTD and soaking up the beautiful GC rays. We’d naturally have an exotic cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, before tucking into a delicious modern Persian feast. For the keen foodies playing along, we just described a lunch or dinner at the famous Shiraz, which has recently climbed even higher up the food chain of GC eats venues. With the recent addition of a terrace, this Middle Eastern mindblower will eternally have us in its corner. And let’s be real, when you share your name with our favourite tipple, we were always coming along for the ride #PowerMove.
A well-established local hero, Gold Coasters and tourists alike have been flocking to Shiraz for over a decade. It became so popular that owner Erfan Jalilian and business partner Mohammad Shirmehrjerdi moved to a larger venue allowing Shiraz to spread its wings…ironically into Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise. Occupying the world-famous site where The Pink Poodle once thrived, the GC Highway site is iconic once more with Shiraz’ army of stage five clingers growing by the day.
The one thing diehard devotees wished for was a sun-drenched area with a bar vibe, where they could catch up with mates, hydrate with a beverage in the afternoon and/or evening, and enjoy our city’s enviable climate. Erfan and Mohammad certainly listened, delivering a stunning terrace space accommodating up to 60 bods, with a tasty side of people watching.
Using only the finest and most authentic Persian ingredients, the food is as phenomenal as ever. To wet your whistle, there are a variety of Persian style entrees, lamb shanks, marinated lamb cutlets, chicken skewers and kebabs, and seriously why have abs when you can have kebabs? There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options too, plus the likes of baklava and saffron ice cream sandwich to keep the sweet tooths smiling.
The unmissable signature dish is Gardan, which is slow-cooked lamb neck cooked in a unique turmeric sauce and caramelised onion. Served with Baghali Polo (green rice mixed with broad beans and dill), it’s an Iranian party in your mouth. Pair it with either the signature cocktail, Persian Love (vodka, cherry liqueur, cranberry juice, mixed berries, lemonade and Persian fairy floss), or the non-boozy Persian Gold made in house with saffron, rose water, sophia seeds and honey, and you’ll understand why Shiraz has more awards than you can poke a pistachio at.
Catering to couples and families, it’s also a great choice for a large group thanks to its central location and easy access to parking. They have numerous food and drink packages, available to individuals and corporates too, so keep this one in mind for those Christmas parties! Plus, there is a new jam-packed schedule of events offering a different drawcard for each day/night of the week, including live music every Friday and Saturday night. Our fave has to be Tight Tuesday (extra points awarded for the name), as diners who spend $99 or more will score a complimentary mezze platter. Yes please!
So do yourself a favour with flavour and head to Shiraz for the best Persian on the Coast (with the gongs to prove it), and a look at the brand-new outdoor terrace. You’ll quickly realise why it’s been in the top 1% of Trip Advisor reviews Australia-wide for nine years running, and make it your new local haunt.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
When: 11.30am – 9.30pm, Monday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHIRAZ AUTHENTIC PERSIAN RESTAURANT
