The Gold Coast’s Food Evolution
Despite rising costs of living, labour shortages and turbulent weather, 2023 proved to be a year of growth for the Gold Coast hospitality industry. Consumers may have adjusted their discretionary spending, but they still made room for dining. Tourism was strong in 2023, with approximately 12 million tourists contributing $1.7 billion into the local economy. […]
Tayta, the best of both worlds
I fell in love this week, not with a person but with a cuisine. Nikkei. ‘The Fusion Cuisine You Didn’t Know You Needed’, says Vogue magazine. And I am not alone in my passion. Italian-born Adriano Antonini discovered and fell in love with Nikkei cuisine while working as a sommelier in London hot spot Coya, […]
Falafel is king
For the best falafel on the coast, look no further than Falafels. Their handmade falafel is the tastiest we have eaten in years. Crunchy on the outside, soft and textured inside, they’re ‘out of the ball park’ fabulous! Once you try one, you’ll be asking for more. So, what’s the secret? Well, let’s back up […]
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants, Gold Coast
The vegan dining scene has flourished during the past few years. Gone are the days when ordering a vegetarian or vegan meal drew the expectation of a plate of steamed vegetables or a green salad landing on your table. Nor is it just about tofu and tempeh. Now your dining preference may be vegan, lactose […]
A Feast of Seafood
With 52 kilometres of coastline and 860 km of sparkling waterways, the Gold Coast has access to an abundance of fresh seafood. Seafood forms an integral part of our dining culture. From Sunday night fish and chips to freshly cooked prawns straight off the trawlers, we can enjoy a casual meal of seafood at home […]
Tapas from a Rose
There are times when tapas and a share platter fulfil our dining needs more than a one-plate meal. Perhaps we have time to spare and feel like a glass of wine and a nibble, or a cocktail and bite to eat before a show. Maybe even a quick catch up without full commitment to a […]
Sogno Italiano, the Italian Dream
Opening just in time for New Year 2022, Sogno Italiano (which literally means ‘The Italian Dream’) opened in the restaurant precinct of ‘Markeri Food’ between well-respected restaurants Lucky Bao and Easy House Vegan. It’s great to have an Italian restaurant in the L-shaped centre, Mermaid’s main dining precinct offering alfresco dining along the verandas as […]
Beun Modern Japanese
We have chefs we love, and Chef Yusuke Ito is one of them. You have probably eaten Chef Yusuke’s food before. Chances are, though, that unless you’d been paying close attention, you may not have known that Yusuke had cooked the food on your plate. Quiet and unassuming, as are many Japanese chefs, Yusuke worked […]
Little Mermaid
Little Mermaid is a haven for the Mermaid Beach ‘coastal community with a village feel’. It’s a home away from home for many, a place to hang out with friends, and a venue with the vibes they love. “This venue has been created with one clear vision,” Little Mermaid’s website states, “to foster friendships, generate […]
Somm Wine Store
There’s a feeling you get when you first walk into a place that’s all important. It’s evident from the outset, the vibe that can make or break the experience. You experience feelings on a continuum from tense and overwhelmed to relaxed and at ease. Walking into SOMM, short for ‘sommelier’ (because it’s a sommelier-like experience […]