Tugun has won itself a tapas bar fit for all your summer sessions.
Tugun has won itself a tapas bar fit for all your summer sessions.
We have to give it to our European cousins over there on the old continent. If there is one thing they can do well, it’s getting up close and personal with incredible food, losing themselves in deep conversation and seemingly having a tomorrow-doesn’t-matter kind of attitude. One country that fits this demeanour without any hassle is Spain, particularly the enigmatic and culinary-driven northern part of the country — namely the Basque country. If you’ve paid a visit to the area, you’ll know that the region’s food, wine, and personality is a true one-off: a place you’ll always be sad to leave.
And well folks, it looks like a Gold Coast hospitality aficionado has thought our southern suburb of Tugun could do with a sprinkle of this gastronomic pedigree, alongside a slice of Spanish character for good measure. And this is the very essence of the Coast’s eye-catching newcomer, LUCIA.
Oli Frost has already brought us Burleigh’s ode to Mediterranean cuisine, Maman, admired Vietnamese fused speakeasy bar, Naami, as well as Surfers Paradise’s burger joint, Milky Lane. With the desirable southern Gold Coast in his sights, he and his team have transformed the space formerly occupied by The Craft House and created a venue that oozes Spanish charm at every turn. Mild olive green and soft crimson walls punctuate the main dining space with its cluster of low-down wooden tables and two darker banquettes at either side of the room. Black lantern-style lights give off glowy light illuminating the spattering of framed art deco-style posters. Just like any humble cantina, the attention is on bringing people close together in a fun and intimate manner where people can dig into food, slurp drinks and wave their hands to emphasise each and every point they are making. It’s the European way, after all.
However, the highlight has to be the enchanting courtyard area to the rear, which has some serious Sunday session potential. Warm terracotta hues and abundant bougainvillea flowers with small olive trees frame this picturesque wine sipping and tapas grazing arena to a tee. With the potential to seat up to one hundred people and with whispers of live music, this should be a stunning space for summer merriments.
Across the menu, care is taken to incorporate the Basque country’s gift to the world of food: pintxos. Plates of these tiny bite-sized pieces would usually garnish the tops of bars in the old country here; however, you’re given the opportunity to order as many as you want and have them served to you. Delectable bites such as Quail Egg and Jamon or Tiger Prawn and Tomato Basilico will come served up on crispy pieces of bread. Diners will also discover more tapas inspired eats and more share style plates like classic Papas Bravas with a small collection of Bocadillos (sandwiches), and for a table of four, you cannot go past the Paella De La Casa crammed full of king prawns, mussels, chicken, peas and roasted capsicum. Overall, the menu is a rustic and authentic representation of northern Spain, with some 20+ different pickled vegetables across all of the plates.
No venue of this nature would be complete without a spellbinding cocktail list. Luckily for us, expert mixologist Bree Erica has been brought in by Oli to ensure the drinks lineup is nothing short of stellar. The focus has been on bright, fresh and summery flavours with sips like the Let That Man Go offering up white rum with mango and coconut, and the Bella Spritzer is a fizzy concoction of vodka, rhubarb and lychee you can’t miss out on. And no love has been lost for one of Spain’s greatest drinks; the affable and traditional Sangria is brought lovingly to life with classic ingredients with a sprinkle of local fresh fruit. There’s care taken with a handful of delicious European and Australian wines and a star-studded array of nine different local, national, and international beers on tap.
Because northern Spain and the rest of Europe is still off the cards at the moment, we suggest you take in Tugun’s newest San Fermin and Basque country-inspired eatery when you have the chance. There’s excellent food and atmosphere in spades — and not a single bull running down the street insight.
When: Wednesday – Friday 4pm — late and Weekends noon — late
Where: 1/445 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Many would have considered this unassuming suburb as just somewhere you zipped through on your way to the airport a few years ago, but oh my, how things have changed. Now, overflowing with the kind of beachside village vibes that are highly sought after these days — and a decent collection of cafes, eateries and other reasons to part with your hard-earned cash — Tugun has well and truly come into its own. And we think you deserve to be in on this action.
So, whether you live near or far, we encourage you to give this locale some devoted time. To assist you in doing this, our gathering of reasons locals love Tugun should be more than enough incentive to make your way to this quiet and much-loved corner of our Coast.
Craft House Restaurant & Bar
Beer is the star attraction at the Craft House — the reason being there are a whopping 20 on tap. You’ll find a kaleidoscope of beer variety at your fingertips, with some exciting and not so often found guest ales displaying interesting flavours and sizeable ABVs! The relaxed pub atmosphere is the perfect spot to while away an evening with live music and great share style plates.
Where: 445 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Niche & Co
If you’re a fan of acai bowls in any shape or form, then we implore you to take a visit to this oh-so-cute hole-in-the-wall-style café. We don’t mind saying it — these guys dish up some of the best bowls on the Coast. Period. Not just this, the precious little space boasts healthy and delicious meals, cold press coffee, raw and vegan treats. Get in there for good vibes and Insta-opportunities stat.
Where: Shop 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Good Day Coffee
It’s always a good day when you’ve got a Good Day Coffee in your hand! Starting out as the prime pit-stop-grab-coffee and go kind of spot, locals now flock habitually here to caffeinate themselves for a big day ahead. You can expect all of the lip-licking goods — particularly their toasted-to-perfection toasties and one-of-a-kind Bacon & Egg Smashes — if you know, you know.
Where: 2/476 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Found Furniture
If vintage furniture and funky interiors are your things (and we know they are), look no further than Found. They specialise in imported Danish and mid-century furniture as well as one-off collectables and some contemporary homewares thrown in for good measure. We say pop in if you’re in the market for a piece that’s certain to make you the envy of all your friends.
Where: Shop 2, 471 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
House of Hubert
Sustainable, seasonable and farm to fork are words that usually describe a restaurant that produces culinary gold — and House of Hubert is no exception. Chefs take only the best local produce to create nourishing, tasty eats that are an absolute must-try. When it comes to coffee, they consistently pour the goods —always served with a smile. And as for the space, it kind of feels like home (but with better food).
Where: 5 Toolona Street, Tugun
The Welcome to the Gold Coast mural
Mural art is finding itself a steadily growing home here on the Gold Coast. Iconic pieces are helping nurture an identity beyond theme parks and beaches — and we’re all here for it. Renowned creative and mural artist Kiel Tillman is behind this wonderous heaven-sent artwork on the side of Tugun Supermarket. His skills have created a bold and iconic piece: greeting tourists arriving from the airport and something the locals are proud of.
Where: Tugun Fruit Market, Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Made Barber & Barista
Finding a great cup of joe beyond noon can sometimes be an impossible feat. Well, no more. Find yourself in Tugun and Made Barber & Barista is the place to pop into up until 3pm on weekdays for a guaranteed stellar cup of jitter juice and a chance to catch your breath. Being a barbershop set up as well, if you’re a guy out there who feels like their hair needs some love, then you’ve found the best place to receive it. Let the talented Britt do her magic on your locks — you won’t look back!
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Tugun Fruit & Flowers
If you’re yet to experience the sensory extravaganza that is Tugun Fruit & Flowers, you might want to rectify that quick smart my friend. The space has been making Tugun smell pretty since 1975 by offering the very best in beautiful flower arrangements along with a plethora of fresh juices, acai bowls, and other gift-style goods you will simply want to get your hands on.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Sticky Rice
First things first — when you decide to visit this den of divine food, we suggest you book a table. It’s so popular should you walk in and expect a table, you are likely going to be sorely disappointed. The Thai menu offers all the classics but with an ever-so-slight Australian twist, meaning all the authentic, fresh fragrant flavours are there along with local ingredients and plentiful servings. One aspect you shouldn’t overlook at this venue is their capacity to make first-rate cocktails. A Thai restaurant that makes terrific cocktails?! Yes, we know — must try!
Where: Shop 7, 443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
When you find yourself forced to take a closer look at things in life, you can be treated to sensory experiences and surprises that you weren’t even aware existed. A near-perfect example of this — and pride of place slap bang in the middle of Burleigh Heads James Street, no less — is Naami.
From first observation, you’d be in the right frame of mind to assume Burleigh has scored itself another splendid little recess churning out some incredible eats. And it has.
The rustic garage-styled shop front is sure to satisfy your Vietnamese desires with Banh Mi, Spring Rolls and Pho — all to go. The bare minimalistic décor is brought to life by polished concrete floors, neutral hues, and a parked up scrambler style motorcycle, which couldn’t look more at home than on the bustling side streets of Hanoi, Vietnam.
But this isn’t where your attention should be. Although the food served up here is nothing short of astonishing and packed full of authentic flavour, if you let your eyes do some wandering, you might notice a rather large door loitering in the corner. Give it a push, and into Naami bar you go…
Curiosity once did kill the cat, but in this instance, you’re rewarded with Burleigh’s newest speakeasy-style evening haunt. Inspired by a motorcycle trip of Vietnam, owners Ollie Frost and his dad Geoffrey decided the exotic and distinct culture of Vietnam’s back alley bar culture was called for on the Gold Coast. And we couldn’t agree more. The pair are no strangers to hospitality either owning neighbouring Mediterranean hotspot Maman and Surfers Paradise’s burger nirvana, Milky Lane.
Cocktail maestro Breeana Erica, who has cut her teeth composing cocktail lists at multiple venues around the Coast, (including Maggie Choo & The Roosevelt Lounge) is heading up the venue. When it comes to aligning flavours and uniting liquids, this young lady has got it squared right away. With 11 inventive and Asian inspired Signature Cocktails, there will be no room for boredom here. Breeana muses, “The cocktail list reflects a diverse range of flavours and spirits which will ultimately create talking points; we’re hoping for people to sit and enjoy their drinks and create exciting conversations over them”.
No doubt they will. The ‘Pav Is Mine‘ is a tip of the cap to a classic pavlova, but with lashings of vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps and a one-of-a-kind passionfruit smoke bubble you just have to see. Or perhaps a ‘Pho-Groni’ is more your thing, especially if your usual tipple is a classic negroni? The bar takes a savoury collaborative gin from Fortune Distillery and Noosa restaurant Sum Yung Guys, Campari, adds a house vermouth blend before finishing with a Port cask finished cardamon tincture. If multifaceted savours are your thing, and you want drinks that challenge your thinking as much as your tastebuds, then you’re in for a treat here.
The overall décor of the venue invites you to grab a drink, sit down, slow up, and chill out. There’s no sense of urgency here. Should you grab some food in the front shop, also feel free to bring it into the bar to have alongside one of their delectable drinks offerings — after all, this is how things are done in South East Asia!
With plans to bring DJs in on specific nights and hold themed evenings and events, Naami plans to be that sultry backstreet bar (and eats) you never knew you needed in your life.
Where: 4/57 James St, Burleigh Heads
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 5pm — 12am
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Summer is so close we can almost taste it Gold Coasters and with it comes balmy days filled with good food, refreshing sips and even better company. Then rinse and repeat every single day for three months.
There’s no doubt it’s going to be one of the best on record after the year we’ve had and what makes it even more exciting is brand new venues to enjoy all of the above in.
The latest of which is absolutely oozing summer vibes while also (kinda) making up for the lack of European holidays we’ve experienced this year.
It’s called Maman (meaning Mum) Kitchen & Bar and it opened a few weeks ago on James Street in Burleigh Heads for all of your Mediterranean feasting pleasure. And what a pleasure it is.
It’s the work of a couple of local lads whose names you’ve no doubt heard – Oli Frost, founder of The Grass is Greener Music Festival and part owner of Surfers’ burger bar Milky Lane and Ironman Matt Poole along with Oli’s Mum and Aunt, Karen and Elizabeth Fines, who are both exceptional Chefs.
Inside you’ll find a space made up of all-white everything, coastal chic at its finest, with pops of colour courtesy of Byron Bay artist Jai Vasicek’s wall-length murals and hand-painted ceramics. All of which we would love to transfer to our house right this second.
Maman can be accessed through an arched alleyway entrance in Justin Lane and we love a little outside-the-box thinking.
Now let’s discuss the menu because every single dish is one you’re going to want to sample starting with small plates like Moussaka of eggplant with seared scallops, taramasalata, tomato and fennel salsa (stop it) and Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare with preserved lemon, green olive salsa and Jerusalem artichoke crisps to name just a couple of magic treats.
Next up, there are larger plates like Lamb Kofte with hommus, cacik, Israeli salad and Turkish pide, Chermoula crusted tuna, Moroccan eggplant, tomato and coriander salsa.
Taste sensations the lot of them.
For dessert, a Fine Apple Tart with salted caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream perhaps? Yes.
To drink you may sip on signature cocktails like the Maman Spritz with watermelon reduction, ruby red grapefruit, cherry tincture and Prosecco and the Wake Up with Tromba Blanco Tequila, jalapeno pepper, fresh citrus and orange curacao.
Of course, you’ll probably want to sample every single one, as is the almost-summer way.
It’s delightful all round honestly and the absolute perfect addition to the Burleigh Heads dining scene.
Let’s get summer started right now shall we?
Meet you Maman Kitchen & Bar.
LOCATION: 49 James Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 5pm until late Wednesday to Friday and 12pm until late Saturday and Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
