Occasionally a new venue slips in quietly, without fanfare or excessive shouting from the rooftops and that Gold Coasters, is how you know it’s a good time.

And you know what makes secretive newbies even better? When they are an underground, mezcal-inspired speakeasy with a doorway you need to discover to be allowed entry.

HOW FUN.

As you might expect, all of those things are true of the new space we’re here to discuss today. That space is called Veladora. It’s named after a true Mexican classic – a Mezcal glass made from prayer candle holders – and it is unlike anything we’ve seen around here for quite some time.

Veladora’s unsigned doorway is the gateway to an otherworldly, Mezcal-inspired speakeasy allowing for an exclusive 30 guests at a time.

Slip inside and discover the Gold Coast’s newest signature margaritas, ice-cold Tecate and a slew of exciting new sips to rival any you’ve experienced before.

We’re particularly partial to Midnight in Cancun (for various reasons), which is made with Don Julio Tequila, Woodford Bourbon, almond and homemade Yucatan cordial.

There’s also the La Catrina with Sloe Gin, herbs liquor, blackberry and rosemary and look, it’s all a little bit dark and mysterious and those are our absolute favourite things. Of course you can sip on beer and wine too and there’s an impressive selection of each of those.

To eat, you’ll be greeted with some mind-blowing delights and we’d bet our Grandmother that you’ve never tasted combinations like these before.

How does black guacamole with green ants and mealworm-seasoned salsa sound? Maybe some squid ink-infused popcorn, spicy peanut and cricket trail mix and decadent duck parfait with cherry jelly and brioche? It’s all very exciting isn’t it?

The location of Veldora remains a closely guarded secret (and we’re not telling you either) but clued-up Coasties know to cross the bridge where the Broadbeach monorail once lived and look for a red palm tree to light the way.

We have no doubt you’ll find it and it’ll absolutely be worth it when you do.

LOCATION: Top secret, Broadbeach
HOURS: Thursday to Sunday 6pm until late

It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis so when Cinco De Mayo rolls around each year, we rejoice because we have an excuse to do just that (like we needed one).

For those who flunked history or have just wiped out too many braincells with said margaritas over the years, Cinco De Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 aaaand….we’ve lost you. Anyway, back to the margis (hello again), we have compiled a list of some of the Coast’s best Mexican restaurants that we love a whole enchiLOTa.

Goodness Gracias
A little (somewhat hidden) gem on the Gold Coast Highway is Goodness Gracias serving up plant-based Mexican eats that are some of the tastiest around. With some incredible menu items, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish. But if you ask us, regardless of which you choose you’ll be sure to have your sombrero knocked off, even if you aren’t vegan!
Where: 1A 1114 – 1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Positioned on the promenade waterfront dining precinct at Robina Town Centre you have the perfect place to enjoy al fresco dining with your gang. Their Carne Nachos deserve a special shout-out. Because, if you know, you know.
Where: 1009/1010 Level 1, 19-33 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Beach Burrito Company
The southern belle can be found overlooking the ocean in Coolangatta, usually packed with people and with all of the good vibes on offer. There are what feels like endless burritos on offer, and why not go all boujee and get the ‘Cali upgrade’, which means the beans and rice are replaced with hot chips! Yes my friends, you read that correctly, and yes, our mouths are watering!
Where: The Strand,Shop 25/26 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Montezumas Burleigh
After relocating from the beachside arcade to just off James Street, this family-friendly Mexican purveyor of good times sure can serve up the goods. The menu is quite extensive, so shall we suggest the Combination Plate? Because why not have a little bit of everything and give ’em all a go. Plus through in a Margarita for good measure! Because it wouldn’t be a Mexican fiesta without one!
Where: 1/19 Park Avenue In the Alleyway From James Street to Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
With its cool, casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside (open kitchens are life!), this feisty Latina dishes up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools. This sage and terracotta-hued heavyweight can do no wrong.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

La Diosa Mexicana
If you’ve got cheap but cheerful Mexi goodness on your mind (same) this one’s for you! Taco Tuesdays offer delish $4 tacos or if you’re down for an all-you-can-eat taco fiesta (SAME!), you can go gangbusters on these Mexican bad boys. Serving up all your traditional faves, it’s great for groups as the fit-out and vibe are a’pumpin.
Where: Circle on Cavil, Shop 11/3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Hail Mary
Boasting a fit out and décor to die for and a delish menu to match, Hail Mary is a standout. Serving up the freshest, flavoursome Mexican nosh, it’s a no-brainer. With specials like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $20 on weekends, what are you even waiting for? Ohhh and don’t miss their Burrito Wednesdays!
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquette if you’re in a group, and you even have the option of adding a bottomless drinks package (sold!). Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Frida Sol
Sibling to Bonita Bonita and Bon Bon, this texture-rich stunner pays homage to the almighty Frida Kahlo and oozes a delectably sultry vibe. With live DJs on Sundays from 1pm – 4pm and a divine modern Mexican menu, it’s a Mexi lovers home away from home. One of our FAVES.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Holy Jala
This fun-infused Cooly local serves up a juxtaposition of Mexican, Spanish and other Mediterranean flavours and the result is mexcellent! Offering a free food banquet on Saturday when you buy a drink (yes, you read that right), why wouldn’t you give it a whirl. It also has a food truck so if you’re looking for catering, you know who to call!
Where: 140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings and an epic fluro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find. Insider tip; wear your oversized tee and order the loaded nachos.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Footy fever has hit Queensland again and there’s nothing better than tasty treats to accompany a night of screaming at the TV. These potato skins are easy to put together and so delicious you won’t even know they’re good for you!

Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes or kumaras
200 grams of mince
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 long red chilli, finely diced
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, crushed
1/2 an onion, diced
1/2 a red capsicum, diced
1/2 a cup of corn kernels
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt to taste
1 avocado
1 tomato
3 sprigs of fresh coriander

Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Wash the sweet potato and dry with a clean tea towel, leaving the skin on. Rub with a small amount of olive oil and salt and place on the tray. Bake for 45 minutes to 55 minutes or until soft.
Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes then slice in half lengthwise.
To make the filling, heat a pan on the stove top with the remaining olive oil.
In the pan place the garlic, chilli, ginger and onion. Saute for 3 minutes.
Add the mince, capsicum, corn kernels, cumin, ground coriander & cinnamon. Saute all the ingredients until the mince is cooked, salt to taste.
Scoop out the flesh from the sweet potato and place in the pan with the mince, gently mix through leaving it chunky.
Fill the sweet potato skins with the mince mixture and place back in the oven for 10 minutes.
Dice the tomato and avocado and chop the fresh coriander. Once the sweet potato is cooked pull it out of the oven and place on a serving tray.
Top with the tomato, avocado and coriander.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.