Food & Drink
It comes as little surprise that this was the category that you, dear readers, loved the most. Between new venues, new menus and our handy dandy round-ups, there were plenty of stories that compelled you to click but these were the top ten for 2015. Palm Beach added American-style barbecue to its culinary offering following the opening of Lester & Earl in April. The venue, named after two members of an American bluegrass band from the 1940s, has become a popular place for pig-outs on slow-cooked meat and relaxed hangs on the balcony. Cocoon Ultralounge upped the ante for Surfers Paradise to deliver a waterfront watering hole that resembles something you might stumble upon in Ibiza or the Greek Islands. The deck offers magnificent views over the river and provides the perfect place to while away sunny afternoons with a beverage in hand. The Farm Byron Bay enticed readers with its inviting community vibe and sustainable philosophy, so too did our round-up of the Gold Coast’s best breakfasts. Easy Street Diner generated a click frenzy when it opened its doors in February and Sparrow Eating House lured readers with the promise of tasty tapas and sensational swill. Larder ventured south to open at Burleigh Waters, much to the delight of many, and Tom Uglys fired up in Burleigh Heads. At long last, the Gold Coast welcomed its first Doughnut Time and rounding out the top ten food and drink stories for the year was our cheap eats round-up.

Gentlefolk
Ladies of the Gold Coast were giddy with excitement at the news that Australia’s very first Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories Outlet store opened its doors at Harbour Town Gold Coast in July. Though not a full-line retail store (we’re still waiting for that one), the Victoria’s Secret outlet is filled to the brim with pretty smelling potions and lotions, accessories and a limited selection of the brand’s famous skimpy underwear. Gents were equally as chuffed with the opening of blade & brother at The Oracle in Broadbeach. The old-worldly barbershop, which would be perfectly at home on the set of Boardwalk Empire, has been taming unruly man manes since April. Local label Salté had beach-loving ladies looking and feeling great with its stylish range of active swimwear whilst Captain Thunderbolt’s beard serum attracted the attention of local lads. Surfers were thrilled at the news that Australia’s first Boardriders store had opened at The Strand at Coolangatta just in time for the Quiksilver Pro. The flagship concept store has become a one-stop-shop for wave seekers to kit up and chill-out after a session.