Head down to Jordy’s ASAP.
Head down to Jordy’s ASAP.
Taking a roadtrip just to visit a restaurant is a thing we absolutely used to take for granted and something we’re absolutely going to do more of from now on. Especially if said restaurant is just a short drive away but promises to be a dining experience you’ll want to have again.
The restaurant we’re here to discuss is Jordy’s in Casuarina and it’s by a few people (the creators of Tucker Casuarina) who absolutely know what’s what when it comes to creating a place that offers both a stunning setting and exceptional eats.
The space itself is laidback and beautifully put together with choices of outdoor seating within the thriving precinct of The Commons, or at the tiled bar overlooking the chefs making magic.
The menu is packed with fresh, comfort-style food and absolutely everything is sourced from the surrounding Northern Rivers area, Tweed Heads to Byron Bay so you know it’s of the highest quality. Suppliers are listed on the menu so you can see exactly where your dinner came from and send up a little thank you as you bite into each tasty morsel.
And tasty morsels they are Gold Coasters. To start, you’ll want to go with the Pork, Peppers and Pickles which is indeed a plate filled with ’Nduja, Mortadella, Piccante and Finocchiona Salumi w/ith Pecorino, Bocconcini, hot peppers, gherkins and pickled shallots. Sounds like heaven in your mouth, does it not?
There are also treats like warm, marinated olives and toasted focaccia with organic olive oil and balsamic vinegar to go along with it. The flavour combinations are unique and very special and honestly, our surrounding areas are absolute world-class when it comes to produce.
Sourdough pizzas are the main event and they are the type of pillowy, flavour-packed goodness that will render all other pizzas null and void.
The Byron Bay comes with Heirloom Tomatoes, Cashew Cheese, Artichokes, Kalamata Olives and Hemp Seed Parmesan, while the Billinudgel will see you chomping on Piccante Salumi, ’Nduja, Ricotta, Red Onion, Pickled Jalapeños, Honey and Thyme. Have you ever heard of such mouth-watering goodies? We think not.
Of course there are plenty of varieties to choose from and you’ll need to go back a few times to try them all. Which won’t be a problem.
For dessert you’ll want to try the Torte Caprese and Dulce de Leche Cream and maybe some gelato from Mermaid Beach favourites Heven-yah.
To drink, there are tinnies from both local and Australia-wide brewers and a range of white and red wines, a few Pet Nats and of course, bubbles to choose from. All Australia’s finest.
In summary, if there is one place you absolutely want to jump in the car for, it should be Jordy’s. Fresh, locally sourced produce is our absolute favourite thing and we absolutely adore venues who champion it too.
Try it for yourself, you’re gonna love it.
LOCATION: The Commons, 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina
HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 10pm
Words by Kirra Smith. Photos supplied.
Quite obviously the Gold Coast is home to a growing number of epic eateries that will keep your Instagram feed filled for the rest of time. However, sometimes it’s nice to step outside your comfort zone and taste something slightly further afield.
Upon investigation, it seems there are plenty of epic eateries just outside our pretty city that are guaranteed to knock your socks off (should you be wearing socks due to these slightly chilly temps) now that border restrictions are easing.
Also, how fun are road trips (miss you!). Grab your gang and get out on the open road, your tastebuds will thank you.
Harvest, Newrybar
Not even where to start to be honest. Harvest is THE GOODS. They weave fresh, local and organic produce into dishes that are the equivalent of Chris Hemsworth in the looks department and as tasty as anything you’ve ever eaten. Anything. Found in a renovated weatherboard cottage and with a deli, bakery and coffee shop on the premises, it’s an absolute must-visit. You need never eat elsewhere again. Where: 18-22 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar Village
The Mez Club, Byron Bay
It’s Mediterranean magic at The Mez Club with high ceilings, all of the white walls, wooden furniture and on point rattan seating and light fittings. The vibe is laidback sophistication, the food is share plate style and the cocktails are all the best things in the world. How does a Peach & Thyme Collins sound? Gin, peach liquor, fresh thyme, lemon juice and soda – it sounds like a party in your mouth does it not. GO NOW. Where: 4/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay
Federal Doma Café, Federal
It’s Japanese food in the Byron Bay hinterland and it’s some of the best you’ll ever put in your mouth. From hand-rolled salmon cones to the tastiest miso soup there is and Japanese-style burgers, you’d be crazy not to eat one of everything. The produce is fresh, there’s live music on weekends and you can sit outside under the trees, sampling stunning food and contemplating why it is you live in the city when apparently the country is where it’s at. Where: 3-6 Albert St, Federal
Mavis’s Kitchen Restaurant, Uki
Nestled at the base of the Mt Warning is a 25-acre former dairy farm, home to a relaxed country-style restaurant where as much produce as possible is sourced from the organic kitchen garden. The breakfast and a la carte lunch menus are filled with beautiful dishes that taste like your loving Grandma cooked them (if your loving Grandma is Nigella Lawson). If you over-indulge, which you will, you can stay overnight in a pretty little log cabin surrounded by sweet, sweet serenity. Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Uki
TOWN Restaurant And Café, Bangalow
It’s the quaint little town known for fresh air, mountain vibes and epic weekend markets but were you aware there is also quite a lot of good food to be taste-tested? Probably since you’re reading this, but let’s power on. TOWN is a modern, one-hatted (for their degustation) restaurant offering next-level contemporary eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cute as a button too (who decided buttons were cute). Where: 33 Byron Street, Bangalow
Spice Den, Casuarina
Oh guys, Spice Den is the business. Just 25 short minutes down the road, it’s an Asian fusion-style establishment serving share-style dishes you definitely won’t want to share though. There’s ridiculous curries, sashimi, whole snappers, scallop shooters – all of the good things. One visit is definitely not enough. Do yourself a favour and order the Grilled Spice Lamb Roti and report back (with samples if you don’t mind). Where: 9 Dianella Drive, Casuarina
Fleet, Brunswick Heads
The tiny Brunswick beauty is perhaps the most stunning venue on the NSW north coast. The ever-changing menu is made up of a series of smaller dishes, each with a focus on a few primary ingredients and each is sleek, refined and packing a flavour punch. Produce is sourced sustainably, as is the wine menu of course and there’s a degustation menu if choosing becomes too much. It’s authentic, local, incredible food that must be tasted to be believed. Where: 16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads
Words by Kirra Smith
