If there’s anything better than sipping a frosty, perfectly salted margarita in the sunshine, overlooking the sparkling ocean, we can’t (and won’t) think of it. Throw in a few spicy tacos and some of those Gold Coast good vibes we know and love and, well, it’s pretty much the perfect time.
Which is why, we are beside ourselves with the news that Frida Sol opened in Palm Beach just a short while ago bringing all of the above to the very-in-need-of-an-epic-Mexican-eatery, beachside suburb. And what an epic Mexican eatery it is.
Taking up space where 8th Ave once graced us with its presence, Frida Sol is perfectly at home perched above the Gold Coast Highway and overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of sand around (biased). Having been transformed by the one and only Morgan Walsh (owner of Poke Poke and FuFu Chinese Diner), the space is quirky and eclectic with bright pops of colour and we, quite frankly, are in love.
You’ll enter through the dining room, passing the Chefs hard at work preparing tasty eats and a backlit bar punctuated with flowing greenery and, of course, all your favourite tipples.
Outside, high tables with shaggy dry grass umbrellas are the seating spot of choice so you can gaze lovingly at the black and white portrait of Frida Kahlo herself (an incredible early 1900s Mexican artist for whom the place is named) or, at your back, said beautiful stretch of sand. Along one side, a low textured wall is complete with really quite spiky cactuses and along the other, copper biblical statues shine out above you.
As you know, no Gold Coast restaurant is complete without a neon slogan sign and Frida’s does not disappoint. We’ll let you seek it out. Throughout the venue, little artworks and artefacts have been artfully placed on walls and surfaces, all nods to Frida Kahlo and her colourful, much-loved work.
The whole space comes together perfectly (of course) and it’s exactly the venue Palm Beach needed to lift the nighttime vibe to a whole new level. We could not be more excited.
The menu, love you Mexican eats, is a mix of all the things you know and need in your life, boasting punchy, can’t-get-enough flavours to be washed down with a signature cocktail or three.
To start, there are snacks along the lines of Chile Con Queso (LOVE) with smoked chilli salt, Pork Taquitos and Chipotle Salt and Pepper Calamari to name a few delicious options. From there it’s share plates for the win with a few gourmet tacos thrown in for good measure.
We HIGHLY recommend the Chorizo Croquettes with shaved Manchego, smoked sour cream and Habanero jam, obviously, plus the Charred Cauliflower Ensalada, a chargrilled corn and cauliflower salad with quinoa and toasted pepitas – pretty and delicious. Maybe eat one of everything on that menu though, just to be safe.
There are burrito bowls and an impressive array of tacos to sample. We’d go the Pescado – crispy fish with tomato pico, mango crema and queso fresco and the Cerdo Tirado – pulled pork with tomatillo salsa, pickled cabbage, pineapple chilli jam and cilantro crema.
If you can’t decide a. nobody would blame you and b. there’s a banquet for that. It’s just $40 per person and made up of MANY dishes that’ll be your absolute favourite, one after the other.
On Thursday’s it’s a taco takeover with $5 taco and drink specials and Friday’s get down for ‘Muchos Nachos’ with $10 nachos and drink specials. Sunday’s sees $29 banquets so that’s your weekend sorted.
Was it all down with the very best Coconut Margarita you’ve ever sampled and it’s happy day friends.
That’s a lot of reasons to get down to Palmy and indulge in an absolute tequila-sipping, taco-tasting time. You’re gonna love it.
LOCATION: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
HOURS: Open nightly from 5pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Hola. We’ve got Mexi-news and it is this; a brand new Mexi-joint opened up in Surfers Paradise just a few short days ago and it’s bringing all the good time vibes you don’t want to miss.
Found in the bustling little space that is Circle on Cavill, La Diosa Mexicana is the perfect addition to the eatery-filled area and if you’re a fan of high quality, flavour-filled feasts, you’re in for a treat.
The fitout is colourful and inviting with rattan-style furniture, wrought iron tables and raw concrete accents. Everybody’s new favourite indoor greenery, (cacti and succulents) are dotted throughout and ocean coloured tiles complete the pretty picture.
Big bay windows open out into the street and we highly recommend choosing one of the corner tables because there are tan leather cushions that are as soft as can be and also, bulk people watching opportunities. Not your typical Mexican eatery guys.
Food-wise, also not so much the Mexi-goodness you’ve become accustomed to.
La Diosa Mexicana co-owner Danny Azzi is a Gold Coast restaurateur and chef with over 20 years experience. He’s a lover of clean, fresh flavours and, coupled with his Lebanese heritage, has created quite a unique take on the food of Mexico.
The main player on the menu is the tacos, which we are pretty happy about. They’re made with an Al Pastor-style meat – a traditional way of cooking developed in central Mexico and based on the shawarma spit-grilled meat. It was introduced to Mexico by the Lebanese so there’s your link. What a combination.
The entire menu is a dream come true if you ask us, filled with all your favourites including Tostadas, Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Nachos and, of course, the beloved Burrito.
We recommend starting with a share plate or two, the Grilled Mexican street corn with coriander crema, paprika, queso and lime because they are the absolute goods and the Albondigas is meat balls with house beans and queso fresco. Flavour sensations.
Taco-wise go the fried cauliflower with eggplant jam, tahini, smoky paprika and pepitas or the Al Pastor pork with crispy onions, slaw, grilled pineapple and jalapenos. Try all of them though.
The Nachos are some of the prettiest we’ve ever seen and you should also fit in a burrito or two. Good luck.
Now, let’s talk booze. The specialty bar menu features all of the margaritas (obviously) along with traditional cocktails, local and imported beers, ciders, wines, tequila (also obviously) and mezcals.
Because you’re obviously dying to know, there are 11 margaritas on the menu including flavours such as Chilli Chocolate and Cucumber Fresca (we tried that one, it was really great). Oh and the Orange Tamarind is one of the great margaritas too.
Maybe stop reading now and go try it out for yourselves. It’ll knock your little sombreros off.
LOCATION: Shop 11, Circle on Cavill, 3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 11.30am until 10.30pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Hello, we love margaritas. They are, collectively, our favourite beverage and thus, we are experts on their sweet, salty goodness.
This is why, it gives us the greatest of pleasures to inform you that while Tuesday 22 February is Margarita DAY, we wish to celebrate Margarita MONTH and if you choose not to participate, we will particulate on your behalf, and ours.
In honour of the most important day (+month) of the year, we’ve collated a list of 11 spots to sip margaritas and yes, tried and tested (from north to south).
Hard Rock Cafe
It’s always a fun time up the rock n’ roll memorabilia laden stairs in Surfers Paradise and an even better time once you’re seated with a frosty margarita in hand. The Hard Rock Cafe margies are extremely delicious and you may choose from the Triple Platinum or the Exotic and they are very generous with their servings. A bit of live music and it’s happy days.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Montezumas / The Aztec
They of the family-friendly Mexican good times sure can shake up a tasty margarita and they’ll give you a big one too. It’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet and (trust us) one definitely won’t be enough. YUM.
Where: Montezuma’s: Aloha Building, 8 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise and The Aztec: Aria Building, 17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar & Dining
Ready to get fruity? Same. Aloha Bar & Dining is the spot to do exactly that while sipping on a tasty, tasty margarita or three. Theirs is a special one, aptly named Aloe-Ha Margarita; it’s got Tromba tequila, aloe vera, honeydew, elderflower, lime maraschino, kaffir lime leaf and cucumber and it’s an absolute party in your mouth.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Bonita Bonita
As you’d expect, from one of the most loved Mexi-venues around, Bonita Bonita’s margarita list is a goodie. You may choose from Tommy’s, Coconut, Bonita (with candied jalapeno’s – best), Raspberry and a Mexcal Margarita and why not have them all. The food is really quite great there too, order the banquet so you don’t miss out on any of the best things.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Mexicali
It’s margarita mania at Nobby’s fave Mexicali with seven varieties of margarita on offer PLUS three types of jugs. Best. Choose from Classic, Passionfruit, Chilli, Watermelon, Coconut, Skinny and the Scorched margarita if you’re on your own or there are Classic, Strawberry and Blueberry and Lychee jugs. There is nothing more we need from life, goodbye.
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Margarita Cartel
Located on the Lower Gold Coast Hwy in Burleigh, this little joint is the perfect delight for Mexi-loving locals. The list of margaritas, as you’d expect, has quite the variety on offer, from the Classic (made with orange liqueur), to Coconut, Watermelon (five please), Cucumber and Chilli, Smoky Pineapple, Grapefruit and El Patron and we obviously suggest sampling one of each.
Where: 2/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Hail Mary
The little Burleigh beauty down a side alleyway is filled to the brim with delightful margarita flavours that’ll keep you busy all day long. There’s Coconut, Mango, Peach & Passionfruit, Mexcal, Chilli Mexcal, Szechuan Pepper & Pineapple and Tommy’s Margarita’s and every single one is the goods. It’s a sweet little space too so grab the gang and get down there.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
While it’s true that all cocktails consumed on a seat overlooking the ocean are the best you can hope for, the tipples at Rick Shores are that little bit more special because: a) Burleigh Heads beach and b) well, margaritas. Rick Shores is absolutely stunning and we highly recommend gathering the girls and making an afternoon session of it.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Frida Sol
Frida Sol brings a slew of margaritas to tantalise your tastebuds this sweet Margarita Month. We are quite (QUITE) partial to the Chilli and the Coconut Margaritas and throw in a pretty Palmy ocean view and you’ve got yourself a good ol’ time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
It’s always a sweet time at The Collective, on the highway in Palm Beach what with five food venues to choose from and a rooftop bar with bulk epic cocktails on offer. We vote for the speciality cocktail “TOMMY BATANGA”. 10/10 taste sensation.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
baskk
The stunning, naturally-inspired surrounds of baskk at Kirra Point are enough for us but, since it’s Margarita Month, we won’t go past a tasty tipple or two either. The margarita’s at baskk are next-level, as is everything on the menu. Line a few of those beauties up and order a couple of pizza’s and that’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: Shop 2, Beach House Plaza, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith
Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has been transformed into the Coast’s king of cool.
With new bars and eateries filling every unoccupied space, quiet(er) beaches and some of the best boutique shopping around, Palmy is moving on up in the world.
As is customary, we’ve compiled a list of the top 17 reasons locals love the place.
Watson Bloom
A sweet coffee spot underneath Sable Palm Beach, Watson Bloom is serving up exceptional brews along with plenty of plant-based treats including raw goodies and banana bread made in-house plus pastries and never-ending good vibes. Pop in for an early morning brew and a chat.
Where: Sable Palm Beach, 2/1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Patty Smiths
The newest burger crew around are Patty Smiths who are serving up VERY tasty burgers, made with hand-pressed patties along with loaded fries, some of the most epic thickshakes around and just general deliciousness everywhere honestly. Perfect for beachside dinners or if you feel like something yummy but can’t be bothered cooking (us, always).
Where: Shop 15A Pavilions Shopping Centre, 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Las Palmas
Overlooking the ocean with the perfect pastel palette, Las Palmas is bringing Latin America to Palm Beach with a share-style menu, made up of mouthwatering flavours and a fresh cocktail list to match. Head in there for a Sunday arvo session or long lunch with your loves. It’ll be your new summer fave for sure.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Scottish Prince
Tucked away, all moody low-lit with wild times written all over it, The Scottish Prince, sister venue of The Cambus Wallace and is one of the best drinking holes we have here on the Coast. It’s primarily a whisky bar boasting over 300 varieties of the tasty tipple plus a perfectly complementary menu including charcuterie boards, meatballs, Scotch Fillets, fish and chips and the like. All the very best things. Get in.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Sisterhood Coffee
Sisterhood brings community-inspired good vibes to the people of Palmy. It’s the work of two local gals who are serving up impressive brunch dishes made with local produce and some of the yummiest there is. Sisterhood is bringing the coffee culture back down to earth, not charging for milks that aren’t of the full cream variety and are generally creating something pretty lovely down south Palmy way. Highly recommend.
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Farmers Markets
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach
Frida Sol
Margaritas and Mexi-eats are some of our favourite things and happily, they’re on offer at Palmy’s delightful upstairs space, Frida Sol. There’s a chilli margarita that’ll knock your socks off and if you perch outside on the deck, a balmy ocean breeze – the combination of which will remind you exactly why you live on the Gold Coast. The perfect time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Barefoot Barista
Barefoot have been a Palmy favourite since they swung open their doors in 2011. They offer the kind of nourishing, healthy homestyle eats you’d expect when you visit your fanciest friend for breaky. Think house-smoked Miso Cured Salmon and Wellbeing Porridge packed with goodness. The crew at Barefoot also serve a mean coffee, one of the best on the Coast in fact and you, friends, can purchase the tasty single origins beans to make your own.
Where: 10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Strange Days
Calling lovers of all things vintage, there’s a new kid in town and you’re going to want to head in there to peruse the goodies ASAP. The entire store has a bit of a rock ‘n roll, western vibe, reminiscent of owner Sylvie’s (enviable) style and you’ll find everything from clothes, vintage records, a few homewares, posters and the like. It’s all been carefully sourced and is in very good condition.
Where: 1/1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Pirate Park
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)
White Bohemian
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including Byron Bay labels SPELL and Arnhem and locals like Mahiya and Lokoa. It’s possibly the only place on the Coast gals can go to stock up on the bohemian trend that has literally taken over the world. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Balboa Italian
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Espresso Moto
It’s a cafe crossed with a motorbike workshop and the home of the best banana smoothies on the Gold Coast. That’s right, the best. There is not a single thing not to love about Espresso Moto from their very delicious breakfast goods (the brekky burritos are the bomb), to their use of All Press coffee and the ever-friendly staff who always say g’day. There’s also a communal dog bed and the beach is right around the corner. So yeah, it’s the best.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Suga
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ritual Yoga & Pilates
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is only a couple of years old but has already become a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Highline
One of Palmy’s sweetest coffee spots is Highline, a stunning little space decked out in pastel hues and serving up some of the very best coffee on the Coast. The menu is the goods too, boasting fresh, locally sourced produce-filled dishes like jaffles, ferment bowls and even a life-changing apple pie. Great.
Where: 5/1132 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
