Hip hip ber-et – Bistro On3’s Bastille day celebrations can’t be beat!
Hip hip ber-et – Bistro On3’s Bastille day celebrations can’t be beat!
Holy crepe Gold Coasters – it’s almost July, which means our favourite day of French celebration is just around the corner. Though we won’t be pedalling about France on two wheels, eating our bodyweight in bread and cheese for the occasion, c’est la vie. Because Sofitel Gold Coast’s magnifique annual Bastille Day celebrations are back and bready to show us how it’s done Parisian-style, with a stack of scrumptious revelling lined up to commemorate. And if not the motherland – where better to get in the spirit than our ever-dependable and delectable resident French star!
This Sunday July 14 from 12 – 3pm, don your beret for the crème de la crème of Bastille Day celebrations – or delight in one of France’s most iconic dessert dishes ‘til heart’s content, with an irresistible fare special available all month long. If you truly want to trick the tastebuds into forgetting we haven’t escaped the Australian winter in favour of frolicking about the South of France, consider this year’s delectable Bastille Day lunch buffet spread hosted at Bistro On3 your first class ticket.
As the GC’s home of French inspired indulgence, the team at Sofitel Gold Coast never shy away from an opportunity to showcase – or spoil us with – the best that French culture and cuisine has to offer. So naturally, when it comes to honouring the national day of their homeland, this is where they shine!
In a setting as perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête as it is for a whole fam rendezvous, Bistro On3 will be dressed to the nines in blue, blanc, and rouge in honour of the occasion. Be transported to Paris as the enchanting aroma of authentic flavours fill the air. Whip your tastebuds into a frenzy feasting upon time-honoured favourites such as traditional soupe à l’oignon and soul-hugging boeuf bourguignon.
Of course, what French feast would be complete without the pièce de résistance of celebratory fare – a towering croquembouche! To conclude Bistro On3’s exquisite ode to the City of Lights, will be none other than a mountain of glistening cream puffs bound together with golden caramel – and we could think of no better grand finale than this feat of Parisian pastry mastery, oui?
When it comes to an iconic cuisine that has bestowed this many gastronomic gifts upon the world – one day of revelry hardly cuts the Dijon mustard! And thankfully Francophiles, Bistro On3 agrees the mouthwatering merriment should not stop there. The French joie de vivre lives on all month long – in the form of one of the country’s most legendary desserts – Crêpes Suzette, served from 11am-9pm daily.
If your insatiable appetite for Parisian treats is as sky-high as the Eiffel Tower, report to Bistro On3 to get your fill. With the classic, Grand Mariner drenched flaming dish available for a grand total of only $10 throughout July… talk about a searing hot deal! Arriving swimming in boozy orange-butter sauce before being set ablaze by the chef – what better testament to the French zest for food than this perfectly balanced spectacle of a sweet treat. And at only $10 a pop, surely we aren’t the only ones fully prepared to be on a first name basis with the chefs before month’s end. Bastille our beating hearts!
For more information and to view the menu click here.
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When:
Bastille Day Lunch Buffet: Sunday 14 July from 12-3pm. $125 per person,13-17 year olds: $79 per child, 5-12 year olds: $39 per child, 0-4 year olds: free.
Crêpes Suzette Activation: 1–31 July from 11am-9pm daily.
Words by Kellie Leader
STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST & BISTRO ON3.
Social Eating House + Bar has long been a ‘casual fine dining’ Gold Coast favourite. With an impressive international tapas/shared plate style menu that includes the likes of Grilled Miso Quail, or even Lightly Smoked and Grilled Ocean Trout, it’s no wonder they’re a winner of not just one but two Hats from The Australian Good Food Guide. Freshly appointed Head Chef, YK, joined the team just a little over a month ago and has since hit the ground running. We had the pleasure to get to know him a bit more, and find out that he is a Chef passionate about making people happy, seeing them come together and enjoy the food he has prepared.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Not very long! I have only been on the Gold Coast for just over a month.
What do you love most about living here?
The ocean. Wherever I go, I am so close to the beach. Plus the Gold Coast has some pretty friendly people!
Tell us about your chef journey thus far.
I have been studying cooking since I was 15 years old. I graduated Kimpo University (a culinary art association) and went to the Army Service for 2 years as a Chef. Once I finished my duty of service I moved to the USA, and held an Internship for a year at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida. After this, I moved back to my home country where I started to work at the Banyan Tree Hotel. It was there that I was fortunate enough to meet some great Chefs. Not long after I returned, I began to think of moving to Australia because there are lots of different fresh produce and cooking techniques that intrigued me. From there, I explored and looked into the opportunity of graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney. The next thing I know, I was working at Quay Restaurant, then Bennelong and then moved to Aubergine Restaurant in Canberra. I worked for Ben (Aubergine Restaurant Owner & Chef) for five years and learnt a lot of cooking techniques and how to ‘respect’ all ingredients. It wasn’t until my wife and I were on a Gold Coast holiday that we realised that we had fallen in love with the Gold Coast and wanted to call it our home.
What’s your proudest chef moment?
When my service has been smooth and everyone is happy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Jeffo (Matt Jefferson)
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
Korean instant noodle
Tell us about what changes you are bringing to Social Eating House + Bar.
I am currently working on implementing some recipe books for the restaurant. Further to this I am trying to implement a super organized kitchen where chefs can work smart and efficiently.
What else is in the works for you in 2021?
I am having a baby, so very much looking forward to adding to my family.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: I am new here so I haven’t been everywhere but I have been to Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach
Coffee spot: no name lane, Broadbeach
Restaurant for dinner: Has to be Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach
Bar or pub for a drink: Again, has to be Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach
How does your weekend usually look? I usually spend my time at home with my wife, and lately we have been getting ready for our new baby.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
