Inside Gold Coast Magazine Ed. 10

Managing Editor: Carly King

Writers: Bianca Trathen Kellie Leader

Photographer: Brittany Kreskas

Digital Marketing: Belinda Symons

Sales: Corey Short Jess Monro

Artwork: Filipa Scott

Contributors: Andrew Meadowcroft, gcVIP

Website: insidegoldcoast.com.au

Social Media: @insidegoldcoast

Front Cover Image: The Winey Cow (see page 16)ge 36)

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This edition is filled with a collection of new watering holes enticing you to taste their tipples, where to get your weekend art fix, a peek inside a new brunch venue in Main Beach, how to indulgently reconnect with yourself and so much more! So take a minute, relax and read some of our favourite ‘hot off the press’ stories…

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1970S LAS VEGAS LIVES ON IN THE HEART OF BROADBEACH

Buy the ticket and take the ride to Marilyn’s Diner & Bar.

The definition of cool according to the Inside Gold Coast edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is livin it large circa 1970, cocktail in hand (always), somewhere swanky in Las Vegas. Well friends, now we can do exactly that – sans the long-haul flight and time machine. Introducing Marilyn’s Diner & Bar, a high-end watering hole and Americanstyle burger bar, transporting us back to the hedonistic 70s with precision and panache.

Every aspect of this beautifully executed establishment is designed to immerse you in the glitz and glamour of the era. At the same time, it also pays tribute to one of literature’s most iconic tales of excess and adventure, Hunter S Thompson’s ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’. With nods to the classic book from pillar to post, Marilyn’s atmosphere

is truly unique and captivating. From the specially crafted cocktails served in funky retro glassware, to the eclectic music selection and lively atmosphere, this place is #trending. It’s nostalgic but sophisticated, contemporary yet classic, refined but embraces the quintessential party girl. Simply put, Marilyn’s is unapologetically Marilyn’s.

Opening earlier in the year, the intimate venue boasts 50 seats across two areas including an outdoor “al fresco” lounge area. The bar child of long-term mates Alex Marks, Rupert Critchley, Brad Morgan, and Johnny Rogers, it’s a very welcome addition to the Broadbeach eats and sips scene. Alex (who also dons the Head Chef hat) is a chef, whisky specialist and award-winning cocktail bartender. He has cooked in some of London’s most loved restaurants, plus his impressive resume boasts stints at Melbourne’s Eau De Vie and a brief spell at Rick Shores.

Rupert has a background in cinematography and film making (cool much?!) specialising in filming food and wine. He’s also owned a cafe/ bar in the Austrian alps (again, cool much… quite literally) and worked at one of Sydney’s top rum bars, The Lobo. The gents found themselves in the right place at the right time

meeting with local businessmen (and old friends) Johnny Rogers and Brad Morgan, and the rest as they say is history.

Championing the modern and contemporary styling with era-appropriate swagger was a breeze for Rupert, who worked tirelessly with Alex to design and build the majority of the venue. As luck would have it, the boys have a team of mates who conveniently have the specific trades they needed and note to self; must befriend more tradies.

To keep us coming back time and time again, there’s an ever-changing menu featuring the American-style smash burgers and other delicious delights. The staple offering is the Cheese Burger with two smashed beef patties with American cheese, house pickled onion, seasoned tomato, iceberg lettuce, pickles and signature sauce, served on a toasted potato bun. We also find it difficult to pass up the Prawns & Corns consisting of whole fried Tiger Prawns with corn ribs in Mexican brown butter.

It’s always cocktail o-clock at Marilyn’s and the expertly curated and eclectic selection is #goals. Do yourself a favour and order the Watermelon Sugar with vodka, spiced watermelon, lime, and whey, and suddenly we can’t get Harry Styles out of our head. Then go with a Rupus Du Sol with vodka, hibiscus, strawberry, eucalyptus, coconut, and sherry, followed by the Centre Court with minted rum, sour lime, fresh kiwi, and Mezcal. If you’re still vertical, finish with the Bold Fashioned with Starward two-fold Aussie whisky, coffee, and caramel

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, from fresh and crisp wines to delicious and delicate cocktails paired with quality eats, it’s Marilyn’s for the win. See you there.

Words by Bianca Trathen

It’s always cocktail o-clock at Marilyn’s.

COCKTAIL BAR & BURGERS

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SAY “I DO” AT SANCTUARY COVE

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort introduces weddings at the exclusive Sanctuary Cove Country Club

Are you engaged and ready to marry your soulmate in high-end style? Have you always envisioned a luxury-infused ceremony and reception with multi-million-dollar golf course views? Is a premium menu curated by an expert culinary team a non-negotiable to celebrate your nuptials? If you answered YES (x3), one stunning Gold Coast destination will deliver a tailored premium wedding, guaranteed to wow even the most refined couple. We’re of course referring to Sanctuary Cove Weddings by InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, now hosted at the exclusive Sanctuary Cove Country Club. Already renowned for luxurious, awardwinning weddings, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is excited to expand its wedding options to include this truly regal location. Perched above The Palms Golf Course with sweeping views of the estate and offering both indoor and outdoor Country Club venues, it is the créme da la créme of the Gold Coast’s most picturesque wedding locations.

With a collection of supreme wedding ceremony and reception packages and three

spectacular venues to choose from, your dream wedding will be brought to life with finesse and meticulous attention to detail. The idyllic Botanical Room, beautiful Arnie’s Restaurant and Bar, and accolade boasting Sanctuary Cove Chapel all offer first-class settings for your special day.

Offering uninterrupted views of the immaculate fairways and lush gardens, The Botanical Room is an elegant private space perfect for everlasting memories. You’ll be blown away by its grand yet intimate ambience and chameleon-like ability to be styled specifically to suit your vision. Accommodating up to 70 guests seated or 100 cocktail-style, it also features floorto-ceiling windows, a covered deck, a bar, and a dance floor for that dreamy first dance.

If soaking up the magical outlook to The Palms Golf Course from an expansive patio is at the top of your wish list, Arnies Cafe & Bar is the venue for you. Thanks to its eye-catching wrap-around design, you and your guests will be treated to every breathtaking angle of the golf course and greenery below. You’ll have peace of mind that unpredictable weather won’t interrupt

your special day, as the entire area is covered making it ideal for reception luncheons. The icing on the (wedding) cake, however, is the majestic staircase providing an enchanting backdrop for wedding photos to treasure forevermore.

Arguably the most breathtaking of its kind in the region, the iconic Sanctuary Cove Wedding Chapel boasts a showstopping stage to say, “I do”. As soon as you enter this mesmerising space, it’s easy to see why it has been chosen as the very deserving recipient of multiple prestigious awards. The floor-to-ceiling glass overlooks the pretty-as-a-picture Coomera River, allowing natural light to beam in and illuminate the centrepiece of the wedding – the to-beweds! Only a short distance from the Sanctuary Cove Country Club, the non-denominational Chapel is a truly unforgettable place to exchange vows with your love.

Once a venue has been selected, all couples are appointed an experienced wedding planner from InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s awardwinning wedding team. Ensuring your special day is highly personalised, seamlessly executed and as meaningful as it is memorable, these passionate professionals use their knowledge and creativity to help bring your vision to life.

This brings us to the menu, an imperative part of any celebration let alone one of this calibre. Designed by the gastronomic experts who make up InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s culinary team, both palette-pleasing canapes and sumptuous traditional banquets are available. Using local produce and seasonal ingredients, your guests will always remember the food at your wedding for all the right reasons.

Sanctuary Cove Weddings reception packages start from $89 per person. For more information or to book an appointment with one of their wedding specialists, scan below.

Words by Bianca Trathen

BROADBEACH, PREPARE TO BE BOWLED OVER The Bowlo Bistro opens at The Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club.

Who loves pub grub? Actually, we feel this should be rephrased to who doesn’t love pub grub AMIRITE? Especially when it’s done well and friends, the new venue we’re about to discuss certainly gets a big gold star in the nosh department. That’s not all though coz it’s also sporting cool coastal interiors, a chillaxed vibe, and a real sense of community.

Do yourselves a favour and cruise on down to The Bowlo Bistro, the unbelievabowl new eats destination at The Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club at Broadbeach Waters.

Taking over from a Malaysian restaurant which previously occupied the space, The Bowlo Bistro opened last week and is a breath of fresh ocean-fuelled air. Serving up incredible Modern Australian bistro food, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered after a big arvo on the green.

It features indoor and outdoor seating to suit your mood and let us tell you, it’s a tough decision. Inside, which accommodates 80 bums on seats, you’ll find a light and bright coastal beauty.

The relaxing and location-appropriate colour palette with crisp white and minty green hues

instantly puts you in a happy place, and feels as welcoming as your best mate’s place.

A mate with great taste and a recently renovated pad that is. Oh, and did we mention there are incredibowl views of the Gold Coast skyline.

If you feel like soaking up the outdoors and LBR, this is what we do best here on the GC, listen up. Unlike most other bowls clubs, you’re not confined to a specific set dining area. You can eat your meal anywhere that takes your fancy but obvs refrain from munching on the actual bowls grass, where you may encounter a dam buster. For the novices, that’s lawn bowls lingo for a heavy bowl, and we totally just googled ‘bowling jargon’ to sound knowledgeable.

Now we can all vouch for the fact that barefoot bowls and bistro food go together like copy and paste, but who decided to take this combo to the next level? That would be dynamic duo Craig and Lucy Johnston and guys, if ever there was an award-winning union, this is it. Quite literally in fact.

Current owners of TCLH specialising in remote hospitality, both Craig and Lucy have received Young Entrepreneur awards in 2019

and 2020, plus Lucy took home the gong for GC Woman in Business of the Year. Each boasts ten years’ experience in the industry and if all of this doesn’t impress you, that’s just not cricket…or lawn bowls.

These proud as punch Broady locals jumped at the chance to transform the restaurant space and make it something truly spesh. Tickled pink to be giving the community something they have wanted for a long time, this won’t be the last we see of such Johnston genius-ness. The word on the street is that this is the first of many venues they plan to launch around the traps, and we are here.for.it!

Craig heads up the kitchen with a menu that features all your Bistro go-to’s. Think delish dishes from a selection of starters, mains, meals from the grill, salads, pizzas, pastas, sides and kiddywinkle options. The Salt & Pepper Squid starter deserves some big love, with Sichuan dusted calamari, fried chili, garlic aioli and lime. If you’re keen for a pasta which is us every day and twice on Sunday, you can’t go wrong with the Chicken Penne Rose with chicken breast, creamy Napoli sauce, mushrooms, basil and penne pasta

While we’re talking chook, is it even a bistro without a Chicken Parmy and folks, this one is a clanga. Made fresh in house with panko crumbed chicken breast topped with lots of Napoli sauce so it’s not dry, leg ham, mozzarella cheese, and served with a garden salad and chips, it’s the business. And to go out on a sweet note, we’ll never say no to a Sticky Date Pudding.

With an extensive and refreshing drinks menu next door at the bowls club and ‘specials nights’ coming soon, you’ll be bowled over by The Bowlo Bistro.

Words by Bianca Trathen Images by Belinda Symons

FAR FROM A STILL LIFE

Experience Tweed’s new exhibition celebrating iconic artist, Margaret Olley.

If you’re an art enthusiast or have visited the captivating Tweed Regional Gallery, you’re all over the name Margaret Olley and her iconic still life and interior paintings. Not only is the third and final stage of the Gallery named after this revered Australian artist (The Margaret Olley Art Centre or MOAC), but it is also entirely dedicated to showcasing her magnificent artwork.

BUT, did you know that 2023 marks what would have been Olley’s 100th birthday? Neither did we! To honour such a trailblazing creative force, the Tweed Regional Gallery’s latest exhibition tells Olley’s incredible story through her greatest legacy – her art.

Aptly named Far from a Still Life, the exhibition reveals that Olley’s life was just that.

Drawn completely from the Tweed Regional Gallery collection, this extraordinary and evocative showcase will be on display until Sunday 8th of October. In addition to soaking up her outstanding still life work, visitors can delve deeper to understand Olley the artist, the world traveller, the friend, the muse, the philanthropist…in short, you’ll discover what a truly remarkable artist and human Margaret Olley was. This unmissable exhibition is an aweinspiring testament to the life and talent of one of Australia’s favourite artists.

In addition to painting in her famous Duxford Street home in Sydney (Paddington, you’ve always been a vibe), Olley’s rich collection of work was also brought to life whilst travelling, a much-loved past-time of hers. We feel you Margaret, if only international airfare prices would drop a zero but, we digress…

Filling her cup with fierce and unwavering friendships, it’s only fitting that exhibition visitors are invited to write a postcard to a mate and post it in the Gallery. Naturally, said postcards feature Olley’s stunning artwork and because the best things in life are free, there is no charge for this feel-good added extra.

Far from a Still Life also offers other complimentary – and complementary – activities and events, like drop-in artmaking fun for families, and master class painting workshops for adults. If there is any chance we can learn how to emulate Margaret’s artistic gifts, then sign us up…on repeat.

If you’re like us, all this art appreciation will make you hungry and, as luck would have it, the beautiful Apex Dining also resides in the architecturally award-winning Gallery. Offering a unique combination of French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ panAsian twist, this ever-popular café brasserie also serves up breathtaking views of Wollumbin Mount Warning.

And, if you’re up for more Tweed Region goodness (duh – of course!) Murwillumbah’s M|Arts Precinct is just five minutes up the road. Set in a classic art deco building and industrial warehouse, it has that uber cool creative factor, culture, great coffee, food and art for dayssss. Or, check out the works of the local arts community at the light-filled Small Works Gallery, also in Murwillumbah. There’s also Lundberg Gallery nearby, a sophisticated contemporary art space showing group and solo exhibitions.

For more information on the Far from a Still Life exhibit, visit gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Words by Bianca Trathen

Margaret Olley (1923 – 2011)

Hyacinth c.2000 (detail) oil on board, 51 x 61cm Tweed Regional Gallery collection Gift of the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd., 2014 ©Margaret Olley Art Trust.

Photography by Kiff & Culture courtesy of Tweed Tourism Co.

A WINE-PAIRED CANTONESE FINE DINING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Let’s set the scene. There we were, pondering which restaurant we were vibing for an extra special culinary experience. We’re not just talking about a sorta-kinda-nice place here, but somewhere exceptional where the dishes, drinks, service, fit out, and ambience are all a perfect ten. A unicorn of sorts, preferably with a recently awarded chef’s hat, bespoke wine pairing option, and a central location so we don’t have to spend this quarter’s energy bill equivalent for an Uber.

Cue the lightbulb moment where all our prayers were answered with two glorious words….T’ang Court. I mean where else delivers all of the above in spades, and bonus – isn’t just conveniently situated in Surfers Paradise, but the home of luxe, The Langham Gold Coast #fancy. Yes, this is indeed the elusive unicorn we were seeking – complete with a ritzy gold (traditional Cantoneseinspired) horn. Whilst this may be a girl-mum inspired metaphor, the esteemed T’ang Court is shaped by China’s culturally rich golden age, and is the destination for high end Southern Chinese fine dining.

Upon arrival at this sophisticated 76-seat

indoor venue, we’re dazzled by its blend of modern meets traditional luxury accents, stunning furnishings, exclusive art pieces by Australian-Chinese artist, Lindi Li, and its legacy of Michelin-star sister restaurants.

Not to be outshone by its superstar Asiabased siblings, our T’ang Court was awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for 2023. With this in mind, we decided to go all-in and order the Chef’s Premium Set Menu with the in-house Sommelier’s wine matching. This turned out to be a “you chose wisely” move, as our every culinary and wine-pairing fantasy came to fruition, all at once, filling our cup…and our plate…with the B.O.T.A (Best.Of.Them.All) of sips and locally sourced produce.

First up, the special appetizers ensured we were off to a five-star-start. Treated to Marinated Cherry Tomatoes in dried salted

Our account of a night at 2023 Chef Hat recipient, T’ang Court.

plum syrup, Marinated Australian baby Green Lip Abalone, and Cantonese-Style BBQ Pork, the latter certainly gave the “get some pork on your fork” movement the ultimate gastronomic glow-up.

Next, we savored the delightful flavours of the Authentic Fish Maw Soup with shredded chicken, Wok-Fried Southern Rock Lobster, ginger, spring onion and E-Fu noodle, plus the Stir-Fried Wagyu Beef with black garlic Just when we thought we’d hit the pinnacle of foody perfection, out came the Steamed Coral Trout with superior soya sauce and Black Truffle Fried Rice with assorted vegetables, further confirming we made the right decision with this exquisite menu.

And last but by no means least, the final dish arrived in the form of Chilled Mango Sago Cream with grapefruit, an impeccable juxtaposition of sweet and savory. A decadent yet refreshing way to complete our T’ang Court experience, all in all we were equal parts satisfied and wowed by this exciting menu. Special mention must go out to the different wines accompanying each course, genuinely enhancing the dining experience and complementing the authentic Cantonese fare.

So did we make the right call for our extra-special night out and the response is unanimous. Darn straight we did, so if you’re looking for a lunch or dinner to woo even the most discerning palette, T’ang Court is the place for you.

When: Wednesday to Sunday for Lunch 12pm–3pm and Dinner 5.30pm–11pm.

Where: Level 3, The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise.

Words by Bianca Trathen

CALLING ALL BRUNCH-A-HOLICS, LADIES WHO BRUNCH & SIR-BRUNCH-A-LOTS

Main Beach welcomes The Winey Cow –home to the boozy brunch.

Of all the things we love, nothing ruffles our truffles like a Boozy Brunch. Not quite breakfast, not quite lunch, but the perfect combo of both with giggle-juice to boot. So when Melbourne’s (un)official home to the boozy brunch set its sights on our very own Main Beach, holy hollandaise Batman, our resting brunch face went full woo-girl. Yes folks, The Winey Cow has arrived and no, we’re not referring to your mother-in-law popping in unannounced, but the infamous, award-winning, family-friendly café. Set to redefine the brunch concept as we know it, all we can say is go ahead and mimosa our day!

Opening earlier this week, The Winey Cow is the bee’s knees of brunches….or the bovine’s spine even, and we really should have been poets. Taking home gongs for Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant in Melbourne, we’re in for something spesh. And not just us, but also our pups who are not only welcome, but have a dedicated Fido-friendly menu just for them. And let us tell you, this is going down a treat with the doggo mums and dads of Main Beach, which sounds like a new reality TV show. Often spotted sashaying down Tedder

with their furry friends in tow, The Winey Cow is just what the doctor…and vet…ordered for our MB locals, always seeking trendy new spots for a quick bite, takeaway coffee, or a marathon meal.

Owners Cam and Jill Henderson, Jade Bremner, Rui Lourenco, Britt Ryan, and Magenta Hornsey, we salute you. This gorgeous indoor-outdoor venue not only serves up the most incredible nosh for breakfast, brunch or lunch, but also hits all the right style notes. The warm rustic entry sets the mood and along with the glorious aromas wafting out from the kitchen, lures passers-by to step inside.

Here’s you’ll find a fresh, clean aesthetic with lots of white, blonde wood hues, and plenty of strategically placed lush greenery draping down from above. There are pops of black pendant lighting and rustic wooden tables with matching chairs and stools. And, to add some contrasting texture, the counter is adorned in slimline white and mustard coloured vertical tiles.

Now to the menu and trust us, it’s a cracker.

Firstly, let’s unpack the signature Boozy Brunch with your your choice of main meal washed down with endless mimosas for a whole hour, and that’s 60 minutes well spent. Enjoy your choice of Classic, Pineapple Berry and Mango Mimosas any (or every) day of the week from 10am. The only catch is that all members of the table must participate and somehow, we don’t see this being a problem.

May we recommend you tuck into the Eggs Norwegian with smoked salmon, pankocrumbed eggs, halloumi, sesame avocado, citrus hollandaise, and squid ink tuille. Or for something slightly more lunch-ish, the Slow Braised Pork Ribs with BBQ glaze, spiced mixed beans, slaw and pickles is #RibGoals. Just as palette-pleasing is the Vietnamese Calamari Salad with crispy calamari, slaw, bean shoots, black sesame, toasted coconut, fragrant herbs and herb dressing. If you want an element of DIY, add in as many sides as you’d like from a long list of contenders including scrambled curry tofu, chorizo, halloumi and sauteed greens and dukkha

Pair your meal with coffee, tea (the White Peony Tea is *chef’s kiss*), fresh juices, smoothies, bottled drinks, mocktails, beers, wines, spirits, spitzers and of course, cocktails We’re calling out the Lavender Meringue Pie as a must, made with Old Curiosity Lavender Gin, Limoncello, lemon and marshmallow foam. Or if you’re looking for something to grab and go, how about a Salted Caramel Smoothie with almond milk, oats, almonds, dates, vanilla, and sea salt

Whether it’s a weekend or weekday, round up your crew and your K9, leave the car at home, and make a date with The (brunch-o-holic endorsed) Winey Cow.

Go ahead and mimosa our day!

Words by Bianca Trathen

YOU’LL NEVER GROW TIRED OF THE NATURAL BEDDING COMPANY

Superior quality craftsmanship. Organic, toxin-free and Australian-made.

‘Nuff said.

Considering we spend half our lives sleeping, bedding is kind of a big deal. We sacrifice endless time and dollars optimising our health and the comfort / aesthetics of our surroundings when we’re awake, so devoting TLC in equal measure to our boudoir just makes sense right. That was a statement, not a question BTW, and wouldn’t it be a dreamcome-true if there was a boutique bedding and furniture specialist with genuine commitment to the cause? Well cue the #PraiseBe’s friends, coz one high-end, non-toxic mattress, bedroom furniture and accessories pioneer is putting our physical and mental wellbeing at the top of their priority list. With unwavering allegiance to #StatusMint quality, natural materials, and sustainability, their mantra is artisanal design with a conscience. If you haven’t heard about The Natural Bedding Company, you’re welcome coz this bunch is changing the way we sleep, one bedroom at a time.

Priding themselves on hand-crafted, organic, and harmful toxin-free products, the

excitement was palpable when this trailblazing organisation expanded to the sunny state. Launching their digs in Carrara twelve months ago #HappyBirthday, The Natural Bedding Company (TNBC) have gifted us a truly beautiful and tranquil space to experience their point of difference. Far from your average mattress and bedroom furniture / accessory shopping experience, the showroom feels are reflective of the products; high quality, relaxing, and natural. The entire product range is available to try and (mind-blown reaction incoming), the most popular products are in stock, ready to pickup / dispatch on the spot. Like, no waiting. None. Nada. Niente. And we’re flat out of N words but you get the gist.

Known as industry leaders, all of TNBC’s mattresses, hardwood bed frames and bedside tables are lovingly handmade in the company’s Sydney workshop. The pillow range is also proudly Australian-made, and only a small selection of bedding accessories are imported. Using certified organic materials in the

construction of virtually all of their mattresses and pillows, not only are you supporting a local company but unlike many others in the space, TNBC also has a focus on Australian manufacturers #TrueBlue.

Using premium materials and adhering to stringent policies around sustainability, ethical production and avoiding the use of harmful toxins, TNBC is doing its part for the health of the consumer AND the planet. Suitable for people with health issues, their signature organic latex is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and dust mite resistant.

One look at the company’s reviews proves that customers rarely defect back to standard, toxic, and uncomfortable innerspring, pillow top style mattresses and srsly, why would you?

A labour of care, craft and love since day dot, we’re talking the 1980’s when founder Andrew was a yoga and shiatsu teacher and what a time to be alive.

One weekend, a talented yogi, who was visiting from a dojo in Japan, showed Andrew how to make a cotton futon. This was the beginning of a life-changing journey – for both Andrew, and the rest of Australia! Successful in the space for many a moon, the futon’s trend factor started to take a bit of a dive, so Andrew turned his focus to the production of natural latex mattresses.

Fast forward a decade or four but #Who’sCounting, The Natural Bedding Company has blossomed from a one-man-band to a team of 15. This means that when you place an order, you’re dealing directly with the people involved with making your new bed and this is a vibe.

Listen up because as a bonafide exclusive Inside GC readers receive an extra spesh discount in-store when they mention this article. See, stick with us kids – we’ve always got your back. Just like TNBC, who have it quite literally…

Words by Bianca Trathen

GRAND DYNASTY IS ALL THAT & DIM SUM!

Authentic Chinese at The Oasis is serving up yum cha and more.

There isn’t enough exceptional Chinese food in the world, well maybe not in the world, but there certainly is never enough on the Gold Coast.

It is with full, happy bellies we are happy to report that one of our fave Broadbeach haunts Grand Dynasty is indeed, some of the best Chinese food we’ve ever tasted.

This delightful venue will surely awaken the senses of anyone who steps inside. With stunning lanterns strung throughout, authentic Chinese ornaments and tanks filled with live seafood, it’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

It’s the work of chef Ken Zeng, who has spent many a year travelling the world, including our very own beachside city as a child. His smiling face is a highlight of spending time at Grand Dynasty and his passion for hospitality is evident in both the menu and the overall vibe of the venue.

The menu is a mix of yum cha for lunch and a la carte options for dinner and let it be known that every single thing on it is delicious and will have you coming back time and time again.

The yum cha menu is filled with all your favourites including dim sims, MANY varieties

of dumplings, minced beef balls, pork pastries, BBQ buns, soft shell crab, san choy bow (love you) and crispy egg tarts. We recommend sampling everything.

At dinner time, well, prepare to have your mind blown.

The Hong Kong Chilli Mud Crab is sensational and one of the tastiest dishes we’ve ever tried. Not to mention it looks pretty to eat, almost too pretty, that’s not really a thing.

The Lobster with Garlic and Butter sauce, same deal. So much flavour, so very pretty to look at, but did not have a problem demolishing.

You should also sample the Steamed Sliced Abalone with ginger and shallots.

Of course, all the usual favourites are on offer including the BEST Honey Chicken there has ever been (and we’ve sampled a lot), Chicken with cashew nuts, Crispy Duck with plum sauce and Salt and Pepper King Prawns

The menu is extensive and everything is the goods so, if you have a hard time choosing, the banquet is definitely what you want.

YOU’RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE AT THE OASIS

You may choose from Banquet A (which includes Mongolian Lamb in sizzling hot pot, winning) for $50 per person and Banquet B, which has MANY incredible dishes (including the famous Peking Duck) for $68 per person and both are ridiculous value.

So yes, we’re pretty happy to have Chinese food in our lives. Do yourselves a favour friends, Grand Dynasty will make you happy.

Words and images by Kirra Smith

Right in the heart of Broadbeach…

There’s something for everyone with restaurants, bars and cafés all on your own door step. Plus a fully stocked Woolworths, Level Up Arcade and unique boutiques.

Escape to The Oasis for great food and family fun.

THE NEW NORTHERN BREWERY RAISING THE ‘BAR’

Work on your six-pack at Hound & Stag Brewing Co.

Who said the north side wasn’t the place to be? Things have certainly changed in recent times in our northern burbs, with residents no longer having to fork out half their earnings in Uber fares to go somewhere with a vibe.

Well, the latest in a string of venues fostering the region’s long awaited coming of age has just opened across the road from Harbour Town – and it’s a clanger! Hound & Stag Brewing Co is its name and if you’re a fan of the almighty amber ale (or any other boozy beverage), a top-notch feed and a bloody good time, this one’s for you.

Built on a mammoth 2000 square metre site, you can’t miss the whopping 450 square metre venue. Rocking an old barn style home fit out, the largest taproom on the Northern GC, graffiti lane, private function spaces, and 28 beer taps, it’s set to become a firm fave on the eats and sips scene. Perhaps one of the most distinguishable features separating it from some of the other breweries around town is that it serves Modern Australian food

from its very own epic kitchen, 7 days a week from 11am.

That’s right, not a food truck in sight and look we love a good food truck as much as the next person, but this definitely fuels the Hound & Stag swagger. Plus they have a huge live entertainment space with weekly acts from a variety of awesome artists. Talk about an all-rounder!

Nothing has been done by halves here, with the project costing a cool $3.5 million dollars. The Hound & Stag team are not only dedicated to delivering the ultimate brewery experience, but are big on sustainability which gets a big ‘ole tick from us. 75% of the build was completed using recycled materials, giving the space a moody, rustic barn-house vibe, and helping reduce their carbon footprint.

So who do we have to thank for this blockbuster brewery, well six people actually. Gemma and Cuan Roberts, Ben Lyne, Dave Cook, Roy Hall and Stuart Greenway who all met though the real-estate caper. Ben the

brewer was renting a property though their real-estate company and after an inspection one day, they decided to try the beer Ben had been brewing in his garage.

Needless to say they were blown away and the rest, as they say, is history. A talented bunch of savvy entrepreneurs, they bring a myriad of skills to the (bar) table, with careers spanning across hospitality, building and construction, engineering, development, the Army, health, teaching, and fun fact; Gemma even toured the world for over a decade as a professional DJ. Cool much?

On to the food and with Head Chef Jamin Ihaia and his 22 years of fine dining experience on board, we’re certainly in good hands.

Feeding 2-4 people, you’ve gotta try the 750gram Tomahawk Steak with grass fed aged rib eye steak served platter style with chimichurri sauce, charred rotis and a Hound & Stag paddle with your choice of house beers.

Or, get stuck into their signature Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich with beef short rib braised for 12 hours in their black forest stout beer, served on house bread with melted fontina cheese, pickled cucumber, peanut satay and chilli jam and fries #A.Must.Try!!!!

Pair your meal with the award winning RED BARON which won gold and was champion of the mixed culture beer category at the Royal Qld Beer awards. This is a huge deal, not only because they had been open for 12 weeks, but because Hound & Stag also received a placement in 5 out of the 5 beers they entered!

Or try something from the extensive cocktail list like a Lamington Expresso Martini with lamington vodka, coffee liqueur, sugar syrup and coffee. Oh and this just in – they only use Queensland products in the bar and locally sourced produce in the kitchen and if we didn’t #LoveThemLongTime before…

A brewery for everyone, bring your mates, your partner and your family for a dose of fabulous food, ripping beer and awesome live entertainment. See you there…like, every day.

Words by Bianca Trathen

A premium cinema, eats & sips destination at Coolangatta.

Southern GC folk, if you like movies and the finer things in life and duh, who doesn’t, do we have a public service announcement for you. Say hoo-roo to meh popcorn, brain-freeze frozen cokes, and bung tailbones from sitting in a claustrophobic chair for 1.5+ hours, coz the ultimate fancy-pants cinema experience is now at 4225!

Brisbane’s much loved Cinebar Licensed Cinemas has brought its premium, full-service feels to The Strand at Coolangatta and LBR, Channing Tatum looks even dreamier from a luxe leather lounger with a bougie cocktail in hand.

Think all-the-things like an on-fleek boutique bar, multiplex screens, state-ofthe-art digital projection and sound, and restaurant quality meals from a seasonal menu. Even better, both the a-la-carte nosh and your beverage/s of choice (boozy or nonalcoholic) are delivered directly to your uber comfy recliner by experienced waiters. This means you won’t miss a millisecond of the latest blockbuster, or feel those pesky midmovie hunger pangs.

And while we’re talking recliners, there are precisely 374 here which is the most in Queensland #BiggerIsBetter.

Whether it’s date night, girl’s night, or just night (excuse entirely optional), we’ll use any reason… or lack thereof… to experience the flashy factor of Cinebar.

Delivering an affordable yet swanky destination for movie-goers to kick back, relax and soak up some VIP treatment, it has more style and swagger than you can poke an 80s vibing choc top at.

But wait there’s more and no, they’re not throwing in a free bag of Jaffas coz #Naf, but

“YOU ARE, MY CINEBAR, I COULD WATCH YOU FOREVER….”

in addition to the seasonal menu, Cinebar also creates special themed menus! Think carefully curated drinks, meals and desserts exclusive to major film releases, and this is so cool it makes those frozen cokes we mentioned seem luke warm at best.

And just when we thought this place couldn’t possibly be anymore ‘Status Level: Oscarworthy’, it proves us wrong… for all the right reasons! Cinebar is, and always has been, family owned and operated by Queenslanders and who doesn’t love to #supportlocal. Opening 18 years ago, the brand has gone from strength to strength and is now synonymous with the ultimate BrisVegas date-night experience.

So if you want to ‘Step Up’ your movie game and somebody fan us – we’re thinking about Channing again, plus soak up premium personalised food and beverages, Cinebar at The Strand at Coolangatta is the place to do it.

Words by Bianca Trathen coolangatta.cinebar.com.au

PLAY OUTLET

SHOP OUTLET AND LET THE KIDS PLAY OUTLET WITH THE NEW MARINE-INSPIRED PLAYGROUND! The playground includes the state-ofthe-art children’s play equipment with a slide, jungle gym and an interactive floor play. The new playground strengthens Harbour Town’s already stellar line up of entertainment offerings, including Harbour Town Eats, iPlay arcade, plus the Gold Coast’s largest cinema complex, Reading Cinemas’.

HARBOUR TOWN TOURISM LOUNGE

Harbour Town’s award-winning Tourism Lounge opens from Saturday 24th June.

Providing you with a complimentary service pick up and drop off by the Harbour Town Tourist Shuttle in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, dropping you directly off to the Tourism Lounge.

Get the Inside Scoop!

Locals can sign-up FREE to the Harbour Town VIP Program to receive extra VIP discounts to participating retailers, birthday rewards and invitations to sales and special offer events! Holidaymakers can collect their FREE Tourist Discount Card for one day use to receive special offers and traveller incentives across participating outlets, speciality stores and selected dining deals in-centre.

HARBOUR TOWN EATS

Visit the Gold Coast’s alfresco international dining destination! From quick bites and street food stalls, to banquets, cafes and a family-friendly sports bar, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST OUTLET SHOPPING CENTRE

Your Outlet for entertainment, eats and over 220 popular international and iconic Australian stores, offering up to 70% off every day!

MEET RUMTIN NOUZAT Manager, FINEPRINTCO Art Bar.

As a former manager of some of Sydney’s most prestigious cocktail bars, Mixologist of FINEPRINTCO Art Bar, Rumtin Nouzat was immediately intrigued by the concept of a venue that seamlessly blended fine art with high-quality beverages. After learning more about the space and its philosophy, he knew he had to be part of it.

Rumtin has carefully designed a menu with extensive European inspired cocktails, unique to anything the Gold Coast has seen. Rumtin will work with guests to create beverages tailored to their unique tastes and palettes, offering refined and personalised service. We chatted to Rumtin to find out more about his process and why he loves living on the Gold Coast.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?

I have been a Gold Coast local for six months now.

What do you love the most about the Coast?

It feels like a holiday every day. Everything I love is within arm’s reach, from the beach to the mountains in this small city. I’m a bit of a hippie on the inside, and love to be surrounded by nature, so the Gold Coast is the perfect place for me.

Tell us a bit about yourself. My dream is to harvest my own fruit and veg, and provide this fresh produce in my bar. I enjoy providing elevated elements to what I serve to clients. At the moment I have the next best thing which is the Standard Market Company next door! Accessing the produce, they source for the Gold Coast; I can walk into the market, look at the seasonal produce get inspiration for my cocktails. The vast range of unusual produce allows me to create flavours that are new to the Gold Coast in terms of cocktails.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement?

My motto is that ‘one should refine what they drink, not drink more’. Working as the Manager allows me to provide the Gold Coast with a new style of drinking, providing guests with flavours they have never heard or tasted before. I steer away from syrupy sweet cocktails, and provide guests with the highest quality spirits, creating drinks with exotic flavours such as pandan, fig leaf, and grilled pears in their cocktails. We take time to infuse and create all elements in-house to execute these intricate flavours. My vision

is to take our guests on a drinking experience, wowing people with curated well thought out cocktails and taking them on a journey of flavours or spirits they haven’t tasted before. We like to think of ourselves as liquid chefs.

What makes FINEPRINTCO Art Bar a unique cocktail bar on the Gold Coast?

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, all the signature cocktails are matched with famous Slim Aarons prints which bring the cocktails to life. As you drink your cocktail and look at the print on display in the gallery space you really feel as if you are there and how and why we created the cocktail with those elements.

What is your favourite cocktail, and why?

Personally, I’m a martini drinker, give me a London dry gin and some good Italian vermouth and I’m a happy man.

What is the process of creating (from start to finish) a new cocktail?

Our process of making cocktails goes either two ways, we either go to the market and look at what’s in season, take a product then make a flavour map, write a few versions of the cocktail then do some trial and error till we get the best out of the produce we have. Then we make a garnish that is curated to the flavour of the drink, for example, a meringue, caramelised walnut, beijinhos (a traditional Brazilian dessert which is toasted shredded coconut and condensed milk) and much more. Cocktails are constantly changing, whenever you come in you’ll find something new as everything is in season and we like to keep you on your toes!

The other way we can make a cocktail is by taking a beautiful print, looking at the colours and vibe of the print and see what inspires us and go from there.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…

My Gold Coast favourite spots are anywhere that has Vietnamese coffee! I don’t eat out too much as I love to cook for myself and my friends at home.

How do you choose to spend your days off?

I spend my days off enjoying whatever life has to offer me, generally with my friends.

GET YOUR INDULGENT PAMPER ON

Reconnect with yourself at the Hilton Surfers Paradise’s eforea spa.

Is your definition of self-care the same as ours? That is, spoiling oneself with a worldclass treatment at the ‘hands’ (quite literally) of leaders in relaxation and rejuvenation, and this is a ridiculous question because duh #rhetorical. Or, perhaps you would like to pamper your someone special, somewhere special, where they’ll experience the ultimate full-service day spa.

Well we have just the place, which excels in technical prowess and creates an atmosphere of harmony, balance, and genuine consideration for your wellbeing.

We’re of course talking about the indulgent eforea spa, a stunning oasis located inside the equally luxurious Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences #WhereElse.

Transporting locals and visitors alike to unprecedented levels of bliss, eforea spa is unlike any other on the Gold Coast. Redefining the region’s spa scene, this five-star facility provides a myriad of indulgent treatments, all designed to help you reconnect with yourself and emerge brighter. Combined with passionate therapists and an uber welcoming space, it’s not hard to see why this heaven-onearth has ‘glowing’ reviews for days.

Eforea spa offers two distinctive journeys, each encompassing different treatments with organic, natural products, locally inspired

therapies, and scientific results-driven practices. Using Australian-made naturally derived iKOU skincare, the Essentials Journey menu includes face and body treatments, plus a range of relaxing massages. Imagine a Sensitive Skin Facial, Diamond-Peel Microdermabrasion, Bamboo Massage, Couples Massage, and even a HICAPS Remedial Massage just to name a few, the message here Keep Calm and Treat Yourself.

An Essentials Journey highlight is the signature Renewing Vichy Shower Experience, increasing circulation, awakening vitality and reducing stress and toxins.

Choose from either a 90 or 120-minute treatment and ninety-shminety – it’s 120 for the win #NoContest. Starting with a full body exfoliation combined with a refreshing Vichy shower and finishing with a gentle full body massage, it’s the epitome of zen.

Then there’s the Escape Journey suite of treatments, and we’re officially on Struggle Street trying to navigate the ultimate conundrum; which journey to embark on first? Using premium French marine skincare brand Thalgo, Escape Journey options cater to the body and feet, and really all we want in life is world peace and a pedicure.

There are also combination packages for the best of both worlds, as well as special options for mothers-to-be (baby shower gift sorted). We’re talking the likes of Rest & Restore Body Mud Wrap, Total Body Healing Experience, eforea Indulgence Package and because we like our spa treatments like our pizzas (i.e., with the lot), we’re choosing the 180-minute Head-To-Toe Revitalisation Package

This all-in sensory sensation begins with an invigorating mineral salt scrub to soothe muscles and release energy flow, followed by a warm mineral rich body mud cocoon and a deeply relaxing scalp massage. Then, enjoy a hot stone full body massage, customised facial treatment, and a cheeky complimentary glass of bubbles in the relaxation room.

Now this is all obviously next level luxe, but eforea spa elevates things another notch with its signature Journey Enhancements. These powerful mini treatments can be added to your existing services, for a more holistic and personalised spa experience. Specially designed for eforea spa, you’ll be introduced to unique techniques from the most fabled spa cultures around the world, and we’ll add them all please and thank you.

There are also couples’ treatment rooms (#CouplesThatSpa2getherStayTogether), and guests have access to the Vichy Shower treatment room, relaxation room, the hotel’s four pools and spa, and the Hilton Surfers Paradise Pool Deck.

Looking for a gift idea, but not sure which treatment would suit that special someone? Visit the Gift Voucher tab on Hilton Surfers Paradise website or scan the QR code on the right-hand side of this page to find out more. Plus, there’s free secure parking so you don’t have to traipse down Orchid Ave in your post-pamper sans-makeup state, plus discounts for members and group bookings (bachelorette party inspo!).

So next time you ‘knead’ a massage or want to let off a little ‘steam’ living your best spa life, tell Siri to head for eforea spa at the Hilton Surfers Paradise.

Words by Bianca Trathen

SAY (PARMESAN) CHEESE TO THIS REAL PIZZA WORK!

You just can’t go pasta Luna’s Pizza & Wine in Broadbeach.

There are many things we never grow tired of and eating Italian is one of them. Our carb-pacity to carbo-hydrate (eat carbs and hydrate. With wine) is forever fierce and try as we might to give the whole Keto thing a nudge, just kidding, we’ve never tried. We know we’re not alone here, and lucky us living in a city brimming with quality Italian nosheries, like Luna’s Pizza & Wine.

Taking over Sofia’s previous digs at The Oasis late last year, Luna’s shares more than just an address with her fellow Euro palettepleaser. Both restaurants are owned by the one and only Henry Hunt, who couldn’t part with Sofia’s prime foot traffic position, glorious open kitchen, and signature wood-fire oven. Henry, quite frankly, can do no wrong, previously managing Sydney icon Establishment, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, as well as fine dining steakhouse 6Head in Sydney Harbour.

Luna’s and Sofia’s also share Executive Chef Daniil Paulman who boasts a resume any name-dropper would be proud of. With stints at local institutions The Fish House and Etsu, he’s anything but an ‘im-pasta’. Daniil is joined by Head Chef and Pizzaiolo Mattia Bianchi, who’s been making pizzas for over 20 years, so yeah, he knows his way around a Capricciosa.

Starting his career at Ristorante Il Capriolo in Italy, he relocated to Melbourne opening Esplanade in St Kilda, before moving to Cicchetti in Isle of Capri and of course, Sofia’s.

With indoor and outdoor seating, voyeurfriendly open kitchen, and capacity for 50 people (or 80+ standing), it’s impossible to walk ‘pasta’ and not be drawn in by the amazing aromas and ambiance. Shopfit Co have nailed the modern Italian aesthetic, using a traditional but tasteful colour palette of red, green and white, along with modern black accents and a juxtaposition of textures. You immediately feel the warmth with stunning exposed bricks (a-la-Sofia 1.0), and the red and white fringed umbrellas out front. Green is introduced in the form of oh-so-now olive trees which always give us those exotic Mediterranean feels #mood. Inside you’ll find the famous brick woodfire oven in all its glory and the open kitchen,

complete with a contemporary black subway tile backdrop.

Authentic Italian dishes await with a mouthwatering range of antipasti, pizza, pasta and sides. To get the ball rolling, we recommend a serve of Mushroom Arancini coz dough and pasta aren’t enough so let’s add rice… #WorthTheBloat. With mushroom, parmesan and truffle rice balls lightly fried, served with porcini mascarpone, they’re the only way to eat your shrooms.

The signature pasta is hands down the Gnocchi al Tartufo with hand-made gnocchi, cream, mascarpone, truffle paste, and truffle oil and LBH, this is our dream dish. Pizza enthusiasts will go bonkers for the signature Prosciutto Pizza, which is pure perfection with tomato, Fior di latte, San Daniele prosciutto, stracciatella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and rocket.

Now pizza and pasta are great and all, but let’s talk about cocktails and vino #AboutTime. The signature sip is a cracker, called Appassionato which sounds way more impressive with an Italian accent. With Absolut vodka, fresh lime juice, fresh passionfruit, sugar, and birds eye chili, one’s simply not enough. As for boozy ‘grape juice’, here’s the hot tip; there’s a secret beverage list featuring uber-premium wines from Sofia’s, BUT it’s only available upon request so #GetRequesting #You’reWelcome.

We may not be able to speak Italian but we sure as heck can eat it, and a meal at Luna’s Pizza & Wine is as good as it gets. ‘Crust’ us.

Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen Images by Belinda Symons

Give us those exotic Mediterranean feels…

A delightful blend of Australian and Mediterranean flavors, offering a unique culinary experience.

Indulge in our artisanal wood-fired pizzas, delectable pasta dishes, an impressive selection of fine wines and homemade cocktails.

THE HOT NEW WAY TO ENJOY THE GC WATER

Hire a jetboard from Vanquish Jetboard Hire and slay on our waterways!

It’s in our DNA as Gold Coasters to love anything and everything related to the water. Whether it be swimming, boating, yachting, surfing, kite surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding, the list goes on and we srsly can’t get enough. So when we heard about a new way to experience our beloved Broadwater, our ears pricked up. Enter Vanquish Jetboard Hire, the first-ever motorised jet board hiring company to launch not just here, but in the whole of ‘Straya. #HellsYeahBrah!

If you’re anything like us, you may not know your jet board from your eFoil…or maybe your

knowledge starts and ends at the trusty jet ski #nojudgement. Well fret not friends, coz we are here to fill in the blanks and explain why jet boarding is the hottest…or coolest…thing since sliced (gluten free, flour free, carb free, sugar free, ethically sourced, artisan) bread.

A jetboard is essentially a motorised surfboard where the rider controls the speed using a hand-held remote control and weight transfer to manoeuvre the board. It totally stacks up when compared to other watersports and in our humble opinion, totally trumps the eFoil. For starters, a jetboard is faster than an eFoil which speaks to the inner adrenalin junkie in all of us. Imagine zipping along at a very respectable clip (circa 60km per hour) feeling the spray of the water and soaking up ‘dem unbeatable GC outdoorsy vibes #HappyPlaceIncoming. Also, jetboards are easier to master than the average eFoil which is entirely appealing for those of us whose coordination eludes us. Plus, you’re guaranteed to look unapologetically hot or cool and frig, we’re back to that conundrum again.

The only downside is the cost to purchase, with boards starting at the $10k mark and that

totally sucks when we’re all broke AF. Alas, Luan Memishi and his business Vanquish Jetboard Hire are here to save the day, enabling us all to partake in this awesomeness without having to sell a kidney. It is legit the only company hiring out jet boards in the whole of the country and guys, thank you for making this insanely epic water sport accessible to one and all #pioneers.

With a variety of boards to rent, they cater for beginners with slower boards reaching a max of 40km/h, plus competition boards hitting up to 60 km/h for the more competent riders. To profile a couple, there’s the X-Sport Radinn jet board with an extremely powerful and reliable G3 jet. As you can use the settings menu in the Radinn app, it’s smart and suitable for all kinds of riders; tall, short, heavy, light, novice or pro. Or you can have a bash on an Explore board, Vanquish’s most durable and stable option. Perfect for beginners, they’re designed for reliability with a built-in bumper and full impact deck-pad.

Oh, and duty of care alert, of course Luan and the crew will teach you how to ride with maximum fun factor and safety before setting you loose on our glorious waters. Choose from a 45 minute private lesson or a group lesson if you’re keen to learn the ropes with your mates in tow, for $90 per person.

On a final note, it would be irresponsible of us not to mention the risk you take when you jump on a Vanquish jet board; there’s a very high likelihood of addiction. Trust us we speak from experience…and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Words by Bianca Trathen

TAKE A BREAK & BINGE ON THESE …

After discovering her husband’s long standing affair, Odessa Odin feels as if her world is crumbling around her. In the moments that follow, she decides not to fall into the pit of despair that threatens to drag her down but to level the playing field. With her blissful idea of marriage now shattered, she realises that her friends are receiving similar treatment from their own husbands as these men flagrantly ignore the vows they once made to their devoted wives. Deciding that those she loves are worthy of more, Odessa realises what must be done: these entitled husbands need to learn the dangers of female provocation. As their best kept secrets are exposed one by one, the line Odessa walks becomes razor sharp, ensuring no one walks away unscathed. This vengeful narrative feels as if Gone Girl’s Amy Dunne became an avenging angel, with the main character striking out at the double standards dictating the expectations thrust upon her group of female friends and their relaxed, privileged husbands. The intricate web Zoe Coyle spins makes putting this novel down near impossible, as the steadily building feeling of foreboding consumes characters and readers alike. This is a fantastic follow-up to Coyle’s first novel Light Gets In, and earns itself five stars!

BOOK: The Dangers of Female Provocation by Zoë

Coyle RRP $34.99.

Available at Bookface, Pacific Fair. T: 07 5592 1700

Book recommendation by Bookface’s Madison Baker.

With its lighter and soft particularly suitable for flirtatious, early drinking reds. Sun loving

Mediterranean, this CINS happily called the McLaren Vale home. Brilliant ruby in hue, the nose is cherry starburst with notes of blood orange zest, ginger, nutmeg and white pepper. The palate is medium bodied, crunchy cranberry-like acidity, well-balanced and vibrant and the

refreshing; laden with interweaving cherry, ginger and white

Brash Higgins CINS Cinsault 2021

Our local experts have found you the perfect trio that pack a powerful punch!

One of the reasons the Gold Coast is loved by locals and visitors all year round is that it hardly has a winter. The beach is as appealing in our cooler months as it is at the height of summer. Our laid-back fashion style works throughout the year – perhaps with an additional layer. In fact the change in seasons can be so subtle here in SE Queensland, that it’s easy to miss. Unless of course you’re a foodie who recognises the seasons by the signals coming from the fresh food markets. One of the cooler weather delights is the appearance of big, bright and bold strawberries. Sure, we can access strawberries year-round but the best come in the cooler months.

Picking strawberries fresh from the farm in the winter sun has become a popular and family friendly activity. The iconic strawberry sundae makes it’s annual appearance at Brisbane’s Ekka in August followed soon after by the RedFest Strawberry Festival just up the road in the Redlands.

At Little Cocoa, we love the sweet tanginess and colour of many different berries including the strawberry. It pairs brilliantly with the more mellow yet complex flavours of our dark chocolate. We’ve previously used them whole enrobed in chocolate, but we also regularly use fruit gelees in the soft fillings for our chocolate pralines. To deliver a one-two punch of fruity flavour, we’ve combined strawberry and lime gelee in a white chocolate ganache filling. It’s a chocolate you can certainly enjoy year round..

CHOCOLATE: 12-piece box chocolate pralines RRP $33.

Available at Little Cocoa, Southport. www.littlecocoa.com.au

Chocolate recommendation by Little Cocoa’s Alicia Chapman.

(Total value $105.99!)

gcvip.com.au

gcVIP Society has hand-picked some of the best local events to feature in our social pages. Spot anyone you know?

EVENT: Perry Cross Everything is Possible Gala Dinner LOCATION: The Star Gold Coast Over 600 guests attended the incredible fundraising gala event presented by Prestige Cars Group. Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation are committed to help find a cure for paralysis and raised over $1M from the event.

LOVE YOUR ‘BURB Gold Coast brand mixes art, culture and fashion with local designs.

LOVE YOUR ‘BURB Gold Coast brand mixes art, culture and fashion with local designs.

YOUR ‘BURB brand mixes art, and local

Nick Dempsey, Liv Phyland

Kaleb Kennedy, Keeley Saunders

Jacinta Casey, Andrew Hunt Mat Reeves, Hayley Carey

Lauren French, Georgia Hendy, Maddy Durr

Amy Darvall, Martin Hogan

Jen Hutchings, Perry Cross, Melissa Brown

Mat Hayley Carey

Jen Perry Melissa Brown

MERMAID VIBES Mermaid Beach T $39

PALMY ARMY Palm Beach T $39

MERMAID VIBES

Mermaid Beach T $39

FLY BE FREE Currumbin T $39

EVENT: Jonas Blue LOCATION: Cali Beach International Superstar Jonas Blue hit Cali Beach for an exclusive DJ set recently! The powerhouse DJ and songwriter delivered an epic set including his hits, ’Fast Car’, ‘Mama’ and ‘Perfect Strangers’.

FIND YOUR FAVE

FIND YOUR FAVE

Rock your local suburb and add some Undercurrent to your wardrobe!

Rock your local suburb and add some Undercurrent to your wardrobe!

Use code: ilovegc for 25% OFF theundercurrent.com.au

Use code: ilovegc for 25% OFF theundercurrent.com.au

Ciria Rocha, David Oliveira, Daniela Xaubet, Eduardo

Maria Fernanda Escalante, Rebeca Valeria Ortiz Talia Donoghue, Lana Hertell

Connor Munce, Brittany Wise, Caitlin Munce

Lorea Sandino, Lierni Urzelai

• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Experience next-level Thai and Southeast Asian flavours honoured in a modern twist by the seaside

Open Thur-Sun 8.30am-10.30pm Mon-Wed 12noon-10.30pm

1st Floor, Beachfront Precinct Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue Surfers Paradise nahmtalaythai.com.au