Celebrating
THE Year of the Rat
Your guide to dining, events and more
WELCOME The excitement of the impending Lunar New Year is upon us and we couldn't be more over the moon to invite you, along with your friends and family, to feast with us and celebrate! A time to honour ancestors, set intentions for the Year of the Rat and gather round the table for an incredible spread that will tantalise tastebuds. Bursting with delicious spots to dine, a LNY checklist, quirky facts about traits of the rat and hosting helpers, we've got you covered at Australia Fair Metro.
KYLee MORMAN – CENTRE MANAGER
CONTENTS
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03
08
2020: the year of the rat
restaurant profiles
Discover interesting facts, personality traits and celebrity rats.
Take a seat, sip, savour and enjoy the exciting celebrations.
04
12
what's on
host a lunar NY soirĂŠe
Food stalls, live music and entertainment this Lunar New Year.
Gather your nearest and dearest for a delicious festive feast.
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14
TAKE A GLOBAL FOODIE TOUR
new year checklist
Authentic Chinese cuisine, tasty takeaway and global flavours.
Start 2020 off the right way by adding these to your LNY checklist!
THE YEAR OF THE RAT They may be small, but did you know the rat actually ranks first on the chinese zodiac? read on to discover more tid-bits about the year of the rat! is it your year?
creature characteristics
Lunar New Year celebrations will commence and run for 15 days as of January 24 and if you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 or 2008 – congratulations! 2020 will be a big year for you.
With characteristics of high-spiritedness, wit, adaptability and vitality, rats are instinctive and alert, making them great business people.
the fame factor There are quite a few well-known peeps who were born in the Year of the Rat. George Washington, William Shakespeare, Prince Harry (and his dad), Cameron Diaz and Ben Affleck just to name a few. It's a mixed bunch and, well, you're in good company! Know of any other famous rats? Let us know on Facebook @australiafairmetro
They are also a social animal and are popular in many circles. Be wary of your stubbornness though!
fun facts In Chinese culture, people saw rats as a sign of wealth, fertility and prosperity, and because they reproduce at a high rate, couples would pray to them for children. Their lucky colours are blue, gold and green, and numbers are 2 and 3.
so, what's in store for 2020? For the rat, this year will be a time of change and good fortune in career, particularly in the second half of the year. Relationships will also prosper during this time. However, it is important for the rat to focus on looking after their health in 2020, as they may face challenges in this area.
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#gcchinatown #LNY2020
FREE EVENT
Saturday 1 February 4pm – 9pm Gold Coast Chinatown, Young and Davenport Streets, Southport
19-EPE-00681
Food Stalls, Live Music and Entertainment
goldcoastcbd.com.au/chinatown
TAKE A GLOBAL FOODIE TOUR jump on board the Australia fair metro train and be ready to Take Your tastebuds on a global expedition! and be sure to stop off and sample all of the delicious delicacies our foodies are dishing up. great wall takeaway China on your doorstep. You won't have to walk the 21,196km course of the most famous wall in the world to taste and swoon over heavenly and historic Chinese dishes. Great Wall Takeaway serves up all of the classics, such as tender beef noodle soup and spicy fried chicken stew, made with passion and garnished with fresh herbs and spices. If you're in search of rich dishes that are bound to fill you up, opt for their spicy pork belly with noodles! Plus, as their name suggests, you don't have to dine-in. You can indulge in all the East Asian goodness from the comfort of your couch.
CYCHO'S BUFFALO WINGS Crispy fried chicken. Mmm! The cool cats at Cycho's Buffalo Wings know a thing or two about dishing up the crispiest and juiciest wings on the Gold Coast. So-much-so, that they've expanded from their humble food truck and made Australia Fair Metro home. Woo! CYCHO'S BUFFALO WINGS
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Yuyin Chinese cuisine A rare gem serving traditional dumplings. Gathered around a table, filling and folding traditional dumplings is how many Chinese families celebrate and bond during the Lunar New Year. For a taste of authenticity, a mix of savoury and sweet handmade dumplings from Yuyin Chinese Cuisine will take your senses on a culinary journey to the East Asian country. Don't forget to try their Chinese soy vinegar as a dipping sauce! This new foodie hotspot also sells live seafood, including crabs and fish of the day. If you enjoy eyewatering spice, go for their schezwan dishes and feel the wave of heat burn.
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a moment with the owner What was the vision behind opening Yuyin Chinese Cuisine? Our vision was to offer the local Gold Coast community amazing Chinese cuisine prepared by the owner, who is a highly qualified Hong Kong chef. This restaurant is a first for the Gold Coast as it offers a fine-dining Chinese cuisine experience during the evening, where customers can take time to enjoy the magnificent dishes, plus freshly made-toorder yum cha served on magnificent platters during the day. What is the one dish you recommend patrons order to celebrate the Lunar New Year? Live seafood dishes! Traditionally fish is a staple for New Year celebrations and is intended to welcome prosperity for the entire year. Happy Lunar New Year! From Iki and the Yuyin team. LUNAR NEW YEAR | 7
kubo's bar & grill Authentic Filipino fare. To those who have been lucky enough to witness a Filipino sunset while tucking into a boodle fight, you're in for a treat! The warm and welcoming team at Kubo's Bar & Grill has captured the cultural cuisine and hospitality of the Philippines, a country rich in both history and flavoursome food, and are serving up some of the tastiest Filipino fare on the Gold Coast. To celebrate the exciting Lunar New Year, the restaurant will have a food stall set up outside the restaurant, not unlike the traditional street stalls. Stroll by for a taste of the tropics!
KINILAW IS... a raw seafood dish native to the Philippines, similar to ceviche.
NANDO'S
KUBO'S BAR & GRILL
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FEN KU GUILIN RICE NOODLE
Fen Ku Guilin Rice Noodle All the noodle noms.
FEN KU GUILIN RICE NOODLE
LIGHTING UP THE LUNAR NEW YEAR Traditional Chinese red lanterns add just another 'wow factor' to the restaurant.
For the unacquainted and uninitiated, Fen Ku translates to noodle bar – simple! However, these bowls of goodness are anything but simple when it comes to taste. Influenced by the melting pot of flavours characteristic of China, these bowls are chock-full of crackling pork, brined beef, spices, a deliciously tasty broth and of course, noodles! Perfect for a nutrient-dense and tummyfilling lunch on-the-go or a fabulous evening out. So, be sure to visit the friendly Fen Ku Guilin Rice Noodle family and enjoy all that Australia Fair Metro has to offer during the Lunar New Year.
NANDO'S PERi-PERi perfection. If it's a story with a side of PERi-PERi chicken you're after, then there's one hotspot that comes to mind – Nando's! Famed for their tender, Portuguese chicken and the interesting story of how Nando's came to be emblazoned across their walls, it's a dining experience like no other. Drop by and say 'hi' to the friendly staff this LNY and test out your PERi-o-meter!
NANDO'S
funky interiors and flavoursome food: Nando's is a foodie experience not to be missed. LUNAR NEW YEAR | 9
WOKA WOKA Flaming good meals! Combine late-night dining, tasty Asianfusion cuisine (the kind that has you patting your belly as you walk out of the restaurant) and service that is secondto-none, and you have Woka Woka. A fast favourite for Southport locals and travellers alike, it won't just be the Lunar New Year celebrations that has patrons excited. With delectable, sizzling wok dishes and refreshing icy drinks, it's a tasty summer feast!
Did you know woka woka boasts one of the most impressive and extensive drink lists in australia fair metro? you'll be sure to have a smile from ear-to-ear when you're sipping back, drink in-hand and relaxing during the lunar new year celebrations!
WOKA WOKA
SOY CAFE Dreamy desserts and sweet teas. To those of you with a sweet tooth that can't be satisfied, this one's for you. Dubbed by customers as the 'best milk tea on the Gold Coast' and complete with a traditional dessert menu bursting with favourites (hello, creamy soy custard!), Soy Cafe will cure all your sugar-filled cravings. Make sure you don't pass up their famed milk tea topped off with two fillings. Taking bubble tea to new levels of flavour this Lunar New Year! SOY CAFE
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BURRITO BAR Serving tasty street-style eats. Direct from the streets of San Francisco and onto your plate right here at Australia Fair Metro, Burrito Bar is dishing up pockets of Mexican flavour that really pack a punch! The street-style foodie wave has hit
and it's all about social eating at this Gold Coast hotspot, with a casual and fun dining atmosphere combined with delicious food. Our favourite? You can't go past the slowcooked pulled beef burrito!
BURRITO BAR
Established in 2011, burrito bar has been a local foodie favourite for years. there's a good reason customers keep coming back to this gold coast gem! if you know, you know.
BURRITO BAR
CHIKOR A Korean flavour kick. Three words. Succulent fried chicken. Need we say more? If you're in search of spiced Korean chicken with that oh-so satisfying crunch, Chikor is the place to dine. Their secret spice recipe? It's kept under lock and key!
CHIKOR
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METRO MARKET SEAFOOD & BUTCHER
HOW TO HOST A Lunar new year SOIRÉE Throwing your own Lunar New Year celebration means you can get your family and friends together for some creative and cultural fun. Don't forget, however, festivities should be focused on ushering in some good fortune for the year ahead. Before you do anything, give your house a good tidy to sweep away any negativity you've been holding onto and brighten up your entertaining room with traditional colours; red and gold symbolise good luck and joy. Being the Year of the Rat, decorations and lanterns boasting pictures of the zodiac animal, are perfect to line your doors and walls. You also won't be short of cuisine inspiration when walking around Australia Fair Metro. Celebrate with traditional Chinese dumplings, noodles and sashimi, but don't be afraid to cook up an Asian-fusion feast and incorporate Japanese or Korean fare. Finally, like most major holidays, the Lunar New Year is best spent with people you love, so you can already count yourself lucky if you've got a good group of friends and family around you during the celebrations.
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Fish symbolises prosperity and happiness, especially when served whole. Metro Market Seafood & Butcher stock the freshest fish of the day you'll come across. Sashimi of raw salmon and tuna is not only delicious, it's rich in omega 3 and a clean way to bring in the Lunar New Year!
great wall takeaway For all your starchy staples, such as rice and rice paper rolls, stop off at Great Wall Takeaway. You'll also find an inspiring range of spices, dipping sauces and dried delicacies for a traditional touch!
METRO FARMERS MARKET Whether you're in need of chives, cabbage or bok choy, Metro Farmers Market has the freshest range of vegetables and a wide selection of Asian sauces and noodles. Finely chop carrot and mushrooms for your authentic pork dumplings, or quickly fry off some greens and plate-up as a warm side salad. Keep it simple and season with soy and garlic. The smell alone will excite senses and make tummies growl.
chinese noodle recipe A real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: 250g all-purpose flour 2 tbsp water 2 eggs 1 tsp of kansui or baked baking soda A pinch of salt
METHOD: Add flour and salt into a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the kansui (or baked baking soda) and eggs until mixed. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until there is no dry flour left and knead the dough until it's smooth. Cover the mixture with a wet cloth and rest for 30 mins and knead again for five mins. Roll dough flat with a rolling pin and cut into strips of noodles. Or, use a spiralizer. Briefly simmer noodles in boiling water until al dente. Serve with your favourite finishing sauce and enjoy!
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a year of good health, calm and creativity CHEMPRO CHEMIST You work hard for your money, so your skincare should work hard for you! Luckily, Chempro Chemist stock all the skincare products you need for supple skin this LNY!
CHOICE THE DISCOUNT STORE
GLOBE HEALTH club
If one of your LNY intentions is to relax and spend more quality time with family, why not do it in style with a beautiful macramé hanging chair. Get yours from Choice The Discount Store.
Are you getting your 30 minutes of exercise in each day? The friendly team at Globe Health Club know that our bodies were made to move, and there's no better time to start than the Lunar New Year.
a year of growth and prosperity
AUSTRALIA FAIR DENTAL CARE A regular dental checkup should be at the top of everyone's LNY checklist. Put a smile on your dial and book your appointment today.
Commonwealth bank Are you feeling financially healthy this LNY? Perhaps it's time for a chat with the friendly staff at Commonwealth Bank to find out how 2020 will be your most prosperous year yet!
GO 2 I.T. Streamlining your day means ensuring your technology is working at optimal level and speed. Could it be time for an upgrade? The team at GO 2 I.T. will be your go-to. 14 | AUSTRALIA FAIR METRO
LUNAR NEW YEAR CHECKLIST get prepared for a stellar line-up of celebrations and tick a few of these off at Australia fair metro this lunar new year.
a year of happiness 'upa hair & BEAUTY
SOUTHPORT METRO MEDICAL CENTRE
Warm days signal the start of the impending LNY celebrations. But those rays can also wreak havoc on your luscious locks! Ensure hydration, strength and protection by using only the best products from 'UPA Hair & Beauty.
PALM NAILs & spa Scheduling some time-out for a bit of much-needed relaxation and pampering is always important. And what better way to Zen out than with a visit to the nail technicians at Palm Nails & Spa. Be sure to ask for shades of scorched red and orange to prep for the celebrations! These tones are set to be the 'it' hue of the LNY!
When putting together your LNY checklist, be sure to jot down your annual check-up with the friendly team at Southport Metro Medical Centre. Not only will it ensure your health is at it's optimum on a daily basis, a check-in on your current medication is always a good idea. It's only natural that we change as we grow older and may need to alter our regimen. Plus, Medicare Bulk Billing is available. Tick, tick!
a year of change H PROPERTY GROUP Growing family? Looking for a sea change, with views to-boot? Drop by H Property Group to discuss how you can build a future, with your dream home at the very heart. Be it a first home, an investment, or otherwise, they're here to help!
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SPECIAL OFFER dine and park for free* To receive FREE parking, simply dine at one of our restaurants and ask for a parking validation ticket on payment of dining bill. *Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.
AUSTRALIA FAIR METRO directory Australia Fair Dental Care Burrito Bar Chempro Chemist Chikor Choice The Discount Store Commonwealth Bank Cycho’s Buffalo Wings Fen Ku Guilin Rice Noodle Globe Health Club GO 2 I.T. Great Wall Takeaway H Property Group
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Kubo's Bar & Grill Metro Farmers Market Metro Market Seafood & Butcher Nando's Palm Nails & Spa Southport Metro Medical Centre Soy Cafe TAB 'UPA Hair & Beauty Woka Woka Yuyin Chinese Cuisine
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