Food News
The Fireplace
Food & Drink

The Fireplace welcomes a brand new executive chef well versed in fine-dining and seasonal cuisine

18 May 2022

After sharpening his skills across the United Kingdom and New Zealand, homegrown fine-dining expert Hamish Watt has settled into his new home as the executive chef at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. In his new role, Hamish is nurturing his love of fresh produce and native ingredients as he oversees the resort’s culinary offerings across the numerous restaurants, bars, meetings, conference and event venues. The Fireplace’s brand new autumnal menu looks to perfectly capture the nature of innovative Modern Australian cuisine with a touch of European flair, seamlessly incorporating Hamish’s skills into the unique wood-fired roots of every dish. more

Food News
Help support Regional Flavours vendors with this handy online initiative
Food & Drink

Help support Regional Flavours vendors with this handy online initiative

18 May 2022

It's raining, it's pouring, it's ruining all of our weekend plans! The recent wet weather has once again caused havoc on our social calendar, forcing a host of events to postpone or outright cancel – not only leaving us bereft of fun and frivolity, but a lot of vendors out of pocket. Regional Flavours was one such event forced to can its 2022 festival and now its bevy of stallholders have an excess of goodies that are at risk of spoiling. The Regional Flavours team has created a handy online portal for locals to show their support for the stallholders, restaurants and musicians affected by the cancellation. more

Food News
Voting this weekend? Here's a handy map showing where you can snag a post-ballot democracy sausage
Food & Drink

Voting this weekend? Here’s a handy map showing where you can snag a post-ballot democracy sausage

18 May 2022

Election day is all about making big choices. Not just in regards to who you'd prefer to lead the country, but also what toppings you're going to get on your democracy sausage. Are you a staunch tomato sauce supporter, or are you swinging towards barbecue? Will there be mustard in the mix? How about onions? Do you put them above the sausage, or under? We know there's always a clash of ideology between those that like their snag to sit gently down the middle of their bread slice and those that prefer it to dissect diagonally. No matter what your preference, we can all agree that a sausage sizzle (and a cake stall) are essential components of the contemporary voting experience. Want to guarantee your polling place has the goods ahead of time? We've found a handy map you can refer to! more

Food News
The round-up: hone your skills at these Gold Coast cooking classes
Food & Drink

The round-up: hone your skills at these Gold Coast cooking classes

17 May 2022

Have you #gotskills in the kitchen? Well, we guess that depends on your perception of skill. If your culinary prowess doesn't extend far beyond a cheesy omelette, or if you're well-known for turning a tender eye-fillet steak into beef jerky (it's possible), then go ahead and bookmark this list. Even if you fancy yourself a pretty decent cook, you can always learn a new trick or two. Either way, these Gold Coast cooking schools will have you covered, no matter how many smoke alarms you've set off. more

Food News
Northern newcomer – White Oat Distillery brings botanical sips to Biggera Waters
Food & Drink

Northern newcomer – White Oat Distillery brings botanical sips to Biggera Waters

16 May 2022

Traditionally the Gold Coast has been a hop, skip and jump behind the rest of the East Coast, especially when it came to sip-from-the-source cellar doors and artisan booze makers. Thankfully all that has changed for the better in recent years with eager new players upping the ante and bringing some exciting elements to the coast's sipping scene. One of the latest to join the coast's clutch of spirited spirit makers is White Oat Distillery at Biggera Waters. The slick new venue has transformed an unassuming factory space along Brisbane Road into a gin-lovers happy place.  more

Food News
The family behind Lupo is back with a 16-seat micro-restaurant, Piatto
Food & Drink

The family behind Lupo is back with a 16-seat micro-restaurant, Piatto

12 May 2022

When Mermaid Beach's much-loved Lupo announced last drinks, we think we speak for everyone who ever dined there when we say there was a collective gasp. If there's one thing we've learned about the exceptionally hard-working Pearce family over the years, it's that they aren't afraid to shake things up, even when their venue is at peak popularity. We saw it with Broadbeach's Espana, which later became Franc's Wine Bar & Deli, and now, history has repeated. After a brief hiatus for renovations, may we introduce you to Piatto, Lupo's pint-sized successor.  more

Food News
Balter Brewing has reopened its Currumbin Waters taproom after an extensive renovation
Food & Drink

Balter Brewing has reopened its Currumbin Waters taproom after an extensive renovation

11 May 2022

One of life's greatest pleasures is sinking a cold one amongst good company. That's why we're so excited about the reopening of one of our favourite places to practise this particular pleasure – Balter Brewing's taproom. After an extensive three-month renovation, the beloved brewery has once again opened its doors, revealing a bright and shiny bar space that’s a prime spot for knocking back a beautiful-tasting brew. more

Food News
Pablito's Mexican Cuisine and Tequilaria opens at Sanctuary Cove
Food & Drink

Pablito’s Mexican Cuisine and Tequilaria opens at Sanctuary Cove

04 May 2022

From the team behind Tugun’s eternally adored Caracara Cantina comes a gorgeous new tequila-infused sip spot aptly called Pablito's Mexican Cuisine and Taquiliaria. Born from an inherent love of tacos and tequila, the northern newcomer has settled snugly into its home at Sanctuary Cove's The Marine Village. Offering a slight step up from its southern sibling, Pablito's is designed to deliver an elevated dining experience that showcases authentic, quality modern-Mexican fare. more

The Locals Next week:

Food News
The recap – the best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes you might have missed in April
Food & Drink

The recap – the best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes you might have missed in April

04 May 2022

Somehow we blinked and it was May. Did April even happen? If the past few weeks have been a blur of long weekends, you may have missed the news that the Gold Coast welcomed a bunch of exciting new eateries including a seriously impressive new poolside bar, a KBBQ (or Korean barbecue) joint, plus a couple of old faves. ICYMI, here is a quick round-up of some the best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes from April 2022 ... more

Food News
MC's Sandwich House is here to satiate your starvation with drool-inducing sandwiches, coffee and soda
Food & Drink

MC’s Sandwich House is here to satiate your starvation with drool-inducing sandwiches, coffee and soda

04 May 2022

Sandwiches are one of those perpetually underrated menu items. For far too long, the humble sambo has been relegated to the sidelines while burgers and tacos steal the limelight. Not anymore. The team at the newly opened MC's Sandwich House in Burleigh Heads is determined to bring sangas back into the spotlight with its new dedicated sandwich bar and coffee dispensary on West Burleigh Road. more

Food News
Bring your appetite for adventure – Suzy is bringing a little taste of Seoul to Burleigh Heads
Food & Drink

Bring your appetite for adventure – Suzy is bringing a little taste of Seoul to Burleigh Heads

30 Apr 2022

Korean barbecue is a unique culinary experience. For those who have not yet had the pleasure, it looks a little something like this – your nearest and dearest seated around a sizzling barbecue, laughing loudly, jovially arguing over who should hold the tongs. The beauty of the experience is that instead of just sitting back and waiting for your food to come to you, it's communal. Everyone shares the responsibility of creating and enjoying the meal. Up until now, the Gold Coast's Korean barbecue joints have been fairly traditional in terms of their offering. Enter Suzy. Suzy is Korean barbecue, but not as you know it ... more

Food News
Sun-kissed sips and dips – the Gold Coast has welcomed Isoletto, a luxe new pool club
Food & Drink

Sun-kissed sips and dips – the Gold Coast has welcomed Isoletto, a luxe new pool club

26 Apr 2022

One of the best things about living on the Gold Coast is that we're not short on excellent ways to spend our weekends. From long lunches to bushwalks and blissful days beachside, we really are spoilt for choice. If we had to choose a favourite, however, it's pretty impossible to beat whiling away an afternoon poolside with a colourful cocktail in hand, moseying from a plush daybed to the bar and back again. Sounds pretty great, right? If you too possess an inherent appreciation for waterside sips and dips, go ahead and get excited for Isoletto Pool Club and Isoletto Privé, The Star Gold Coast's brand-new poolside hang. Here's everything you need to know about this glorious new oasis ... more

Food News
Beloved Broadbeach icon Social Eating House + Bar has debuted a luxe new look
Food & Drink

Beloved Broadbeach icon Social Eating House + Bar has debuted a luxe new look

21 Apr 2022

Celebrating ten years in an industry as fickle as hospitality is no mean feat. Rather than cruise into the next decade on the coattails of the preceding one, Matt Jefferson and Dayna Cooper, the husband-and-wife duo behind two of Broadbeach's most esteemed eateries Social Eating House + Bar and Orzo, have seized an opportunity to expand and embark upon a seriously impressive floor-to-ceiling renovation. Take a peek at the new-look Social Eating House + Bar ... more

Food News
Prepare thy taste buds – Cubby Bakehouse 2.0 has reopened so go forth and feast
Food & Drink

Prepare thy taste buds – Cubby Bakehouse 2.0 has reopened so go forth and feast

20 Apr 2022

Seven (long) weeks ago, Northern New South Wales was hit hard by devastating floods. Countless homes and businesses were inundated by an unstoppable torrent. One of its many bricks-and-mortar casualties was the beloved Cubby Bakehouse, perched on the banks of the Tweed River in the heart of Chinderah. The team did everything they could to save the equipment inside and get it to higher ground, but there was no stopping it. The floodwater peaked significantly higher than anticipated and everything inside the shop including the specialised baking equipment, ovens, fridges, coolrooms, coffee machine, was irreparably damaged. Faced with a choice, Cubby Bakehouse's owners Ursula and Ben Watts could cut their losses or they could rebuild. Thankfully they chose the latter and we got our first taste of Cubby 2.0 just prior to Easter. more

Food News
Legendary lunches – these Dine BNE City deals are the perfect midday munch
Food & Drink

Legendary lunches – these Dine BNE City deals are the perfect midday munch

20 Apr 2022

Are you sick of that ham and cheese sandwich? Can't stand the thought of another microwave meal? Perhaps you're just worried your tuna is stinking out the office? Put the can down, take a step away from the office kitchenette and rejoice – it's time to up your lunchtime game with some seriously delicious delights. This May, you and your colleagues can leave the leftovers at home and opt for a long lunch, as Dine BNE City serves up a smorgasbord of next-level lunches for only $25 or $35. This foodie festival is highlighting the best Brisbane City has to offer, with more than 100 dining experiences and unique offers to help fill your belly and treat your taste buds. In particular, Let’s Do Lunch has pulled together some dynamite deals at your favourite inner-city lunchtime haunts. So, when the clock strikes noon and your brain begins to dream of lunch, we can guarantee it's worth… more

Food News
Devour and delight at twilight with Dine BNE City's delectable Supper Club
Food & Drink

Devour and delight at twilight with Dine BNE City’s delectable Supper Club

19 Apr 2022

If, like us, you spend your days dreaming of dinner, then Dine BNE City's Supper Club offerings will be music to your food-obsessed ears. From May 1–29, Supper Club is hosting an assortment of curated fine-dining experiences worthy of your dinnertime daydreams. Offering everything from luxe menus to degustations and bespoke chefs menus, get ready to see The City's finest restaurants come alive with some serendipitous spreads to delight your senses. Here's a snapshot of what you can expect ... more

Food News
The round-up: what's open Anzac Day, Monday April 25
Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open Anzac Day, Monday April 25

19 Apr 2022

After a glorious four-day Easter weekend, it may have slipped your mind that Monday, April 25 is Anzac Day, which means we have another long weekend heading our way – hooray! For those on the hunt for a strong coffee, breakfast with the family, or a spot of lunch with the crew, then we've got your back – here are a bunch of places on the Gold Coast that are open on Monday April 25 for Anzac Day 2022. more

Food News
The round-up: blow the froth off at some of the Gold Coast’s best craft-beer breweries
Food & Drink

The round-up: blow the froth off at some of the Gold Coast’s best craft-beer breweries

19 Apr 2022

Once upon a time, the only answer when asked if you would like a beer was 'yes' or 'no'. If you answered yes, you'd be handed a XXXX. While we're all for a cheeky mango, these days things are not quite as straightforward – and the very same question is met with a plethora of follow-up questions such as what kind of brew? The Gold Coast’s craft beer scene is hotter than the surface of the sun right now with new microbreweries popping up all over this fine city and beyond. If you’ve made it your personal summer mission to try them all (perhaps not all in one day), this list of the Gold Coast's best craft breweries will set you on the right course. more

Food News
Sip and snack your way through Brisbane's best watering holes on this Bar Safari
Food & Drink

Sip and snack your way through Brisbane’s best watering holes on this Bar Safari

17 Apr 2022

Whether it's an after-work tipple or a slow Sunday affair, sipping and grazing your way across town is a glorious way to spend your time. The City is home to some iconic bars, legendary locales and hidden gems that can surprise and delight diners with their ever-flowing array of drinks, glorious grazing platters and spectrum of atmospheres to suit almost every occasion. As part of Dine BNE City's packed program this year, you can meander through a self-guided trail of signature food and beverage pairings with Bar Safari. So, tie up those laces and build up an appetite as you explore some of these delicious duos ... more