Lock in Novotel Surfers Paradise’s seafood buffet for a decadent Christmas day.
Lock in Novotel Surfers Paradise’s seafood buffet for a decadent Christmas day.
For those of us in charge of creating the Christmas magic year after year, it’s universally understood that well before ‘eat, drink, and be merry’, comes ‘exhaustion, determination and be…gging for mercy’ as we duke it out among the mid-December shopping centre droves.
This year, consider a carefree Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears – because this December 25, Novotel Surfers Paradise is throwing a spectacular seafood buffet lunch for the merrymaking pleasure of you and your kin. And lbh, these guys are so skilled at pulling a sumptuous spread out of their chef’s hats, they could do so with their eyes closed (#Can’tRelate).
Lock in a lavish long lunch and luxuriate in a seafood buffet complete with three hours of premium beverages, live music and children’s entertainer – all without lifting a finger.
Make no mistake, Christmas chill style does not equate to a shortage of cheer: for the little ones 12 and under, Santa will be doling out a special gift, while the adults will be appreciating the free-flowing Beer, Wine, Cider and Non-Alcoholic options on offer. Sit back and settle in to the surrounds of the Grand Ballroom, making some magical mems with your nearest and dearest while Novotel’s expert culinary crew, headed by Chef Praveen Dutt, diligently dish up a decadent array of festive eats.
A seasoned pro more than qualified to take on our Chrissy day soirees, Chef Praveen’s resume reads more like a luxury vaycay itinerary – after spending over 17 years honing his craft among R&R heavy-hitters such as Q1, Mantra and Sheraton in Fiji.
Though Chef Praveen certainly has a flair for creating exceptional food, he’s also passionate about curating a welcoming experience for guests and families to come together through his crafted cuisine. And since this is the exact essence of what Christmas is all about – leaving our Chrissy day in those expert hands just got all the more enticing (and we haven’t even got to the menu yet).
Unsurprisingly, the culinary team has also applied an elf-like eagerness to perfecting the ultimate Chrissy feast, with the mouth-watering menu for the big day already locked in.
Go ahead and make yourself comfortable (read: discreetly loosen that top button), because this lavish seafood smorgasbord is the whole shebang (and good luck to us as we take on the impossible feat of attempting to summarise it.)
Seared, sautéed and roasted to perfection will be the signature selection of hot dishes including gourmet takes on the classics like Leg Ham (double-baked with bourbon and honey glaze) and Baked Spuds (chat potatoes with duck fat and rosemary).
Feast your eyes (immediately followed by your tastebuds) upon a tantalising seafood mountain stacked with spanner crabs, piles of tiger prawns, oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. And flavour-packed sides and salads such as Roasted pumpkin salad with spinach, pears, pine nuts, with lemon vinaigrette dressing are actually worthy of claiming that precious plate real estate.
Honestly, we could be here until Christmas unpacking this cracker of a menu – but if all that hasn’t already sealed the deal, decadent sweets such as Passionfruit Pavlova Roulade or Cascading Cadbury chocolate fountain (Spanish Churros, brownie, marshmallow) certainly will.
So it’s settled then. This year we’re swanning on into the Novotel like one extremely cool yule-cumber to partake in festivities infinitely more enticing than being holed up for days in a stinking hot kitchen. And we do mean ‘cool’ – because with the morning now wide open, a side quest to the beach for a pre-lunch dip could be on the cards.
Tickets start from $139 per child aged 5-12 (free for children 0-4 years), and hot-sip – full table bookings of 8-10 guests in one transaction and receive a complimentary 750ml bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut on the day. Cheers!
Tickets for all the Novotel Surfers Paradise festive celebrations here. (Please note that this event is hosted on shared tables to encourage a sense of togetherness and community during this special day.)
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday, December 25, 2023, Arrival from 11:30am; Lunch service from 12pm to 3pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
The latter half of the year brings with it the realisation that it’s officially time to begin pondering our plans for the festive season – and trigger warning, yes, we’re about to mention the real deal C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s word here, people – none of this ‘in July’ business #sleighitaintso.
And whether you’re #teamChristmas, or the the mere mention of the C-word brings out your inner Grinch, the fact remains that leaving your preparations until the last minute is more of a recipe for disaster than putting your boozy Aunt in charge of mixing the punch.
Ever the over-achievers, the elves at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach have already been scheming three epic Chrissy day soirees, turning each of their three venues into their own respective themed wonderlands for the occasion.
Don’t sleep on locking in the loved ones for one of these magical, stress-free Christmas lunch experiences, because these events always sell out. And as anyone who has ever ventured near a shopping centre carpark in December well knows, the key to a stress-free Christmas is being prepared well in advance.
Gingerbread House in The Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom is set to deliver Christmas magic for young and old by the sleigh-load, with a transformation into Gingerbread house to delight the kiddies, while the adults get to experience the true wonder that is a chef-prepared Christmas feast with none of the heavy lifting. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you gather around a beautifully set table adorned with seasonal decorations and an expertly prepared, delectable menu.
The seafood and hot carvery buffet complete with all the traditional trimmings means it’s happy faces (and bellies) all round, and not a one ‘but I don’t like thaaat’ to be heard anywhere #becausebuffet #it’sachristmasmiracle.
There’s a visit from Santa, with young’ns aged 1-11 receiving a personalised gift, while for the adults Christmas cheer comes in the form of three hours of beverage package followed by – and we cannot stress this point enough – the gift that is zip, nada, z.e.r.o cleanup. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas, indeed.
$295 Adults | $225 13-17 years | $125 5-12 years | Complimentary 0-4 years
Snowy Christmas in Bistro On3
For your very own IRL holiday movie vibes, it’s got to be the magical Snowy Christmas hosted at Bistro On3. This little soiree is perfect for anyone seeking a more intimate setting to gather with their nearest and dearest. The best of both worlds, with the chance to live out our white Christmas fantasies while noshing on an authentic Aussie Christmas spread. Delight in the freshest and most succulent seafood delights, from prawns, oysters to Morton Bay bugs and crab, and who could forget the Christmas carvery, featuring tender roasted meats and accompaniments.
The big man in red will also be swinging by with a personalised gift for kids aged 1-11, plus live entertainment for the duration and a three hour bevvy package – what more could we ask for? Okay, maybe just one more lap around the decadent dessert buffet.
$325 Adults | $259 13-17 years | $159 5-12 years | Complimentary 0-4 years
Winter Wonderland in Room 81
A Christmas experience exclusively for the adults (and foodie adolescents) only, those with an appreciation for the finer things in life are headed straight to the GC’s French fine dining darling, Room 81 to have all their culinary Christmas wishes come true at once.
Chef YK is renowned for his ability to take our taste buds on a tantalizing gastronomic journey, so you can only imagine the kind of gourmet extravaganza the team would have up their Santa-sleeves on a day like Christmas. Experience the pinnacle of culinary excellence with a luxurious, share-style set menu, while the festive spirit will be in full swing-le bells with live entertainment, and a three-hour beverage package featuring a carefully curated selection of wines and champagne.
$390 Adults | $290 10-17 years
Tickets for all the Softiel Gold Coast Broadbeach festive celebrations available here.
When: From 12:00 pm, Monday, 25 December
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST BROADBEACH & ROOM81
Hold on to your Santa hats! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and indulge in some merry munching, and where better to do it than at The Star Gold Coast?
They’ve rolled out the red and green carpet for some tree-mendous festive feasting options so get ready to sleigh your hunger – Star Style!
Harvest Buffet
If you’re looking for a Christmas nosh-up that’s as bountiful as Santa’s gift sack, then Harvest Buffet is your go-to!
Serving up Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day dinner, sink your teeth into succulent roasts, jingle all the way with fresh seafood, cold meats, pizza, pasta, salads and soups, and top it off with a sleigh-load of delectable desserts.
Buffets start at $120 per adult and both Christmas Day lunch and dinner include a three-hour beverage package.
Garden Kitchen & Bar SOLD OUT
This is one Chrissie day garden party lunch that’s sure to leave your taste buds in full bloom!
They’ve got something for everyone (even those on the naughty list) like Hervey Bay Scallops in the half shell, Ratatouille with summer herb salad and jus, and Sticky Date Pudding with Guinness chocolate sauce and summer cherries to top it all off (literally).
We’re pleased to confirm that lots of love was (Christmas) puddin’ into this spread! $195 per person and a-la-carte bookings are available at dinner time.
Uncle Su
Christmas Day lunch just got a Cantonese style glow up! Executive Chef Song Yao Su, the Wok-star of Asian Cuisine, is dishing out a festive menu to guarantee a wonton-derful day!
Blending Mandarin and Cantonese ingredients like a Kung Fu master, you’ll enjoy a banquet featuring dishes including Chicken Shu Mai with truffle, hot and sour soup, Fried Live Coral Trout Fillet Zhou Chou Style and Deep Fried Porcupine Custard Bun.
And psst kids – Santa will be making an appearance so get ready for some ‘elfies! $165 per adult and a-la-carte bookings are available in the evening.
Kiyomi
No need for a sleigh ride to Tokyo, just head to Kiyomi for Christmas dinner where the only thing longer than Santa’s beard is the list of rave reviews!
Explore innovative dishes like Scallop Sashimi and Spanner Crab with compressed watermelon and Yuzu honey, Dengakuman Miso Glazed Toothfish, and Dry Aged Maremma Duck with charred witlof, sansho, and wasabi jus.
Still hungry? Tuck into a dessert and we recommend the Okinawa Black Sugar Parfait with umeshu and candied walnuts. Prices as per the menu.
Cucina Vivo SOLD OUT
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the Amalfi Coast and really, who isn’t, Cucina Vivo is the next best thing.
Picture this: you and the fam bam, a table laden with an exquisite four-course meal accompanied by a three-hour beverage package.
Think antipasti, a fintastic Seafood Platter, Borrowdale Porchetta and Ocean Trout Fillet share platters and for something sweet, Torta Al Cioccolato! There’s also live entertainment and the jolly man himself will be swinging by with plenty of loot for the small peeps. $205 per adult.
Christmas Hampers
Take the heavy lifting out of your merry munching with a delish takeaway Christmas Hamper!
Available for pick up on Christmas Eve, they’re decked out with all the festive faves like smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and much more.
Plus, you can make this Christmas extra spesh with optional seafood and salad upgrades and hold the bus sleigh, because there are even Beverage Hampers!
Hampers can be purchased for either two people or six and prices start from $260 per hamper.
Event Centre SOLD OUT
Perfect for those who can’t be stuffed putting on Christmas lunch this year, The Star’s beautifully themed ballroom will take care of the lot!
Enjoy a festive all-you-can-eat lunch, four-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and a special appearance from Santa.
With a seafood selection, antipasto and cheese station, cold salads, carving station, hot selection and desserts, it would be just rude-olph not to go. Prices start from $310 per adult.
For more information or to purchase tickets for any of The Star’s Christmas activations, go here
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of December 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star Gold Coast practises the responsible service of alcohol.
As another silly season approaches, we’ve got the word on one venue ready to help us sleigh, sip and sashay our way to a ripper of a Chrissy celebration. Here to help us bid a big adieu to the year, the voco Surfers Paradise crew has an array of festive function options for all manner of advent antics.
Firstly, let us re-introduce you to a (near unrecognisable) old friend – because voco signifies a multi-million dollar shake-up of the iconic former Watermark Hotel site. A funky R&R brand which has been servicing leisure seekers for some five years from their conveniently central Surfers spot.
Whether you’re rounding up friends and fam or toasting another year of toiling with some corporate-style cheer for the work crew, voco is a name that needs to be on your radar as you ponder the perfect festive season celebration for your fellow comrades.
This year, voco has arranged a fine array of four fabulous options primed for fun and frivolity a’plenty, so you can lock in a legendary party to go down in office history. Whether you’ve been handballed the party planning thanks to your organisational prowess – or (despite a total lack thereof) you somehow continue to be relegated to the role, prepare to tick this ‘ole chestnut off the to-do list. The voco team has got you covered like a Christmas present.
Social House Cabana
At only $25pp the Social House Cabana venue offers incredible value. We’re headed straight to the VIP-vibing surrounds of the voco Cabana – available for groups of 20+ to revel in the semi-private industrial luxe terrace and raise a glass to the year.
Guests can luxuriate between a selection of themed food stations, including an Oyster Bar with dipping sauces, Gourmet Slider Station, and Greek Station featuring Pull-apart slow cooked lamb with feta and tzatziki – this option just keeps getting feta, no?
A full drinks menu inc. expertly mixed cocktails is available for purchase at the bar, as is the option to add on a bar tab.
Cocktail Party at Kingfisher Marquee or Brolga Room
Santa’s drink of choice may well be a glass of milk, but for many of us sashaying through the silly season cocktail in hand is where the true Christmas magic happens. Ergo, the Cocktail Party option at voco is sure to be one gift very graciously received by your guests.
For groups 30+, $69 pp includes a 2-hour beverage package and hot and cold canapés, backdropped by your choice of two of voco’s prime pozzys. Choose from soaking up sweeping Surfer’s views while mingling alfresco style under the Kingfisher Marquee, or the allure of A/C and your own private bar in the comfort of the indoor Brolga room. Either way, a Chrissy cocktail party = a sure-fire smash hit rivalled only by Mariah’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’.
Clifford’s Grill & Lounge
There are myriad reasons to opt for hosting your festivities at Clifford’s Grill & Lounge, (retaining your rightful rep as ‘Event Queen’ or ‘Logistical Kris King-le’ rating pretty high on the list #sleigh) – but we certainly wouldn’t blame you if it was the excuse to partake in that famous Clifford’s fare that ultimately sealed the deal on this little Chrissy party conundrum.
A stellar spot well known for dishing up communal dining deliciousness (with the reviews to prove it), Clifford’s is one of those venues that’s sure to impress the whole office. Even Brad from accounts will be rapt with the array of contemporary shared dishes, including their renowned 1kg T-bone steak that practically melts in your mouth.
To really put the ‘fancy’ in fancy-free, sizeable soirees (40+) hosted Sun to Thurs night, can secure this swanky space in its entirety, while groups sized 12+ can lock in their spot for good times galore.
Waves Buffet Restaurant
What could be more befitting of an end of year celebration than the classic Christmas ritual of stuffing ourselves silly after going a few rounds with a mouth-watering buffet? For the ultimate Chrissy #crowdpleaser, lock in your large get-togethers of 50+ at Waves Buffet Restaurant for $135pp.
Gleeful guests will enjoy a 2-hour beverage package and, as an extra special treat, functions held Thursday to Sunday will be treated to a special festive themed buffet.
For those needing to feed an advent-sized army, exclusive use is also available for 190+ guests.
So go ahead and draft up that company-wide memo, because it’s office-al – Christmas is all wrapped up. Cheers to you holiday heroes Blitzen this Chrissy party business (it’s giving ‘employee of the year’). Check out all the options here.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various venues and times available
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY VOCO
