Food News
Punk-rock nonnas, pillowy pasta and sensational sips – say ciao to Cross Eyed Mary
Food & Drink

Punk-rock nonnas, pillowy pasta and sensational sips – say ciao to Cross Eyed Mary

15 Jan 2021

Named after the Jethro Tull song of the same name (What. A. Vibe.), Cross Eyed Mary has transformed the hole-in-the-wall space formerly occupied by Tasca on Coolangatta's Griffith Street into a charming pasta-and-wine bar that is modernising tradition with good, honest fare, craft cocktails and some seriously impressive sips of vino. The dark and moody interior has been given a fresh lick of paint to feature a white weatherboard exterior and welcoming terracotta-and-white interior that imbues a real 'summer in Tuscany' vibe. Whilst she may be small in stature, Cross Eyed Mary is here to leave a big impression ... more

Food News
Put it on the tab – Mr Yum is making dining out easy (and safe) with QR-code ordering
Food & Drink

Put it on the tab – Mr Yum is making dining out easy (and safe) with QR-code ordering

14 Jan 2021

If you're a fan of dining in, you've probably noticed that a lot of your favourite eateries have adapted to the new climate using innovate methods. One of these new processes is the use of QR technology, which has now become the norm when checking in before you dine in. Taking the technology to new lengths is Mr Yum, a QR-code system that not only lets you order from your phone, but start a digital tab too. Here's to never having to worry about that awkward split bill moment after you've finished up your last cocktail. more

Food News
Seadog expands its tiny operations to an open-air venue in Burleigh Heads
Food & Drink

Seadog expands its tiny operations to an open-air venue in Burleigh Heads

14 Jan 2021

Burleigh local Brodie Green has a knack for seeing things that others don't. Not in a weird "I see dead people" kind of way but in a practical, visionary kind of way. Case in point, his first caffeine-centric venue Seadog on James quite literally took over the four-square metre space formerly occupied by an ATM and transformed it into a thriving coffee dispensary, much to the surprise of the landlord. Well, friends, he's at it again. This time, Brodie has partnered with Burleigh Heads Bowls Club to transform the previously under-utilised space at the end of the green into an open-air coffee slinger called Seadog in the park. Here's everything you need to know about this nifty newcomer. more

Food News
Get specialty sips on-the-go at Sparrow Coffee Co's new coffee dispensary in West Burleigh
Food & Drink

Get specialty sips on-the-go at Sparrow Coffee Co’s new coffee dispensary in West Burleigh

14 Jan 2021

If you regularly plan your trips around where you can stop to get coffee (we see you, friend), we have some news that might just pique your interest. Bangalow and Byron Bay's much-loved caffeine dispensary Sparrow Coffee Co has spread its wings to open a fourth location right here on the Gold Coast – hooray! Tucked away from plain sight between The Wellness Boutique and Elevation Fitness in West Burleigh, the new takeaway nook is here to fuel your morning with quality sips on the fly.  more

Food News
The round-up: where to get your Vietnamese fix on the Gold Coast
Food & Drink

The round-up: where to get your Vietnamese fix on the Gold Coast

13 Jan 2021

If you love your Vietnamese food and go to great lengths to seek out the best banh mi, banh xeo, piping-hot pho, rice-paper rolls and vermicelli salads, then first of all – we should be friends. Secondly, get your eyes (and mouths) over this handy list of some of the Gold Coast's best Vietnamese eateries. From modern dining spots to unassuming takeaway hubs, here's a handful that are well worth checking out. more

Food News
Good things come in threes – Cadbury is releasing a Neapolitan chocolate block
Food & Drink

Good things come in threes – Cadbury is releasing a Neapolitan chocolate block

12 Jan 2021

If you're anything like us, you spent a fair amount of your childhood digging into a comically-large tub of Neapolitan ice-cream, scooping into your favourite flavour before your sibling got their dirty hands on it. Well aware of our undying devotion to the holy trinity of frozen desserts, the fine folk at Cadbury also know that three flavours are better than one and are gifting us with a sweet snack to kick off the new year – Cadbury's Neapolitan chocolate block. This brand-new confectionary hero will have you reminiscing on the good ol' days where you'd run straight to the freezer after finishing your last bite of dinner. more

The Locals Next week:

bakery
The year in review: 2020’s biggest openings
Food & Drink

The year in review: 2020’s biggest openings

23 Dec 2020

Wowee. What a year. We all went through it, there's no need to remind you. What we care to focus on are the positives. Despite 2020 being the most difficult year ever for our hospitality friends, our fine city was still blessed with some phenomenal new cafe, restaurant and bar openings – a feat that should be celebrated. So while many of us are trying to forget most of the year that was, we're excited to look back on the hospitality heroes that made this year one to remember ... at least for our tastebuds. more

Food News
Ditch the instant granules – here's where to get (real) coffee on Christmas Day
Food & Drink

Ditch the instant granules – here’s where to get (real) coffee on Christmas Day

23 Dec 2020

There is so much hype leading up to Christmas and we often forget one of the most vital things – where the heck do you get coffee on Christmas morning? Luckily there are a handful of amazing local cafes that are swinging open the doors so we can all get caffeinated for the big day of festivities! Put down the tin of International Roast, here are some spots open for (real) coffee on Christmas Day. Oh, and a big shout out to the talented baristas and hospo mates working on Christmas – you guys rock! more

Food News
The round-up: what's open on New Year's Day on the Gold Coast
Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open on New Year’s Day on the Gold Coast

23 Dec 2020

Well, friends, we made it! 2020 has been one heck of a ride so that's a pretty damn good reason to pop bottles this New Year's Eve. Whether you’re keen to get a cracking start on those 'clean eating' New Year's resolutions with a smoothie and a nourish bowl, keep the party going or feed your hangover with extra serves of bacon, we’ve round-up some places that are opening on New Year’s Day to get 2021 off to a splendid start. Now, let's all agree never speak of the year that was ever, ever again ... more

Food News
Munch on a mighty mac’n’cheese burger and crispy fried chicken at the all-new Pattysmiths Miami
Food & Drink

Munch on a mighty mac’n’cheese burger and crispy fried chicken at the all-new Pattysmiths Miami

17 Dec 2020

Sorry in advance to everyone who has visions of getting a head-start on those recurring 'clean eating' New Year's resolutions because Melbourne-born burger bar Pattysmiths is continuing to expand its footprint, this time firing up the grills at its fourth Gold Coast location in the beachside suburb of Miami. The new eatery is officially open and here are all the juicy details ...  more

Food News
Roll in to Little Cooly for pizza, pasta and a pinot overlooking the ocean
Food & Drink

Roll in to Little Cooly for pizza, pasta and a pinot overlooking the ocean

16 Dec 2020

Just as we were about to write 2020 off completely, a new pizza and pasta bar has opened at The Strand in Coolangatta and it's here to lure you into a blissful state of carb-induced happiness with perfectly crisp pizzas, pillowy pasta and signature sips overlooking the ocean. Little Cooly, perched on level one, is an ode to all things local with dishes named after recognisable icons and suburbs and locally sourced produce. Here's what we know about this cruisy new local. more

Food News
Gin-gle all the way – Granddad Jack's and Tarte join forces to encapsulate the spirit (and taste) of Christmas
Food & Drink

Gin-gle all the way – Granddad Jack’s and Tarte join forces to encapsulate the spirit (and taste) of Christmas

15 Dec 2020

Whilst it is indeed the most wonderful time of year, after everything that 2020 has brought with it you'd be forgiven for lacking a little Christmas cheer. In fact, we could probably all do with a hearty dose of merriment right about now – so gather around friends, we have some tasty news that is guaranteed to have you feeling all kinds of festive. Miami-based craft distillery Granddad Jack's has teamed up with their pals at Tarte Bakery & Cafe to imbue the spirit of Christmas in a limited-edition Pavlova-flavoured gin (and a boozy sweet treat) that has all the hallmarks of the holidays. more

Food News
La Bella Cellar brings a bounty of cheese, wine and crafted cocktails to Burleigh Heads
Food & Drink

La Bella Cellar brings a bounty of cheese, wine and crafted cocktails to Burleigh Heads

12 Dec 2020

With no obvious signage to speak of except for two tiny initials hovering overhead and one lonely cactus, whispers about the strikingly beautiful white-washed facade on Deodar Drive in Burleigh Heads have been circling for weeks. Well, friends, wonder no more – we can finally reveal the pretty new restaurant and bar is called La Bella Cellar and it officially opens today (Saturday December 12). Here's everything you need to know about this dreamy newcomer ... more

Food News
The round-up: here's a slice-by-slice guide to the Gold Coast's best pizza
Food & Drink

The round-up: here’s a slice-by-slice guide to the Gold Coast’s best pizza

12 Dec 2020

A pizza that is made with love and the finest quality ingredients is truly a work of art. A delightfully thin, crispy base adorned with a restrained scattering of toppings and smothered with molten-hot mozzarella – it's a sight to behold before eagerly devouring. As with all art, it's subjective – though, we've put together a tasty list of the best spots for pizza on the Gold Coast that we reckon are well worth a visit. more