Izakaya Ichi
Sitting pretty amongst laminex diners, Izakaya Ichi is as cute as a Ningyō Kabuki doll. With fairy lights winking and the dining wagon calling, there are lots of reasons to check out this little gem. Owned by Young Hun Cha, owner of the Sushi 1 chain, the bar opened in late 2015, the flagship (he […]
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Outdoors comes inside at Garden Kitchen & Bar, part of The Star Gold Coast’s $345 million transformation. The hotel foyer’s wall of cascading greenery is the first statement of intention: Garden Kitchen & Bar is a fresh take on all day dining. With bar and pergola areas bathed in natural light and a large back […]
Aloha Bar & Dining
NOTE: The McCluskeys have sold their share in Aloha in preparation for another project. Watch this space! If fabulous cocktails and delish food are your thing, head on down to Aloha Bar & Dining, tucked in off the laneway behind Main Place, Broadbeach. Aloha is the first in what’s hoped will be a series of […]
Cambus Wallace
It only took three words, “Let’s do it!” to launch eleven friends into action. Their venture, The Cambus Wallace opened in late 2012, inspired by history – the history of a ship run aground; the history of a nation whose currency was ‘rum’. “We wanted to fill in the blank spot that we thought was […]
House of Brews
At first glance, a taphouse may appear to be a blokes’ joint, but that’s certainly not the case with House of Brews, set in the middle of Surfers Paradise. This is a new age venue with a lot to please the ladies (as well as the guys)! Owners Sacha, Damien and Ben Kanaghines brought back […]
Beer and Bugs at House of Brews
Beer and bugs! It’s too good an invitation to miss. Skipping lunch, I prepare my appetite for a seafood onslaught at the House of Brews media lunch. A feast it is, but the ‘bugs’ at Brews push my dining experience into wild frontiers. They’re bugs alright. To be more specific, ants and crickets. Eating insects […]
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
‘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 […]
Bon Bon Bar
There’s something about Sunday afternoon that always catches me unawares. I want to slam the brakes on the weekend, reining in the rest of the leftover hours to head for the nearest watering hole. ‘‘Nooooooo! I’m not ready for the working week yet!’ I cry, as we gatecrash the Sunday sesh at Bon Bon. Ah […]
Burgster
There’s a huge space in my heart for earth mothers. You know the sort of woman I mean – the one who’s the hub of her family; who makes everyone feel welcome, holding their well-being close to her heart. She’s the matriarch apparent. When we first meet Rochelle Smith, I know that she’s the beating […]
Misono Japanese Steakhouse
We’re having one of those D & M (deep and meaningful) discussions about why people keep coming back to their favourite restaurant –a signature dish, great service, comfort, price and proximity… “It’s not just about the food, of course, it’s about the show,” the Main Squeeze puts in his two cents worth. He means the […]