The Star has festive functions for one and noel.
The Star has festive functions for one and noel.
Hot on November’s heels is our inevitable downhill decent into December madness, which means, ready or not – it’s all aboard the silly season train for the lot of us. Amid the festive franticness, one beacon remains the prospect of those end-of-year-cele’s, where we can look forward to letting our hair down (humidity permitting) and raising a glass to another year of toiling.
When it comes to perfect places poised to host our December gatherings, we’re hard pressed to one more equipped than The Star Gold Coast. Our ol’ faithful go-to when it comes to fun and frivolity across the year, this decked out destination is more popular than a shopping centre Santa come December (for good reason).
Whether you’re assembling your nearest and (rein)deer-est or treating your corporate counterparts to some festive cheer (shout out, work fam) there’s a bounty of premium par-tay pozzy’s on offer – so let’s level up those end of year shindigs, shall we?
Cucina Vivo
We’re starting stronger than Nan’s trifle, here – Cucina Vivo’s sun-soaked terrace delivers that casual-luxe vibe we can’t get enough of, which is equally applicable to the incredible Italian fare.
With packages starting from $69pp, tuck in to either the Share Menu (v. Italian) or opt for the Roaming Canapé Menu whilst overlooking the glistening pool. Christmas cheer, Amalfi Coast style? We think yes.
Garden Kitchen & Bar
It’s no secret we’re suckers for an alfresco spot on the GC, and the prospect of getting our mingle on under the stars is a very merry prospect indeed (celebrating on the bosses dime certainly doesn’t hurt the mirth stakes much, either). There’s no wrong choice here, every nook and cranny of the Garden Kitchen & Bar grounds is a chic oasis – pick from The Conservatory, The Patio, The Lawn and the Semi-Private Dining Room if you’re feeling particularly (fa-la-la-)la-de-dah.
Packages start from $69 pp, with Roaming Canapé or Premium Share Style eats available for your festive functions.
Kiyomi
Fine dining fans will only have eyes for the one and only Kiyomi this Christmas season – and what better way to celebrate the year that was, than with a fanciful feast of spectacular sashimi and freshly shaken cocktails. Available for your intimate advent gatherings, book a booth for up to 12 people and settle in to discover the delights that await with the mouth-watering Set Menu – including Miso Ceviche Kingfish, hand-crafted Sushi, Seared Scampi with Foie Gras, and Confit Shitake Wagyu.
Ho ho ho-ly decadence (even our top-secret potato salad recipe never stood a chance).
Uncle Su
With an abundance of cool-uncle (also low-key fave) energy, Uncle Su dishes up our fix of cantonese faves, which makes this spot an especially fitting contender for our end of year gatherings – *gen who fondly remember the tradition of gathering at our beloved local for celebratory Chinese fare, checking in* (an honour reserved for the most special of occasions #goodtimes).
While Uncle Su’s surrounds dish up a distinctly, erm – more elevated experience than that of our youths, the potential for merriment is next level. Take your pick of the dining rooms – and get amongst the banquet (available for groups 4+) for $78pp: feast like royalty on the likes of Crab and Sweet Corn Soup, Shrimp and Pork Fried Rice and Chicken and Vegetables in XO Sauce. Decadent eats with a hint of nostalgia? If that doesn’t say Christmas, we don’t know what does.
Harvest Buffet
Seeking a spot for slightly more sizeable soirées? Harvest Buffet’s moorish eats and elegant surrounds have got you and your crew covered like a Christmas present. Gather your groups of 25+ in the comfort of the chic Private Dining room, and tuck in (several times over) to one of the most stellar smorgasbords going.
Harvest Buffet can be booked for breakfast, lunch and dinner events, so depending on your preferred time you could be treating your bunch to an all-you-can-eat festive brunch or satisfying dinner (and dessert) spread.
A tip hotter than our summer highs? Friday–Sunday nights bringeth us a boujee seafood buffet upgrade, which we can all agree is just the extra festive ‘cherry on top’ of the pav, here (and there’s those too #drool).
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various dates/times available throughout November & December. For more information or to book go here.
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.
We’ve all heard the classic adage “bad things come in threes”, but what about the lesser known, “good things come in sevens”?
Okay yeah, that’s not a thing, but it needs to be because The Star Gold Coast and their delicious 7 Nights Of Value at Harvest Buffet deals are proof of this fact.
From 1 October until 30 November, there’s a sweet deal for every night of the week at Harvest Buffet – and what could be better than bookending your week with a hearty helping (or four) of Harvest Buffet’s delicious fare? Knowing it was an absolute barg (which rhymes with marg, and hey, this means more room in the budget for those too).
We’re about to make like it’s 2004 and update that status to ‘sweat pants are all that fits me right now’ because now we can sate those smorgasbord cravings any day that ends in ‘y’.
Monday Night
We’ll gladly be welcoming a reprieve from the #SundayScaries over the next few months, knowing that with Monday also comes a stellar smorgasbord offer so good we can’t resist (and we could say the same for the array of eats). Harvest here to get our week off on a very good foot food, so gather your buffet bae for an epic twofer deal: purchase one adult buffet and pay half price for the 2nd.
Tuesday & Sunday Night
Here’s the world’s shortest fairytale for the parents among us: you and the fam tucking in to a delish dinner, without one single complaint to be heard… The End.
Gather up the little rascals (and gift yourself the night off dishes), because this faraway kingdom is a place that totally exists. Tuesday and Sunday nights, Kids eat free with every Adult Buffet purchase until Nov 30 at Harvest Buffet.
Welcome to parent Narnia, where there’s nary a ‘I don’t want that for dinnnerrrr’ to be found, and the kiddos will happily gobble up all their favourite fare (including multiple helpings from the soft serve station, lbh… but sometimes, silence really is golden).
Wednesday Night
Our mouthwatering mid-week reprieve comes in the form of a sneaky $15 off all adult buffets.
Which is excellent news if, as hump day arrives, you’re struck by vague cravings for a certain *something* sumptuous that you can’t quite put your finger on (and/or the need for a kitchen hiatus).
Quell those hankerings in one fell soup… and nosh upon the likes of oodles of noodles, curries, dumplings, pizza, roast meats and fresh seafood until your heart (and belly) is content.
Oh, and pro tip – when ‘alls said and yum’ at Harvest, swing by the Wednesday night Comedy Club and treat that satisfied tum to some bulk belly laffs for the grand total of zero dollars. Talk about bang for your buck!
Thursday Night
Ah, Thursday aka Friday-eve – the weekend feels so close, yet despairingly far, and your cravings have prematurely fixated on the thought of perfectly flame licked fare – with neither the time nor inclination to fire up the barbie.
This Oct and Nov, ‘Friday-eve’ leaves you faced with quite the conundrum: head on down to Harvest for BBQ Thursdays and enjoy all your favourites grilled to perfection – or, somehow summon the mid-week motivation to be faff about with marinades, meat thermometers, reverse sear techniques and… yeah nah. This so-called conundrum just became more of a ‘no brainer’.
Friday & Saturday Night
We never tire of busting out a good ol’ #TGIF (or it’s oft-overlooked equivalent, #TGIS) – nor do we shy away from busting out the bubbly to celebrate their return. And from now until Nov, Harvest will be poppin’ bulk bottles with a glass of bonus bubbles with every Adult Buffet purchase on Friday & Saturday nights.
What could be better to accompany to all those fresh and dried fruits, cured meats, crispbreads and gourmet cheeses you’ll be sampling – as you sip back, relax and ponder the best buffet plan of attack.
Where: Harvest Buffet, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
When: 5.30pm – late (Saturdays from 5pm) daily, 1 October until the 30 November
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.
Hold on to your Santa hats! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and indulge in some merry munching, and where better to do it than at The Star Gold Coast?
They’ve rolled out the red and green carpet for some tree-mendous festive feasting options so get ready to sleigh your hunger – Star Style!
Harvest Buffet
If you’re looking for a Christmas nosh-up that’s as bountiful as Santa’s gift sack, then Harvest Buffet is your go-to!
Serving up Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day dinner, sink your teeth into succulent roasts, jingle all the way with fresh seafood, cold meats, pizza, pasta, salads and soups, and top it off with a sleigh-load of delectable desserts.
Buffets start at $120 per adult and both Christmas Day lunch and dinner include a three-hour beverage package.
Garden Kitchen & Bar SOLD OUT
This is one Chrissie day garden party lunch that’s sure to leave your taste buds in full bloom!
They’ve got something for everyone (even those on the naughty list) like Hervey Bay Scallops in the half shell, Ratatouille with summer herb salad and jus, and Sticky Date Pudding with Guinness chocolate sauce and summer cherries to top it all off (literally).
We’re pleased to confirm that lots of love was (Christmas) puddin’ into this spread! $195 per person and a-la-carte bookings are available at dinner time.
Uncle Su
Christmas Day lunch just got a Cantonese style glow up! Executive Chef Song Yao Su, the Wok-star of Asian Cuisine, is dishing out a festive menu to guarantee a wonton-derful day!
Blending Mandarin and Cantonese ingredients like a Kung Fu master, you’ll enjoy a banquet featuring dishes including Chicken Shu Mai with truffle, hot and sour soup, Fried Live Coral Trout Fillet Zhou Chou Style and Deep Fried Porcupine Custard Bun.
And psst kids – Santa will be making an appearance so get ready for some ‘elfies! $165 per adult and a-la-carte bookings are available in the evening.
Kiyomi
No need for a sleigh ride to Tokyo, just head to Kiyomi for Christmas dinner where the only thing longer than Santa’s beard is the list of rave reviews!
Explore innovative dishes like Scallop Sashimi and Spanner Crab with compressed watermelon and Yuzu honey, Dengakuman Miso Glazed Toothfish, and Dry Aged Maremma Duck with charred witlof, sansho, and wasabi jus.
Still hungry? Tuck into a dessert and we recommend the Okinawa Black Sugar Parfait with umeshu and candied walnuts. Prices as per the menu.
Cucina Vivo SOLD OUT
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the Amalfi Coast and really, who isn’t, Cucina Vivo is the next best thing.
Picture this: you and the fam bam, a table laden with an exquisite four-course meal accompanied by a three-hour beverage package.
Think antipasti, a fintastic Seafood Platter, Borrowdale Porchetta and Ocean Trout Fillet share platters and for something sweet, Torta Al Cioccolato! There’s also live entertainment and the jolly man himself will be swinging by with plenty of loot for the small peeps. $205 per adult.
Christmas Hampers
Take the heavy lifting out of your merry munching with a delish takeaway Christmas Hamper!
Available for pick up on Christmas Eve, they’re decked out with all the festive faves like smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and much more.
Plus, you can make this Christmas extra spesh with optional seafood and salad upgrades and hold the bus sleigh, because there are even Beverage Hampers!
Hampers can be purchased for either two people or six and prices start from $260 per hamper.
Event Centre SOLD OUT
Perfect for those who can’t be stuffed putting on Christmas lunch this year, The Star’s beautifully themed ballroom will take care of the lot!
Enjoy a festive all-you-can-eat lunch, four-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and a special appearance from Santa.
With a seafood selection, antipasto and cheese station, cold salads, carving station, hot selection and desserts, it would be just rude-olph not to go. Prices start from $310 per adult.
For more information or to purchase tickets for any of The Star’s Christmas activations, go here
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of December 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star Gold Coast practises the responsible service of alcohol.
The latter half of the year brings with it the realisation that it’s officially time to begin pondering our plans for the festive season – and trigger warning, yes, we’re about to mention the real deal C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s word here, people – none of this ‘in July’ business #sleighitaintso.
And whether you’re #teamChristmas, or the the mere mention of the C-word brings out your inner Grinch, the fact remains that leaving your preparations until the last minute is more of a recipe for disaster than putting your boozy Aunt in charge of mixing the punch.
Ever the over-achievers, the elves at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach have already been scheming three epic Chrissy day soirees, turning each of their three venues into their own respective themed wonderlands for the occasion.
Don’t sleep on locking in the loved ones for one of these magical, stress-free Christmas lunch experiences, because these events always sell out. And as anyone who has ever ventured near a shopping centre carpark in December well knows, the key to a stress-free Christmas is being prepared well in advance.
Gingerbread House in The Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom is set to deliver Christmas magic for young and old by the sleigh-load, with a transformation into Gingerbread house to delight the kiddies, while the adults get to experience the true wonder that is a chef-prepared Christmas feast with none of the heavy lifting. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you gather around a beautifully set table adorned with seasonal decorations and an expertly prepared, delectable menu.
The seafood and hot carvery buffet complete with all the traditional trimmings means it’s happy faces (and bellies) all round, and not a one ‘but I don’t like thaaat’ to be heard anywhere #becausebuffet #it’sachristmasmiracle.
There’s a visit from Santa, with young’ns aged 1-11 receiving a personalised gift, while for the adults Christmas cheer comes in the form of three hours of beverage package followed by – and we cannot stress this point enough – the gift that is zip, nada, z.e.r.o cleanup. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas, indeed.
$295 Adults | $225 13-17 years | $125 5-12 years | Complimentary 0-4 years
Snowy Christmas in Bistro On3
For your very own IRL holiday movie vibes, it’s got to be the magical Snowy Christmas hosted at Bistro On3. This little soiree is perfect for anyone seeking a more intimate setting to gather with their nearest and dearest. The best of both worlds, with the chance to live out our white Christmas fantasies while noshing on an authentic Aussie Christmas spread. Delight in the freshest and most succulent seafood delights, from prawns, oysters to Morton Bay bugs and crab, and who could forget the Christmas carvery, featuring tender roasted meats and accompaniments.
The big man in red will also be swinging by with a personalised gift for kids aged 1-11, plus live entertainment for the duration and a three hour bevvy package – what more could we ask for? Okay, maybe just one more lap around the decadent dessert buffet.
$325 Adults | $259 13-17 years | $159 5-12 years | Complimentary 0-4 years
Winter Wonderland in Room 81
A Christmas experience exclusively for the adults (and foodie adolescents) only, those with an appreciation for the finer things in life are headed straight to the GC’s French fine dining darling, Room 81 to have all their culinary Christmas wishes come true at once.
Chef YK is renowned for his ability to take our taste buds on a tantalizing gastronomic journey, so you can only imagine the kind of gourmet extravaganza the team would have up their Santa-sleeves on a day like Christmas. Experience the pinnacle of culinary excellence with a luxurious, share-style set menu, while the festive spirit will be in full swing-le bells with live entertainment, and a three-hour beverage package featuring a carefully curated selection of wines and champagne.
$390 Adults | $290 10-17 years
Tickets for all the Softiel Gold Coast Broadbeach festive celebrations available here.
When: From 12:00 pm, Monday, 25 December
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST BROADBEACH & ROOM81
