The Rick Shores team bring Latin heat to Nobby Beach.
The Rick Shores team bring Latin heat to Nobby Beach.
Ay, caramba – it’s a culinary fiesta! The legends behind Rick Shores are serving double the deliciousness in Nobby Beach. Adding a dash of Latin flair across the top two levels of the new Oxley 1823 development, Norte and Sueño promise to be more than just the guac to your corn chips.
The Rick Shores team – Nick Woodward, David Flynn and Frank Li, along with award-winning architect Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE, have created not just places to eat but spaces to celebrate.
With design elements that nod to vibrant Latin American culture and a menu that’s equal parts tradition and innovation, Norte and Sueño are set to make your taste buds salsa dance.
“This concept has been in discussion since before the pandemic,” Nick Woodward said.
“There’s definitely that pressure. But we’re blessed to have an incredible team and we had to wait for the right location.”
Norte and Sueño have been worth the wait.
Walk up the impressive set of stairs and enter Norte, the chic and sultry level one venue. Inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant Roma Norte district, it’s where the big open kitchen takes centre stage. Watch the talented chefs make magic with fresh and flame-licked fare. Surrounded by bold architecture and furnishings, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous or a lively catch up with your amigos. Upstairs is Norte’s fun sibling, Sueño. This sun-kissed rooftop cantina embraces the breezy, open-air atmosphere with colourful Latin American touches to the terrace and its own kitchen for snacks with a view.
Now let’s taco-bout those menus!
Chef James Brady, head chef of Rick Shores, spent years perfecting the concept – traveling extensively around Latin America, drawing flavours from the mercados of Mexico City to the parrillas of Buenos Aires. James said, “I’d head back to the apartment and just cook and cook. It was such a great opportunity to develop the stocks, the sauces, the pickle blends, the salsas, the protein marinades – those foundation recipes for a restaurant and bar.”
Centred around the huge custom-made hearth, Norte’s menu goes on a culinary journey from raw dishes, bar snacks, masa (corn-based plates), mains, sides and desserts. Signature dishes include a 72 hour short rib, al pastor aji amarillo and pineapple and a mouthwatering flank steak, native chimichurri, caramelised onion. Seafood lovers can dive into the Fremantle octopus, guajillo, roasted bone marrow and fine herbs as well as Grilled coral trout, koji butter, guacachille and green pico de Gallo.
Upstairs at Sueño, it’s all about ceviches, skewers, and tacos. Soak in the sun and sink your teeth into fresh oysters and Hiramasa Kingfish served with avocado, leche de tigre, chilli and kombu oil.
For bigger bites, tuck into Moreton Bay bug “al pastor” tacos dripping with crustacean butter and pineapple or champagne crayfish skewers brushed with chipotle butter – flavours that hit harder than a mariachi trumpet.
And what’s a fiesta without drinks? Beverage director Peter Marchant has shaken and stirred a selection worthy of a Latin American party.
Norte boasts a 150-bottle wine list with nearly half dedicated to Central and South American varieties. Up at Sueño, it’s all about tequila, mezcal and cocktails that could make even Frida Kahlo crack a smile.
So grab your mates, raise a margarita and shout SALUD to the Rick Shores team’s latest jewels in their culinary crown.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Hours: Norte: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Tuesday–Sunday
Sueño: 12:00pm – 10:00pm Tuesday–Sunday
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby Photography
Set your GPS to The Oxley and discover Eska, the newest jewel in Nobby Beach’s culinary crown. Part oyster bar, part sashimi bar, Eska delivers a taste of luxury without making your wallet sink to the ocean floor. Whether you’re a seasoned sashimi lover or just oyster curious, this place is primed and ready to elevate your dining game.
Brought to life by the dream team behind Okazu and Rafiki – Rosalind Pinto and Tobias Diamandopoulo – along with their equally charming co-owners Risa North and Gary Balaid, Eska is where seafood meets style and everyone leaves shell-shocked (in the best possible way).
If ever a venue was custom made for the The Oxley, this is it. Picture a sleek interior with marble, wood accents, just the right splash of greenery, suspended shelves, and ceramic dishes that are practically Instagram influencers in their own right. Once the lights turn down, the space turns into a mood-lit wonderland with warm orange and red hues that make every bite feel like a Michelin star experience – without the Michelin star price tag.
Eska’s menu is an eleven outta ten in the shade, with selections that change depending on what’s available. Crafted with the expertise of Sydney hospitality pro Alex Wong (Martinez and Lana Dining), Eska brings top-notch quality to the table. Expect a showcase of the finest seasonal seafood sourced daily from local fishermen, including stunning Seafood Towers alongside a delightful array of oysters, sashimi, ceviche, and prawns.
With a little magic from Pete Rogers of Burleigh’s Flor Wine & Grocer, the beverage selection perfectly complements the seafood spread. You’ll find natural champagnes, refreshing rosés, and crisp whites, with a few creative cocktails added in to spice things up. Prepare for the Yuzu Margarita to steal the spotlight thanks to its bold mix of tequila, yuzu sake, lime, chili, agave, and tajin that packs one heck of a punch. And for something smoother, the Miso Sweet blends bourbon, miso caramel, and walnut bitters for a deliciously unique twist.
Now, let’s talk about the real flex here; Eska’s ultimate community hub design. You can roll up in your thongs, dog by your side, for a casual bite. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, go all out with a dressed-up dinner that’ll impress even the snobbiest sashimi connoisseur. Eska doesn’t discriminate – it’s welcoming, laid-back, stylish as hell, serving up some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted (whether you’re in boardies or black tie).
So, whether you’re planning a date night, a mate night, or just in the mood for something fresh, all roads lead to Eska. Dive in, slurp some oysters, and sea what all the fuss is about. P.S. We hear their takeaway game is as strong as their dine-in experience so even if you’re more Netflix-and-sashimi inclined, Eska’s got you covered.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday – Sunday from 10am
Website: www.eskaseafood.com
Instagram: @eska.seafood
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY ESKA
When it comes to creating buzz, Naheda’s Dip House doesn’t just dip its toes in – it dives headfirst into flavour-filled, saucy glory. Freshly opened at The Oxley 1823 in Nobby Beach, this little hotspot is set to take the Gold Coast by storm, one delicious “bomb” at a time.
From the brilliant minds (and taste buds) of Gus and Naheda, who first launched their dip dynasty at Melbourne’s iconic Prahran Market, this new venue marks their Gold Coast debut. Sure, it’s a bit smaller than their Melbourne mothership, but don’t let size fool you. This place packs flavour bigger than your average backyard barbecue spread.
Naheda’s Dip House isn’t your run-of-the-mill hummus-and-guac operation. Oh no, these dip masterminds have revolutionised the art of dipping with their signature “bombs.” Imagine layers of handcrafted goodness stacked like culinary fireworks, ready to explode across your palate. And with over 60 combinations in their arsenal back in Melbourne, they’ve carefully curated seven of their all-time greatest hits to introduce the Gold Coast to their dipping dynasty.
What’s in these bombs, you ask? Think red pesto mingling with their famed olive-and-garlic concoction, the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. Or, for those feeling a little fancy, dive spoon-first into the Parmesiano, topped with indulgent Amarena cherries or sweet fig jam. And for the record, everything here is gluten-free, so no one has to feel left out of the dipping action.
Sampling is not just encouraged, it’s common practice. You can taste-test your way through their creations before committing because nobody wants to be stuck in a bad relationship… with a dip. Whether you’re heading to the beach, gearing up for a picnic, or simply stocking up for a Netflix-and-dip marathon, these bombs are your go-to sidekick.
The magic of Naheda’s Dip House lies not only in their flavour combinations but in their story. Gus and Naheda arrived in Melbourne with nothing but a suitcase of hope and a love for food. Darn good food. They started with a humble milk bar – the Australian dream – serving up simple dishes and big ‘ole smiles. But one recipe changed everything; a humble garlic sauce inspired by the generous spirit of their roots which set them on a path to foodie fame. Word spread, taste buds danced, and their little venture became the talk of the town. Now, they’re spreading their love – and their dips – to the sunny shores of the Gold Coast.
As locals discover this new gem, it’s clear that Naheda’s isn’t just a Melbourne trend that wandered north; it’s a Gold Coast necessity that’s here to stay. So, grab your chips, veggies, or just a spoon (no judgment here) and make your way to The Oxley. Because when it comes to dips, Naheda’s isn’t just raising the bar—they’re dunking it straight into flavour heaven.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday – Saturday 5:30am – 7:30pm, Sunday 5:30am – 6pm
Get ready foodie friends because the culinary scene on the Coast has a sizzling new addition. The eagerly awaited Lars Bar & Grill is ready to fire up its woodfired wizardry and pop open the bubbly on Thursday 8th August.
Nestled in the heart of oh-so-trendy lifestyle hub, The Oxley 1823, Lars Bar & Grill brings a whole new level of deliciousness to the Nobby’s/Mermaid Beach ‘hood. Mark our words; if your taste buds had a bucket list, this place would be at the very top!
Helmed by Lars Kollrepp, son of Oskars on Burleigh founder and Gold Coast hospitality legend Marty Kollrepp, this joint is basically a Michelin Star in the making. With over two decades of experience and a resume that reads like a who’s who of top-notch dining (think Executive Chef of all Simon Gloftis’ Brisbane restaurants, including Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room), it’s safe to say Lars would bring home the gold if cheffing was an Olympic sport.
“I had the dream of opening my own restaurant for a very long time,” he says. “I jumped at the chance when it came. I have a deep appreciation for fine dining cuisine, gained through my many years in the industry; however, being a Gold Coast boy, I love the laid-back lifestyle it brings.”
“My aim for Lars Bar & Grill is a restaurant where simplicity meets modern flavours, and quality dining and impeccable dishes meet a relaxed and welcoming vibe and where people can truly unwind and enjoy themselves.”
And unwind you shall. The menu is a mouthwatering mix of woodfired steaks and the freshest local seafood, promising a taste of Queensland like never before. Sink your teeth into starter and entrée style dishes like Caviar Tarts, Baked Scallops with garlic chive butter, and the decadent Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with sage brown butter and Pinenuts.
For mains, it’s a steak lover’s paradise with ten different cuts to choose from. Each bite celebrates the region’s coastal bounty and locally sourced stockyard beef, ensuring every steak is a cut above the rest.
Perhaps a melt-in-your-mouth Pork Tomahawk with burnt onion mustard and jus gras gets you going? Or for seafood swooners, the Grilled Coral Trout with smoked tomato and capsicum is sure to float your boat.
Lars Bar & Grill isn’t just about the food though. The vibe is as important as the vittles, with a dining room seating 80 and an outdoor area for 30 more, perfect for soaking up that sweet Gold Coast sunshine. For extra special occasions, there’s a private dining room offering an exclusive space for up to 10 guests, made to order for celebrations, business meetings, or just because you deserve a little exclusivity.
With its blend of fine dining and a laid-back coastal vibe, Lars Bar & Grill is set to become the new go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The grill is always hot, the vibes are always cool, and the food is nothing short of extraordinary so book yourselves in stat to experience this delicious new chapter in the Gold Coast’s ever-evolving culinary story.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: 5.30pm till late, Wednesday to Sunday
