Eat, sip, repeat at Verandah Restaurant and Bar.
Eat, sip, repeat at Verandah Restaurant and Bar.
Here on the GC, it’s easy to get a little caught up in the hype of chasing the all latest food trends. Sometimes they bring us good things (hey spicy margs) and sometimes said trends just get so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should – *side eye* butter boards, nacho tables. And sometimes our starry-eyed quest for the latest kimchi-infused-croissant-burger (pls no one actually make this) means we momentarily forget the happiness that awaits with our tried and true faves. After all, the key ingredients for a dram good time are pretty simple: cosy surrounds, knock out views and classic eats and sips that just make you feel good.
Just like having a best bud with a boat, perhaps one of the best perks for us locals is the ability to borrow some of those sweet, sweet resort-vibes for a few hours. You only have to head around the corner and you can be kicking back, soaking up those sweeping views over a long lunch for allll the rejuvenating feels of a weekend getaway and zero of the stress of packing up half your wardrobe or the vaycay sized bill #lifehack.
So if you’re overdue to whisk-ey yourself away for a few hours of indulgence, listen up because we’re about to spill the tea on one venue that has it all for foodies and liquor lovers alike. If you’re a whisky fan, we’ve ‘scotch a hunch you’re already well aquatinted with the name Verandah Restaurant and Bar, a well known destination for connoisseurs of the finest drops nestled among InterContinental Sanctuary Cove’s lush surrounds. But even if sipping world class spirits is not normally your cup of, er – tea, never fear – we’ve three magical words set to get the tastebuds tingling: all. day. eats. And as passionate foodies, the chance to have on-demand delish food dished up any old time we fancy is a-ok with us.
Sitting pretty in its prime position within the tropical InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort grounds, Verandah Restaurant and Bar strikes that perfect balance of seamless indoor and outdoor dining. The serene sweeping views overlooking the river from the formal balcony make for a picture-perfect backdrop, while the chance to cosy up in the relaxed fireplace seating has got to be pretty hard to beat this time of year. The light-filled space is bedecked in elegant French style windows, framing the stunning views in the way only French windows can. And if you can manage to peel your eyes away from the outlook, we can’t help but to swoon over the beautiful herringbone floors and the sense of luxury and warmth they bring to the space.
Open from 11 am daily for lunch, dinner and everything in between, the menu has just undergone a fresh new shake up to deliver everything from tasty shared bites through to wholesome, classic comfort food, while showcasing the freshest locally sourced ingredients we have at our fingertips on the Coast #luckyus.
No matter if it’s a leisurely late lunch or some pre-dinner bites, you’re spoilt for choice between the Mezze Plate, Charcuterie Board – or sweet tooths rejoice, even some Devonshire Tea. Or perhaps we could truffle you for some Truffle Fries because you know Tapas always go down a treat – especially when paired with some of the house Signature Cocktails.
The Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl with Grilled broccoli, organic quinoa, roast kumara, wild rocket and halloumi sounds like a big ol’ bowl of superfood goodness perfect for whatever time of the day hunger strikes. Meanwhile, the Chef’s selection of pasta-tively delish options are a whole other type of (carb-a-licious) goodness: Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli – Burnt butter, zucchini, kumara and pecorino or Mooloolaba Prawn & Mussel Fettuccine Fermented chili, confit garlic and mandarin olive oil.
And excuse us while we imagine sitting fireside this Winter, tucking into the Roast Tasmanian Salmon with Charred corn, fennel puree and finger lime or Slow Braised Lamb Shank with Broccolini, pumpkin mash, poached shallot with charred capsicum and basil jus. The only thing missing from that picture is a glass of, well whatever the heck you please because the drinks menu is somehow even more extensive again.
The purists will of course appreciate the array of top shelf spirits from around the world available for sampling, and the cocktail enthusiasts will be hard pressed to select between the classic Time Honoured and the Signature Cocktail selection. Just quietly, a Jacks Gin with Ink Dry Gin, Sapere lychee Liqueur, Elderflower St.Germain, lime juice or perhaps the Autumn Rush with Vanilla vodka, Chambord, Aperol, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, lime juice would surely go down an absolute treat.
So, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a decadent late dinner and drinks, or anything in between, whatever it is you’re craving, the ever-immaculate Verandah Restaurant and Bar is ready to make it a memorable time when you are.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: Open from 11 am until late daily
Words by Kellie Leader
STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT.
If you look up “high achiever” in the dictionary, you’ll find a simple three-word definition; The Fireplace Restaurant. This award-winning wood-fire dining experience showcases the finest Australian produce infused with smoky flavour from the exclusive wood-fire oven. Garnished with seasoning from the restaurant’s herb garden and expertly paired with a world-class wine library, it’s pure happiness on a plate…and in a glass.
In addition to its endless five-star reviews, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s signature dining destination has two major coups to celebrate. Cue the applause, nods of approval, and the sound of people furiously dialling their posse to lock in a Fireplace dinner, because this year is shaping up to be even more impressive than the last.
2022 was undeniably a memorable year for this fine dining power player. Firstly, let’s start with the resort’s appointment of the Dom Perignon of Executive Chefs, Mr Hamish Watt. Joining fellow culinary master, Head Chef Randy Tablan, Hamish’s extensive high-brow experience made The Fireplace truly ‘ignite’ (pun intended). With fanfare and hype galore, absolutely nobody was surprised when the prestigious accolades ensued. Speaking of new recruits, InterContinental also welcomed a new Pastry Chef, Dee Hettiarachchi, whose pastry prowess and creativity in the kitchen is second-to-none.
With the A-Team fully assembled, naturally The Fireplace took out the top gong at the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association 2022 Awards for Excellence – South East Queensland, named the Best Restaurant in a Hotel/Resort. But that’s not all because in addition to claiming the gold in our region, The Fireplace was also a finalist in the national awards #bravo.
Don’t roll up the red carpet yet though, because more congratulations are in order. Yet again, this fine dining heavyweight was awarded a Two-Glass accolade in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, thanks to the carefully curated 200-strong wine library. This marks the sixth consecutive year of holding such a hotly contended title, and we’ll cheers to that. On repeat….
Looking into 2023, the culinary team are upping the ante even more to keep things exciting and enticing, just the way we like it. They’ve hit reset on the menu to align with the new season and we can already taste the wow-factor. To give your tastebuds a hint of what’s in store, let’s unpack the signature items – hot off the press.
Starting with entrées, the Charred Field Mushrooms with lentils, sauteed spinach and sherry vinegar dressing is simply unmissable. Then, who could resist a main of Barramundi with warrigal, baby corn, sugar snaps, heirloom tomato and salsa Verde and certainly not us. Or, if you’re partial to the grill, the 250g Milly Hill Lamb Rump with a selection of accompaniments and sides is a meat-eater’s dream dish.
Sweet tooths, you haven’t been forgotten with Dee Hettiarachchi’s newest dessert menu including his signature dish: Native Flavours. Featuring fresh Kakadu plum parfait, macadamia nougatine crunch, lemon myrtle sable, Bundaberg infused wild peach marmalade, dry mandarin and fresh berries, there’ll be no sharing because you won’t want to part with a single morsel.
Wine enthusiasts will be tickled pink (red and/or white) to discover that The Fireplace is sharing the stories of their wine library with a collated series of producer profiles, including Henschke, Bouchard Pere et Fils and Barossa Valley Shiraz. Great news for non-wine drinkers too, because these stories aren’t limited purely to the wine list, with tailored choices across the entire range of beverages, particularly the incredible selection of whiskeys.
The year ahead will also see seasonal menu changes and highly curated special events come to life. Specialist wine dinners, signature dining events and Chef-led experiences are just a taste of what’s to come. Or if you have a special event on the horizon, why not host it in The Fireplace’s intimate Private Dining Room? Seating up to 18 guests, your soiree will be remembered for all the right reasons.
For more information and to keep abreast of The Fireplace’s latest news and gourmet offerings, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island
When: 5.30pm – 9pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY INTERCONTINENTAL SANCTUARY COVE RESORT
Summer is well and truly in full swing and us Gold Coasters live for this time of year. The sun stays out longer, social engagements quadruple, our skin is dewier, and we have an excuse to buy new clothes coz we can’t possibly be seen in last year’s summer duds #CrimesOfFaarshion.
One destination always at the top of our summer hit list is Sanctuary Cove. Forever brimming with life’s greatest pleasures (eating, sipping, shopping, beautifying, cruising, and people watching – not necessarily in that order), this luxe oasis truly comes to life during the warmer months.
Here are six reasons why you’ll find us soaking up the good life at Sanctuary Cove this season.
Update your wardrobe
I mean, #obviously. If designer threads from Europe and Australia and the latest summer looks are on your radar, Sanctuary Cove’s diverse range of boutiques have you covered. Pop into Calypso Resort & Swimwear for a new swimsuit and stock up on cutting edge Australian labels at Soho Girl. Shop designer shades, always on-trend denim looks and more at Harry’s Emporium, bespoke handcrafted jewels at Amore Fine Jewellery, and quality organic garments for your mini-me’s at Cabana Kids….and that’s just the tip of the ice block!
Sip on a cocktail
You don’t have to ask us twice! You can’t go past the #trending Palm Springs vibes at Destino Wine & Cocktail Bar. The sun-filled space casts beautiful, dreamy shadows through the garden of greenery, setting the perfect backdrop for your afternoon tipple or date night. Or, sip on Mexico’s finest tequila-based beverages at Pablito’s Mexican & Tequilaria. With a cactus in every corner, terracotta and venetian walls and exposed concrete, you won’t want to miss this ‘Juan’.
Restyle your abode
Keep up with The Jones’ and source new season furniture and homewares from Cabana to create a relaxed, coastal haven. Shop all things Hamptons at Hamptons Style, discover unique treasures from the souks of Morocco to the laneways of India at Theo & Joe, and find the perfect contemporary art print at Fineprintco #HiSlimAarons.
Dine by the water
Nothing says summer like a relaxed, waterside meal. Pop into Anchor Buoy for a casual sunlit brunch or seafood-infused long lunch. Newbie Chim Thai is the perfect spot for epic views and the best of modern and traditional Thai flavours. George’s Paragon is a long-standing fave with locals, serving up mouth-watering seafood, meat, pasta and more with a nod to Greek inspired fare. And for the perfect bougee date night, Ioesco Café and Cucina’s fresh Napoli cuisine and stunning marina views will woo that someone special.
Enjoy an unforgettable sailing cruise
All aboard Gold Coast Sail’s beautiful 45-foot Hunter Sailing Yacht, Sol Cazador. Known as the largest and best-appointed sailing vessel on the GC, this is THE way to see our beautiful local waters. Book a morning, lunch, sunset, premium, or adventure day cruise. With all the bells and whistles, this luxurious yacht has even featured on the likes of The Bachelor and yes, we’ll totally accept this rose.
Get beautified by the best
Pamper and beautify till your heart’s content with the crème da le crème of beauty services and retailers. Let Elite Skin tailor a skin treatment program to treat your concerns with a holistic approach. Experience massages and facials merging the best of modern clinical treatments and product ingredients at Vault Skin Lab. While you’re at it, give your smile the Hollywood treatment at Enhanced Dental, and swing into Studio Eclettico Hair & Co for all your hair and beauty needs #NewHairDontCare.
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Hours vary. Visit www.sanctuarycove.com for more information
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE
