Fresh, nourishing and a little bit naughty.
Fresh, nourishing and a little bit naughty.
Allow us to begin by sharing the news that deep fried Gaytimes are a thing and you can eat them at Nobby’s newbie Forreal Kitchen (previously Barchino).
The end.
Jks. Seriously though, did other people know this and keep what may be the most delicious food in the world a secret. Let’s hope not hey.
Let’s go back to the beginning. Last week Nobby’s welcomed another new eatery to the fray and we may never have seen a more balanced and extensive menu in all our food eating lives.
The premise of Forreal Kitchen is this: life is all about balance and good food is one of the greatest pleasures there is, therefore we should enjoy both the healthy and not-so-healthy but oh-so-delicious varieties in order to stay sane (and happy). Makes perfect sense to us because Deep Fried Gaytimes.
The interior is all kinds of colourful cuteness with bright pink, patterned wallpaper on one side and literal leaves sprouting from the other. Greenery hangs from every available space and rattan light shades round out the cosy, natural, indoor jungle feels.
So besides the previously mentioned Deep Fried Gaytimes, what can you eat? Well pals, a little bit of everything.
Of course, there are smoothie bowls – nine varieties to be precise – and if you’re in one of those healthy moods (apparently it’s a thing) go for the Gracefully Green with spinach, green matcha, banana, pineapple, coconut milk, avocado and served with Paleo muesli, flowers and toasted coconut.
For lunch there’s (so many good things) the Forreal Boy with crispy prawns served on a crusty French Roll with apple slaw and crispy fries. Yep there is.
There are also share plates along the lines of a Big Fat Beef and Maple sausage with jalapeno relish and Asian Greens in Miso Caramel. People’s culinary imaginations actually blow our minds.
You can drink cocktails, match wines to your breakfast (STOP IT) or order a smoothie called Are You Forreal, which is a secret rainbow concoction not for the faint of heart.
Green shots are a thing too if your attempt to balance all those other goodies gets out of hand.
The place is seriously one of a kind and the girls have actually thought of everything.
Get on it guys.
LOCATION: 28 Chairlift Ave, Nobby Beach (underneath Santorini)
HOURS: From 6am to 3pm daily (open for breakfast and lunch)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Like a phoenix rising from the (literal) ashes, Nobby’s Beach newbie Pinky’s Kitchen & Bar has landed to kick off your 2018 brunch game with a bang.
You may have noticed the corner space once occupied by our beloved Little Beans has slowly been transforming. Well folks, the time has come and we’re happy to announce the opening of a sleek new space complete with can’t-miss-em neon pink signs and plenty of beautiful people gazing opportunities.
An exposed brick bar, royal blue velvet seating and THOSE neon signs are all your interior design dreams brought to life and all smack bang in the middle of the beautiful little seaside suburb you probably don’t visit enough.
Brayden Condon and the team are serving up New York inspired eats for breakfast and lunch (for now; nighttime opening hours are on the horizon) and excuse us while we rant about the food a little bit.
Breakfast, as the most important meal of the day, is a must at Pinky’s. Start with Morning Glory, because who doesn’t love a little bit of that to kick off the day. We digress. It’s a breakfast salad with haloumi, Portobello mushrooms, pumpkin, poached egg and dukkah and it is in fact, glorious.
Definitely also eat the Latkes which are crispy potato rosti’s, salmon lox, dill crème fraiche and poached eggs. There’s also some called Mama’s Knishes, which may just translate to magic to be honest. It’s a classic Eastern European dish made famous on the streets of New York and it consists of a baked pastry stuffed with potato and onions. Honestly, food is life.
For lunch there are an array of bagels and good lord, a NYC-style loaded hot dog.
BRB, buying bigger pants.
The coffee, of course, is of the Blackboard variety and on offer is a batch brewed filter-style option, which you won’t find in places around our fair city and is SO GOOD.
The idea behind this particular style of venue was to bring something a little different to the classic Acai bowl breaky option to Nobby’s and aren’t the extra-hungry people among us happy about that.
Get down there for a weekend brunch date with your gal pals.
LOCATION: Cnr Lavarack Street and Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: 5am until 2pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Look out Gold Coast, Nobby’s Beach is back on the new venue scene in a big way with the opening of three new foodie establishments over the last month and even more to come.
Okazu Sushi Bar snuck in a couple of weeks ago (underneath Mexicali) bringing Japanese soul food to the people via a sleek new space that is pretty much the epitome of Nobby’s cool.
It’s intimate, as you’d expect from a sushi bar, with a huge traditional mural decorating one wall and of course, everyone’s new favourite venue accessory, a neon sign reading ‘you make miso happy’ shining out from the other. The seating is minimal, it’s more of a ‘pop in, soak up the good vibes and grab some healthy eats to go’ kind of deal.
To that end, the food is perfect if you’re into the fresh, good for you and extremely tasty type that’s easy to inhale on the beach, in the office or at home in front of Netflix. Choose your own sushi adventure.
Grab yourself a (quite large and very filling) sushi roll, made fresh daily with flavours such as Chilli Calamari and spicy mayonnaise, Japanese BBQ Crispy Chicken and Smoked Tofu and Asparagus. YUM.
An array of bowls are beautifully presented and filled with nourishing healthy goodness. We love the teriyaki beef, spicy squid and sautéed vegetable best.
The pièce de résistance however is Okonomiyaki, a cabbage-based savoury pancake from the heart of Osaka with your choice of toppings from seafood, CHEESE, vegetarian and teriyaki chicken and beef.
Oh and there’s popcorn chicken, miso soup and edamame which are reasons in themselves to go wait at the door until opening time.
Okazu is modern Japanese food, in keeping with tradition found within a stunning space and created by a team that wants you to feel like part of their family every time you step in the door.
Which you will, a lot.
On ya Nobby’s.
HOURS: From 11.30am to 8pm daily
LOCATION: 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby’s Beach (underneath Mexicali)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
It’s the destination we all know and love. Relaxed, a little bit retro and constantly surprising us with new places to eat and play. It’s the much-loved suburb that flies under the radar when visitors come to town but to locals, it’s pure magic.
To show our love for this beachside beauty, here are ten things we locals love about Mermaid Beach.
The North Room
Recent receivers of a very prestigious hat, The North Room is an intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which more often than not, is overflowing with folks having the time of their lives as the sun goes down. Little Mermaid has earned the love of locals for their tasty eats, creative cocktails, and generally cool aesthetic – so get there now.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever). The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. While you can certainly purchase the potted petals for your humble abode, you may also like to hire them for an event (which is quite the concept if you ask us). The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Lupo
Italian food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and particularly when it comes from Mermaid’s Lupo. Tucked away in the little complex that’s also home to Bonita Bonita, Lupo’s menu is one you’ll never forget. It’s a quiet, laidback space, low-lit & moody, and did we mention one of the very best spots for drinking incredible cocktails and filling your belly with goodness.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Zeppelin Barbers
This is one for the fellas… Zeppelin Barbers is the best on the Coast if the man in your life is looking for a fresh cut. Jase and the team are absolute weapons with the scissors and they deliver quality chat and a frosty beer while they’re at it. Good vibes always.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
How good are surf clubs? Mermaid’s is right on the ocean with uninterrupted views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
It only opened recently but already Soak Bathhouse has become a firm favourite amongst those who are a little bit partial to some rest and relaxation in a beautiful environment (so everyone). It’s a stunning oasis featuring a magnesium pool, massage rooms, a sauna, spas, and a cold plunge pool. Plus you can get an LED facial and just generally kick your feet up and chill – tried and tested by us and we highly recommend it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak, everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best sides we’ve ever sampled. There are also small plate options and it’s all mind-blowing. We vouch for the gnocchi. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so you should also head in there for bulk margaritas before sampling all of the epic eats on offer.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
Barefoot bowls is never not a fun time and so, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Round up the crew on a Sunday afternoon for bulk beers and a little ball throwing (bowling) and then venture onto one of the many eateries (like those listed above) to round out the night.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Surely we have convinced you that Mermaid Beach is the place to be by now?
Words by Kirra Smith.
