Pasta la vista, diet. Hello, Cucina Vivo!
Pasta la vista, diet. Hello, Cucina Vivo!
When we think of Italy and its countrymen and women, our minds immediately go to art, far-shion, vespas, passionate hand gestures, sprawling Tuscan vineyards (cue flashback to ‘Stealing Beauty’ and suddenly we’re angsty 16-year-olds again), fast cars and of course, FOOD. More specifically, their love for simple, traditional dishes made with the finest seasonal ingredients. Well, that’s exactly what we can look forward to at The Star Gold Coast’s Cucina Vivo, inviting us to re-ignite our love for this exquisite cuisine with the Delizioso Nuovo Menu. Packed with simple Italian flavours executed to absolute drool-worthy perfection and an extensive selection of Italian and Australian vinos, we’re sold faster than a new listing in Burleigh!
Delizioso Nuovo Menu
Let’s get straight down to business and divulge the deets of their new signature dishes which may we add, now have recommended wine pairings from the in-house Sommelier. The only thing better than a glass of vino is a glass of vino recommended by someone boasting Status Level: Expert ranking, and we’ll take 2 bottles thanks. Coz we’re suckers for a carb fest, we’re going straight for the irresistibly rich and tasty Gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, roasted walnuts, fig and parmesan crisp. Or hang on, we just spotted Fabio’s (seasonal) Pizza and if Fabio – the best Pizzaiolo Chef outside of Italy – has put his name to it, then we need it in our lives. Immediately.
This season he’s crafted a Prosciutto Pizza, with cherry tomato, basil, San Daniele prosciutto and rocket, paired with a glass of glass of Poliziano Chianti from Tuscany….and we’re back in the vineyards with Liv Tyler ‘Stealing Beauty’ style again. Or, for those more partial to a slab of top-notch protein, you can’t go past the Scotch Fillet 100 Day Grain Fed Darling Downs 300g served with house made caponata, insalata and grilled lemon and paired with a Rivera Primitivo from Salento. All we can say is it will be a huge missed-steak if you don’t get this.
Or perhaps, you’re in a small plate state of mind and that’s perfectly fine because you can order three small plates for $50 and how’s that for value! We suggest the Buffalo Mozzarella with Vanella buffalo mozzarella, garlic crumb, aged balsamic, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil, the Spicy Meatballs with Wagyu meatballs, pomodoro, mozzarella and garlic bread, and who can knock back the House Made Arancini with mushroom, dill and aioli. This leads us to our final destination, dessert and if you’re thinking there’s no room at the inn, think again because there is a Dessert Trolley and good luck saying no when a selection of authentic Italian sweet sensations literally roll up to your table.
Set Menu for Two
But that’s not all (and yes, we sound like a Danoz Direct spruiker) because Cucina Vivo is also launching the all-new monthly ‘Set Menu for Two’ and friends, it’s one helluva offer. For the incredible price of $45 for two people (members price) or $65 for two non-members price, you’ll be treated to a scrumptious three-course feast. If you do the math, that’s $22.50 per person (for members) and how are they doing this you ask, and we have no idea. All we know is that it’s only available for the month of May on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and you’d be nutty as a nougat to miss it. May’s set menu includes Rigatoni with house made beef & pork Italian ragù and San Marzano tomato (Nonna’s Italian meat gravy), a Ortalana woodfired oven pizza with Eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, olives, tomato base and fior di latte, and a Raddicchio Salad with shaved fennel and lemon dressing. Oh and just say ‘treat yo self’ to their Tiramisu dessert for an additional $8.
These brand-spanking new delish signature menu items and the epic monthly special are precisely why Cucina Vivo will always have a pizza (or a Pisa!) of our hearts.
For bookings, phone 07 5592 8757 or email: [email protected]. Or for more information visit https://www.star.com.au/goldcoast/restaurants/cucina-vivo
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 12pm – 2:30pm, Saturday 28th May
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.
There are certain things in life that never grow old. A wine and cheese evening is obvs one, coz some things are just better together. Another is a long lunch…especially an Italian one, coz there is no such thing as too many arancini balls (although our jeans beg to differ). And finally, a Mexican feast fuelled with tequila coz, margaritas. What if we told you one place was celebrating all of the above and relax, April Fools has been and gone. Folks, welcome to the coming months at our home of foody and liquid goodness, The Star Gold Coast.
Dal Zotto Prosecco Long Lunch
At Cucina Vivo, Italy is prosecco-nd to none! On Saturday 28th May, round up your faves, perch yourselves on the Terrazza, and indulge in a 3-course Italian lunch with 2.5 hours of free-flowing prosecco. Enjoy Antipasti with caprese salami, San Danielle prosciutto, mortadella with house made pesto, olives, buffalo mozzarella, lemon scented goats curd, and toasted ciabatta. Then move on to tantalising share plates like Semolina Dusted Loligo Squid with dill aioli and lemon cheek, and Mushroom and Truffle Arancini with Parmigiano Reggiano. Finally, top it all off with Handmade Cannoli with whipped ricotta, citrus and pistachio. All this for $95 per person, you’ll be leaving a pizza your heart in Italy!
Cinco De Mayo
I hate Mexican – said ‘no juan’ ever! For $125 per person, head to Garden and Kitchen Bar on Thursday 5th May and treat yourself to a Herradura Tequila Dinner. Graze your way through a selection of Mexican inspired canapes paired with a Classic Margarita, and an entrée of Corn Tostada with prawn, tomatillo, peppers, basil and queso fresca on spiced mole sauce, paired with the Grapefruit Paloma. Then feast on a main of Honey and Chipotle Glazed Salmon with sweetcorn, black beans, and oregano, paired with a Jalapeno de la Casa. And if that’s not enough, end on a sweet note with a Mexican Chocolate Pave topped with berries and cinnamon ice-cream, paired with the Mayan Chocolate. And if that’s STILL not enough, go all out and upgrade to the premium package for $175 per person and enjoy an exclusive pre-dinner Herradura Tequila tasting with a Herradura Brand Ambassador in Veladora. It’ll be a Mex-cellent night out.
The rest of The Star is also getting in on the Cinco De Mayo action too, with extended operating hours, live entertainment, a specially curated beverage menu at Veladora, and special Herradura cocktail menus at Garden Kitchen and Bar and Atrium Bar. We are about this!
Wine and Cheese Evening
Wine not indulge at this mozzare-hella good offering from the Garden and Kitchen Bar for $120 per person. For one-night-only on Thursday 2nd June, you’re invited to journey through an array of stalls showcasing the best new drops from international and boutique wineries, as well as locally made and imported cheese, charcuterie offerings and acoustic live entertainment.
Sip on the likes of Cloudy Bay sav, a crisp rosé from Chateau de Minuty and sparking, pinot grigio and chardy from Josef Chromy. Soak up the vinos with a selection of cheeses, served with quince paste, falwasser, lavosh, fresh and dried fruit, and Charcuterie with San Danielle prosciutto and tartufo salami individually served with pickled figs, giardiniera and artisan bread, cured meats, pickled vegetables, and olives with grana Padano. For something more substantial, why not tuck into Milly hill lamb cutlets wrapped in vine leaves served with cumin spiced yogurt, or perhaps the Truffled mac n cheese will tickle your fancy. It doesn’t get any fetta than this.
We can always rely on The Star to give us our food and drinks fixes. Cheers, cin cin and salud!
To book tickets head to –
Dal Zotto Prosecco Long Lunch: www.star.com.au/goldcoast/whats-on/proseccolonglunch
Cinco De Mayo: www.star.com.au/goldcoast/whats-on/cinco-de-mayo
Wine and Cheese evening: www.star.com.au/goldcoast/whats-on/wineandcheese
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Dr, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout April and May
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practices the responsible service of alcohol.
