Which local spots received the top honours?
Which local spots received the top honours?
In the world of Aussie restaurants, hats are the very best thing one can earn for good work, which is fun because hats are fun.
Said hats are awarded to those who have gone absolutely above and beyond in terms of their culinary offerings and each year the hospitality world waits with baited breath to see who’ll take out the top spots.
As you’re not doubt aware, the Gold Coast has absolutely blown up of late in terms of eateries doing exceptional things but it is a few of our long-established favourites who have earned themselves the accolades this year.
Unsurprisingly, the love of our lives, Nobby Beach legends Hellenika took out one hat for their absolutely incredible Taramasalata. Jokes, it’s for everything but no doubt that dish was the one that pushed them over the line. Let’s see if Hellenika Brisbane can accomplish the same feat next year.
Burleigh Heads beachfront beauty, The Fish House, also earned themselves a hat. They’re serving up the freshest of seafood (flown in daily no less – no don’t assume every restaurant does this) in an absolutely stunning space overlooking the ocean.
The Star Gold Coast’s Kiyomi, from internationally celebrated chef Chase Kojima, earned a hat too. Which is no wonder because their modern Japanese fare is one of the best things in our lives (and our mouths).
Last but certainly not least, Rick Shores, home of the tasty morsel that is the Bug Roll, took out a hat for their five-star menu and (probably) right-on-the-beach location that may just offer one of the very best views in the world.
Love your work friends.
What an honour it is for those local legends to be recognised Australia-wide by Good Food Guide for the magical things they do for the Gold Coast food industry.
And lucky us, the folks who get to indulge in these world-class eats whenever we so desire.
Now, shall we all do a little restaurant crawl in celebration?
Words by Kirra Smith
Those of you who love Hellenika as much as we do will understand that it feels like it’s been years since Simon and the crew shut up shop to perch an extra level on top of the already incredible space.
Well, food-loving friends, we’re (way too) pleased to report that the newly renovated downstairs restaurant is once again open for business.
Last week we reported Simon had revamped the space he previously referred to as a Melbourne-esque taverna into a slightly more elegant Estiatorio (a restaurant you’d find in Greece).
And friends, we cannot emphasise this point enough, elegance is everywhere at the new look Hellenika even down to the blush pink crockery made by local potter Marloe Marloe.
Without a doubt everyone’s favourite area will be the tucked away corner featuring a painting of Aristotle Onassis – a Greek businessman much-loved in his passionate homeland. He’s akin to JFK in the States, and you know, Mick Fanning here in good old Oz.
The menu, while remaining largely the same features a few new dishes Simon is particularly excited about. The first is Corfu Bianco, a South Australian Kingfish baked in the oven with olive oil and lemon juice, simple and absolutely beautiful.
The second is a barrel-ripened feta imported from Greece and drizzled with olive oil and oregano and the third, Hilopites – beef shin with square pasta and tomato. We’ll take all three please.
As mentioned last week, the wine list has increased from 110 to 500 bottles with 50 brought in from Greece alone.
And you thought Hellenika went above and beyond before.
P.S We got also got a sneak peek at the rooftop bar and, in a word, it’s EPIC.
LOCATION: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: 5pm to 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm / 5pm to 11.30pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Burleigh Heads beachfront seafood restaurant The Fish House has recently added several decadent new dishes to their already impressive menu.
Famous for offering the freshest and best available seafood, flown in from around Australia every day, The Fish House is five star dining with a five star view of beautiful Burleigh beach.
A salty sea breeze swirls in through the wide front windows ensuring the entire experience is centred on the ocean and it’s offerings.
The menu, printed daily, is all encompassing, from Italian Oscietra Caviar to start to a Citrus Tart with burnt toffee and mascarpone for dessert, each dish is more exquisite than the next.
To begin, Port Lincoln Octopus grilled with oregano and chilli is the perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth flavours. The Scallop Risotto with chives and Bottarga (salted, cured fish) is beautifully buttery and can be ordered as both an entrée and a main.
Inspired by his recent trip to Thailand, Head Chef Grey Dent created a new dish, the Whole Crispy Snapper. Cooked in rice flour, giving it its crispiness, the Snapper is served with a Thai style mixed salad and Nam Jim sauce. The dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavours with the perfect combination of Asian fusion.
Try the Blue Eyed Trevalla – a deepwater fish – firm and mild flavored with large flake flesh and a succulent medium oiliness. It is a beautiful tasting fish served with a Spanish style saffron sauce.
For dessert, stunning flavours abound in the form of Chocolate Fondant with vanilla bean ice cream and Coconut Pannacota with mango, blueberries and honeycomb.
The Fish House is more than simply delicious, fresh food, it is an experience that must be seen to be understood.
HOURS: 12:00PM to 2:30PM and 5:30PM to 8:30PM daily.
LOCATION: 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
The moment we’ve all been waiting for will finally arrive this Saturday (March 24th) when nineteen at The Star Gold Coast swings open its solid gold (may be made up) doors.
The high-end restaurant and bar, located on the top level of The Darling in Broadbeach, is pure sophistication unrivaled by any other venue the Gold Coast (and perhaps Australia) has ever seen.
Stepping inside you’ll glide down a curved stairway and be met with sweeping ocean and city views via floor to ceiling windows, stone flooring, a sparkling chandelier and of course, the piece de resistance, an infinity pool from which dreams are made.
nineteen’s colour palette features jeweled hues of teal and ocean blue reminiscent of the Coast’s natural landscape, oozing luxury and ensuring you feel as though you’ve stepped into a glittering wonderland.
As expected, the 110 seat restaurant area will deliver an exceptional, produce-driven dining experience with signature dishes including a Rock Lobster Bolognese and a 400g Wagyu Sirloin Kiwami MB9 (an Australian first and premium dish designed for two).
A custom designed wine room boasts space for 1500 bottles and the bar area offers somewhat of a lighter feel, perfect for after work cocktails or a night of dancing with the girls.
Of course, there’s an exclusive private dining area complete with its own bar and a cognac wall (doesn’t that sounds delightful) to create a completely bespoke experience. Let us know what that’s like hey.
The long-awaited venue is the baby of local restauranteur Simon Gloftis and event promoter Billy Cross and is set to absolutely revolutionise the Gold Coast’s dining scene.
Created for those who crave a truly high class experience, nineteen at The Star Gold Coast is set to be THE place for cutting edge dining with the added bonus of international DJs and plenty of dancing late into the night.
Count. Us. In.
LOCATION: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
HOURS:
Restaurant: open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
Bar: open from 4pm daily Wednesday to Sunday.
Words by Kirra Smith
