Christmas soiree season is fast approaching and we swear someone is messing with us, because surely it can’t be that time again (it is). To be more specific, there are just over 11 weeks until the jolly man comes to town so sound the alarm, we need to lock in our workplace festive shindigs and Christmas client schmoozing yesterday. Luckily, we have a suggestion with more razzle dazzle than you can poke a feather boa at and we’re of course talking about A Roaring 20’s Christmas at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. A grand affair and evening packed with glamour and decadence, it ticks every box on the corporate Christmas party wish list. A showstopping venue – tick. The highest calibre food and entertainment – tick. An excuse to don a flapper frock, fishnets, and a faux fur shawl – TICK!

Sure to woo your team and those hard to impress clients, step back in time and channel your inner Great Gatsby at the Christmas party to end all Christmas parties. Choose either Friday 9^th December or Saturday 10^th December, and enjoy a sumptuous three-course Christmas banquet and four-hour beverage package (no bootleggers needed here). Then it’s time to show off your Prohibition Era-esque dancefloor moves, and we knew watching Dancing with the Stars would benefit us one day.

Being the OG culinary powerhouse that it is, The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is certainly going the full Jay Gatsby with an indulgent menu not to be missed. For an entrée, shimmy into a Smoked Duck Salad with celeriac remoulade, pickled vegetables, baby herbs, and truffle dressing. Or, if you’re like us you’ll go weak at the knees for the Champagne Lobster Ravioli sauteed with mushrooms, lobster fricassee, saffron pasta and bisque sauce and no, this isn’t a result of our failed Charleston attempt.

Now it’s time for the star of the show, the mains, and they are every bit as lavish as the strand of pearls perfecting your 1920s getup. We’re talking Baked Snow Fish with asparagus, red pepper coulis, confit tomatoes and lemon verbena sauce. Or, if red meat is more your cup of moonshine, there’s slow-roasted lamb loin with potato gratin, spiced carrot puree, baby carrots and red wine jus.

Finally, you’ll be grateful they ditched corsets in the 20’s coz the desserts are simply irresistible. The Dessert Buche de Noel is a divine chocolate mousse cake with cherry compote, coconut dacquoise and vanilla bean ice cream and side note, worth shelving the summer bod diet for. There’s also a baked Mango Passion Cheesecake with mango gel, gingerbread sable crumble, sorrel, and passionfruit sorbet, and do remind the person sitting next to you that sharing is caring.

But why end the fun here when you can turn this bougee Chrissie celebration into a fancy overnight stay?! Tis the season to spoil oneself, one’s staff, and one’s clients, so drop the JW Marriott team a line on 07 5592 9800 or email to make a reservation.

Bookings are essential, so source those sassy bobs, scarlet hued lippies and three-piece suits, and secure your table/tables pronto. Tickets are $189 per person and can be purchased here.

Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 6.30om – 11pm, Friday 9^th December & Saturday 10^th December

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA

Ladies and gentleman, November is fast approaching and this excites us no end. Not only are we feeling those spring soon-to-be-summer vibes in the air, but it’s time for a little horse play. The race that stops a nation is back on Tuesday 01^st November, and nothing gives us a better excuse to frock up than Melbourne Cup. Further to that, nowhere does Cup festivities quite like JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, and their 2022 Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival Luncheon is shaping up to be every bit as grandiose as its predecessors.

Taking place in the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom from 12pm until 3.30pm, this lavish lunch affair is not to be missed. The perfect opportunity to round up your squad, buy a new headpiece (Met Gala eat your heart out), and devour a sumptuous three-course feast and luxury beverage package, what’s not to love. Consistently best in show, the GC contingent of the JW Marriott juggernaut never ceases to turn on the glam and good times for this social calendar front-runner. Giddy up!

For $199 per person, you’ll be treated to the Makybe Diva of Cup events. Upon arrival, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and nothing makes us feel fancy like sipping on something bubbly before we’ve even spotted our people #priorities. Then you can eat like a horse, as they say, indulging first in an irresistible entrée of Confit Ora King Salmon, with asparagus, caviar, and finger lime butter sauce. Or, perhaps Slow Braised Pork Belly is more your style, with apple gel, tapioca crisp, and micro herbs, and we know we’re not the only ones feeling very conflicted by this.

For your main course, there is Chicken Supreme with truffle butter, herb mashed potato, sweet corn, turnips, snow pea tendrils and merlot jus (cue salivation). Or for red meat eaters, it’s got to be the Roasted Beef Tenderloin for the win, with seared king prawn, carrot puree, spring vegetables, potato gratin, and red wine jus. But wait there’s more, in the form of dessert which boasts just the right amount of sweet goodness. Tantalise those tastebuds with Lavender and White Chocolate Mousse, with hazelnut crackle, raspberry gel, popping candy, and champagne foam. Special shoutout to the final element of those last three dishes which all reference alcohol and honestly, this just speaks to us.

It’s not all about the food and fancy drinks though, with other special happenings rounding out the afternoon. Naturally, the ‘mane’ event will be playing loud and proud for all to see, plus live entertainment by Midnight Finesse. A big drawcard for us is the fashion showcase presented by Lisa Brown Designs, and we want everything this Queensland girl turned designer extraordinaire creates. And there’s a feel good factor to boot, with proceeds from the sweepstakes and raffles supporting the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.

While we’re talking fashion, ladies be sure to harness your inner show pony and perfect your Cup look, as there are best-dressed gongs up for grabs. The prizes are sponsored by JW Marriott Gold Coast, and this is incentive enough for us to go the extra mile. And speaking of incentives, all lunch attendees are privy to 15% off accommodation rates. Staycation alert! To redeem this offer, use code L6C when booking via jwmarriottgoldcoast.com.

So if an elegant day of fun, decadent food and drinks, fabulous prizes and on-trend fashions is on your Melbourne Cup radar (we say a unanimous yes!), book your tickets here.

Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 12pm – 3:30pm, Tuesday 01^st November 2022

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA GOLD COAST

Words by Bianca Trathen.

We’re all partial to a spot of fancy feasting from time to time. Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, special celebration, or none of the above and you just feel like getting dressed up and playing swish, thankfully the GC has some cracking fine dining options. Once upon a time, our hood may not have exactly been praised for its culinary prowess, but that was so 1990 and today’s Gold Coast eats scene has award-winners at every turn.

So don your special occasion finery and refresh your memory re. which cutlery matches which meal coz here we go!

T’Ang Court
If you’re vibing a unique and tantalising Cantonese fine-dining affair, then it’s T’ang Court for the win. The esteemed Surfers Paradise restaurant inside the swisher-than-swish The Langham, Gold Coast is so divine it’s been awarded an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for 2023. Presenting elevated culinary masterpieces using local produce and paired with a bespoke wine list, it’s a nod to a dynasty that shaped a nation.
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Coast
Coast seamlessly blends casual elegance with a celebration of contemporary Australian cuisine. Using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, feast on a curated selection of share plates, as well as local seafood and signature steaks, dry-aged in-house and cooked to perfection in the famous Josper charcoal oven (#BBQsmokyheaven). An elegant and sophisticated space with warm lighting, plush seating, an all-time wine list, and exquisite views of the big blue, it’s fine dining and its, well, finest!
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Rick Shores
Penning a fine dining list without Rick Shores would be a criminal. Another icon focusing on fresh, locally sourced produce with intention to share, this Pan-Asian institution has awards for dayzzzz. The multi-gazillion dollar ocean views from within are simply unparalleled and don’t even get us started on the world-famous Bug Rolls. IYKYK and if you don’t, drop everything and try them now. You’re welcome.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Fireplace
As the name suggests, expect cosy feels and epic wood-fired cuisine. Executive Chef Hamish and fellow culinary lord Randy Tablan showcase the finest locally sourced produce. And we’re not just talking about firing up the ovens with any ‘ole wood here – redgum wood is the chosen one, infusing each dish to perfection. If ever there was a (classy) party in your mouth, this is it.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circuit, Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Palette
With not one but two chef’s hats to its name courtesy of The Australian Good Food Guide, need we say more. Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks on display and major exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blends. Our tip: order the Line Caught Coral Trout with leek cannelloni, teardrop tomato, micro cucumber. Insert (fancy) drool here. You can’t go wrong here.
Where: HOTA Gallery, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Kiyomi
With a menu created by visionary Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima (and awards up the wazoo), Kiyomi gives diners a modern, yet authentic taste of Tokyo – sans the long-haul flight! As you explore the innovative dishes, you’ll quickly see why it has earned itself a reputation as one of the town’s most talked-about restaurants. Our tip: order the Scallop Sashimi, Spanner Crab, Compressed Watermelon and Yuzu Honey, and pair it with one of the signature sakes.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Citrique
Famous for its breakfast buffet, weekend-long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, it’s the ultimate fine dining experience. Calling the beautiful Gold Coast home, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s Citrique restaurant is a stunner. Let Executive Chef Paul Smart show you why is a master of his craft…and his craft is crafting unforgettable five-star meals.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The North Room
At The North Room, the mantra is to always keep guests intrigued with an ever-changing food and wine list. They believe we eat with our eyes (same), so the incredible eats here not only captivate the tastebuds, but activate an unparalleled multi-sensory experience. Smaller, share style dishes focused on a few primary, seasonal ingredients create a relaxed, contemporary fine dining experience to remember.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Social Eating House
This award-winning local treasure has emerged bigger and better since its sleek, New York luxe makeover, eclipsed only by its incredible menu. The back-to-back recipient for the People’s Choice ‘Chef of the Year’ Award, owner and Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson along with Head Chef Youngkyu “YK” Reu, treat diners to the epitome of modern Australian and international cuisine perfection. An absolute MUST.
Where: The Oracle Boulevard, Shop 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Restaurant Labart
This Australian cuisine specialist offers a small, frequently changing menu showcasing the best seasonal, local produce – and we’re superfans. Delighting tastebuds with sophisticated and perfectly balanced flavours, everything from the warm rustic ambiance to the staff’s impeccable knowledge of every morsel they serve up, the experience is faultless. Do yourself a favour and opt for the wine pairing. It’s worth its weight in grapes.
Where: 2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Words by Bianca Trathen.