Food News
Oracle Boulevard launches Dial + Drive-Thru concept so you can take your favourites home
Food & Drink

Oracle Boulevard launches Dial + Drive-Thru concept so you can take your favourites home

01 Apr 2020

Luckily for us Gold Coast folk, a fair portion of the restaurants and cafes that make up the city's hospitality scene have been quick to react and adjust to this unimaginable new world we're currently living in. These uncertain times have prompted a new wave of innovation – and thankfully it means we can still enjoy dishes from our favourite restaurants from the comfort of our homes. To make these strange times a little easier to navigate for local diners, Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach has launched a new Dial + Drive-Thru concept for venues in the precinct. Fancy 12-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder tonight? It's easier than you think. more

Food News
A helping hand – these Australian distilleries are pivoting from booze to hand-sanitiser production
Food & Drink

A helping hand – these Australian distilleries are pivoting from booze to hand-sanitiser production

27 Mar 2020

While we know and love them for making our favourite gins, whiskies, rums and vodkas, a bunch of Australian craft distilleries are pivoting away from spirits and toward the production of arguably one of the most valuable, highly demanded products in the world right now. No, it's not toilet paper – we're talking about alcohol-based hand sanitiser. By stepping in, repurposing and adapting to meet demand in these unforeseen circumstances, distilleries have found a new revenue stream in keeping your hands clean – and it also allows them to stay open (for now) and keep their staff employed. So, if your local supermarket has run out of precious sani', don't stress – these booze makers have got your back, as always. more

Food News
The round-up: avoid supermarket mayhem and support local delis, fresh-food markets and international grocers
Food & Drink

The round-up: avoid supermarket mayhem and support local delis, fresh-food markets and international grocers

25 Mar 2020

Right now, supermarkets are really not the most enjoyable place to be. If you're in need of essentials, perhaps look beyond the giant chains and spend your money with small local businesses at a time when they need it most. The Gold Coast has a large stable of international grocers, delis, Asian supermarkets and fresh-food markets that are open and well stocked so you can duck in and grab what you need to get you through. more

Food News
How to support the Gold Coast hospitality industry amid the coronavirus threat
Food & Drink

How to support the Gold Coast hospitality industry amid the coronavirus threat

24 Mar 2020

We're regularly updating this, as coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving. As of midday Monday March 23, the federal Government has forced the closure of all pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs, indoor places of worship, gyms and indoor sporting venues. Restaurants and cafes are allowed to operate, but only to offer takeaway and delivery services. COVID-19 is a serious virus, which means we need to take serious steps to overcome it. As you can see from the latest Government protocol, this usually comes at the expense of small businesses – especially our bars, cafes and restaurants. Our local hospitality heroes have already made significant changes in their operations in a bid to survive and now they've been forced to take more – many of which will be ceasing operation for the foreseeable future. Thankfully, most have switched to takeaway and delivery services to continue to… more

Food News
Broadbeach institution Koi reopens after a million-dollar facelift
Food & Drink

Broadbeach institution Koi reopens after a million-dollar facelift

20 Mar 2020

It was 13 years ago when Koi first opened in the heart of Broadbeach. Gracing the main corner of Surf Parade, Koi became known over the years for its Sunday sessions (which birthed The Koi Boys), dancing in the street, and its modern-Australian fare. After completely rebuilding the venue from scratch – to the tune of more than $1 million – owner Patrick Gennari has this week unveiled Koi 2.0. Yes, the timing is extremely unfortunate, but let's consider this a glimmer of good news that Koi 2.0 is back bigger and better than ever, and is set for another decade of delivering great food and good times for all. more

Food News
Gold Coast venues that are temporarily closing during the COVID-19 outbreak
Food & Drink

Gold Coast venues that are temporarily closing during the COVID-19 outbreak

19 Mar 2020

As of midday Monday March 23, the federal Government has forced the closure of all pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs, indoor places of worship, gyms and indoor sporting venues. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate, but only to offer takeaway and delivery services. That doesn't mean that every local business you know and love is going to magically switch to takeaway and delivery – for some, this is not feasible. Unfortunately, the current COVID-19 outbreak is causing a number of temporary closures throughout the Gold Coast's hospitality, arts and events industries. We want to keep you informed during this time, so we will be updating this list as much as possible to convey these temporary closures as we hear of them. more

The Locals Next week:

Food News
Order up! The services offering zero-contact delivery
Food & Drink

Order up! The services offering zero-contact delivery

18 Mar 2020

Whether you are social distancing, self isolating or just want to take extra precautions, don't stress – you can still get dinner delivered safely to your door. A bunch of Australian food-delivery services are offering zero-contact food delivery to help customers and workers to feel safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. From pizza to chicken nuggets, we've put together a list of delivery services offering contact-free delivery, so you can order safe, freshly prepared meals straight to your door. more

Food News
Save yourself from supermarket chaos – fruit and veg boxes delivered and farmer's markets staying open
Food & Drink

Save yourself from supermarket chaos – fruit and veg boxes delivered and farmer’s markets staying open

18 Mar 2020

It’s pretty safe to assume that by now you’re well aware of the situation at your local supermarket, so let’s not rehash the details. The good news is there is an alternative. If you’re keen to spare yourself from the chaos while also supporting local farmers in the process, we’ve rounded up a few places that are still delivering fresh fruit and vegetable boxes to your door. more

Food News
The round-up: Japanese izakayas and margarita havens – ten must-try restaurants in Surfers Paradise
Food & Drink

The round-up: Japanese izakayas and margarita havens – ten must-try restaurants in Surfers Paradise

12 Mar 2020

If it's been a while since you've dined in Surfers Paradise, we reckon it's high time you ventured back in. Those that live in and around Surfers have been rubbing their hands together with glee at the calibre of new restaurants that have arrived in the past 12–18 months – and when you pool those in with the handful of quality institutions that have been operating there since the early 90s (some even earlier), then you've got a recipe for a top-notch dining precinct. We know it can be easy to let great spots slip under the radar – so we've compiled a handy list of ten of our favourite Surfers Paradise restaurants (plus a few extras) that are well worth checking out. more

Food News
Currumbin Hotel brings cold beers, live beats and pub eats to Traders Way
Food & Drink

Currumbin Hotel brings cold beers, live beats and pub eats to Traders Way

12 Mar 2020

The bustling Currumbin Creek Road precinct, home to popular spots like Dust Temple, Portside Coffee, Fuel Bakehouse and Refinery Coffee, will welcome a fresh new face this week – The Currumbin Hotel. The venue, formerly The Currumbin Pub (yes, it was known for being a little rough around the edges) has been in operation since 1997, but a shake-up from enthusiastic new ownership has lead to a revival of the site, with Currumbin Hotel to officially open in its place this Thursday March 12. more

Food News
Your turn to shout? Stride into Hyde Paradiso for half-price eats until the end of April
Food & Drink

Your turn to shout? Stride into Hyde Paradiso for half-price eats until the end of April

11 Mar 2020

If you often find that your stomach yearns for more than your bank account can afford, here's some news that will delight both your tastebuds and your wallet – beachfront dining spot Hyde Paradiso in Surfers Paradise is offering diners 49 percent off their food bill throughout March and April. We know what you're thinking ... what's the catch? Well, there really isn't one. more

Food News
The round-up: where to find the Gold Coast’s best fish and chips
Food & Drink

The round-up: where to find the Gold Coast’s best fish and chips

11 Mar 2020

Fish and chips – it's one of life's great indulgences. Given our city's coastal location, we're certainly not short on decent fish and chipperies, with plenty of local hangs utilising our amazing local produce to give us some darn tasty sea-based nosh. From fancy fish and chips on porcelain plates to the kind consumed out of a box on a picnic rug – here are a bunch of must-try fish and chip joints on the Gold Coast. more

Food News
Pop worth the hop – Coles releases hot cross bun-flavoured popcorn
Food & Drink

Pop worth the hop – Coles releases hot cross bun-flavoured popcorn

10 Mar 2020

We don't mean to alarm you, but everyone's favourite chocolate-fuelled holiday is just around the corner! With hot cross buns flying off the shelf since Boxing Day and the chocolate eggs lining the confectionary aisle becoming harder to resist, the countdown until the upcoming Easter long weekend is well and truly on. Coles has decided to capitalise on Easter mania, and has been working hard in the kitchen to create your next holiday snack-time obsession – hot cross bun-flavoured popcorn. more