If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that we can never have enough Italian or mozzarella in our lives. This is fact, completely non-negotiable and as far as we’re concerned, Kate Moss got it wrong coz pizza, pasta and cheese taste way better than skinny feels. So we’re all ears when we hear a new Italian joint has opened and legit, our tummies are already rumbling. Get excited fellow carbo loaders coz Southport’s Mozza Mozza has unleashed its cheesy, Eastern Euro goodness and it is Prosecco’nd to none!

Located inside our beloved Southport Sharks where Carmody’s once lived (RIP), prepare for everything from tableside cheese wheels and tiramisu to wood-fired mozza(rella) pizzas, fried mortadella sandos, and negroni slushies (okay hiiii)…and that’s just the digestible variety. Add a hat awarded Head Chef and a side of disco tunes and it’s official – we have discovered actual heaven.

Iconic owner Dave Galvin, the man, the myth, the legend behind Crafty’s Sports Bar, continues to redefine the northern GC eats and sips scene, and keep doing what you do good Sir. Securing Mozza Mozza’s digs in mid-2021, the vision was to bring fun feels and classic share-style Italian food to the north side.

The 160 seater is the perfect spot for a family feed or group function, boasting an 18-seat private dining room which would you believe is the only one north of Broady (we would).

We’ve been told to expect a little bit of theatre with our nosh and we cannot espresso how much we love this for us. Plus rumour has it there’ll be 80s and disco bangers blaring from the boom box, and nothing says happiness like a side of Prince with our prosciutto or Abba with our arancini.

But Mozza Mozza doesn’t just bring joy through its menu and music, but also its majestic four-metre-tall olive tree. Standing loud and proud, front and centre of the space, it’s quite the show-stopper creating a warm, welcoming ambience and packing some serious wow-factor punch.

Recruiting Mitch Chesterton as the venue’s all important Head Chef was nothing short of a power move. Mitch has worked in multiple hatted restaurants including Alchemy, Michaels on Tedder Ave and Peak Dining at Iceworks in Paddington, plus was the Chef/Owner of Iku in Burleigh where he won a Chef Hat Award. As one would expect with a resume like this, the menu at Mozza Mozza is #goals and srsly, Pasta La Vista summer bod diet.

Some standouts include the Mozza Meatballs, made from pork meatballs, tomato sugo and fresh basil. Prepare for the obligatory Bug Rolls to be blown out of the water this Gold Coast summer with the arrival of the Fried Mortadella Sando. The Italian version of the Katsu sandwich, just went up a notch.

The Burrata deserves a shout out with its garden pea pesto and pine nut goodness, and the Cacio e Pepe pasta served tableside from a wheel of pecorino cheese is an icon in the making #ded.

The crowd-pleasing rossa and blanci wood fire pizzas made from dough fermented for (drum roll please) 48-hours are next level, especially the Eggplant Parmigiana Pizza, with fried eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, parmesan and basil. Bellissima!

What’s a meal without a cocktail you say and we concur! The Spicy Southport Sour with white oat chilli and mango gin, Cointreau, lemon, simple syrup will go down a treat and holy cannoli, we just remembered the Boozy Slushies! Our vote goes to the Coconut Margarita with tequila, triple sec, agave, coconut and lime, and it’s official – we’re calling an Uber.

Or, if you’re a traditionalist who likes to pair their Italian fare with vino, you’re in good hands with a selection of Aussie and Italian wines to try #winenot.

So for your next family dinner, long lunch, corporate gathering or even just a lazy Sunday sesh, don’t be alfredo to try the pasta-tively amazing Mozza Mozza.

Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
When: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – late Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Instagram: @mozzamozza_au

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Carly King

Have you ever walked past an art gallery, paused to take a peek, only to scurry off before making eye contact with the very cultured looking human working inside? Well one super savvy GC duo is changing up the traditional art gallery stereotype so that we mere mortals do in fact move past go and collect $200 (sans the $200).

Imagine feeling relaxed and inspired, finally getting up close and personal with those Slim Aarons plastered all over your Pinterest boards. Better yet, imagine being able to sip on a specially crafted artisan cocktail as you admire classic and contemporary works and yes, this is definitely scratching an itch. Introducing FINEPRINTCO Art Bar, expertly fusing a gallery space with a private bar, and guaranteed to make any gallery trepidation vanish faster than Milli Vanilli’s career.

The brainchild of St Barts, Gallery One and FINEPRINTCO founders Leanne Pearce and Jasmine Smith, these ladies are certainly no strangers to the wonderful world of art. With a mission to redefine the gallery experience, they are listening to client feedback, broadening their market, and creating something truly unique here on the Coast.

Demonstrating that you can visit a gallery, get customised assistance to align your personality with the perfect artwork (a margi print should do it), and kick back with friends for a relaxed PM tipple, this one’s a keeper. And, with more people than ever before creating an inner sanctuary vibe at home using the likes of art, we declare this concept Expert Level: Genius. Oh and we weren’t kidding about the Slim Aarons’, which are sold exclusively by FINEPRINTCO in Australia and New Zealand #micdrop.

Aptly brought to life by the fit-out and design ‘artists’ at Zero 9 Constructions, the intimate space is nothing short of perfection. It’s vibrant yet restrained, allowing guests to appreciate the art but also the elegance of the venue design. Using marble and concrete in an open plan layout to best showcase the artworks, warmth was added with a bespoke timber bar and hand-designed wallpaper, accentuated with gold leaf detail by in-house artists.

It’s also ideal for unique, customised private events and corporate functions, hosting up to 40 people. A great idea for your work end of year get-together, you’re bound to score brownie points from the Big Cheese for the suggestion. Plus you can spoil yo’self with a little artwork Christmas pressie for your lounge which LBH, is always easily justified when you’re several cocktails deep.

Speaking of, it’s time to unpack the beverage menu and yes, this is our favourite part too. Serving the finest Australian and International spirits and wines, Bar Manager Rumtin Nouzat has created a suite of signature cocktails designed exclusively for the venue. And, each one is inspired by the work of Slim Aarons and srsly, could this get any cooler?

With possibly THE most innovative and exciting cocktail list we’ve seen (and believe you me, we’ve seen our fair share), you certainly won’t leave thirsty. We strongly recommend Life in the Bahamas (both literally, and the drink) with Caribbean rum, toasted coconut, salted mango and habanero. Equally satisfying is the Sundowner with triple juniper gin, rose vermouth, strawberry, rhubarb, and bubbles. To stop these refreshments from going to your head, tuck into one of the divine Antipasto Platters or if you’re planning a function, feel free to BYO caterer.

So if you love your art, your sips, and your chillaxed catchups with friends, FINEPRINTCO Art Bar marries the three effortlessly. Cross our h-ART-s and hope to…see you there.

Where: Brickworks, Shop 302, 107 Ferry Road, Southport
When: 12pm – 7pm Wednesday – Saturday & 12pm – 4pm Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Instagram: @fineprintco_artbar
Website: www.fineprintco-artbar.com

Images by Brittany Kreskas
Words by Bianca Trathen

You may have heard the happy news that Harbour Town was set to open a brand new dining precinct, aptly named Harbour Town Eats, and that is a thing that has happened as of a short while ago.

The bright, open air space is filled with sweet new venues, one of which is Crafty’s Sports Bar and the exact venue we’re here to discuss. You’ll find the newbie on a corner block at the entrance to the precinct and it’s not a place you should (or will want to) stroll by.

A green neon sign makes Crafty’s known at the front and rounding the corner you’ll alight upon a venue that will delight both your eyeballs and your tastebuds. It’s a flowing indoor slash outdoor dining scenario all modern white tables and light leather seating dashed with a hint of royal blue and bright green and quite sports bar-esque but also unlike any sports bar you’ve ever seen before.

Which, in large part, is due to the pastel pink bubble waffle truck situated at the entrance and within the outdoor dining area (more on that later). Inside, you can choose to be seated in the casual, high table filled, bar side area or in a slightly more formal dining area. The two are separated by a see through shelf type situation filled with said royal blue and bright green sports shaped goodies in perfectly neat rows and we kind of love it.

Game rules are splashed across the back wall and, in the far corner, a ping pong table can be found for a bit of “competitive socialising” as the Crafty’s crew like to call it. New fave saying.

It’s the perfect fitout for a venue that’s been deemed by owner Dave Galvin, as a modern sports bar that’s a little bit playful and perfect for everyone from sports lovers to casual cocktail enthusiasts and, of course, families.

The menu is made up of all the very best things and is a blend of both comfort and clean eating style foods so you can choose your own adventure.

We suggest starting with a Soft Pretzel and golden ale cheese dip because it is soft and fluffy and that cheese dip, no words. Give the Crafty’s Hot Dog a go too; it comes with condiments on the side so you can add crunchy onions (those have a real name, it escapes us), mustard and a few other things to your hearts content. A very good hot dog.

For mains, don’t go past a burger (or hot sandwich as Crafty’s like to call it) and in particular, the Fried Chicken Breast with slaw, cheese, hot sauce, mayo and pickles. YUM. A crowd fave has been the Chilli Caramel Pork Hock and it’s a share-worthy dish boasting the most mouth-watering scent we’ve ever come across. Sides-wise, the sweet corn with chipotle and Parmesan is an absolute stunner. There are plenty of pizzas on the menu too so grab the whole gang and make a night of it.

Look, the whole menu is next-level so no matter what you choose, you’ll roll out a happy camper. And yes, there are some vegetarian options on offer too (also delicious).

For dessert, you’ll obviously order a bubble waffle and you can choose exactly how it’s made by adding toppings and sweet sauces and many a tasty treat that are popped inside soft, sugary bubble waffles and so very heavenly.

At the bar, of course there are many craft beer options and a range of signature cocktails including one we must mention known as The GOAT. It’s a delightful little mix of a Pina Colada and tequila and oh Mother of cocktail goodness, get involved in that guy for sure.

As of this weekend, you can enjoy brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s and there’ll be a DJ busting out tunes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. What a time.

Everything about the place is absolutely top notch and since it’s the season of over indulgence and treating yo’self, you better get there quick smart and do exactly that.

LOCATION: Harbour Town Eats, Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
HOURS: 11am until 12am Monday to Friday and 9am until 12am Saturday and Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith