New European-style eats for Broadbeach.
New European-style eats for Broadbeach.
If you’ve been feeling as though you don’t have enough European excitement in your life a. you’re not alone and b. better days are here.
GG’s Bar & Eatery opened last week (in what seemed like record timing), taking up the space where Grocer and Grind was once found.
The chic venue’s name is a nod to the former tenant but the space has taken on a whole new vibe that we just know you’re going to love.
Taking up the entire corner block, GG’s brings European glamour unlike anything the Coast has seen before. Think exposed brick walls with photographic portraits inset, red booth style seating in one corner and dark timber high tables in another and more greenery than your Grandmas house cascading from the ceiling.
Gold shelving and signage complete the most sophisticated of pictures and stacks of old books are the final adornment to cement our undying love.
Bright, natural light floods in from all directions but the crew have also managed to create a low lit, moody vibe around the bar. It’s lovely to say the least.
The menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is a mix of all the best foods out of Europe and we will certainly be returning every day until we’ve sample everything.
The Cauliflower Falafels are an absolute delight to behold (and consume) and come decked out with heirloom tomatoes, zucchini ribbons, smoked yoghurt, beetroot hummus and a poached egg.
Of course there are pizzas (hallelujah) and, appearing on the menu in Italian, you know they’re the goods.
Definitely sample the Gamberetto because it’s a shaved potato and rosemary base with garlic prawns, cherry tomatoes, fior di latte, Parmesan and dill and it is so good.
There are two varieties of pizza at GG’s, the first is thin-based and oval shaped and the second is your traditional round pizza with a thicker base. Good luck choosing.
If you’re after something fresh and nourishing go for a nourish bowl. The Protein Power is pretty as a picture and made up of smoked chicken, chimichurri, white beans, grilled corn, cos lettuce, red quinoa, pickled fennel, a hard-boiled egg and pomegranate. We heard cries of “this is amazing” from the table over the way.
The dinner menu is an entirely different story and one we’ll bring to you at a later date but rest assured the eats are equally good.
Of course, the cocktail menu doesn’t disappoint with many a European inspired tipple gracing the pages. We recommend the Strawberry Lane with Belvedere vodka, strawberry, lemon, mint and soda.
Word on the street is this place has been absolutely packed since opening day so if you don’t believe in us (mean), believe in the power of the people.
LOCATION: 1/1 Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach
HOURS: Monday and Tuesday, 6am to 3pm and Wednesday to Sunday from 6am until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
A fresh new venue is always good news but what’s even better is when that fresh new venue is by a group of people who have delivered such a thing time and time again.
Get excited Gold Coasters, The Gennari Group is back with a new addition to the Broadbeach dining scene, this time in the form of modern Asian venue Maggie Choo.
She’s the girl everybody wants to know, bright and cool, serving up tasty eats, some of the most unique cocktails around and of course, bulk good vibes.
Find her on Surf Parade, right next door to Broadbeach institution Koi Dining (one of The Gennari Groups many babies), with music pumping and neon lights aplenty.
Now you’ll probably hear Maggie Choo before you see her, a sign by the bar reads “if the music is too loud, you’re too old” and yes Maggie, we may just be but we’re coming anyway because there are many things to love about this place.
At the front, you’ll find high tables perfect for people watching and sipping many a frosty tipple but inside is where the magic happens.
A Cherry Blossom tree has been placed in the centre of the room and from that tree, millions of flowers grow up and out across the ceiling.
Paper umbrellas line the roof of a room at the back and there’s sleek, Asian-inspired artworks featured on porthole-esque windows.
Part of the kitchen is open, so you can watch the crew doing their thing and there are a few more neon signs placed throughout.
The whole effect is very impressive and the perfect spot for snapping all of the Insta content.
Now onto the menu that is made up of VERY fresh Asian dishes.
Start with the Thai Beef Tataki, Kingfish/Tuna Sashimi or the delectable Gado Gado that you absolutely must try!
Of course, the Honey Chicken Wings (with bush honey, yuzu and furikake) always go down a treat.
Moving onto the small plates like Indonesian Fritters, Prawn and Crab Dumplings, Bug Rolls and a range of Baos too.
Don’t visit without sampling the Tom Kha Curry which is made up of Moreton Bay Bugs, Prawns, Coconut and Kaffir Lime.
It’s perfectly balanced and the seafood is fresh and it’s well, perfect honestly.
There’s also banquet menu’s available for when you just can’t decide so Maggie will choose for you, the Tease is $45pp or Luxe for $55pp and vegans don’t miss out either, with an array of dishes available.
Cocktail-wise, expect some very interesting, very yummy sips including My Bubbles – an adult bubble tea – and Head in the Clouds (serves four), which is made up of all the watermelon things plus cherry things and look, just taste it.
They’re all amazing though, stay awhile and taste them all.
If you’re in need of a good time, laden with tasty eats and some of the best sips around, Maggie Choo is your girl.
Opening Wednesday 16th September.
LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos By Kirra Smith
Here’s some happy news for you and the Gold Coast in general. Beloved Broadbeach institution Koi Dining & Lounge Bar have reopened after a few weeks spent completely transforming the look, menu and general vibe of the space.
After an absolutely huge 13 years of operation the Koi team, led by Patrik Gennari, decided it was time to create something bigger, better and fresher and so here we are to discuss it.
The sleek, new design boasts quite the coastal feel with a combination of wood, stone, marble, copper and cane textures. The space has almost doubled in size with the back wall removed to reveal an open kitchen. There’s a casual bar section at the front and both sit down alfresco and indoor dining areas throughout the venue.
The ceiling is one of the most stunning aspects of the space with woven lights by homewares extraordinaires Three Balls Red grouped together to create a beautiful visual effect.
It’s all very open and inviting and the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a delightful dining experience with the crew.
Speaking of dining experiences, let’s chat about the menu which is all new everything too.
Spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is on quality produce with an array of flavours and we would like to eat every single dish possible.
For breakfast, there’s things like Ricotta Pancakes and Salmon Rosti, Pina Colada Bircher and Crab Scramble and of course, a menu specifically designed for the kids.
At lunchtime, the woodfired pizza oven is cranking out flavours like San Danielle, Vegetarian and Wagyu and they’re all some of the best looking pizzas around.
For dinner, start with a Chargrilled Marinated Octopus and then move onto a Chargrilled Premium Beef with a side of Truffle Mash Potato perhaps.
There’s also an array of signature cocktails that you simply must sample and of course, a wide range of wines, beers and spirits.
To sum up, Koi Dining and Lounge Bar is like a whole new venue and one you’re going to want to test out at the earliest available opportunity.
We love.
LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: Open from 7am until late daily
That’s the invitation of Broadbeach’s newest swoon-worthy watering hole and diner, The Loose Moose whiskey bar and restaurant. The brainchild of Patrick Gennari (owner of both Koi and Glass Dining & Lounge Bars), The Loose Moose is centrally located under the Oasis, next to Hatch & Co. and offers a seriously sophisticated setting, in contrast to its kooky moniker.
Inside Gold Coast recently popped in for a bite and we absolutely loved it – mounted moose head and all! Here’s five reasons why we think you’ll love it too!
The Loose Moose has splashed out on some seriously impressive digs. In fact, it could be the most well executed, themed fit out we’ve seen on the coast in a while. Channelling antique steampunk in spades, you’ll want to examine every charming nook and selfie-inducing cranny of this venue.
It’s the little details that make the difference here – the walls are adorned with bespoke copper pipe lighting, cool clocks and vintage photos. Cabinets showcase beautifully preserved, near century-old antiques, while needle gauges in front of the kitchen give you that ‘olde worlde, engine room vibe’, putting you in mind of a time when trains were powered by steam and the moonshine was fierce.
Seating for 140 patrons comes in a perfect mix of robust leather booths and swanky bar stools. There’s even a nifty crank-turn communal table that can be lowered for group dining, or raised for evening cocktails and tapas.
The statement (and sure to become legendary) taxidermy moose head behind the bar is a decor focal point, but it’s the radiant lighting that steals the show. The ceiling radiates orange light behind giant fans and coal orange metal barrels bathe the restaurant in what feels like a fireside glow.
The venue’s only a week old, but you’d never know. The Loose Moose runs like it’s been there for years, with speedy service offered by well turned out staff, who wear a mix of suspenders, hats, fringe skirts, and sparkle headbands.
We spoke with Manager, Adam, who says he hopes The Loose Moose will develop into a bar akin to ‘Cheers’, where patrons and staff are on a first name basis and feel like The Loose Moose is their second home.
Not too an ambitious of a goal, especially when you have a dedicated whiskey cabinet, where patrons’ personal bottles are safely locked up and proudly on display behind the host stand. When their respective owners’ pop in for a drink, the barkeep supplies glasses, rocks and accoutrements for you and your guests.
Finally, electroswing tunes finish off 1920s vibe, putting you in the mood for a suitably stiff drink.
Bar manager, Billie Jean ‘The Whisky Queen’ has done her homework when it comes to stocking the bar. The brick walls are lined with 130 whiskeys, 30 rums, 20 gins, 60 bottled beers, plus a large selection of vodka, cognac, tequila, wine and 15 beers on tap. Phew!
The cocktails resulting from all this exotic liquor are outstanding. For example, rather than a plain ole’ Old Fashioned (Mad Men fans will be more than familiar with this cocktail), why not try a new twist on the old favourite, with a date, apricot, or fig version?
That’s The Loose Moose’s promise, so if you’ve been craving Buffalo Wings or some other naughty North American indulgence, go crazy and keep a relatively clear conscience, or stick with your diet and enjoy something equally delicious, yet light, like their range of tapas or gourmet salads.
All the traditional American favourites are here, served with a grandiose flourish. Like their Captain America Dawg; a huge double smoked brockwurst with jack cheese, pickle mayo, ketchup, mustard, and tangy slaw. The Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try too, as is the Mac and Cheese with smoked cheese and chorizo, the range of chargrilled burgers and melt in your mouth smoked ribs.
Head Chef Michael Dragosevic told us he thinks the Volcanic Ass Burner wings are the hottest on the Coast. If you disagree, be sure to let him know. He has an arsenal of Carolina Reaper Chilli’s (the hottest chilli in the world), and is happy to make your serve ‘hotter than hell’, if that’s what blow your hair back.
As the neon sign by the kitchen says, all menu items are available for takeaway too, so if eating loaded fries on the couch is your thing, you can totally do it. Hooray!
Fancy a breakfast hotdog or red velvet pancakes to get your day off to a tasty start? Your wish is The Loose Moose’s command! It’s open from 7am till late, 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a win-win-win in our book – we love a place you know will be open basically any time you need to chow down.
“Let’s get loose at ‘The Moose!’” is bound to be the phrase on every Gold Coaster’s lips soon. We called it here first! Be it for eggs, or a late night whiskey, The Loose Moose is definitely a place you need to check out.
Hours: 7 days. 7am till Late for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (All items also available for take away)
Location: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Phone: (07) 561 323 56
Website: http://www.theloosemoose.com.au
Copy: Camilla Jones
Photography: Marleigh Kelly
