The Gold Coast is home to many good things and because we like to discuss those things as often as possible, here’s a short list. Beautiful beaches, good people, MANY most excellent eateries, bars etc. the list goes on obviously. 

If there was one thing we are lacking in though, it is brunch spots overlooking the ocean, where you can sip your cuppa with a balmy ocean breeze blowing through your hair while watching the world go by and eating delicious things. 

Well you may not be surprised to know those exact things are what we’re here to chat about today because Easy Tiger opened in Burleigh recently(ish) and it’s the Burleigh Heads beachfront brunch spot we’ve always wanted. 

To clarify, Easy Tiger opened officially just before Christmas but in the last week it doubled in size (space previously occupied by limited time only popup, Fez) to include said ocean viewing possibilities and we’re all about it.

The newbie can be found on Goodwin Terrace in the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade and it’s a sweet, little space with big, open windows, footpath and indoor seating, plenty of greenery and a vibe that makes it seem as though it’s always been part of the Burleigh scene.

Created by three local lads, Shane Graham, Nick James and Rob Morwood, Easy Tiger is serving up coffee by Sydney’s Sample Coffee along with a brunch menu filled with absolute taste sensations.

For example, a Halloumi and Egg Roll with homemade hash, tomato relish and smoked potato aioli. Yes please. 

There’s also Ricotta Hotcakes with blueberry compote, lemon, banana, toasted coconut and maple syrup. Also yes please. 

The Green Pea and Cauliflower Falafel Bowl is also a yes, with labneh, raw and cooked greens, leaves, dried olives and a poached egg — healthy and delicious. Oh and one more, there’s the Easy Satay Bowl with crispy tofu or chicken tenders, jasmine rice, lemongrass satay, coconut samba, veg and fresh lime. So all the delicious things.

Perhaps the very best thing to eat though is all of the $1 doughnuts that are somehow crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and so very delicious.

If you want to grab and go, there are also bites like Smoked Ham and Gruyere Toasties, Açai Bowls and Chia Bowls and of course, fresh juices that can assist in abating this very overwhelming heat. We were quite partial to the Apple, Watermelon and Mint. 

As you can see, Easy Tiger is the answer to all your beachfront coffee sipping, brunch eating needs and we think you should head down and try it out right now.

Enjoy that ocean breeze.

LOCATION: Shop 35, 66 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Daily from 5am until 2pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith 

It’s not often we have the pleasure of chatting about our northern neighbours but there is certainly a lot to discuss when it comes to Brisbane’s dining scene. The most important aspect of which is the city’s adoption of one of our favourite restauranteurs and one extremely talented head chef.

Yes, it’s Simon Gloftis (founder of Hellenika, The Fish House and nineteen at The Star) and Kelvin Andrews (former Head Chef at The Fish House and nineteen at The Star), two of the Coast’s most impressive foodies and now, owners at SK Steak & Oyster.

As you’ve no doubt heard, the pair opened the venue within The Calile Hotel in Brisbane and it is exceptional in every sense of the word.

Before we begin, some context. In late 2019, the pair embarked on an eating tour of the US to ‘gather intel’ (which roughly translates to tasting all of the things) on the style of venue they were planning. They wanted a sophisticated space with white tablecloths, a piano and of course, the highest quality produce they could source.

Which is exactly what they’ve created.

SK Steak & Oyster greets you with a beautifully stocked circular wall of spirits including a stunning array of single malt whiskey’s that we would very much appreciate sampling.

Inside you’ll find an air of unpretentious sophistication with fresh flowers dotted throughout, plants tucked in overhead, a completely open kitchen and a window showcasing some of the finest cuts of meat there are.

The team are dressed in crisp white dinner jackets and are both very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable and the entire experience is one that will stay with you always.

Now to the food and although words may not do it justice, let’s see how we go.

The premise is of course, steak and seafood and as mentioned, it’s of the highest possible quality.

To begin, oysters of course. SK’s are sourced daily and served with a champagne mignonette that takes champagne and oysters to a whole new level.

The seafood platter is a must with oysters, prawns, bugs, mussels and lobster and it is unlike any seafood platter we’ve ever laid eyes on. Fresh, flavorsome perfection.

Next the raw seafood is an absolute taste sensation and we sampled the Raw Yellowtail Kingfish with smoked dashi, white soy and jalapeno and The Petuna Ocean Trout Tartare with shallots, cornichons and capers. Melt in your mouth and beautifully balanced, the both of them.

Now there are a few ways to go and if you’re a risotto lover, Kelvin’s Lobster Risotto is the best you’ll ever have with southern Tasmanian Rock Lobster and crustacean bisque. The flavours guys, too good.

Of course, you’ll want to sample a steak and there are many to choose from depending on your preference. We went for the eye fillet and it was life changing. Crisp on the outside and pink in the middle, soft and just exceptional honestly. No sauce required… but available if you can’t do without.

Sides-wise there is an entire potato menu and we love that a lot. The Moreton Bay Bug Mash Potato is the greatest mash in the world (actually), do yourself a favour. If you’d like a salad too (because at this point, why not?), the SK Signature Wedge Salad has blue cheese dressing (!) and bacon on iceberg lettuce. YUM.

For dessert, you must try the signature Strawberry Cake that Kelvin has absolutely perfected, is sweet and smooth and we’re in love with it to be frank.

To drink, cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, all able to be matched with your dishes and all absolutely sensational.

Quite obviously, it’s worth a trip to Brisbane just to sample the goodness that is SK Steak & Oyster, not to mention you’ll be supporting two former Gold Coasters who have firmly made their mark on the Brisbane dining scene and have zero signs of stopping there.

World takeover? We’re here for it.

LOCATION: Ground floor at The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
HOURS: 12pm to 3pm and 5.30pm to midnight daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Miami is quickly becoming a thriving little cultural hub known for its all-inclusive community vibes, a couple of exceptional eateries, a five-star gin distillery and plenty of creativity thrown in for good measure.

Now we can add a hidden laneway bar to the list thanks to the opening of The Hidden Cherub on Lemana Lane. Find it in the building where Heartfill Store also lives.

Boasting a laidback neighbourhood feel perfect for Friday after work drinks or a weekend sip fest, the new venue is decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look, greenery dripping from the walls and black and white striped bench seating. Sit inside if you’re keen to hide away from the world or outside in the laneway should the weather permit sometime soon.

The bar is the main event at The Hidden Cherub and there are plenty of tipples to keep you entertained.

Starting with cocktails of course. Classic sips like Mojitos (three ways), Margaritas, Spritzes, Martinis, Old Fashioned’s and the like are on offer so all your needs are covered there.

Then there are the signature sips and you can expect treats like The Cherubs Cloud with vodka, elderflower liqueur, strawberries and apple juice, the Lil Frankie with tequila, mango chilli and lime and The Angeles with gin, Chambord, grapefruit juice, lemon and bitters.

You may also treat yourself to a dessert cocktail like Honeycomb Heaven with vodka, butterscotch, coconut cream and chocolate powder.

There’s a selection of local craft beers on tap and in a can variety and a few wines too.

Eats-wise there’s a packed menu filled with share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides.

Seasoned Charred Corn with cheese sauce, cashew parmesan and lime aioli, Crispy Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls and Mozarella Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are a few of the dishes on offer.

In terms of burgers there’s a Spicy Southern, The Hawaiian and The Classic and tacos come in combos like Tempura Avocado, Chipotle Chicken and Three Bean.

Oh and all the eats are plant-based.

Sunday’s are live music day and happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday with $10 cocktails, $7 schooners, $4 pots and $5 basics.

So that’s what’s up in Miami friends, pop in and experience the collective goodness for yourself some time. There’s a bit on.

LOCATION: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
HOURS: From 12pm until late Friday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith