WE’VE GOT YOUR ALL DAY EATS COVE-ERED

Eat, sip, repeat at Verandah Restaurant and Bar.

Here on the GC, it’s easy to get a little caught up in the hype of chasing the all latest food trends. Sometimes they bring us good things (hey spicy margs) and sometimes our starry-eyed quest for the latest kimchi-infused-croissant-burger (pls no one actually make this) means we momentarily forget the happiness that awaits with our tried and true faves. After all, the key ingredients for a good time are pretty simple: cosy surrounds, knock out views and classic eats and sips that just make you feel good.

Just like having a best bud with a boat, perhaps one of the best perks for us locals is the ability to borrow some of those sweet, sweet resort-vibes for a few hours.

So if you’re overdue to whisk-ey yourself away for a few hours of indulgence, listen up because we’re about to spill the tea on one venue that has it all for foodies and liquor lovers alike. If you’re a whisky fan, we’ve ‘scotch a hunch you’re already well acquainted with the name Verandah Restaurant and Bar, a well known destination for connoisseurs of the finest drops nestled among nter ontinental Sanctuary Cove’s lush surrounds. But even if sipping world class spirits is not normally your cup of, er – tea, never fear – we’ve three magical words set to get the tastebuds tingling: all. day. eats.

Sitting pretty in its prime position within the tropical InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort grounds, Verandah Restaurant and Bar strikes that perfect balance of seamless indoor and outdoor dining. The serene sweeping views overlooking the river from the formal balcony make for a picture-perfect backdrop, while the chance to cosy up in the rela ed fireplace seating has got to be pretty hard to beat this time of year. The light filled space is bedecked in elegant French style windows, framing the stunning views in the way only French windows can. And if you can manage to peel your eyes away from the outlook, we can’t help but to swoon over the beautiful herringbone floors and the sense of luxury and warmth they bring to the space.

Open from 11am daily for lunch, dinner and everything in between, the menu has just undergone a fresh new shake up to deliver everything from tasty shared bites through to wholesome, classic comfort food, while showcasing the freshest locally sourced ingredients we have at our fingertips on the Coast #luckyus.

No matter if it’s a leisurely late lunch or some pre-dinner bites, you’re spoilt for choice between the Mezze Plate, Charcuterie Board –or sweet tooths rejoice, even some Devonshire Tea. r perhaps we could truffle you for some e es because you know Tapas always go down a treat – especially when paired with some of the house Signature Cocktails

The Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl with Grilled broccoli, organic quinoa, roast kumara, wild rocket and halloumi sounds like a big ol’ bowl of superfood goodness perfect for whatever time of the day hunger strikes. Meanwhile, the Chef’s selection of pasta-tively delish options are a whole other type of (carb-a-licious) goodness: Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli – Burnt butter, zucchini, kumara and pecorino or Mooloolaba ssel e e e e e h l o fi l ol e o l.

And excuse us while we imagine sitting fireside this inter tucking into the Roast Tasmanian Salmon with Charred corn, fennel ee fi e l e o lo se Shank with Broccolini, pumpkin mash, poached shallot with charred capsicum and basil jus The only thing missing from that picture is a glass of, well whatever the heck you please because the drinks menu is somehow even more extensive again.

The purists will of course appreciate the array of top shelf spirits from around the world available for sampling, and the cocktail enthusiasts will be hard pressed to select between the classic Time Honoured and the Signature Cocktail selection. Just quietly, a Jacks Gin with Ink Dry Gin, Sapere lychee e l e o e e l e e or perhaps the Autumn Rush with Vanilla vodka, Chambord, Aperol, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, lime juice would surely go down an absolute treat.

So, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a decadent late dinner and drinks, or anything in between, whatever it is you’re craving, the everimmaculate Verandah Restaurant and Bar is ready to make it a memorable time.

Words by Kellie Leader

The Fireplace unearths signature wood-fire cuisine using produce grown in the resort’s herb garden.

Proud recipient of the Two-Glass accolade in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, for the sixth year in a row.

Take A Sip Around The World

No passport required at The Collective Palm Beach.

Ever since The Collective burst on to the Southern GC eats scene a few years back, we keep coming back like moths to a flame. Combining all the best bits of market style eats with all the magic of laid-back alfresco restaurant dining – the genius concept of combining five restaurants under one roof is a respite for the indecisive among us.

Our go-to for getting friends and fam together, no longer do we have to heed the objections of that one friend with the palette of a toddler, or whatever whacky diet our Aunt is trying this month. The only thing we re left to fight over in the group chat is trying to narrow down a date that suits everyone.

t s an e perience that s a worldly culinary feast for the senses. s if we need any more reasons to get there they ve just treated us to a brand new menu and since we re ever the overachievers when it comes to all things eats and sips we ve taken it one step further with suggested cocktail pairings forscience. t s like a round-the-world-holiday for your tastebuds and we re all invited.

The Italian Job The first stop on our itinerary that also feels like a warm hug for your soul is The talian ob. arby bases provide the heavenly vessels for which to build upon all the rich tomato, garlic and herb laden sauces, coupled with the savoury and salty notes of aged cheeses mushroom cured meats truffle flavours and a chefs kiss for good measure because it s always made with love. ound out all those iconic talian flavours with something more traditional like an Aperol Spritz, or a cocktail that reads like a nostalgic love letter to Italy – The Marching Mellow

Try with: Marching Mellow – Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, Lime, Vanilla, Sugar, Foam, Charred Marshmallow

Mazi This metaphorical round the world trip just gets fetta and fetta. e t stop a i for a whole lotta reek goodness.

Flavour-packed proteins balanced with the likes of olives, halloumi and creamy fetta to pack a savoury, salty punch – coupled with tangy t at iki lashings of lemon and peppy herbs to add that fresh ing we crave. ontinuing the esty citrus flavours and cutting through some of salty savoury richness we d suggest pairing with a Peach Cobbler for a refreshing and fruity sip reminiscent of a reek sland summer vaycay.

Try with: Peach Cobbler – Grey Goose Peach, Lemon, Peach, Coconut, Foam, Zest

Luckie’s Diner Are you feeling Luckies, punk? Our stomachs certainly will be after an merican diner style feast. Think beefed up cheese laden merican classics finished with bacon, onion and indulgent sauces like creamy ranch and maple gla es. e re proposing you lean in to the indulgence with a cocktail that s a nod to the ultimate adults only choc shake.

What could be more American than that?

Try with: The Big Lebowski – Zubrowka Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, Vanilla, Chocolate

Umami If it’s wok-your-socks-off Asian fusion you’re in the mood for, Umami never fails to rice to the occasion. We’re so(ba) obsessed with notes like – wasabi, ginger, sesame, sticky honey, vinegar, that tug-o-war for tastebuds we can never get enough of – sweet and sour. We’re tipping the People’s Punch with the smoky-richness of dark rum, coupled with sweet (apple, tropical fruit) and sour (lemon, pineapple) notes worthy of standing on its own, while still complementing all those bold sian flavours.

Try with: People’s Punch – Dark Rum, Goslings Black Seal, Pineapple, Apple, Lemon, Tropical Fruit t s only fitting to suggest another hybrid creation to wash down all that deliciousness – the Tommy Batanga, combining the OG iconic duo of Mexican cocktails – Tequila and Lime, but topped with a cola for an unexpected, yet zingy twist that just works.

TaLA We’re not sure if this counts as a pit stop for LA, or for Mexico, but when the LA style tacos are this delicious.. who really cares? Think all the uintessential flavours synonymous with e ican cuisine – zesty coriander and jalapeño laden salsas, smoky chipotle, and sharp tequila and lime with a Californian street style twist.

Try with: Tommy Batanga – Patron Silver

Tequila, Cola, Lime

Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

When: 12pm until late daily

FOLLOW THEM HERE

Words by Kellie Leader take a metaphorical round the world

5 Kitchens under 1 Roof!

5 Kitchens under 1 Roof!

Quality 2 bedroom unit in ideal location

Meet Niva, a remarkable individual whose journey from Peru to Italy and now ustralia has been filled with une pected twists and turns. riginally a nurse iva s pursuit of a nursing career in taly took an unforeseen detour into the realm of hospitality. pending nearly years in the industry she discovered a true passion for providing e ceptional guest e periences. hat began as a uest to learn nglish in ustralia led her to the Te uila unrise ostel in urfers aradise where she was enchanted by the inviting ambiance as a guest. ith her infectious energy and warm hospitality iva has carved a reputation for creating a home away from home at Te uila unrise. ow iva is the and urfers aradise manager. e chatted to iva about her journey the hostel s unrivaled atmosphere and what makes Te uila unrise ostel a true haven for wanderers and adventurers.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local? have been a old oast local for about years now, and I absolutely love it here.

What do you love the most about the Coast?

The thing love most about the old oast is the weather and being able to see the beach every single day. t gives me a feeling of freedom that is hard to describe.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am originally from Peru but have lived in Italy for a while. I studied nursing in Italy and worked in a small hotel on ake omo which is where fell in love with the hospitality industry. moved to ustralia in and after living in ydney for almost three years decided to e plore other parts of ustralia. That s when discovered the old oast and fell in love with it.

How did you get into managing hostels? got into managing hostels because of my e perience working in the hospitality industry and my passion for meeting new people and providing them with a great e perience. ow have the chance to manage many as Te uila unrise is e panding it has hostels in uatemala ydney delaide and urfers aradise. t is really an honour to be part of the Te uila unrise ostels as the .

Can you provide an overview of Tequila Sunrise’s unique features and what sets it apart from other accommodations in Surfers?

Te uila unrise is a uni ue hostel in urfers aradise because of its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. ur guests always feel like they are part of a family and we offer a range of amenities and services designed to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable. ome of our most popular amenities include breakfast and dinner every day of the week which makes it easy to connect, socialize and make friends, 24-hour kitchen access, and on-site laundry facilities. Additionally, we are 100% capacity almost every day of the year, and our capsule beds are a unique feature that sets us apart from other hostels since our capsules give that extra privacy that normal bunk beds do not give. How would you describe the overall atmosphere and vibe of Tequila Sunrise?

The vibe of Tequila Sunrise is warm and welcoming. Our guests come from all over the world, and we strive to create an environment that fosters new friendships and experiences. Have you seen a return to pre-COVID visitor numbers? Where are visitors coming from? We have, and visitors are coming from all over the world, especially South America, Europe, and Asia. They come to the Gold Coast to enjoy the beautiful beaches, theme parks, and outdoor activities.

What are some lesser-known gems or hidden spots in the Gold Coast that you recommend to your guests?

Burleigh Heads National Park, Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Rock Pools.

What are your Gold Coast favourites… Café/coffee spot: my go-to café/coffee spot is BarItalia, really close to the hostel.

Restaurant: Rick Shores or Burleigh Pavilion. Bar or place for a drink: You can’t go wrong with Justin Lane.

How do you choose to spend your days off? I like to spend my time at the beach or hanging out with friends.