We are all about the good news and sometimes we’re lucky enough to bring extra good news. Which is exactly what’s happening here.

As you’ve no doubt noticed, local venues have been forced to transform the way they operate and many of them are absolutely getting it done.

We’re being offered takeaway from places we could never get takeaway before, there’s home delivery services, in-store grocery boxes, meals you can pop in the freezer and cook yourself later, the innovation has been next level and we have never been prouder to be Gold Coasters.

Go team.

Perhaps the very best thing to come from all this pivoting is the fact that we can now also purchase takeaway tipples to go with our dinner and that is something worth celebrating (or writing about, since here we are).

New rules came into effect last week (didn’t they what) whereby venues are allowed to offer alcohol with takeaway food only and that includes bottled or canned beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink bevs, such as premixed spirits. A maximum of 2.25 litres of alcohol applies which seem like enough for one eve. Probably.

One of our favourite things to see at the moment is people who miss nights out (everyone) ordering takeaway dinners and opening up the boot of their car or sitting in the tray of their ute and devouring their dinner and drinks right outside the venue they got it from.

It’s almost (if you squint your eyes a bit) like being inside amongst the frivolity.

Anyway. There are several on board with the takeaway tipples side of things and we’ll add more as we come across them.

To begin;

The North Room in Mermaid Beach have created beautiful bento boxes, made even better with a bottle of wine or two. The boxes vary each week but recent treats have included: ‘Fremantle octopus, eggplant, lovage’, ‘Pork Jowl, rhubarb, peanuts, squash’, ‘Mud crab, bone marrow crumpet, cultured cream, salted egg yolk’, ‘Sprout, macadamia, yeast salad’ and a sweet treat of ‘PORK FAT CARAMEL WITH SEA SALT’. You can order by phone on 0468 311 003 or email [email protected]

Etsu Izakaya are offering their unrivalled Japanese dining menu along with wine and beers to make your night something extra special. It’s 20% off all takeaway at the moment and you can view the menu here.

Rabbath in Burleigh Heads serve up exceptional Lebanese food and have created a superb weekly takeaway menu that’s offered with paired beer or wine parings. View this weeks menu and order online here.

Restaurant Labart, also in Burleigh, have created a unique takeaway menu including lip smacking dishes like Confit Salmon, Quail Coq Au Vin or Chicken Parmigiana that all go perfectly with their selection of natural wines and local beers. Check out and order from their weekly menu here.

Rick Shores have reworked their menu into Ricks Tuk Shop pop-up in these unusal times. Most of their famous menu is available online and they can even deliver direct to your car out the front. While you’re in the hood, you may as well sample some of their excellent wines to go along with it. Menu is online here.

At Jimmy Wah’s you can sample a bundle of delicious goodies including a starter, main and a bottle of wine for $60. They completely sold out of their wine and dine takeaway menu this week, but stay tuned here for future selections.

For our southern friends, Tasca in Coolangatta are not only hand making some of the very freshest pasta you’ve ever sampled, they’ve also added wine to their takeaway menu. Buy already prepared or takehome to cook yourself from their Larder selection. View and order from their menu here.

So you see, there’s no reason we can’t all enjoy the local dining experiences we know and love, albeit in a slightly different way than we’re used to.

Get on board friends, it’s a good time.

Exciting news out of Ashmore today, the beloved Ashmore Tavern has recently undergone a stunning transformation you simply must see to believe.

The hidden gem has been a much-loved feature of the local community for quite some time and as of right now, there are even more reasons to head in for a modern meal and a frosty cold beverage or two.

So what exciting changes have taken place?

Get excited friends.

The newly renovated bistro area has been absolutely transformed with natural wood and dark feature wall accents, a glossy tiled bar and huge rattan pendant lights the pièce de résistance. It’s light and airy with splashes of gold and unlike others venue of its’ kind.

The eating area leads out onto the sunlit deck, which is a plant-filled oasis perfect for a relaxing drink with friends, or an after work wind down session. At night, it’s a softly lit paradise you’ll probably never want to leave.

Alternatively, you can take up a spot in the yard underneath a stunning tree that will absolutely take your breath away come nightfall.

A seasonal, ever-changing menu sees the Head Chef introducing innovative weekly meals and specials such as Crab Croquettes with beetroot hummus and Cauliflower Bombs.

One of our favourite menu items are the sharing boards including a Seafood Platter and Antipasto Board so you can gather the crew and taste test as much as possible.

If you’re in the market for a celebration, you may also do that at Ashmore Tavern. There are plenty of spaces on offer to host your event and menus can be customised or catered to your needs.

We recommend doing yourself a favour and popping into the newly revamped Ashmore Tavern to see for yourself.

Plus of course, sample a mouthwatering meal or two.

You’ll be happy you did.

LOCATION: 161 Cotlew St, Ashmore
HOURS: 10am to 3.30am Sunday to Wednesday and 10am until 5am Thursday to Saturday

Words by Kirra Smith

STORY SPONSORED BY ASHMORE TAVERN

Summer in Australia means three things; scorching heat, frosty beverages and sports. All of which compliment one another perfectly (unless you’re a player of said sports obviously), good one Oz.

Just in time for what might in fact be the hottest summer of all (don’t quote us on that) comes a brand new venue serving up all of the sports you could possibly hope to consume in one season, frosty cold beverages AND some perfectly good eats to accompany all of the above.

The Sporting Globe is the name of the exciting newbie and it can be found on The Promenade at Robina Town Centre overlooking the lake. Open as of the last few days the venue is very spacious, catering for 330 people with a pool table, centre island bar, extensive indoor and outdoor seating and a beer garden slash deck situation.

There are 50 high definition screens including two, 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so there’s absolutely no way you’ll miss a second of any of the summer sporting action.

Local Gold Coast brothers Mark and Brad Vigus have come on as franchisees to launch the Robina venue and with a strong sporting background, they’re definitely the best blokes for the job.

The premise behind The Sporting Globe is obviously a commitment to broadcasting live sport from across the globe but the venue is also very family-friendly and everyone and anyone who wants a laidback outing with good food and an even better atmosphere.

Speaking of food, the menu is a winner too. As you’d expect, a venue based on all things sport needs a menu to accompany it and The Sporting Globe has delivered.

From signature wings to loaded chicken parmis, stacked burgers and of course, healthy bowls in case you’re feeling that way inclined, everything you could possibly want is covered.

There’s also a VERY refreshing cocktail menu on offer with a few fruity faves to help beat the heat and of course, a range of tap and bottle beers (by the bucket if you please) because, sport and a nicely curated wine list if you feel a little bit fancy.

So, since summer is here and it’s practically an Aussie rite of passage to be watching all the sport and drinking all the things, The Sporting Globe is a godsend.

Go forth and get it.

LOCATION: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Words and photos by Kirra Smith