Ah May, the month when we’re officially on the downhill slide into winter and the scantily clad poolside hangs are temporarily switched out for fully clothed and cozy catch ups. Living in this beautiful part of the world, we only have cooler weather for a blink-and-you-miss-it snippet of time, so seize the moment coz it’s seriously just that – a moment! Treat yo’self to a cute new jacket, enjoy your makeup actually staying on your face, and lock in some fun at places which embrace the change of season. The Star Gold Coast is your one stop shop for winter-friendly entertainment and trust us – it’s all that and some!

Wine & Cheese Evening
If there was ever a match more perfect than Bennifer, this is it. The ultimate first winter warmer event of the season, Garden Kitchen & Bar invites us all to gather at sunset with mulled wine and firepits on Thursday 2nd June for an indulgent food and wine experience on The Lawn – and we accept! This all-inclusive event features wine stalls and tastings from a variety of premium local and international wineries – think rosé, chardonnay, sparkling, gris, pinot noir, shiraz and more, all paired to perfection with a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and roaming canapes. Taste your way through locally and imported cheese, served with quince paste, falwasser, lavosh, and fresh and dried fruit. Feast on San Danielle prosciutto and tartufo salami individually served with pickled figs, giardiniera and artisan bread, plus cured meats, pickled vegetables and olives with grana Padano. And when you’re looking for more lining in that stomach, there’s Milly Hill lamb cutlets wrapped in vine leaves with cumin spiced yogurt, Parmigiano Reggiano risotto with fresh chives, and truffled mac n cheese to soak up the grapes. We. Are. So. There.

There’s even a live performance from ‘Mr Entertainment’ GC himself, Danny Faifai. This legend knows how to get a crowd in dance-mode, playing all your fave high energy hits and flexing his redonkulously impressive vocal range. Tickets to this 2 hour bottomless event are $120pp and can be purchased here.

Azure Spa & Fitness – Absolute Renewal Ritual
Throughout May, get your pamper on with an extra special spa experience! Enjoy 2 hours of pure bliss with their Absolute Renewal Ritual offering which includes an energy restoring massage followed by a customised Skinovage facial. Focussed on obtaining total body harmony, you’re guaranteed to have your tension and tightness totally melted away. The package is just $280pp and strictly available until 31^st May. What are you waiting for? Book here!

Mark Vincent and Mirusia – Together In Concert
Huddle up in comfort at The Theatre on Saturday 14^th May, and witness two of Australia’s most loved classical crossover artists join forces! Internationally acclaimed sensations Mark Vincent and Andre Rieu’s ’Angel Of Australia’ and Leading Soprano Mirusia will perform songs from your fave hit musicals and their new show ’From London’s West End To Broadway Orchestrated’. Tickets are $89.90pp and can be snapped up here.

Elvis – If I Can Dream
Also in The Theatre, it’s time to get all shook up on Saturday 21^st May, with world-class Elvis tribute artist Mark Anthony. Experience the iconic music, the costumes, the emotion and the unmistakable energy! Tickets are $79.90pp and can be purchased here. 

Touch Sensitive (DJ Set)
If he’s good enough to collab with Flume and tour with Flight Facilities, we’re sold. Head to The Lawn on Saturday 28^th May for this triple threat’s winning combo of 80’s sky-high falsetto, floor-filling disco and the rhythmic dynamism of his frenetic live performances. Entry is free but if you need more reasons to be sold (as if), find more info here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout May. Wine & Cheese Evening Thursday 2^nd June.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

There’s only one thing better than a solid Sunday sesh or a State of Origin game, and that’s a solid Sunday sesh and a State of Origin game t.o.g.e.t.h.e.r! Better yet, imagine if this unicorn duo were to join forces at our fave good-times destination and wait, they are, so grab your mates (only the Maroon supporters thanks) and head for The Star Gold Coast. Oh and PS, they do a darn good hump day State of Origin too, with game 3 on Wednesday 13^th of July also set to ‘knock on’ with more cheers (as in cheering) and cheers (as in tapping glasses) than anywhere else on the GC!

Sports Bar
Calling all Maroons super fans (the blue ones can lick their wounds elsewhere) at the Coast’s fave sports bar, the, well Sports Bar at The Star! With lovable larrikin Big Trev of Hot Tomato (and Big Brother) fame MC’ing, awesome prize giveaways and a sneaky ex footy legend or two making an appearance, we’re banishing you to the sin bin if you go anywhere else!

It goes without saying that where there’s rugby, there’s beer – and your thirst will be well and truly quenched. To soak up those amber ales, they’re cooking up super special $20 QLD and NSW Burgers and we are all about these. Tuck into the QLD Burger with a buttermilk fried chicken breast and charred pineapple, topped with tomato, red onion, lettuce, cheese and chipotle mayo served on a milk bun with fries. If you do support the blues, the chefs have you covered as the least they could do is whip up a delish burger to help soften the blow of losing…AGAIN. The NSW Burger is an Angus Beef patty with king prawn remoulade, buttercrunch lettuce and chipotle mayo served on a milk bun with fries. We’d almost defect for this. But…not.

Or, just book a booth with your mates so you don’t miss a single kick, pass or tumble. They are $950 and if you have a group of say ten peeps, that’s just $95 each for VIP viewing, a $450 bar tab and two All-Star Platters including 500g chicken wings, salt and pepper calamari, onion rings, chips, and two pizzas of your choice. Score!

The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar
The legendary Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar always delivers cool vibes and quality live entertainment, and Origin games two and three are no exception.

Don your party pants and bop along with McKenzie Band for the ultimate Sunday Sesh for game two, ‘kicking off’ from 3pm. If you’re also planning on making an appearance for game 3 on Wednesday 13 July, well done you because DJ Dezaster will be mixing up some epic bangers from 6pm kick off.

You’ll also be able to say hi to local fave radio veteran Paul ‘Galey’ Gale who will be hosting and geeing up the crowd as only he can. Plus, order some insta-licious cocktails and fill up on delectable eats from Container Kitchen. We’re talking Moreton Bay Bug Rolls with butter poached locally caught bug tail and pickled vegetables on a brioche bun just to give you a taste of what’s on offer. And if you really want to do it in style (our kinda jam), reserve a picnic table right in front of the big screen! To book, lay down a $200 pre-payment, which pretty much means your premium viewing rights are free, with that moolah going straight towards an eats and drinks credit for your table. So much yes we can barely deal.

For booth bookings at Sports Bar, picnic table reservations at The Lawn, or more information on all things Origin at The Star, head to The Star’s website. Oh and dress code: strictly maroon!

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Sunday 26 June & Wednesday 13 July

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practices the responsible service of alcohol.

What do the Italians do on a Saturday afternoon? Pretty sure they get together with their famiglia and friends, whip up some epic eats (#LongLiveTheCarb) and if there are bubbles involved, I bet they’re there in a pro-secco. We are not Alfredo to admit that we heart all things Italian, especially a long lunch fuelled with mouth-watering Italian cuisine. So, when we heard Cucina Vivo at The Star Gold Coast are set to host a Dal Zotto Prosecco Long Lunch, words could not express how excited we were.

This exclusive eat-and-bubbles-a-thon is taking place on Saturday 26^th November, so if you have anything planned, cancel it immediately coz the FOMO factor is real here. For $95 per person (plus Eventbrite fees), you’ll be perched in prime position overlooking the pristine pool whilst indulging in a 3-course share style Italian degustation, and a 2.5-hour Dal Zotto beverage package. Dal Zotto is King Valley winery’s flagship prosecco, and Dal Zotto Pucino is its little sister and folks, she has inherited the family wow factor. With hints of apple and pear, she brings out the best in the array of carefully curated dishes.

Let the journey begin with a selection of authentic antipasti, including house made pesto, olives, buffalo mozzarella, lemon-scented goats curd and Caprese salami, San Daniele prosciutto, and more. Then it’s time for something more substantial and the amazing Pizzaiolo Fabio has got your tastebuds sorted. Let’s start from the top-ping coz what kind of person doesn’t like pizza? A weir-dough, that’s who. We’re talking seasonal speciality Pizza made with an incredible recipe handed down from Nonna, and you just know anything endorsed by a Nonna is going to be next level. You’ll also indulge in Semolina Dusted Loligo Squid, and Truffle and Mushroom Arancini which reminds us, why does the mushroom always get invited to the party? Because he’s such a-fungi!

We’re not done though because we still need to unpack dessert and you ‘cannoli’ be happy once you’ve ended with the ultimate drool-worthy handmade finisher. You guessed it, it’s Cannoli, a decadent tubed pastry filled with whipped ricotta, citrus and pistachio, and it’s to dine for!

All this deliciousness, combined with warm, hearty Italian hospitality and accompanied by sensational live entertainment will not only transport you to the back streets of Southern Italy, but make for a fun-filled Saturday arvo with your loved ones. Belissima! Limited tickets are available so don’t miss the boat.

Get booking here! And no dilly-dallying, this event is notorious for selling out. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Where: Cucina Vivo, at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Dr, Broadbeach
When: 12pm – 2.30pm, Saturday 26^th November

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.