Picture this: you’re 19 floors up nestled into a plush velvet booth overlooking the Broadbeach cityscape with the ocean sparkling invitingly in the background. At your back is a low-lit kitchen, the length of the restaurant, where you can watch some of the best chefs in the world working their magic.

With a glass of Ruinart champagne fizzing softly in front of you, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped off the elevator and into one of New York’s finest establishments.

Not so. Nineteen at The Star is the epitome of understated sophistication and the restaurant slash bar slash nightclub has taken the Gold Coast’s dining scene to a whole new level (the nineteenth in fact) since its recent unveiling.

The food, of course, is what we’re here to discuss and should you feel like treating yourself to an unrivalled dining experience, this is the place to do just that.

Begin with caviar because a. if you’ve never tried it before, why not start with the best and b. if you have, why not start with the best. Nineteen source their Russian Beluga Caviar sustainably through the Caviar Ambassador for Australia.

Head Chef Kelvin Andrews suggests spooning the caviar onto the back of your hand and allowing it to warm to room temperature before tasting to bring out the flavours (of which there are many). It’s a difficult experience to explain but one that you must try for both deliciousness and eating-from-your-hand-in-a fancy-restaurant purposes.

Foie Gras is a dish some of us had not had the pleasure of sampling but what a pleasure it was. Kelvin and the team serve their corn-fed, Roast Highland Duck with a hint of wasabi, sprayed with organic soy sauce and topped with an onion ghost (yes, that’s as fun as it sounds). There are snack and main options so choose your own adventure.

The Tasmanian Rock Lobster Bolognese entree has quickly become a popular dish because it’s all the good things in the world. The shell is roasted over fire for up to four days to create some incredible smoky flavours (among other techniques that ensure the utmost deliciousness). It’s a game changer, you won’t want to go past that one.

A Peking and White Duck dish is served with golden hazelnuts and while we do love all of the foods, this one was a favourite. Particularly because you can add the creamiest, tastiest mashed potato there has ever been. No exaggeration. It’s called fifty-fifty because it’s half butter and half potato. Yes. It. Is. Feed us that every day for the rest of our lives please and thank you.

Dessert lovers aren’t left out with White Chocolate and Caviar the must-try dish. Yes you read that correctly (don’t forget salted caramel was once a foreign concept too). Single origin white chocolate from Ecuador is transformed into ice cream and topped with Caviar smoked with applewood and drizzled with gold flake-infused olive oil made right here in Burleigh. Nineteen at The Star are the first venue in Queensland to boast this magical elixir and the only one on the Gold Coast. Eat it.

Sustainability and minimal wastage are the name of the game here and the team work closely with local farmers to ensure the highest quality produce is available at all times.

The bar menu is equally impressive with, of course, only the highest quality ingredients on offer.

Nineteen have also carefully selected creative cocktails with equally thought-provoking names. One of which pays homage to the Gold Coast’s Aboriginal heritage using the original name of Broadbeach Island, Loch Door. Who knew?

That’s a lot of words to describe an experience that is, quite simply, indescribable. Nineteen at The Star is elegant and refined with every single detail perfectly executed.

World-class dining, right here on the Gold Coast, what’ll they think of next.

(Love you fifty-fifty).

LOCATION: Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Dr, Broadbeach
HOURS: From 12pm Wednesday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

If there is one thing we Gold Coasters can get ourselves around, it’s a lively and welcoming open-air venue that offers you abundant opportunities to drink, eat, and socialise in — let’s be honest with ourselves here — some of our country’s finest weather. Our southern neighbours may have some stellar al-fresco establishments — however, they can’t match our climate. Should you consider yourself a fully-fledged aficionado of rooftop action, then we suggest you read on, as Nobby Beach welcomes the exciting new arrival of Tropic Vice.

For those with a keen eye and good memory, you’ll notice the venue has taken over the space of much-lauded Split and Fat Pig. Some things just aren’t meant to last forever. And with summer only just around the corner, Tropic Vice has sidestepped perfectly into the fold as the place to sip and graze your way through long summer afternoons without a care in the world.

In prime position over the Nobby Beach dining hub, the venue boasts unparalleled views towards the hinterland whilst catching refreshing sea breezes from the ocean only two blocks away — all up, the positioning is one of a kind. The styling and décor are a clever admixture of East and West Coast America — Florida Keys meets California’s Coachella Valley — with gushes of eye-catching fluorescents and clean white accents throughout.

The space finds itself divided into three different sections with a central grassed area for mingling, high side tables ideal for grabbing some shade and taking in some food, whilst a raised deck area backed by neon lights presents the chance to relax and take in all the action. Tying it all together are palm fronds, plants, and calming notes of greenery: a subtle reminder of the lush sub-tropical setting we get to call home!

Whilst the ambience and aesthetic may have distinct roots in North America, the food menu hinges itself entirely on the big fresh and zesty flavours of South America with a peppering of Caribbean influences thrown in there too. Start things off with Fresh White Fish Ceviche, be it Snapper, Kingfish or Swordfish, before tucking into hearty Tacos with fillings such as Achiote Pulled Pork or Marinated Jackfruit. If you’re tackling a big hunger, then dishes from the grill like Chilli Garlic Prawns with fresh mango salsa and seared Flank Steak with Argentina’s famous Chimichurri sauce should have you covered.

The cocktail offering is no doubt a place most people will skip to — and you can’t be blamed. The list is divvied into the subheadings of Signatures, Slushies, and a dedicated Tropic Margaritas section. Amongst the house designed libations, you’ll come across the Tropic Martini: lashings of vodka meets passionfruit, mint, and pomegranate. All expertly shook into a frosty glass for your sipping pleasure.

As good as the liquid refreshments already sound, it doesn’t stop there. By partnering up with Mumm and Perrier-Jouët Champagnes, Tropic Vice will be offering two exciting ways to sip champagne without seriously hurting your pocket. The first is an in-the-works Bottomless Brunch which will feature several dishes and unlimited Mumm Champagne. Designated for Sundays, you’ll need to keep an eye out for when they get this one underway.

The second will be available at any time, consisting of a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque and a dozen of the freshest shucked oysters served natural or with a tantalising diced watermelon and Jamaican vinegar dressing. At a modest $120, this little deal will go down a treat between a few friends or a couple enjoying themselves on a lazy afternoon!

The venue will be open from Friday 1st October and will be providing live DJs Friday – Sundays each week with sets playing from 4pm till late. The hot season isn’t quite here yet, but with a high chance of glorious weather coupled with the always buzzing vibes of Nobby Beach as a backdrop, it looks like Tropic Vice is making a strong case for summer coming early this year.

Where: Upstairs 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Hours: Opening Friday 1st October 2021
Wednesday/Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday-Sunday 12pm – 10pm.

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Sipping a cocktail in sophisticated surroundings on an elevated balcony with dazzling views of a world-class skyline might sound like you’d frequent in international cities. But hold that thought. Because as of now, it is a firm reality on the Gold Coast with the exciting new opening of HOTA Gallery’s Exhibitionist Bar!

There has been much excitement around the opening of HOTA’s new multi-million-dollar attraction for some time, fully cementing the Gold Coast’s legitimate claim as an arts hub here in Australia. Arts aside though, this beautifully fitted out bar nestled on the 5^th floor with unhindered views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and our beloved hinterland, is set to become your new favourite drinks and tapas hangout.

The space is the ideal scene — at any time of the day — to mull over and discuss the pieces of artwork you’ve just seen and enjoy a drink. Take note: should you have any out-of-towners coming to visit and you feel the burning need to impress them with what we have here, this must be on your list.

As there are no other buildings like it nearby, the terrace area of the bar takes in an entirely new perspective of Surfers Paradise from a raised north-westerly perspective. And even if you’ve lived here for years, it is guaranteed to still impress. While the view is spectacular at any time, we highly recommend visiting at sunset for a colourful light show like no other.

The drinks offering is an incredibly thought-out affair headed up by Bar Manager Tom Angel. Tom’s a Gold Coast veteran when it comes to conceiving and pouring only the finest alcoholic libations (you may be familiar with his previous work at Fig + Frankie’s, Old Tom or Kiyomi). In conjunction with the gallery and like Palette, his cocktail list mirrors and complements the art installations. Meaning once you have taken note of your favourite piece of art, you can then head upstairs and drink its cocktail equivalent.

Expect big and complex flavours from signature drinks like the tequila-based Cloud Drive and vodka-based Steal the Sunshine. The connection to art pieces is both complex and exciting, to say the least. In the menu, you will find a description revealing how the drink was envisaged and came to be — providing excellent replay value and painfully forcing your hand to come back and try them all!

Classic and new world wines join house-made sodas and local craft beers to round out an impressive selection to quench your thirst.

Taking in all this culture will no doubt put you on your way to feeling hungry. But be assured the sophisticated tapas-style snack menu is something to behold. Grazing your way through the afternoon has never been so easy with a glass of champagne in hand and a Soft-Shell Australian Bay Lobster Roll, or perhaps a crisp white wine and the Oven-Roasted Gold Coast Prawns with Finger Lime, served in Foraged Beach Leaves. There’s also the fanciest of sausage rolls and pies you just have to try. Ideal for those with a more classic taste!

Like the gallery installations, the food and drinks menu will change and evolve over time to work in harmony with the art and its associated themes. Nothing will remain stationary here, and much like our beloved city will be a continued evolution — for all the senses!

Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Hours: Seven days 10am – 10pm (Fri & Sat till midnight)

Words by Alex Mitcheson.