A new specialty coffee spot for Main Beach.
A new specialty coffee spot for Main Beach.
As you’re no doubt aware, not all coffee is created equal and, while it has been our extremely over-caffeinated pleasure to indulge in many a quality Gold Coast cuppa over the last few years, it seems the stakes are continuing to rise and we are here for it.
Enter the latest contender on our local hit list, Jack’s Coffee Roasters, a specialty roastery bringing bulk good vibes and the tastiest of brews to Marina Mirage. Having only opened in the last few days, Jack’s has already been swamped with caffeine lovers keen to try something a little bit different on the shores of the Broadwater.
Let’s start by discussing the aesthetics of the place, because we know you love a pretty interior as much as we do and this one is certainly a goodie. The colour palette is made up of pastel pinks and greens with a sweet, while tiled floor and a bar made up of some of the prettiest tiles around.
Pendant lights hang low from overhead, a silver La Marzocco coffee machine takes pride of place and a neon sign reading ‘now brewing’ shines out from the back wall. The entire space is a pure delight.
Jack’s Coffee is roasted in Australia’s first custom-built roaster, built right here on the Coast, before it’s served at peak freshness, between seven and 14 days after roasting, giving all you coffee connoisseurs’ exactly what you came for.
Passionate about liquid gold, as they call it (as shall we from now on) the team at Jacks Coffee Roasters will serve up two bespoke house blends.
For those who prefer espresso, filter or black coffee, the Bold and the Beautiful is a smooth, well-balanced blend dominated by flavours of milk chocolate and a honey-like sweetness matched with a medium acidity.
The second blend, the Milk Knight has been created for the addition of milk with the coffee emulating notes of dark cocoa and nuts with hints of stone fruit shining through with low acidity. YUM to all.
Now, some of us over here are quite simple folk, fans of frothy cappuccinos all day long but we also understand we should probably branch out and Jack’s is just the place to do exactly that.
Not only will the team be serving up perfectly crafted espresso, they’ve also got all your Nitro, filter and cold brew needs covered and each and every cup is rich and flavoursome and some of the very best brews around.
Besides coffee (as if you need anything else in life) Jack’s are offering a tasty gourmet eats menu complete with home-style rustic sausage rolls and pies, French pastries, AND ham and cheese croissants sourced from a local French baker.
The breakfast menu (running until 1pm daily) boasts goodies like Jack’s Signature Big Breaky (very big and very tasty), Smashed Avo with Feta, Ricotta Hot Cakes with syrup AND gelato and Handmade Sourdough Crumpets.
So all the very best things.
Get there Gold Coasters, epic Insta-snaps and exceptional brews await.
LOCATION: Ground, Marina Mirage, Shop 14, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: 7am until 9pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Santa Claws has arrived early.
It always seems to be around this time of year, when the temperature rises and the seafood cravings set in, that we’re left scratching our heads as to where to find that perfect fresh-off-the-trawler fix.
But scratch no more, friend. Because that exciting moment has arrived, when crabs quite literally pop back up on our collective radars – this time thanks to the the launch of the King Crab Co. pop-up restaurant, at Marina Mirage.
Taking up residence on the ground floor, overlooking the Broadwater, the ‘Gold Coast’s first, American-style, pop-up crab den’ has so much more to offer than the opportunity to fish around for a sordid pun or two to dish up to your fellow diners.
Wait. What could surpass the sheer delight of inviting friends to a ‘pop-up crab den’?, you ask? Well, for starters, when everyone bibs up like a baby for the the main event – classic Louisiana-style, boiled crab – that’s an infinitely enjoyable moment too.
In case your mouth isn’t already watering, it’s worth elaborating that this signature offering is available two ways – either as the traditional ‘crab in a bag’ or chilled on ice accompanied by a range of butters and sauces. (Mmmm….butters.)
King Crab Co. co-owner, Karl Daniel, says his team have taken on board learnings from their Brisbane pop-up earlier this year, and will ‘one up’ the aphrodisia levels by offering twice as many main menu items and adding a live oyster shuck bar and wood roaster to the waterfront location.
So if for some weird reason, you’re not already scuttling to find your car keys, rest assured there’ll be plenty to lure you in to the ‘crab den’s’ depths, amidst the selection of fresh oysters, hot wood-fire pizzas and fresh seasonal side dishes.
Oh, and before you de-bib and regretfully retire all crab puns for the day, be sure to loosen your top button and try the house-made ice creams and desserts. Or even better, a creation from the tipple-worthy cocktail and spritz menu – which is a collaboration with Moet Hennessy.
Catch the best crabs – and freshest seafood – on offer this summer at King Crab Co. – opening Wednesday 12 December, on the Ground Floor of the Marina Mirage, Southport.
By Camilla Jones
It’s not often we get to discuss the stunning oceanside suburb of Main Beach but here we are with some absolutely next-level news. It comes in the form of a somewhat hidden gem, tucked inside Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, known as Oyster Bar. Until today that is.
The stunning space, complete with water views and some of the most exceptional eats on the Coast have given themselves a little makeover and will, from now on, be known as Oyster Bar & Grill.
The change comes with the decision to not only pay homage to the fresh, five-star oysters on offer there but the remainder of the menu, which boasts equally flavour-filled, extremely high quality dishes, straight off the grill.
Oyster Bar & Grill is an intimate space (30 pax) overlooking a section of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s incredible water feature with the sparkling ocean and a perfectly placed lifeguard tower in the background. A fountain flows soothingly in the background and, all in all, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
To start your experience off on the right foot, you should absolutely treat yourself to an oyster shot complete with housemade bacon-infused vodka and tomato juice, Bloody Mary style. Trust us, it’s life-changing.
As you would expect, the oyster selection is perhaps the best on the Coast with five varieties that will leave you with one of the most difficult decisions of your dining life.
We recommend the Fresh Oysters with Lemon Pearls, which are straight from France and pop in your mouth leaving a fresh, citrusy taste perfectly paired with the succulent, mouthwatering sea morsels. You may also choose Prosecco Granita to top your freshies.
If cooked oysters are more your style, there are three choices including Mornay, Kilpatrick and Battered with Sriracha Mayonnaise and all of them are absolute flavour sensations.
From the grill, we suggest sampling the Cape Grim New York Strip for two because it’s served with a bottle of Stonehouse Cabernet Sauvignon and is the perhaps the most melt-in-your-mouth steak we’ve ever enjoyed.
From the sea, the Grilled NT Barramundi is simply stunning as are the Split North Queensland BBQ’d Prawns. Both cooked to perfection and with perfectly complimentary flavours.
Sides-wise (because one must always order sides), the Potato Puree with Confit Garlic, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Vincotta and Garlic Chips and Seasonal Greens with House Roasted Sesame dressing are your new favourite accompaniments.
If you have room for dessert, the Snickers Cheesecake with caramel fudge, Kingaroy peanut brittle and coffee gelato is a taste sensation and the Warm Callebaut White Chocolate Brownie with blood orange gel, caramel popcorn and Connoisseur ice cream are a delight.
A Sommelier was also brought in to choose new wines to accompany the standout menu and there is a Wines of Europe section that will have you planning your next wine tasting tour of Italy quick smart.
As you can see, Oyster Bar & Grill is a new favourite dining destination and, with Valentine’s Day coming up soon, the perfect spot for a date night with your beloved. Don’t miss it friends.
LOCATION: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 5pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 12:00pm to 10:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Over the last few years, a lot of attention has been cast around our city by way of new up-and-coming eating precincts and suburbs with hospo prowess to rival our southern neighbours. One such stretch of the Gold Coast which has always been a hotspot for good dining experiences is Main Beach. Sure, it may have been a little in the shadow of other areas in recent times, but we certainly believe there is still a serious collection of great restaurants deserving of your hard-earned eating-out budget! Plan ahead, people: start blocking out next weekend and booking tables, as we run through our picks of the suburb.
Omeros Bros Seafood
If you’re in the market for fresh, first-class seafood, Main Beach is where it’s at: and more specifically, it’s at Omeros Bros Seafood at Marina Mirage. A multi-award-winning venue with the most fabulous to-die-for seafood platter around. It’s called Omeros Indulgence, and it’s a mix of hot and cold seafood and possibly the most decadent dish you’re likely to find in the city. Do you know what else goes well with quality seafood? Quality beverages. You’ll find a superb drink offering here to match the food also.
Where: Shop 55/74 Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Main Beach Fish Grotto
New to Tedder Avenue dining scene is this luxe adaptation of a humble fish and chip shop worthy of anyone’s attention. This nautical-themed and whitewashed eatery serves only the best seafood alongside crispy chips and a wisely sized selection of wines and beers. There’s ample reason to stay and dine in with comfort, but if you do decide to takeaway, a drink or two can’t hurt whilst you wait.
Where: 20-22 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Terraces – Sheraton Grand Mirage
Should a 5-star experience be on the cards for your break from the kitchen, then strip off your apron and make a beeline for this Main Beach culinary gold mine. You’ll be spoilt with a luxurious setting overlooking the renowned Sheraton Grand Mirage swimming pool and grounds before you even take your first glance at the food. A deluxe buffet-style arrangement means you’ll have a sophisticated ocean to plate favourites hand-delivered to your table, so you can focus on all the coastal tranquillity this fantastic property has to offer.
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Shuck
This Main Beach institution has been around since 2001, and affection for the cleverly named venue has only grown in that time. The team pride themselves on sourcing the outright freshest seafood; so much so their Crab Lasagne is absolute proof, and out of this world! Take in the tranquil tree-lined street of Main Beach while you enjoy your dishes and wash it all down with an icy glass of Chardonnay — or two.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Another Main Beach restaurant, another mind-blowing view. Glass Dining & Lounge Bar is found at Marina Mirage overlooking the water and serving up fine dining treats and some pretty sweet cocktails too. The menu uses only the best quality produce, meats and fresh local seafood, and it’s long been a local favourite. We highly recommend the Tempura Battered Bugs marinated in garlic and chilli served with mayo and grilled lemon. Just wow.
Where: Level 2, Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
Picture the scene: the sun is dipping behind the hinterland, the last light is caressing the still water over the Broadwater, and you’re sat soaking it all in with some fantastic food. Sounds too good to be true, but, at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s yours for the taking. Right on the water, the casual setting is unflawed when it comes to relaxing over eats whilst enjoying drinks and taking in some wonderful regular live music.
Where: Shop 40, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Yacht Club
Overlooking the sparkling Broadwater, Southport Yacht Club is the ultimate in epic views and affordable eats for not just you but the entire family. It’s a casual eatery open for breakfast (weekends only), lunch and dinner! Or why not just head in for a drink to overlook one of the most beautiful stretches of water (and yachts of course) you’re going to find in Australia.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
Vanitas
An utterly remarkable European dining experience is found behind the golden doors of Palazzo Versace by way of Vanitas. A five-star dining setting with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make up some of the most stunning dishes you’ve ever sampled. If you needed any more convincing, Vanitas has won a multitude of awards over the years and can boast of A-list celebrities, from far and wide, enjoying the deluxe dining experience regularly.
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Domanis Café Restaurant & Bar
For nearly a staggering 30 years, the team at Domanis have been serving up good times and even better food — and it shows in the hordes of people constantly streaming in and out. Their pizzas are award-winning and putting it simply: epic. Perched on the corner of Tedder Ave, it’s the perfect spot for a frosty cold ale and relaxing lunch or dinner. Try it for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
Where: 1/19-21 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
