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Take a foodie trip around the world from your couch

Thanks to Social Eating House + Bar and Orzo.  

Social Eating House + Bar
Social Eating House + Bar

If you’re anything like us, the minute you’re told you can’t do something, that thing is all you can think about doing. Right now, that thing is travel. From the bed to the couch isn’t quite cutting it and so our minds are filled with dreams of far off lands and let’s be honest, all of the food that can be found in said far off lands.

Conveniently (always, but particularly now) the Gold Coast is home to a few restaurants who can easily satiate out desires for eats that originate in foreign countries, because theirs are simply on par with what you’d find there.

For example, Orzo Restaurant in Broadbeach is an Italian culinary dream, serving up coastal-inspired, modern dishes that are some of the most stunning on the Coast.  Orzo’s sister restaurant Social Eating House + Bar is a modern Australian venue, meaning they offer an international menu filled with culinary perfection.

What does all this have to do with travelling to far off lands you ask? Well, as of this weekend, Orzo Restaurant and Social Eating House + Bar (both located within The Oracle Boulevard) are offering us the opportunity to do exactly that via the aforementioned exceptional eats and, from the comfort of your own homes.

Exciting right?

Orzo
Orzo

Orzo is set to launch a special weekend menu (on top of the takeaway dishes they’re already offering), showcasing different Italian regions each time. Chef Rodolfo hails from the Italian region of Lombardy so naturally, the trip through Italy will begin there. Some of his favourite dishes will be on offer in the three-course, dinner for two package including House Cannelloni with pumpkin and fontina filling, Ossobucco with braised veal shin and gremolata and Torta Paradiso for dessert.

So that’s amazing.

Similarly, Social Eating House + Bar will take us a little further afield, offering culinary trips around the world. This week, we’re dining in the Middle East. Again, the dinner for two package will consist of three courses including a Savoury Tart with spiced lamb, spinach and potato, Chermoula Rubbed Roasted Half Chicken for mains and Lebanese Doughnuts for dessert. Also amazing.

Basically, the team wanted to bring a little bit of excitement into our lives by offering something a little bit different and for that we are very grateful.

They’re in the process of adding an online ordering section to their websites but until then you can call Orzo on 5570 3476 and Social Eating House + Bar on 5504 5210 or by sliding into their DMs.

As we said, it’s all kicking off this weekend and menus are changing weekly.

Get involved, it’s the perfect little culinary trip around the world without needing to leave the couch.

Love that (for now).

Words by Kirra Smith

Social Eating House + Bar
Social Eating House + Bar

Elegant, coastal-inspired Italian eatery Orzo now open

Exciting news fresh out of Broadbeach today involving beloved Italian eats by people whose culinary talents have wowed us for quite some time already.

Yes friends, it’s a new Italian eatery adding to The Oracle Boulevard’s already thriving dining scene. Orzo, which translates to ‘barley’ in Italian, is the epitome of exceptional work by Social Eating House and Bar’s owner and executive chef, Matthew Jefferson, along with his wife Dayna who have gifted us with sophisticated coastal Italian cuisine.

 

Orzo (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)
Orzo (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

And it absolutely delivers on all fronts.

Having only just opened in the last couple of weeks, Orzo exudes an elegant, relaxed vibe that’s also reflected in a menu that focuses on sustainable, local produce that will span lunch and dinner. Italian food all day long, what a treat.

The space itself is perfectly reminiscent of coastal chic with muted pastel tones, a curved wall and an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs work their magic. A wall filled wines, low lighting, gold and marble accents and light wooden light fixtures bring it all together and we are absolutely in love. You may choose to perch inside amongst all that beauty or outside in the fresh air to watch the world go by.

They said it would be the epitome of a coastal hug and that it absolutey is.

The menu features housemade pastas paying homage to southern Italy with mouthwatering dishes, all of which we would love to eat every day forever please.

To start, choose the House Made Foccacia with whipped ricotta and rosemary oil (to die for), the Fried Zucchini Blossoms with stracciatella, tomato and miso and vincotta (one of the most beautiful dishes we’ve ever sampled) and the Veal Carpaccio with tuna mayo, pickled onion, crouton and caper leaf (another life changer). Yes, all of them. Absolutely divine.

Pasta-wise, the Gnocchi with cherry tomato, basil and bush tomato was the fluffiest, most perfect dish of it’s kind we’ve ever sampled. The addition of a crunchy bush tomato concoction meant we wished it would go on forever. On the side add Heirloom Tomatoes with stracciatella, basil and olive oil and you will be one happy Gold Coaster.

There are mains along the lines of Pancetta Wrapped Spatchcock with chicory and grape and Pan Roasted Fish Fillet with sauce vierge with green olives and walnuts and of course, those are absolutely magical too.

There are also delights like house-cured meats and a variety of cheeses (AKA the love of our lives) so you might want to sample those too.

To drink, there are a beautiful array of Italian wines and beers and a list of cocktails that rivals any other.

The Negroni Orzo is perfection with strawberry gum, meletti and pandan and the Little Italy is obviously a delight with Aperol, vodka, lemon, mango and marjoram – the perfect summer sip. The entire list should be on your to do list of course.

So there you have it. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the next-level goodness that is Social Eating House and Bar, you’ll know everything about it is unparalleled.

Make sure you get down there to experience it for yourself, Orzo is one of a kind and we are moving to Broadbeach now, good bye.

LOCATION: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
HOURS: Daily from 12pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

 

The Oracle Boulevard pivots to Dial + Drive-Thru

If there’s one thing recent times has gifted us, it is a slew of new phrases that are now part of our daily language. One of which is pivot, a thing that many Gold Coast businesses are doing very successfully, making our lives even easier than they were before.

A group of such businesses you’ll know quite well, are those found at Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach of the eating and drinking variety, all very good at what they do and all very accessible thanks to a new thing they like to call Dial + Drive-Thru.

Which yes, is as great as it sounds and consists of exactly that. As of right now, you can call ahead to your favourite venue within Oracle Boulevard, order some goodies, get an allocated time and head to the new drive-thru section to grab it and go.

Genius.

So what’s on offer you ask? Well, everything.

Orzo is serving up their exceptional Italian eats including cook-at-home pastas and your choices of accompanying sauces. There’s also ready-to-eat dishes like handmade lasagne, salads and of course, you may add a bottle of wine to complete the experience.

The Lamb Shop is offering their absolutely delicious souvlakis (could eat four of these at a time, don’t do that) plus small plates and bar snacks like Housemade Pork Sausage with Tzatziki.  Wash all that down with a beer, wine or cider and you’ve got a good time.

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar have their extensive menu available for takeaway. It’s filled with an array of Asian dishes like Pork San Choy Bau, Dumplings, Baos and some incredible curries to name a few. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of sampling their dishes, do yourself a favour now.

Social Eating House has a fine dining share-style menu to go including dishes like Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Chargrilled Chicken and Korean Twice-Cooked Glazed Lamb Ribs to name a few. There are sides, a few cook-at-home options and cocktails to go too. So good.

The Cuban Bar & Lounge Dining have many a tasty Cuban delight including Paella Cubana, Salmon Ceviche and Cuban Chicken Breast Skewers PLUS Spanish Churros for dessert. Yes to all of that please. Of course, there’s plenty of wine and beer to go and that’s our new favourite thing.

Mecca Bah is all your Mediterranean food dreams come true including MEZZE PLATES, Stone Baked Mecca Bah Pizzas and Morroccan Chicken Salads among other things. It’s all ten out of ten goodness and all available to enjoy in your stretchy pants right now. Bless.

Broadbeach Pizzeria
is a relative newbie on the scene and they absolutely have all your hand crafted pizza options covered. Start with Mozarella sticks and waffle fries (obviously) and then treat yourself to a Spicy Spanish Prawn and Chorizo pizza or perhaps a Gourmet Pepperoni is more your style. They have it all.

Guzman y Gomez are all about good Mexican eats to go and we can confirm, they’re onto it. All your fave Mexi-goodies are there including burrito bowls, tacos, enchiladas and Nacho Fries (OMG) and you may as well taste them all.

No Name Lane
is the Boulevard’s exceptional coffee joint but not only delicious brews, the team are also serving up their famous brunch eats like Smashed Avo on Sourdough Toast (the best), Reuben Sandwiches and Potato Hash Benedict and it’s all amazing, all the time. That’s your breaky run sorted.

Noodle Broadbeach have a snack menu on offer including things like Spring Rolls, BBQ Pork, Deep Fried Squid and Chicken Wings so you can grab something yummy to sample on the go. Not sure where you’re going but perhaps around through the drive-thru again? Why not.

There you have it, breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted in absolute style thanks to Oracle Boulevard. Impressive pivot guys, love your work. Get ordering here.

Words by Kirra Smith

9 local brands with Afterpay you can support from home

Olas Supply Co.

The world is in quite the state of flux at the moment, we’re being encouraged to stay home so as not to spread the risk of infection which of course means, local businesses may start to struggle. Where possible though, we should still be supporting them wherever possible and a good way to do that is by using online layby service Afterpay.

If you’re not familiar, Afterpay allows you to pay off your purchases over several weeks but get your goods straight away and we’re a little bit obsessed to be honest. In the interest of supporting the many clever, local makers around these parts and because of the world we currently find ourselves in, here are 10 Gold Coast brands offering Afterpay and may the self-control be with you. Happy shopping.

Duke The Label
Activewear for women of all shapes and sizes is our kind of activewear! With a mantra of ‘accept yourself, love yourself, keep moving forward’ the business is all about empowering and encouraging women and in beautiful, comfortable clothing no less. Best of all you can stock up because, Afterpay. Plus we could all use some time out in nature at the moment.

The Undercurrent
Living local and proud of it. The Undercurrent are in the business of tee shirts representing 10 local suburbs from Surfers to Cooly. Each tee is printed with a sweet graphic representing historical aspects of the area and designed by a local artist. It’s the perfect gift for anyone passionate about being a Coastie and visitors who might need a little nudge #palmyforlife.

Moss Living
If we have to stay home, we may as well be surrounded by beautiful, comfortable things right? Moss Living offers exactly that in the form of luxuriously, cosy clothing, beautiful linen sheets and quilt covers and pillow slips and all the things and it’s all absolutely stunning. If you’re in the market for some goodies, look no further than this stunning brand.

Drift Candle. Co
Okay so again if we’re staying home, home can at least smell good right? Drift Candle Co. has us covered for that with their collection of absolutely DIVINE candles including flavours like The Hinterland (pure magic and perfect for stay at home days) and Coconut and Tahitian Lime for a bit of uplifting goodness. We’re in love with all of them.

The Undercurrent, Gold Coast Singlet (image supplied)
The Undercurrent, Gold Coast Singlet (image supplied)

Cort Jewellery
Husband and wife team Ash and Dean Butt know what’s up when it comes to silver jewels. They hand make chunky rings of the signet and gemstone variety and pendants with cute little designs like cactuses, palm trees and peace signs. Some of us around these parts may have hands stacked with their pieces. Get some for the coolest cat in your life.

Valley Eyewear
Well haven’t Valley developed a cult following over the last few years. Another husband and wife team absolutely killing it, Michael and Tenielle Crawley have created an iconic brand with the coolest of eyewear. Their shades can be seen covering the eyeballs of your boy Chris Hemsworth and many other noteworthy celebs. Buy these fellas for someone who ain’t afraid to be noticed.

Mahiya Leather
Bohemian luxe fashion has taken over the world, fact. There are a couple of Aussie brands leading the charge and one such brand is our very own Mahiya Leather. Either online or instore you can nab yourself leather handbags and wallets as well as an array of floaty floral frocks and the like.  Because you deserve pretty things now more than ever.

Cedar & Stone Botanical
Plant based skincare has become quite the thing amongst the growing number of people passionate about both the planet and the products they put into their bodies. The Cedar & Stone gals are firm believers in ditching the chemicals and their range of skincare, teas and mists both smell delightful and work wonders. Choose these if you care about healthy living.

Olas Supply Co.
Born from a love of travel and adventure, Olas Supply Co. offer mens, womens and kids shirts, tees and overalls in casual, comfortable and cool-as-a-cucumber styles. Established in the last couple of years, Olas quickly became a fave amongst locals in search of the good life. Grab some threads for when you’re stuck at home but still want to look fab.

Words by Kirra Smith.

Moss Living
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