Hip hip ber-et – Bistro On3’s Bastille day celebrations can’t be beat!
Hip hip ber-et – Bistro On3’s Bastille day celebrations can’t be beat!
Holy crepe Gold Coasters – it’s almost July, which means our favourite day of French celebration is just around the corner. Though we won’t be pedalling about France on two wheels, eating our bodyweight in bread and cheese for the occasion, c’est la vie. Because Sofitel Gold Coast’s magnifique annual Bastille Day celebrations are back and bready to show us how it’s done Parisian-style, with a stack of scrumptious revelling lined up to commemorate. And if not the motherland – where better to get in the spirit than our ever-dependable and delectable resident French star!
This Sunday July 14 from 12 – 3pm, don your beret for the crème de la crème of Bastille Day celebrations – or delight in one of France’s most iconic dessert dishes ‘til heart’s content, with an irresistible fare special available all month long. If you truly want to trick the tastebuds into forgetting we haven’t escaped the Australian winter in favour of frolicking about the South of France, consider this year’s delectable Bastille Day lunch buffet spread hosted at Bistro On3 your first class ticket.
As the GC’s home of French inspired indulgence, the team at Sofitel Gold Coast never shy away from an opportunity to showcase – or spoil us with – the best that French culture and cuisine has to offer. So naturally, when it comes to honouring the national day of their homeland, this is where they shine!
In a setting as perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête as it is for a whole fam rendezvous, Bistro On3 will be dressed to the nines in blue, blanc, and rouge in honour of the occasion. Be transported to Paris as the enchanting aroma of authentic flavours fill the air. Whip your tastebuds into a frenzy feasting upon time-honoured favourites such as traditional soupe à l’oignon and soul-hugging boeuf bourguignon.
Of course, what French feast would be complete without the pièce de résistance of celebratory fare – a towering croquembouche! To conclude Bistro On3’s exquisite ode to the City of Lights, will be none other than a mountain of glistening cream puffs bound together with golden caramel – and we could think of no better grand finale than this feat of Parisian pastry mastery, oui?
When it comes to an iconic cuisine that has bestowed this many gastronomic gifts upon the world – one day of revelry hardly cuts the Dijon mustard! And thankfully Francophiles, Bistro On3 agrees the mouthwatering merriment should not stop there. The French joie de vivre lives on all month long – in the form of one of the country’s most legendary desserts – Crêpes Suzette, served from 11am-9pm daily.
If your insatiable appetite for Parisian treats is as sky-high as the Eiffel Tower, report to Bistro On3 to get your fill. With the classic, Grand Mariner drenched flaming dish available for a grand total of only $10 throughout July… talk about a searing hot deal! Arriving swimming in boozy orange-butter sauce before being set ablaze by the chef – what better testament to the French zest for food than this perfectly balanced spectacle of a sweet treat. And at only $10 a pop, surely we aren’t the only ones fully prepared to be on a first name basis with the chefs before month’s end. Bastille our beating hearts!
For more information and to view the menu click here.
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When:
Bastille Day Lunch Buffet: Sunday 14 July from 12-3pm. $125 per person,13-17 year olds: $79 per child, 5-12 year olds: $39 per child, 0-4 year olds: free.
Crêpes Suzette Activation: 1–31 July from 11am-9pm daily.
Words by Kellie Leader
STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST & BISTRO ON3.
Social Eating House + Bar has long been a ‘casual fine dining’ Gold Coast favourite. With an impressive international tapas/shared plate style menu that includes the likes of Grilled Miso Quail, or even Lightly Smoked and Grilled Ocean Trout, it’s no wonder they’re a winner of not just one but two Hats from The Australian Good Food Guide. Freshly appointed Head Chef, YK, joined the team just a little over a month ago and has since hit the ground running. We had the pleasure to get to know him a bit more, and find out that he is a Chef passionate about making people happy, seeing them come together and enjoy the food he has prepared.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Not very long! I have only been on the Gold Coast for just over a month.
What do you love most about living here?
The ocean. Wherever I go, I am so close to the beach. Plus the Gold Coast has some pretty friendly people!
Tell us about your chef journey thus far.
I have been studying cooking since I was 15 years old. I graduated Kimpo University (a culinary art association) and went to the Army Service for 2 years as a Chef. Once I finished my duty of service I moved to the USA, and held an Internship for a year at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida. After this, I moved back to my home country where I started to work at the Banyan Tree Hotel. It was there that I was fortunate enough to meet some great Chefs. Not long after I returned, I began to think of moving to Australia because there are lots of different fresh produce and cooking techniques that intrigued me. From there, I explored and looked into the opportunity of graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney. The next thing I know, I was working at Quay Restaurant, then Bennelong and then moved to Aubergine Restaurant in Canberra. I worked for Ben (Aubergine Restaurant Owner & Chef) for five years and learnt a lot of cooking techniques and how to ‘respect’ all ingredients. It wasn’t until my wife and I were on a Gold Coast holiday that we realised that we had fallen in love with the Gold Coast and wanted to call it our home.
What’s your proudest chef moment?
When my service has been smooth and everyone is happy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Jeffo (Matt Jefferson)
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
Korean instant noodle
Tell us about what changes you are bringing to Social Eating House + Bar.
I am currently working on implementing some recipe books for the restaurant. Further to this I am trying to implement a super organized kitchen where chefs can work smart and efficiently.
What else is in the works for you in 2021?
I am having a baby, so very much looking forward to adding to my family.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: I am new here so I haven’t been everywhere but I have been to Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach
Coffee spot: no name lane, Broadbeach
Restaurant for dinner: Has to be Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach
Bar or pub for a drink: Again, has to be Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach
How does your weekend usually look? I usually spend my time at home with my wife, and lately we have been getting ready for our new baby.
Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.
Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.
Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)
Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
