For those who are ardent lovers of all things seafood, finding yourself a quality and consistent retailer of the ocean’s bounty can, at times, be a bit tricky. You’ll also find yourself limited by the selection and, more often than not, it won’t be as fresh as it could be. But hold that thought. What if somebody came up with the bright idea of having a completely independent fish market where you could come and purchase, as well as sample, Australia’s finest and freshest selection of seafood all under the one roof: zero hassle and no searching out trawlers as they return with — or without — their catch.

Well, we’re pleased to say for the love of all things from the deep blue, two Gold Coast locals have gone ahead and done it. We introduce to you possibly THE opening of 2021 — the brand spanking new Miami Fish Market.

Seafood aficionados Paul Gloftis and Craig Warren are the co-owners of the new shop space and what these guys don’t know about delicious things plucked from the sea, frankly, isn’t worth knowing. The concept, by their admission, has been in the works for the best part of four years, and like everyone else, we’re excited to see it come to fruition.

The space is plentiful, and for what Miami Fish Market is offering, this was always going to be the case. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a large island-style wrap around glass counter showcasing everything from prawns, clams, oysters, crabs, and a specially designated area for carefully prepared Japanese style seafood delicacies — all of these are naturally prepared by a troop of in house chefs and fishmongers, no less.

Set back, there are separate counters for live seafood, whole fish and a designated sashimi bar. This is where your options to taste the fruits of the ocean truly come into play. Choose from an array of whole fish, and you can have it filleted and prepared as you wait.

But why just stand around when you can grab yourself a readily prepared sashimi pack or perhaps a few oysters? Why not grab some freshly prepared lobster sashimi and a seat outside in their blissful decked area? You’ll have to show restraint, though; there are too many delicious things to try!

The selection here will be one of the most extensive and diverse anyone is likely to find outside our major cities. The network of suppliers and the areas of the country where produce is coming from is vast. This said you’ll likely come across seafood you didn’t even know existed, like freshwater lobsters (Marron) from Western Australia or hand-dived Abalone from the Great Southern Bight — a highly coveted delicacy throughout Asia.

You may just come for fish, but there’s a high possibility you’ll also come away with knowledge and a taste for so much more!

Extras worth mentioning are the shop’s ability to dry age fish, something you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Pick yourself a fillet of prime fish, ask them to dry age it for you and return a few days later — it’s that easy.

In time the shop will also be smoking fish on-site; with a variety of different woods, you can expect a plethora of tasty smoked morsels from mussels and oysters right through to fish. Expect no stone to be unturned!

And if this all wasn’t enough, to assist you with your ascent to seafood heaven, there is a small section containing high-grade European deli items. We’re talking Spanish smoked paprika, pastas from Greece, vinegar from Portugal and exclusive soy sauces from Japan — meaning an at-home gourmet experience is very achievable.

A lot of attention has surrounded the venue and their works to open. In truth, there have been a few little Covid induced setbacks along the way, but we are pleased to announce Miami Fish Market have confirmed with us they are officially swinging open their doors for their grand opening on Saturday 31st July featuring free caviar tastings!

So, should you be looking for sumptuous clams and pre-marinated fish for your Saturday night dinner party or oysters and lobster for a decadent midweek BBQ, you’ll find all you need — plus more — at the new and impressive Miami Fish Market.

Hours: Officially opening Saturday 31st July with trading hours being 8am — 6pm Monday – Saturday and 8am — 4pm Sunday’s
Where: 1/54 Paradise Avenue, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Oh how we’ve missed you Miami Tavern! Closed for renovation in June this year, the historic tavern has finally reopened, much to the delight of awaiting locals.

History lesson first, The Miami Tavern/Shark Bar has occupied the same block of land for almost a century, with the visionary EH Berry opening the original Hotel Miami in 1925. Continual upgrades culminated in 1966 with the birth of The Miami Tavern, with leading Australian hospitality group ALH acquiring the venue in 1993.

Now renamed The Miami, the impressive new space has had locals intrigued for months. But wait no longer, a stylish coastal fit-out awaits.

So what’s changed? Well lovers of the charming and personality-soaked Shark Bar, you’ll find an impressive new restaurant and cafe on the top and a sleek new beachside bar on the bottom. How good.

Upstairs the interior reflects a casual, coastal vibe with light wood, furniture, white and blue accents and fresh flowers on tables. The bar, along the length of one wall, is absolutely packed with goodies and perfectly at home with peachy pink tiles and plenty of space. The outside deck, newly built and ready for summer sipping offers 180 degree views of North Burleigh beach and is probably where we will live for the rest of time.

The menu offers a modern take on some of your favourite pub dishes with plenty of fresh seafood dishes, tasty salads and sweet share boards for grazing.

The Miami Board was a five-star option with BBQ pork ribs, jerk chicken wings, crispy halloumi (HELLO), sweet potato wedges and a variety of sauces. We’d also happily eat the Crispy Fish Taco with slaw, guacamole and lemon, the Miami Poke Bowl with seaweed, ginger, teriyaki tofu, siitake, salads, edamame and soy sesame dressing AND the Wagyu Beef Burger with all of the most delicious burger toppings (including a dill pickle thank you very much).

Oh and there’s still a chicken parmigiana, seafood basket and a good old-fashioned pie (but fancy) on the menu so don’t worry about missing out on your faves.

The Grill section offers plenty of steak options for the meat lovers and there are entire sections dedicated to pizzas, salads and burgers too. It’s an impressive menu jam-packed with dishes that’ll have you returning time and time again.

Pub food at its finest you might say.

The cocktail list is equally as fun with plenty of exciting options on offer to both cool you down and have you Insta-snapping up a storm. We enjoyed the If You Musk with gin, elderflower liqueur, musk syrup, lemon juice and egg white and also the Merchant’s Wife with gin, Aperol, fresh watermelon and lime juice.

There’s a Salted Carmel Espresso Martini that comes with popcorn and that is very good time too friends.

Downstairs you’ll find a completely overhauled sports bar and TAB. Most importantly there will now be more than 22 fresh cold beers on tap (wine and other beverages still available for the non-beer friends obviously) and pool tables for deciding who’s buying the next round.

Don’t worry, there’s still heaps of space available for throwing around your best dance moves.

Spruced up in a lighter colour palette, it’s the perfect spot for a Friday arvo catch-up with your mates.

A new undercover patio, means rain, hail or shine, you’re on for arvo drinks.

If you’re as happy to see the Miami Tav back in operation as we are, get down there and give it a welcome high-five.

LOCATION: 2043-2047 Gold Coast Highway, Miami (bordered by Kelly Ave & The Esplanade)
HOURS: Monday and Saturday 10am until 2.30am, Sunday 10am until 12.30am

Words by Carly Snodgrass
Photos by Kirra Smith

Finding places to kick back in an outdoor space with live music can sometimes be a little mission here on the Gold Coast. You either have amazing open-air spaces and no music or great live music but indoors. Finding the two combined should be a welcome find then; throw in some great food and tasty drinks, and you should be onto a winner, right?

Well, low and behold, since opening last week, Spec in Miami appears to be ticking all of those boxes!

The new venue has taken over the space that was once home to the vegan-friendly and whitewashed Love Child Collective just south of Nobbys Beach on the Gold Coast Highway. We won’t lie; we were sad to see The LC close its doors some time back. However, this story has a happy ending. With Love Child Kitchen & Bar moving itself further up into Mermaid Beach and Spec setting up shop, we have the best of both worlds.

If the darker feel and décor are anything to go by for Spec, it promises a more mature and mixed offering than its predecessor. With a big emphasis on delivering what all great Gold Coast venues should: beautiful spaces with excellent service and captivating menu items.

Perhaps the most eye-catching part of Spec is its rather sizeable and vibrant mural depicting an excited/upset bear (open to interpretation) from local creative designer/muralist Kiel Tillman. Seriously, what this guy can do makes us totally in awe of the true talent artists have. What’s the inspiration behind a bear, you might wonder? We’re told, one of the owners is a full-time special forces soldier who spends much time stationed overseas in a unit nicknamed ‘The Bears,” hence the name. Spec also stands for specifications, which are integral in bringing cocktails to life and getting flavoursome recipes together. Without them, your tastebuds would be at a loss!

Spec’s overall vibe is industrial with a slice of refinery and a sprinkling of masculine charm. Inside there are some leather couches that just beg to be slipped into whilst sipping one of their S.O.B. cocktails, a tequila inspired old fashioned-esque short drink. High tables offer the perfect opportunity to catch up over locally made beers and lose track of time. Whilst copious outdoor space — front and back — means basking in the afternoon sun with French Rosé and grazing on a dynamic menu is a welcomed opportunity.

Food-wise the menu has a slight leaning towards Mexican with delicious Tacos of the pork, beef and fish variety and other associated spicy fresh flavours. You’ll also see a nod to European favourites with a Sweet Sicilian Bruschetta, Baked Brie, Patatas Bravas and Pea & Feta Arancini Balls.

Open every morning from 7am as a coffee bar, lunch and dinner kicks off from Wednesday through to Sunday. On the horizon, Spec plans to hold open-air movie nights by a projector in their back garden space as well as regular live music. In doing so, they plan to capture some of the crowd that migrates between Nobbys Beach and Miami. And with a pending application for a 2am liquor license, this could become a new favourite late-night hangout for those who like to stay up past their bedtime. You might just have to reschedule that sunrise jog, we’re afraid.

Where: 2176 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
When: Coffee Bar 7 days 7am – 11am  |  Kitchen & Bar Wed-Sun 11am – late

Words by Alex Mitcheson.