‘Authenticity’ can be an over-rated ideal. There are times when it’s a good idea to shake up time-worn dishes with a healthy dose of innovation. After all, being an ‘authentic’ dish embodies not only a sense of place, but also a time and social context which cannot be replicated. As diners, if it’s flavour and...

It’s ironic, given our sub-tropical climate, that we see little Pacific Rim food on the Gold Coast. Tupe-Aloha Bar and Grill goes some way towards remedying that. Hawaii meets the Caribbean in this live music venue. Step in off our famous Kirra Beach and you’d be mistaken for thinking that you’d stepped into a tiki...

Are you a food tourist? Is dining out one of the agenda items on your travel itinerary? If you research dining possibilities at each destination, reading about great chefs, exciting signature dishes and cultural food experiences, then you’re one of us! We don’t always have to travel to indulge in food tourism. Sometimes we luck...

Dressed up for date night, coiffed, perfumed, accessorised. Should I pack my camera? It’s our fifth wedding anniversary and The Main Squeeze has managed to keep the venue a secret. “Be ready at 5pm,” was all he’d said. I cast my memory back to our first date. Dressed up, coiffed, perfumed and accessorised, I’d anticipated...

“There was a time when people went out just to enjoy a really good meal. Restaurants’ reputations were built on the quality of their food. That’s all changed. Now, restaurants must provide the whole package. It’s not just about the food. We’re in the entertainment industry. We have to give someone a great experience. Bad...

If the spirit of Frida Kahlo descended onto the Gold Coast, I am sure that she would come to rest in Bonita Bonita. Besides being kindred Mexican spirits with their own unique artistic styles, Bonita’s owner/chef Morgan Walsh (ex Commune) bears a striking resemblance to the famous Mexican artist (minus the monobrow)! By day the façade...

Sometimes dreams don’t work out exactly how you plan them…they’re even better! At least that’s how it turned out with the little plate… Workmates Gaynor, Olivia and Nicole dreamed of owning a tapas restaurant where people could share food, enjoy good service and top flavours. They shared a common vision and complementary skills, but when...

UPDATE: We’ve eaten several times at Social, including with vegans, gluten and lactose intolerants all at the same table! On every occasion our needs were gracefully accommodated, with Matt’s food surpassing our expectations. We give Social our highest recommendation for both food and service. —————————————————————————- Social Eating House + Bar takes ‘smart’ to a new...

What’s life on the Goldie without a cocktail by the pool? Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar has one of the most spectacular views on the Gold Coast across an infinity edged-pool to the towering spectacle of Q1 beyond. Locals may have driven past the imposing iron-clad building on Garfield Terrace and assumed that it was...