Mex Cartel will guac-your-socks-off.
Mex Cartel will guac-your-socks-off.
There are many things Mexico does best. And no, we’re not just talking about the guac-your-socks-off cuisine, or their impeccable penchant for creating iconic drinks.
Consider this our official petition to also adopt the practice of a mid-afternoon siesta and have it become as synonymous as a cheeky marg or gooey bowl of queso goodness #whyarewesleepingonthesiesta #wewantnaps
But until that glorious day comes and the underrated art of a cheeky mid-afternoon kip takes hold (we can dream, right?) we’ll have to settle for the former and make do with a figurative food coma – and perhaps a margarita or three for good measure.
And as the GC is known for being both avid enthusiasts and consumers of every dish Mexican cuisine has ever bestowed upon us, we know you’ll join us in giving Burleigh newcomers Mex Cartel a welcome a hola-lot warmer than a mango chill margarita. (Oh yes, they went there).
With extensive experience in dishing up good times and even better nosh, owner Braedan Wayne Allen admits the hospitality bug has got him good. Whenever he’d considered hanging up his restaurateur hat, the call of a fresh new challenge has always proven irresistible for Mr Allen.
Which is great news for us, because it’s clear he has a lot to offer the GC eats scene. His passion flows through every aspect of the business, from being a staunch advocate of work life balance for his team, right through to his mission to provide incredible food that offers great bang for your buck.
The cheery interior is every bit as bold as the flavours, with a street art style mural that spans the length of the wall providing a backdrop as vibrant as a stroll through the streets of Mexico. The visual siesta continues with intricately patterned talavera style tiles transforming the bar to a work of art. Rustic timbers and brick walls complete the relaxed industrial fit-out with a couple of customary cacti and skull decorations peppered about for good measure.
Head chef Martin has an impressively varied resume, taking his prior experience from hotels and islands the world over and squeezing it all in to the kind of menu that makes us want to say ‘one of everything, pls’.
In something that resembles more of a wish list of every Mexican classic you’ve ever loved, at this point we’d just suggest the most efficient approach will be closing your eyes and randomly pointing because you’re still guaranteed to land on something delish.
To prove just how much we are not Mex-ing around here, a moment of drool for just a few of the Small Bites suspects: Pulled Pork Taquitos, Jalapeño poppers, Haloumi Fries, Tequila Salt + Pepper Calamari and of course the holy-grail of cheesus bites, Queso Aderezo.
You’re going to have to practice some restraint on the cheese-coma, because the hand crafted tacos are comin’ in hot – with no less than eleven filling options, we think our close-your-eyes-and-point approach still stands. Just quietly tho, we secretly hope little ol’ Peter pointer lands on the Carne Asada or Crispy Pork Belly.
Or tackle a shared plate of Wood Fired Fajitas or Signature Birria Tacos, because what could be better than bonding with your ride-or-lime over your shared love of Mexican deliciousness? Oh, that’s right – washing it all down with a marg, of course.
Partake in a Passionfruit or Mango Chill Margarita – but in this case we think the iconic and ever-applicable Spanish “proverb” of our youth says it best: Por qué no los dos. (That’s ‘why not both’, for those who somehow escaped that particular feat of 90’s nostalgia)
Whatever you choose, we think we can all agree the eats and sips on offer at Mex Cartel are worth raising a glass to. Salud!
When: Monday – Friday, 5pm to 10pm, Saturday – Sunday, 11am to 10pm
Where: 1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
We need to talk about Crispy Italian Bar and no, this isn’t a watering hole for local signores and signoras who’ve copped too much sun. This brand new hot-off-the-press Burleigh-based trailblazer is introducing a traditional Italian dining concept to our ‘hood, showing the GC why it’s time to look outside the (pizza) box.
Opening last week, Crispy Italian Bar was born out of two friends’ shared passion for their culture and cuisine. In Italy, the term “bar” means a place offering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, also serving coffee, pastries, and savoury Italian fare. After sampling a slice of the Crispy Italian action first-hand, we’re pleased to confirm that this awesome concept and our GC lifestyle go together like panini and pizzas – which is exactly what they serve.
We simply a-dough passionate owner Riccardo ‘Ricky’ Proserpio for bringing us the ‘bar Italiano’ experience as literally no-one else is doing it here #bravo. He and uber-talented Head Chef Matteo Tricarico don’t just have epic Italian names, but an extensive background in hospitality. With cool factor and charm in equal measure, this modern take on a traditional fave looks and feels as good as its nosh and sips.
As you cruise down the GC Highway at Burleigh, the striking red and white umbrellas and festoon lights grab your attention and give you a whiff of what awaits inside. Once you step into this incredible space, you’ll find a multisensory wonderland filled with Southern European goodness.
With an authentic red and white aesthetic sprinkled with dashes of yellow and green, it’s everything we want from an Italian joint. Think red and white grid tiles, funky red couch wall seating and matching stools, and one of our fave wall murals, like, ever. Giving a nod to the quintessential bar Italiano experience, amazing artist Lau Longone has flexed her painting prowess with olive vines, lemons, tomatoes, red red wiiiiiiiiine, a giant pizza, and the hero – Crispy Italian Bar’s signature chilli.
Let’s start at the bar shall we and duh, obvs. Those keen on a caffeine hit can order from the exclusive premium selection of coffee-based bevs, like a traditional Italian Cappuccino served with their exclusive Attibassi premium coffee blend. Naturally there’s a hearty wine list, plus a selection of beers, soft drinks and juices.
What we really love is the Digestivo menu with the likes of Limoncello, Frangelico, Amaretto Disaronno and all the ‘o’s. And what we really really love are the cocktails and no-one does an Aperol Spritz like the Italians! The failsafe blend on of Prosecco, sparkling water, Aperol served with ice & orange slice is the perf sunset sip, before moving into their signature cocktail, the Espresso Martini with a shot of coffee, Kahlua and vodka. Salute!
The wood fired pizza oven not only looks the part, but churns out the most flavoursome pizzas and paninis you ever did nom. From the brunch menu, we’re ordering the Panino Goloso Wood Fired Panini with melted mozzarella, smoked leg ham, premium champignon mushrooms, artichokes and special crispy sauce. Or for something with a bit of a mash-up, how about an Australiano Wood Fired Panini with avocado, carbonara sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy sauce, bacon and our national spread; vegemite.
Fast forward to night-time and the dinner menu is lit. Who can go past an entrée of Burrata Cheese and sure as heck not us. We’re talking homemade bread with Nonna’s secret recipe marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, vegan pesto, burrata cheese and extra virgin oil, and srsly, they had us at Nonna.
Then, it’s pizza o-clock and we’re crushing hard on the Mezzanotte Wood Fired Pizza with a tomato base, mozzarella cheese, Italian mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese and shaved parmesan. We strongly recommend the Bella Carne which also boasts a tomato base and mozzarella cheese, along with mild salami, Italian pork fennel sausage, and premium leg ham. Which brings us to dessert time and shut.the.door coz they make a Nutellami with folded Nutella stuffed pizza, topped with icing sugar, whipped cream and chocolate pralines #WeDie.
So if it’s freshly sourced local ingredients beautifully cooked in a wood fired oven, a coffee at any time of day or an aperitivo at sunset, every pizza you will love Crispy Italian Bar.
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: 9am – 10pm Friday & Saturday, 9am – 9pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Closed Monday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Is there even a person alive who doesn’t go loco for Mexican and if there is, soz but you’re nacho our type. Fellow Mex-heads, do we have news for you coz California Tacos, the famous taco shop born in Burleigh, has now launched an authentic modern Mexican nosh and Margarita restaurant in bustling Broadbeach. And when we say “authentic” this is a whole new level of authenticity and keep reading to find out why #clickbait #sorrynotsorry.
Residing at The Oasis, it’s the perfect destination for a casual lunch for the fam (totally little Tacosauras friendly), or fun night out with your girl gang / bro bunch. The menu is truly Mexcellent, choccas with bold flavours and fresh ingredients, just the way we like it. Designed to transport you to the vibrant streets of California, it’s more than just a taste sensation, it’s also a visual feast with dazzlingly bright, colourful décor, and a chilled ambience to boot.
Franchise owner and California native Ty Yturralde moved to Oz in 2013 searching for the perfect location for his Baja inspired restaurant. During his journey, he studied and gained access to long-standing “secret recipes,” which were never seen outside of Mexico… until now. In particular, Ty is the holder of the OG fish taco recipe. Like, legit – straight from the inventor of THE fish taco. This is not a drill, but something he learned whilst working in the kitchen at a taco joint in Ensenada, Mexico. Holy guacamole, if that doesn’t give him some serious Mexi street cred, then srsly just eat our shorts.
Speaking of fish tacos, naturally The Original Fish Taco made its way into the menu’s Classic Taco selection. Served with corn chips and salsa, it’s a fiesta in your mouth with panko crumbed white fish, mango and pineapple salsa, white cabbage, Baja aioli, and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Or how about a signature taco and yes, we’ll take one of those too please. Our pick is the Surf & Turf Taco with chargrilled steak, chipotle and lime shrimp, melted cheese, cucumber salsa, chipotle aioli and avocado on a handmade flour tortilla.
If you’re more of a sharesies nacho kinda gal or guy, grab your mate/mates and bring an epic appetite because the nachos here are the #BiggestInAustralia (just ask Google)! There are also burritos (go for the California Burrito served in a flour tortilla with French fries, cheese, salsa fresca, baja aioli and paired salsa), Cali plates (including bowls and the ultimate quesadilla), with many dishes allowing you to pick your protein (chicken, beef, pork or plant based).
Now if you’re thirsty (always), when in Mexico, one simply must have a margi and this is a fact. Lucky for us, the Margarita Bar menu is lit with six epic varieties. Because it’s unlike any other we’ve ever had (and believe you me – we’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt), we’re ordering a Coconut Margarita with 1800 Coconut Tequila, coconut, lime and special recipe Coconut Foam (which also includes tequila!). Otherwise grab one of the other usual suspects including beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, or another Mexican rite of passage – a sangria jug. Oh and PS – there is a special Burleigh Brewing Mexican lager on tap called Sublime. No need to add a slice of lime coz it’s already infused with just the right dash of lime #MicDrop.
Meet us there next week for Taco Tuesday to eat our body weight in $6 tacos, washed down with $6 tap schooners. With the best food outside Mexico, a full bar and daily drink specials, California Tacos, Churro’ll we need.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 11am – 9pm Monday to Sunday
Instagram: @californiatacosaustralia
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
