By the people behind Spice Den, Osteria and Taverna.
By the people behind Spice Den, Osteria and Taverna.
There is absolutely no doubt that all things Mexican are good things. Colour-filled spaces, tacos, margaritas, sombreros, the list is endless and so is our love for all of it. Which is why it brings us all of the happiness to announce a brand new Mexican cantina that’s moving into Casuarina as we speak (type) and it’s set to be an absolute beauty.
Brought to us by the clever culinary folks behind Spice Den, Osteria and Taverna (all found in Casuarina and Kingscliff), Lolita’s Mexican Cantina is set to open on April 2nd in the Casuarina Complex, soon to be rebranded as Greenspace with a whole new look and community meeting space situation.
Michelin-star executive chef Matt Kemp will lead the Lolita’s team, introducing a level of Mexican fare the region has yet to experience.
Let’s chat about the interior first though because Mexican venues are really something else when it comes to curating a good time dining vibe. Lolita’s is no exception, intimate and colourful with nearly 1,000 plants, colourful mosaic tiles, earthy terracotta tones and a very ‘grammable pink door, it sounds like the absolute dream to us.
Drinking and dining-wise, modern Mexican modern fare including specialty cocktails and signature margaritas from Thursday to Sunday will be the name of the game.
Bold flavours, fresh share plates and locally sourced produce will be emphasised with a vibrant menu curated by head chef Armando Enriquez Icaza. There’ll be a variety of flavoursome and authentic Mexican dishes rooted in tradition with a contemporary twist – think Cochinita Pibil (succulent, slow-cooked pork neck marinated with achiote paste, orange juice and fragrant spices, served in a taco), Australian Bay Lobster ceviche, and street-style Mexican churros paired with chile and smoked chocolate mousse. YUM.
The entire menu is absolutely mouthwatering and you’ll definitely need to wear your stretchy pants for this one.
Of course, there’ll be an impressive tequila list, as well as a generous banquet menu at $39 per person. Who doesn’t want to indulge in an epic Mexi-banquet? Nobody, that’s who.
All of that combined makes for a vibrant, modern injection into the local dining scene and we are absolutely here for it.
Mark April 2nd in your diary Gold Coasters, Lolita’s is going to bring us some very good times.
LOCATION: 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina
HOURS: TBC
Words by Kirra Smith. Photos by Kristy Mason Photography.
Hospitality scenes throughout the world have undoubtedly been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, particularly amid lockdowns and restrictions. Some venues disappeared, others buckled down and lived to fight another day, and some new venues managed to not only open but go off with a bang. Enter, The Burrow.
An easy-going bar with great cocktails on Cabarita Beach’s main street feels like it has been a long time coming for locals and for those who like to flock to the southern gem habitually.
Sure, the local trusty surf club and pub are both options, but what The Burrow offers is some carefully curated and inventive cocktails, appetizing food and good old-fashioned friendly rural charm.
Upon entry, you’ll see proudly hung on the wall of the bar a 1960s black and white aerial photograph of Cabarita Beach right next to a car license plate from Alberta, Canada; which once belonged to a Winnebago used to travel across North America. The space aims to combine the past and present, old and new with a big emphasis on solely bringing people together to connect over quality drinks and food.
Grab a stool by a tall old wine barrel now acting as your tabletop, or slip into a secluded and snug booth where the sea breezes from Cabarita Beach will keep you refreshed as you work your way through a neatly put together drinks list. International favourites join locally made spirits from Husk, Brookies, and Stoken to deliver tasty refreshments.
You’ll also see some local brews — such as Earth Brewery — on tap and a comprehensive offering of differing wines from around our fair and lucky country. We strongly suggest you don’t go past one of Maggie’s Margaritas in Classic, Go Coconuts or our favourite Her Friend Chilli with house infused jalapeno syrup and a lip-smacking chilli salt rim.
Food-wise the food styling sits somewhere between Mexico and the Middle East with spicy, zesty fresh flavours in abundance. The Pita This & That Share Plate with house-made falafels is the perfect answer for a few hungry fingers to do some dipping and perhaps warm-up for some further eats.
A dedicated section to Signature Pockets, a nod to Lebanese cuisine, will have you tossing up between the five different delicious fillings such as the Lambo, slow-cooked Greek spiced lamb or El Cerdo, BBQ pulled pork. Can’t decide? Why not get both? And don’t forget to test everyone’s favourite: the Twisty Potato Fries! served with jalapeno mayo and BBQ bourbon sauce — Drool!
We highly recommend taking the time to commute over the border and dive into The Burrow for a drink and bite to eat, away from it all.
Where: 1/36 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach
When: Tuesday-Saturday noon — 10pm & Sunday noon — 8pm
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
