If you’re a fan of Mexican culture, modern Mexican fare with flare, and the iconic Frida Kahlo (maybe sans the mono-brow), then drop everything and keep reading.

Introducing, Rosa Mexicano, a new Surfers Paradise restaurant offering a fresh interpretation of Mexican flavours and modern Mexican traditions. Serving up a sensory journey delighting both the palette and the eyes, the exciting and colourful food is complemented perfectly by the vivid hot pink hues ever-present in Mexican culture, craft and fine art. Particularly in #ArtistCrush101 Frida’s bold and vibrant self-portraits (the selfie of the early/mid 1900s), which pop up here, there, and everywhere at this sensational newcomer.

With a festive atmosphere guaranteed to turn any frown upside down, this family friendly-fave-in-the-making opened yesterday and is already enjoying rave reviews. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree here, as our Rosa is one of six across the country (and counting – there are another two underway), all of which have been dubbed ‘guac your world’ material.

Starting in the Mexico of Oz (Melbourne) three years ago during Covid, the Rosa team didn’t let lockdowns and restrictions rain on their (very colourful) parade. Their rapid expansion is a testament to the quality of the food, service and fit out, and with two experienced directors in the driver’s seat, it’s nacho average Mexican joint.

With indoor and outdoor seating options, the space accommodates 150 people and reflects our tropical climate and upbeat, fun and colourful GC vibes.

The unique culinary specialties were inspired by the founders’ love of Mexican food, and Frida’s creativity, courage, passion and love of Mexican indigenous culture. The amazing head chef of the group began his career in hospitality at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne in the 80s and segway, what a time to be alive (or born…). With a background in French and Italian cuisine, he’s created his own signature dishes which combine European, Mediterranean and Mexican – the ultimate trifecta.

Let’s dive into the menu and we’re all for the Mexican Croquettes to start, made from chorizo and smoked chicken and served with chipotle or garlic aioli. Then feast on a mouth-watering main, perhaps the signature dish; Seafood Curry Paella and yes, this is three of the greats all in one. Think fish, prawns, mussels and scallops cooked with rice in a curry-based sauce with onions, capsicum, mushroom and pineapple.

Or, choose from an impressive selection of ensaladas, tacos, burritos, burgers, and a variety of ‘platos’ including fajitas, quesadilla, and chilli con carne. Oh and psst, don’t forget about dessert (as if) and ohemgee there’s Cinnamon Nachos! Made with crispy tortilla triangles drizzled with house made chocolate and served with condensed milk (#ded) and ice cream, no means no when someone asks for a taste #GetYourOwn.

There are a tonne of cocktail options (just the way we like it), the signature variety being the almighty Spicy Margarita served shaken or frozen. Available in a glass or a jug and really, need we specify?

If sangria is more your kryptonite, go your hardest with red, white or agave sangria, or our choice; the Sangria Menta with white wine, Licor43, pineapple juice, vanilla and mint. There are also plenty of mocktails, Mexican sodas, tequilas and mezcal, and lots of other beverages.

Next time you want to dine with your boo(rito), treat the fam, or grab a bite with your mates, put a smile on everybody’s dial at the Juan in a million, Rosa Mexicano.

Where: Chevron Renaissance, 23 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 12pm – 9pm Sunday to Thursday & 12pm – 9.30pm Friday & Saturday. Closed Monday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.

Ahh Bali. You hold a special place in the hearts of 99.99% of Aussies. Famous for many things including raw, natural beauty, introducing us to Rhonda and Ketut, and don’t even get us started on the food. Well, guess what? We now don’t have to wait for a flight (only to have Jetstar cancel it. Via email. At 1am…) to get there. We can simply head to Surfers Paradise’s Little Bali Street Food for some Indonesian influence and to be spoilt like a brat-tan.

With bright colours and equally authentic shiplap cladding, this place is more Balinese than a Bintang singlet. Little Bali has an alfresco dining area out front, complete with a statement tuk tuk 3-wheel bike cake cart. This creates a conundrum as we can’t decide which brings us more joy – the tuk tuk or its contents and just joshing, food always wins. Bright Bali-style brolleys lure customers in off the street, or is the smell of sumptuous satay chicken wafting in the air, and pls refer to the last sentence #rhetorical.

Down the lush laneway lined with Balinese plants, you’re guided to a super cool separate dining space. Decked out with a fitting water feature, more umbrellas, colourful traditional décor, and hanging plants, it feels #likasunrise. You’ll also find décor and handcrafted materials created by local Indonesian artists, and even traditional music or dancers (depending when you visit). Oh and we just have to highlight that this 25-person venue boasts real greenery not the faux stuff, creating an ambience that is cool, ‘palm’ and collected.

The iconic rustic Bali look is infused with very now trend factor, designed by owner Ana Labella. Ana has quite the head for hospitality, with over 30 years’ industry experience in Australia, Indonesia and across the ditch. Think big players like Sheraton Hotel and Shangrila Hotel, plus running her own successful cafes so yeah, she knows a thing or two(hundred thousand) about this sort of caper. She and fellow owner Matthew Tait waited patiently to find a location that ticked all their boxes, before landing on this clanga spot at Chevron Renaissance.

But let’s talk food and hold the tuk-tuk coz you won’t find Balinese, Indonesian and Asian Fusion eats this good outside of the motherland. The menu is filled with eclectic cuisine, just like you would expect to find on the bustling street sides of Bali. The signature dishes are the Chicken Satay and Nasi Goreng – and (U)dang are they tasty! Afterwards, indulge your sweet-tooth with a lil somethin-somethin from the in-house street cart serving authentic cakes and traditional Indonesian desserts. Drool.

Swing in off the beach for a variety of sips, from spider floats to AW root beer and watch this space coz the ink will soon be dry on the liquor license. We all know what that means – B.I.N.T.A.N.G, along with other alcoholic beverages. There’s a cheeky take away window for coffee or fast treats for those on the fly, plus it’s a magical venue for weddings, parties, anything!

So be a believer belieber Bali-ever – this place is the real deal so Gitgit on it!

Where: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 7am – 9pm Monday – Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

Ok let’s start this piece with a disclaimer to our dads; just sorry. And to everyone else, you’re welcome, coz this brand spanking new dessert shop gets a hard yes from us! Encouraging the GC community to open our minds and our mouths, the aptly named Cheeky Waffles invites one and all to get off (their backsides), strap-on (a smile), and enter a whole new world of naughty nosh.

The bold name is just the tip of the iceberg here, treating both the taste buds and the eyeballs to a spread of finger-licking-good genitalia-themed desserts. Pumping out the goods from its Surfers Paradise digs, Cheeky Waffles is set to become a firm fave for locals and visitors alike, and we’re srsly suckers for its stick, ah, schtick.

So, what’s the back-story you ask and here’s the long and the short of it.

Cheeky Waffles is a boner fide stroke of genius from founders (and lovers) Amanda Machado and Joshua Luna. Amanda, a Brazilian bae with an infectious smile and her pastry pro partner Joshua, came up with the juicy concept during quarantine in 2020.

Determined not to let Covid shaft their dream, one year later this dynamic duo set about erecting their first shop in Brisbane. With a passion for decadent desserts and a desire to thrust sexual wellness, inclusion, and acceptance into the spotlight, the Cheeky Waffles concept was a hit.

Growing rapidly thanks to word of mouth, they smashed it out of the park in BrisVegas and decided to open a second takeaway shop here on the GC.

Being the heart of an ever-evolving city and home to unique culinary experiences, culture and art, fun, and adrenalin-fueled adventures, it was a natural fit for their waffles…and saucy, spunky swagger.

The multi-talented Joshua is also the Head Chef cum Interior Designer and dads if you’re still there, that IS how it’s spelt in this context #HowCouldWeResist?! With lots of pink (obvs), neon lighting, cute accents, and some token naughty merch, it’s everything you’d want from a pecker and cha-cha slinging waffle house.

Created using only the very highest quality ingredients, we have big love for the goodies they put out. Plus they don’t source their chocolates from any Tom, Dick or Harry, but from the finest chocolatiers in Belgium guaranteeing an orgasmic flavour.

First base is picking your private part; a budgie smuggler (minus the smuggler…) or a lady garden, and we are equal parts giggly and impressed by the attention to life-like detail. Then, choose your waffle from milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, strawberry, or rainbow coz k’noath #LoveIsLove.

Next, said waffle will be dipped in smooth, wet chocolate before the climax; your choice of topping for the ultimate happy ending.

And, because they know people like to watch, Amanda and Josh encourage you to film your Cheeky Waffle experience and bonus, it’s a guaranteed ‘like’ generator on your socials #UltimateFoodPorn.

Collaborating with like-minded brands and events sharing their vision of an equal and empowered society, this is certainly a concept we can all get behind. From the absolutely d-lish signature waffles to the equally popular dick shots, you honestly can’t help but love the energy, originality and fun factor of Cheeky Waffles.

And LBH, Amanda and Josh had some serious, well, balls, bringing their vision to reality #respect. So stimulate your senses and swing in for a nibble and lots of laughs. It’s the full package.

Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 10pm Monday to Thursday, 10am – late Friday & Saturday, 10am – 10pm Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.