Step aside, there's a new burger bar in town.
Step aside, there's a new burger bar in town.
Located underneath Bel Air on Broadbeach, GC Republic is the Gold Coast’s first teppanyaki-style burger bar. This hip new style of serving burgers is designed to encourage socialising while watching said burgers being built right in front of you.
Owners Josh and Vilda are seasoned travellers and after visiting San Francisco recently, decided to bring the best of what they found back to the Coast. Using fresh, local produce GC Republic makes everything from sauces to patties in-house and while they do offer your favourite chicken and beef options, maybe it’s time to try a Roo Burger?
Of course you’ll need some sides of Mozzarella Sticks, Deep Fried Pickles or one of the four varieties of fried chicken!
Your main event are the burgers. The GC Jalapeno is a spicy treat with a beef patty, jalapenos, caramelized onion, jalapeno aioli and cheese. For the veggie lovers, don’t go past the Mushroom Delight – a stuffed Portobello mushroom topped with zucchini, onion, roasted capsicum, cheese and special sauce. If you’re looking for something different though, the Big Red featuring kangaroo, cheese, beetroot, avocado, lettuce, tomato and aioli is as Aussie as you can get!
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail the Blue Raspberry Mojito is made with rum, raspberry vodka, blue curacao, soda, lime juice, mint and raspberries. It’ll warm you up from the inside on these chilly winter nights.
GC Republic, with its California-esque offerings, is the speciality burger bar Broadbeach has been waiting for.
HOURS: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 3pm and 5pm until late.
LOCATION: Shop 3/22 Surf Pde, Broadbeach (opposite the Broadbeach South tram station at Pacific Fair).
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
It’s almost a rite of passage of our youth, sloshing (stumbling) around in muddy fields for days on end, the never ending festival queues and lost mates. So what do you do when your love of live music remains but the mere thought of that sentence makes you feel like a nap and your mud tolerance left right around the same time the bottle-o stopped asking you for ID? Well *drumroll pls* because one of Australia’s largest free music festivals is swooning and crooning its way back to us for another year.
The beloved annual beachside Blues on Broadbeach festival that never misses a beat is kicking off from Thursday 18th May until Sunday 21st. Now a GC institution, and you just know a festival that’s celebrating it’s 22nd year knows a thing or two about showing us a blue-dy good time.
Prepare the toes to get tapping, and the boots to get a scootin’, because the lineup slaps. Headliners include the likes of Australia’s guitar slinging virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, Don Walker, and we just know Melbourne SKA Orchestra is really going to blow us away #goosebumpsalert. Don’t fret, we’re only just getting started – there’s also Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks, Chris Cheney, The Kevin Borich Express and Marcus Scott and the Bo-Keys.. (and we haven’t even got down to the little fonts yet!)
Blues on Broadbeach has crammed this carpal-tunnel inducing list of acts (srsly, it just keeps going) into 17 of Broady’s finest venues and stages, so of course we had to compile the ultimate guide of all the best spots to grab a bevvy and bite while you soak up the best of the fest. Who’s ready to get into the swing of things?
Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
It’s the perfect place for a stage and Blues on Broadbeach know it! With oodles of space and the picturesque Kurrawa Beach right next door, live music in this setting just sounds better! If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed, or an hourly festival cocktail, The Oasis Shopping Centre’s hot spots have you covered. The likes of Elk Espresso, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Spice Kitchen & Bar are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Victoria Park Stage
Gemelli Broadbeach
A perfect place to take in the many genres of Blues dropping in Victoria Park is the Italian Stallion of GC restaurants, the rustic Gemelli Broadbeach. With products imported from Italy infused with locally sourced seafood and meat, the menu is the real deal. Their wine list is also off the charts, awarded “One Glass” by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and who doesn’t love a fancy wine with their tunes?
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Federation Park Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
With a name like Unicorn Seafood Restaurant, Captain Obvious has spoken and declared this new Mediterranean seafood-infused restaurant o-fish-ally worthy of Blues Festival hangs. Boasting an all-day menu including a seafood platter to die for, why wouldn’t you?! Set in a space rich in relaxing blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
Surf Parade Stage
Marilyn’s
Let the sweet melodies fill the air, and the luxe cocktails fill your heart, or stomach (technically). The aptly named House of Delicious, smack bang in the heart of the action within the prime Surf Parade position earns them rights an offish festival Dine and Watch spot. Book yourself a table at Marilyn’s swanky retro-chic digs, kick back with the American-style eats and keep the bevvys a flowin’ – the only thing sweeter than the Watermelon Sugar cocktails on repeat will surely be the dulcet tones serenading you from the main stage.
Where: Shop 10, East Tower The Phoenician Building, 90/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Oracle Boulevard Stage
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
With awards up the wazoo, Mamasan Kitchen & Bar’s traditional and modern South East Asian chow will give you sustenance to bust many-a-move! Shining the spotlight on the popular share food philosophy, the authentic flavours have earned local street-cred and not just critical acclaim. The zesty Asian-inspired cocktails are all the motivation we need and side note: they also serve up a mean Sake.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Den Devine Stage
It’s the home of jazz and blues so duh, naturally it was the logical choice for a Blues on Broady stage provider! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
The Oasis (Level One) Stage
Harajuku Gyoza
Gyoza load of all the festival action, then hop on over to Broady’s very own beer stadium and dumpling bar, Harajuku Gyoza to refuel. It’s dinner and a show x2, since you get to watch the chefs prep goodies through the kitchens open glass windows too. Serving an array of Japanese craft beer on tap – there’s even frozen beer if you need a little more pep in your step after all those questionable dance moves.
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose Stage
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat…and also now the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their own special Blues on Broady stage! Plus, should you find yourself depleted after bopping away all day/night long, there really is no better place to refuel and grab a well-deserved drink.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
The hub for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis is also one of the music hubs for the festival! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
The Lucky Squire Stage
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put 2 and 2 together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting a stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up fun factor when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader.
Nestled amongst the Broadbeach strip on Albert Ave you can find yourself a little bit of Italy, a little piece of France and a side of the Tuscan Hills. Twist On Broady is offering up quality Gold Coast produce with European finesse.
A quirky bar and smart restaurant surrounded by warm hues and soft lighting make for the perfect dinner setting. The impressive menu will be a favourite for seafood lovers with dishes like Victorian Black Mussels in light tomato white wine broth with hint of chilli and fresh herbs, served with crusty ciabatta bread, Harvey Bay Scallops, gratinated with Tarragon & Tomato Butter or Grilled fillet of Barramundi topped with crushed macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, served on a prawn & coriander risotto, with a coconut curry broth moat.
For the meat lovers a selection of Eye Fillet Steaks, Lamb Rack, Pork Belly and Chicken Breast. Pasta enthusiasts a mouth watering selection of Ravioli’s, Linguini’s and Risottos. All of which can be accompanied by a sultry red, a fruity white or perfectly paired bubbles. The staff are enthusiastic and educated, matching the perfect wines with your meal.
Twist on Broady, the perfect place to indulge in finer foods and fantastic service.
Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – late
Friday 12pm – late
Saturday – Sunday 7am – late
Shop 11, 23 Albert Ave, Broadbeach
By Amy Merridan
Smack bang in the middle of the recently redecorated Broadbeach restaurant strip is BiN 89.
The latest venue in the empire, BiN 89 makes it’s presence known with a striking timber and stone fit out and a brightly lit, impressively stocked bar that draws you in from down the street.
Here are three reasons you need to sample it for yourself.
1. First and foremost, BiN 89 just released their impressive new cocktail menu featuring ten brand new, totally unique beverages. Here’s a small snippet of what you can look forward too – Jalapeno Business is made with Tequila Blanco and Cointreau and has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Berried Alive is a lot less menacing than it sounds made with Gin, Chambord and sparkling wine and last but not least The Fresh Prince lives up to its name with Cucumber Gin, lime juice and basil leaves.
2. The menu is to die for. If you’ve visited a BiN restaurant previously you’ll understand the caliber of food that’s dished up across the board and of course, BiN 89’s dishes are nothing short of spectacular. You must try the Homemade Gnocchi with sautéed spinach, beef cheek and white wine cream sauce.
3. Dessert of course. The dish of the day (every day) is Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse with berry puree and hokey pokey; it’s pure creamy deliciousness. It’s far and away the best mousse you’ve ever wrapped your mouth around.
Arrive hungry, you’ll need all the space you can get.
LOCATION: 89-91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
HOURS: 11.30am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 11.30am to 12am Friday and Saturday.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
