Say hello to sunset sips at The Blue House.
Say hello to sunset sips at The Blue House.
If you’re also at the offical age where you like to kid yourself you’re ‘down for anything’, but in reality ‘anything’ is entirely contingent upon whether or not there will be food, a hassle-free parking situation, and not after 9pm (and yes, we are paraphrasing a meme that hits a little close to home here). Well, pack away the slippers and save the face mask for a rainy day, because we’ve got the word on a chic new destination, in a well-loved location that ticks all the boxes and then some.
Nothing quite coaxes us out of our winter hibernation like the prospect of a new offering from a long-adored GC institution. Seasoned locals have long known one of Surfers’ best kept secrets, Bumbles Cafe, tucked away in Budds Beach out of the frenzy of the glitter strip.
If our mildly alarming reno show consumption has taught us anything, it’s #locationlocationlocation and in the case of Bumble’s brand new offshoot The Blue House it’s definitely a case of if the location ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’re not sure if The Blue House technically counts as a posh older sister, a sequel or an expansion, but we do know that if Bumbles is all grown up and getting boozy, consider us there.
Somewhat of a mastermind on the Coast’s cafe scene, owner Kate Madison is responsible for bringing us infamous local gems such as Madison’s in Broadbeach, before finally firmly planting her roots at the Bumbles site. After an impressive tenure dishing up our beloved F.A.T #iykyk (Persian fetta, avocado and tomatoes on sourdough, if you don’t) – Kate set her sights on leveraging this stunner of a spot to elevate the Bumbles offering into an elegant and inviting destination. Somewhere her friends would want to catch up for a lazy long lunch or a drink without all the Surfers faff. And judging by the fact that we most definitely want to catch up with our friends for drinks at The Blue House #ASAP, we’d say that it’s mission accomplished.
If interiors were capable of #dopaminedressing, The Blue House would have it nailed. Those familiar with the iconic Bumbles outlook to the Budds Beach waterfront will already know it’s pretty hard to beat, but in the case of The Blue House we’d just as happily be seated inside. Think maximalist coastal cottage, with eclectic and energetic mix-and-match patterns and vibrant colour pops that feel like a warm embrace from an enigmatic, quirky Aunt. It feels very Anna Spiro-esq, which is fitting given she’s a friend of Kate’s. Ordinarily, a statement like the luxe Fornecetti wallpaper that inspired Kate’s vision would steal the show. With those whimsical seafoam-blue, vintage fish illustrations lining the walls, the bold choice to pair it against hot pink wainscotting results in a show-stopping combo that somehow just works. The more-is-more pairings continue throughout the six private rooms, all tied together with charming coastal nods right down to a patterned shell features created by Kate.
The menu is where this glam older sister really shines, with a mix of savoury small bites and dinner options (depending on how prominently you want those obligatory sunset sips to feature in the festivities, we assume). Boujee snacks to pair perfectly with said sips like the Moreton Bay bug roll with little gem lettuce and sriracha sauce or Coconut Prawns are up to the task.
The salads are giving main character energy, with the Exquisite fragrant chicken salad, peanuts, tamarind, coconut, Vietnamese mint and Chili or Salad of grilled goats cheese, camembert, prosciutto, smoked beetroot, fig and candied walnut getting a nod from us. If it’s indulgence you’re in the mood for, the entire dinner menu will not disappoint – though it will be hard to go past the Double lamb cutlets, lemon cous cous, pumpkin purée, mahammara sauce and wilted spinach or the Grilled black miso salmon with buckwheat noodle salad pickled ginger and edamame.
With big flavours, even bolder interiors and a 10/10 location, the only thing left to do is apologise in advance to regulars for potentially letting the cat out of the bag on this absolute gem of a place.
Where: 19-23 River Drive, Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday and Tuesday 6.30am – 3.30pm, Wednesday – Sunday 6.30am – 10pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
The GC has been dipping its toes in all kinds of fancy recently, with more bougee bars, buildings and bites than you can poke a magnum of Dom Perignon at. But right when you think we can’t possibly level up the grandeur any further, we do…quite literally in fact.
Ladies and gentleman, get ready to put your best designer footwear-clad hoof forward in 2025 when multi-billion-dollar developer GURNERTM and Marriott International launch Australia’s very first St Regis Hotel! But we’re not done yet because this iconic luxury hotel will form part of GURNERTM’s $1.7 billion dollar La Pelago project and YES PEOPLE WE SAID BILLION. With a B.
Ear-marked for our beautiful Budds Beach, this landmark development (and joint venture with investment house Wingate) means nothing but decadence and dollar bills ya’ll, and this is definitely something we can get behind. In addition to the lavish St Regis hotel, La Pelago will feature 12,000 square meters of A-lister lifestyle amenities including luxury residential residences, and our wellness coach tells us that if we visualize an outcome… #MovingHouseParty2025 #WeCanDream.
The premier lifestyle resort and destination will also boast 5,500 square meters of international hospitality and retail, all in a lush, private landscaped setting which will be all kinds of frothed over by the Insta set #LetMeTakeThreeHundredSelfies.
The prestigious St Regis which side note, should totally be its tagline, will be frequented by celebs, high-rollers, and well-heeled folk with triple-barreled surnames, but also us mere mortals (start saving now people). Featuring approximately 185 guest rooms and suites that offer sweeping ocean and hinterland views, the design will celebrate timeless glamour, but with just the right amount of contemporary sophistication.
An expansive porte cochere is planned, and for those of us who don’t speak fancy, this is a super swish way of saying grand entrance. Providing a glamorous sense of arrival, by golly we’ll be getting our VIP jollies here, and geez Louise our rhyme game is lit today. Plus guests will be privy to the brand’s signature Butler Service, conjuring up images of Niles from the Nanny and Alfred from Batman, only way more posh.
There are whispers of a specialty restaurant, a world class sky bar, a pool bar, a signature St. Regis bar and omg it’s one really big bougee bar and we just fainted!! Also potentially in the pipeline is an exquisite lounge, spa, and luxurious penthouse collection #ded. Plus, it’s rumored that the design plans have called for all the rooms and hotel amenities, including the bar and restaurant, to sit well above any of the other towers in the project. This would make them 50% taller than any other surrounding tower and we just fainted again, partly because we’re scared of heights, but mainly coz sunset drinks will be in said sunset #PowerMove.
In the interest of providing some fodder for your next dinner party goss sesh, St. Regis is actually Marriott International’s leading luxury hotel brand with over 56 hotels and resorts around the globe, the very first opening in New York in 1904. GURNER naturally deemed the esteemed brand the perfect fit for La Pelago, and srsly we’re launching a rhyme generator app stat.
A major coup for the Gold Coast, this is an epic win both from a national and international tourism perspective, and for us local folk. We can’t wait to watch this bespoke development come to fruition, as this calibre of project and the GC are like J-Lo and Ben Affleck. Meant to be.
Where: Budds Beach, 108 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: 2027
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Ever since The Collective burst on to the Southern GC eats scene a few years back, we keep coming back like moths to flame, or in this case the glow of a warm festoon light illuminating the irresistibly impeccable vibes of rooftop surrounds. Combining all the best bits of market style eats with all the magic of laid-back alfresco restaurant dining – the genius concept of combining five restaurants under one roof has long since been a respite for the indecisive among us, and a source of merriment for, well, the entire Coast.
Our go-to for getting friends and fam together, no longer do we have to heed the objections of that one friend with the palette of a toddler, or whatever whacky diet our Aunt is trying this month, because with 5 different cuisines to pick from e.v.e.r.y.one is happy. The only thing we’re left to fight over in the group chat is trying to narrow down a date that suits everyone, and unfortunately, The Collective can’t help us with that (nor our cousin’s terrible taste in memes).
What they can help us with however, is an experience that’s a worldly culinary feast for the senses. As if we need any more reasons to get along to The Collective, they’ve just treated us to a brand new menu, and since we’re ever the overachievers when it comes to all things eats and sips, we’ve taken it one step further with suggested cocktail pairings #forscience. It’s like a round-the-world-holiday for your tastebuds and we’re all invited.
The Italian Job
The first stop on our itinerary and also for satisfying eats that feel like a warm hug for your soul, The Italian Job. Much a-doughed carby bases provide the heavenly vessels for which to build upon all the rich tomato, garlic and herb laden sauces, coupled with the savoury and salty notes of aged cheeses, mushroom, cured meats, truffle flavours, and a *chefs kiss* for good measure because it’s always made with love. Round out all those iconic Italian flavours with something more traditional like an Aperol Spritz, or a cocktail that reads like a nostalgic love letter to Italy – The Marching Mellow. Again with the obligatory addition of Aperol to bring the complex, bitter notes, vanilla and sugar to balance and lime to brighten.
Try with: Marching Mellow – Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, Lime, Vanilla, Sugar, Foam, Charred Marshmallow
Mazi
This metaphorical round the world trip just gets fetta and fetta. Next stop, Mazi for a whole lotta Greek goodness. How did we get souvlaki?
Flavour-packed proteins balanced with the likes of olives, halloumi and creamy fetta to pack a savoury, salty punch – coupled with tangy tzatziki, lashings of lemon and peppy herbs to add that fresh zing we crave. Continuing the zesty citrus flavours and cutting through some of salty savoury richness, we’d suggest pairing with a Peach Cobbler for a refreshing and fruity sip reminiscent of a Greek Island summer vaycay.
Try with: Peach Cobbler – Grey Goose Peach, Lemon, Peach, Coconut, Foam, Zest
Luckie’s Diner
Are you feeling Luckies, punk? Our stomachs certainly will be after an American diner style feast. Think, beefed up, cheese laden American classics finished with bacon, onion and indulgent sauces like creamy ranch and maple glazes. We’re proposing you lean in to the indulgence with a cocktail that’s a nod to the ultimate adults-only choc shake. What could be more American than that? An upsize, perhaps?
Try with: The Big Lebowski – Zubrowka Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, Vanilla, Chocolate
Umami
If it’s wok-your-socks-off Asian fusion you’re in the mood for, Umami never fails to rice to the occasion. We’re so(ba) obsessed with notes like – wasabi, ginger, sesame, sticky honey, vinegar, that tug-o-war for tastebuds we can never get enough of – sweet and sour. Which is perhaps unsurprisingly where our adoration for a perfectly balanced cocktail also comes in. We’re tipping the People’s Punch with the smoky-richness of dark rum, coupled with sweet (apple, tropical fruit) and sour (lemon, pineapple) notes worthy of standing on its own, while still complementing all those bold Asian flavours.
Try with: People’s Punch – Dark Rum, Goslings Black Seal, Pineapple, Apple, Lemon, Tropical Fruit
TaLA
We’re not sure if this counts as a pit stop for LA, or for Mexico, but when the LA style tacos are this delicious.. who really cares? Let’s chalk it up to two birds, one stone. Think all the quintessential flavours synonymous with Mexican cuisine – zesty coriander and jalapeño laden salsas, smoky chipotle, and sharp tequila and lime with a Californian street style twist.
It’s only fitting to suggest another hybrid creation to wash down all that deliciousness – the Tommy Batanga, combining the OG iconic duo of Mexican cocktails – Tequila and Lime, but topped with a cola for an unexpected, yet zingy twist that just works.
Try with: Tommy Batanga – Patron Silver Tequila, Cola, Lime
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
When: 12pm until late daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE COLLECTIVE.
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Every now and again, we catch whispers of a brand new venue coming to town that makes us sit up, pay attention and perhaps even put our phones down #gasp (right after we’ve tagged our foodie BFFs), because it promises to bring a totally new experience unlike anything we have on offer. No need to make like it’s 2009 and change your status to ‘it’s complicated’ because Mermaid’s latest newcomer officially makes the question of ‘where to?’ very simple. All roads lead to TØKOH.
You might be forgiven for assuming it’s just another trendy dining destination to pop up in one of the Gold Coasts it-suburbs, but a name derived from the Indonesian word for ‘leader’ is the first hint TØKOH is on a mission to bring a unique experience to the GC eats scene. Taking up residence right in the heart of Mermaid’s bustling strip among culinary heavy-hitters Glenelg, Cantina and Bonita Bonita, you know they’re not messing around.
TØKOH not only addresses the distinct lack of Indonesian-style eats on the Coast, but also promises to reimagine the whole dining experience to something more reminiscent of an opulent, immersive dinner party. Consider us officially brushing up on our dinner party conversation topics (jks, where are all my millennials at *awkward silence intensifies*)
If you’re not already familiar with TØKOH’s owners Maddy Norton and Lachlan Cuskelly, you’ll certainly be well acquainted with their prior experience on the GC eats scene. Having previously worked out of iconic names like Commune and Etsu before going on to bring us much-loved destinations Suzy BBQ and Panchos Mexican, they’re bringing a whole new dream to life and it promises to be a space of ‘absurdity and pleasure’…*ahem* culinarily speaking, of course #notthatkindofplace.
Inspired by the duo’s cherished memories of gallivanting across the vibrant Gili islands, indulging in Jakarta’s colourful street cuisine, and hopping from one bar to another in Canggu, it’s clear they took their research very seriously #dedication. Combine that with a wealth of industry experience and you know our own little slice of Indo, GC style.
While we can all agree to leave the Bintang singlets at home, they are serving Bintang beers and even have a romantic little Bintang Bass bottle opener specially designated for cracking the top of Indo’s finest ale.
TØKOH boasts a bar that’s decidedly, not like the other bars. On arrival, it stands as a welcoming beacon at which to gather while the decision to eliminate conventional fixtures helps to achieve that notion by stripping away distractions – #lessismore. It’s got to be said the light above the bar is a masterpiece/ambience maker.
The inviting feel is continued throughout the selections with a communal table to create a space for authentic connections and that trademark dining party experience, and we have it on good authority Maddy is responsible for painting every inch of the warm textured walls. The addition of a playful yet elegant ‘disco vinyl red room’ will be a visual feast for the senses while no doubt doubling as excellent talking points if the conversation lulls. Plus the vinyl player and huge collection of vinyls will add the sounds.
Before we tease you too much (again, not that kind of place), we’re happy to confirm they’ve also goreng all out when it comes to the eats too. In fact, they’ve taken it a step further with many of their unique flavours and ingredients made on site, from the hot-like-a-sunrise house-made sambals right through to sodas and even crafting their own spirits #thatsonefancydinnerparty.
Chef Mario Georgiou heads a team bringing their respective experience from various Michelin star venues the world over, and bringing to life the TØKOH ethos that is celebration of super fresh local produce and a focus on flavor-forward food.
And starting the night with a cheeky serve of Sardines on crack with Crispy fried mustard seed marinated sardines, pickled cucumber dusted in Tokoh crack salt will undoubtedly deliver on the flavour-forward promise.
Follow it up with the likes of charcoal Chicken skewers with a seductive smoky chicken skin crumb or boujee fillet ‘o’ fish sandos (seriously the best) with Crispy fried coconut crumbed tuna, Pickled cucumber, Papaya slaw and now it’s really a (dinner) party.
For seafood fans, o-fish-al word on the street is the Aromatic Fish Head Curry with Snapper, Yellow curry sauce, Fried sambal matah and peanut mix is an unmissable masterpiece.
And when we start seeing all the tropical suspects like coconut, pandan, guava and pineapple gracing the cocktail menu, our eyes light up like a tourist during beachside happy hour. Either the Disco Spritzo with Orange, Peach nectar, Chrysanthemum or the Mango Cruiser with complete with Buttered brioche, Vanilla, Benzoin will surely taste like island vacay in a glass, but you should probably sample both just for good measure.
Zac & Kaden, the geniuses behind the bar are absolutely masters of their craft. Be sure to leave room for dessert because the Egg Nog Affogato is un.for.gettable!
So if it’s tantalising tropical-inspired fare and an indulgent, immersive experience that’s in order, come and TØKOH load off when the doors officially open on Saturday, because this is one dinner party that is guaranteed to be a bore-free zone.
Case in point, our night may or may not have ended with a round of Danger Margs. Ask for a round if you dare, but beware they’re not for the faint of heart!
When: Wednesday – Sunday from 5pm – late
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Kellie Leader.
