Spice up the winter season at JW Marriott Gold Coast.
Spice up the winter season at JW Marriott Gold Coast.
If your idea of winter involves eating your way through the season in five-star comfort, then do we have a hot tip for you (pun very much intended)! From seafood spreads, Thai food by the fire and Japanese delicacies, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is dishing up all the cosy vibes for those of us that want to see winter out in a food coma.
This season, as part of Citrique’s Chef Spotlight Series, JW Marriott welcomes Thai culinary talent Chef Aony Poolpipat to the Gold Coast. Straight from The Siam Room at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, he’s bringing his bold, aromatic Thai flavours and recipes, many passed down from his grandmother, for an authentic Thai experience that will warm hearts (and bellies).
During the week, the à la carte menu features signature dishes like Pad Thai Goong, Red Snapper Curry, and Lamb Shank Massaman. It’s like a trip to the streets of Bangkok, minus the jet lag.
On weekends, things spice up even further with a Thai-infused buffet featuring Tom Yum Goong, Khao Soi Curry, Mango Sticky Rice and more.
Now let’s dive a little deeper into the buffet, shall we? Citrique has rolled out a $99 Seafood & Grill special that’s basically a warm hug for your tastebuds. We’re talking Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, and a meat carvery with all the trimmings, plus Chef Aony Poolpipat’s Thai dishes and a dessert station you’ll need a separate stomach for.
Join the feast Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm, or Sunday lunch from 12pm, with flowing mimosas and live entertainment adding a little extra sparkle to your Sunday session.
Over at Chapter & Verse bar and lounge, winter’s feeling extra fancy with Chef Aony Poolpipat putting his special touches on the Chapter & Verse menu. Until July 31, you and your crew can tuck into Lemongrass Chicken Skewers, Moo Ping BBQ Pork Skewers, Prawn Cakes and Vegetable Spring Rolls.
On Saturdays, things get smoky in the best way. The Chapter & Verse Flaming Flavours BBQ is back, firing up juicy grilled goodness out on the terrace. Pair that with live entertainment and you’ve got yourself the ultimate winter weekend session that’s worth coming out of hibernation for.
If it’s dinner and a show you’re after, head up to Misono on level three, where Japanese tradition meets Gold Coast flair across three distinct spaces – teppan dining, a live sushi bar and a whisky bar with hinterland views. Expect flying rice, sizzling theatrics and precision knife work.
Get ready for a sizzling show where the knives flash, the flames dance, and now, your entrée is on the house!
From Tuesday to Thursday evenings from 5:30pm, you’ll score a complimentary entrée when dining from the teppanyaki banquet menu when you enter the codeword ‘MISONO’ when making your booking.
Choose from Torched Salmon Nigiri, Chicken & Avocado or Salmon & Avocado Sushi Rolls, Chicken Karaage or Edamame. Yes please.
Heads up: Offer not available with any other promotion.
Warning: a food coma after your meal is highly likely, and if you’re anything like us (we know you are!), you’ll want to find a doona to tuck under stat. Extend your evening and stay the night in luxury at the JW Marriott Gold Coast. Drift into sweet dreams on plush bedding and 5-star luxury, waking up refreshed and ready for the day (and the breakfast buffet).
To find out more about JW Marriott’s dining delights and to book a table, click here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Various activations until 31st July
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. Although many of our neighbouring states and cities may have once turned their noses up at the GC dining landscape, sir, times are a’changin!
This year, a whopping 26 of our fave local eats destinations scored at least one hat, and we are proud as punch! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20. No restaurant has yet achieved the holy grail of a perfect score.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with eight venues receiving hats, including BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar, which debuted on the list this year with a score of 13. Social Eating House and Bar (13) also made the list with fellow Oracle Boulevard residents Mamasan Kitchen + Bar, (13), kōst (12) and Orzo (12).
Of course, a couple of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs, including Japanese sensation Kiyomi (14) and Modern Australian go-to for a fancy night out Nineteen at the Star (13).
Rounding up Broady’s winners are grinners list with a score of 13 is long standing steak restaurant, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill.
Moving slightly south to Mermaid Beach and boutique dining superstar The North Room scored a whopping 15, while the beloved Little Truffle has scored 14 and esteemed Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya earned a 13.
Euro-inspired newcomer Juju brought a whole new level of fun and flavour to Mermaid in October and made its debut with a score of 12, as did The Oxley’s sizzling new addition, Lars.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets. Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 14.
Now let’s talk Burleigh and again, there are a few to unpack here. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian cuisine. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s, Kin and newcomer LIMLAY Thai Street Food & Bar all scoring 12.
Hidden gem, La Bella Cellar also got a well deserved nod (13).
Daniel Ridgeway’s new Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 12.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, who proudly scored 16, earning them the highest score and making them the first three hatted restaurant on the Gold Coast.
The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.
Neighbouring Main Beach’s modern Australian waterfront venue La Luna scored a 12.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons
If there’s one thing Executive Chef Paul Smart knows, it’s how to serve up pure culinary magic—both in the kitchen and across the Gold Coast’s thriving food scene. With an impressive career spanning world-class hotels, a victorious stint on Iron Chef Thailand, and now leading the charge at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Chef Paul is a true maestro of flavour.
From his must-try Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings at Citrique to his love of gnocchi nights with his kids, we caught up with Paul to chat all things food, family, and the ever-evolving Gold Coast dining scene.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have actually been a Gold Coast local on two occasions: between 2007 and 2011, and again from 2020 to the present. I’ve enjoyed being a Gold Coast local even more this second time around.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
What I love most about the Gold Coast is the incredible variety it offers. It’s a perfect blend of amazing beaches and lush hinterland, offering the best of both worlds. And of course, the warm weather is a big plus!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a professional chef, classically trained as an Apprentice Chef from 1996 to 2000. I studied cookery III and IV at Regency Park TAFE in Adelaide and completed my Front-Line Management course at William Angliss College. I further honed my skills in England at the famous Ritz London before returning home to manage kitchens with Accor Hotels for 15 years. This included four years at Sofitel Gold Coast Room 81, the opening of Sofitel Bangkok, and my first role as Executive Chef, which lasted seven years. I also spent three years in Vietnam at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi before coming back to the Gold Coast to join JW Marriott as the Executive Chef. In terms of my personal life – I’ve been happily married to my wife, Grace, for over 12 years, and we have two young boys who were both born in Bangkok but now study here on the Gold Coast.
Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating menus for Citrique?
My inspiration for creating menus at Citrique primarily comes from locally sourced ingredients. I work closely with our suppliers and producers to gather the freshest, most seasonal produce. Then, I think about how I can present these ingredients in a visually appealing way while enhancing their natural flavours. Temperature and texture are also important elements, as every component needs to come together to create harmony in each dish.
Which dish on the menu would you recommend as a must-try when visiting Citrique, and why?
I would highly recommend trying the Moreton Bay Bug Dumplings. The dish balances all its components beautifully. The dumplings are filled with a Bay Bug mousse infused with kaffir lime, while the bugs are grilled and glazed with chilli jam. The bisque sauce ties everything together, and it’s finished with herb oils and baby herbs from our JW Garden here on site. It’s a perfectly balanced combination of flavours and textures.
What is your favourite dish to cook at home?
My favourite dish to cook at home is definitely gnocchi as it’s one where I can get the kids involved in the process. They crack the eggs, grate the parmesan, and roll the potato gnocchi, while I prepare the sauce. It’s a dish that warms the soul both during preparation and when it’s served at the dinner table. The boys have so much fun trying to make each piece perfect, and it’s a great way to teach them important base recipes for the future.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
Winning Iron Chef Thailand was a huge career boost and helped me step into the role of Executive Chef in Asia. However, the achievement I’m most proud of is earning a Chef Hat for Citrique for the first time. The entire team was ecstatic, and it was a special moment for both me personally and the whole team.
What do you think about the hospitality scene on the Gold Coast?
Having experienced the Gold Coast dining scene on two separate occasions, I can confidently say that it has raised the bar significantly over the years. I’m proud to be part of this growth. There are now so many more dining options, with talented chefs and service teams throughout the region. We all help each other push the boundaries and improve year after year. An initiative that I’ve spearheaded is the JW Marriott Gold Coast Culinary Stars Showcase which is all about putting the Gold Coast on the culinary map and showcasing the diversity of the hospitality scene here.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: If it is not from my work during working hours then it’s Bam Bam Bakehouse.
Restaurant: Anekawa, Eddy & Wolf, and North Room are some of my favourites.
Bar or place for a drink: HOTA’s Exhibitionist Bar is a fantastic place for a nightcap, offering amazing Negronis and Tommy Margaritas to get the night going.
Beach: Now that we have a dog, we enjoy going to Palm Beach, Main Beach, or near Mermaid/Nobby Beach.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
On my days off, I love spending time with my family. We often head to the soccer field where I practice shooting goals with my two boys. We also enjoy swimming in the pool, going to the beach, or discovering new spots in the hinterland on walking trails or bike rides.
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
