The Dish: Gold Coast food news you might have missed this week
A lot is happening on the Gold Coast (and surrounds) these days, it’s almost too much to keep up with. The Dish is a rapid-fire rundown of the coast’s food news – quick taster-sized tidbits to keep you in the know and, perhaps, tickle your taste buds. This week we’re talking free coffee, yard parties and iconic matcha pop-ups.
Farm & Co is throwing a laid-back Yard Party with barbecue, brews and live tunes
This Sunday (April 26), Cudgen favourite Farm & Co is hosting a Yard Party and you’re invited. Roll out a picnic rug and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon complete with tunes from barefoot guitar-slinger GG Peterson. Each ticket includes a drink on arrival, and the coal-fire barbecue will be firing from midday, serving up hearty BBQ boxes alongside snacks via QR ordering, while the pop-up bar will be pouring Earth beers, VB tinnies, frozen margaritas and Jilly Wines into the afternoon. For little ones, there’s plenty to keep them busy – from the Old Mac Farms petting zoo to bubbles, craft and face painting – while grown-ups kick back on the lawn. With limited tickets and a BYO picnic setup encouraged, it’s shaping up to be an easygoing afternoon of good food, cold drinks and country air. Get tickets here.
Whyld Coffee is shouting free coffee to celebrate two years in Miami
Miami favourite Whyld Coffee is turning two and celebrating the only way it knows how – by giving back to its loyal local following with free coffee all day long. What started as a backyard dream has grown into a much-loved Hillcrest Parade hangout, fuelled by early mornings, strong brews and a tight-knit community of regulars. On Sunday April 26 from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm, Rach and the team is pouring complimentary coffees, with special guests U4IA bringing the vibes from 9:00 am. Whether you’ve been there since the market days or you’re just chasing a free caffeine hit, this one’s a love letter to the locals who’ve been along for the ride.
Beenleigh Artisan Distillery takes top honours at state and national tourism awards
If you’ve been looking for a reason to venture north, Beenleigh Artisan Distillery has just been named one of Australia’s best tourism experiences – and you can see what the hype is about for around $30. The Eagleby-based rum producer, which recently took out top honours at both state and national tourism awards, offers guided tours through its working distillery, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at traditional rum-making, followed by tastings and immersive experiences. The incredible story dates back to 1884, when an abandoned steamboat carrying a copper still washed ashore on the Albert River, sparking what would become Australia’s oldest operating rum distillery. Nearly 140 years on, Beenleigh is still crafting rum on the same riverside site – blending rich heritage with a modern, experience-led approach that continues to draw visitors from near and far. Book your distillery tour here.
’94 Cafe brings its cult-status matcha to Pacific Fair for a one-month pop-up
Palm Beach favourite ’94 Cafe has taken its cult following north, popping up at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for a limited run until May 7. Known for its lines-out-the-door status, the crew has landed with a tight, drinks-led menu created just for the activation. Expect a few playful signatures in the mix – from a Sweet Tooth Cold Brew to a Mango Sticky Rice Matcha and a PBJ Matcha Latte – each leaning into that slightly indulgent, slightly unexpected flavour profile ’94 does oh-so-well. You’ll find the ’94 Cafe pop-up in the cafe space outside of Trybe and the food court.
Two heavyweights collide – Palette and Muso Ramen join forces for one-night-only
Two of the Gold Coast’s most respected kitchens are set to collide in a one-night-only collaboration that feels less like a dinner and more like a moment. On Saturday May 30, Palette Restaurant joins forces with cult favourite Muso Ramen for an intimate six-course experience that brings together two very different, but equally obsessive approaches to food. Expect the kind of detail Palette is known for layered over Muso’s deeply soulful ramen, we’re talking kangaroo grass flour noodles in a double chicken broth with smoked wagyu brisket, alongside a classic tonkotsu with kakuni pork, plus snacks like crab cream croquettes and wagyu shokupan to start. It’s a meeting of precision and comfort, technique and instinct – no ego, no theatrics, just seriously delicious food from two teams who care about every element on the plate. With a Japanese-inspired beverage pairing (including sake) and limited seats, this is the kind of collaboration that won’t hang around – and very likely won’t need to. Reserve your spot.
Burgers and froyo favourite YOMG lands in Elanora
Melbourne-born burger and froyo favourite YOMG (Yo My Goodness) is continuing its Gold Coast expansion, opening a third local outpost at The Pines Elanora. The fast-growing brand has built a loyal following for its all-in-one offering of premium Angus beef burgers, plant-based options, loaded fries, thick shakes and its signature self-serve frozen yogurt bar. Following the success of its Burleigh Heads and Pacific Fair locations, the new Elanora venue brings the concept further south, with a vibrant, family-friendly space designed for groups to settle in and stay awhile. Expect the same rotating line-up of limited-edition menu drops that have drawn queues at its other venues, alongside a constantly changing selection of froyo flavours and toppings.
Norté turns up the heat for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta this May
Cinco de Mayo is getting the Norté treatment this year, with the venue turning up the heat for a night of fire-led cooking, live music and Latin American flair. On Friday May 1, the space will glow with marigolds and candlelight as Flamenco-Latino guitarist Camarón De La Vega sets the tone, spilling out from the dining room onto the open-air patio. The food centres on Norté’s signature open-fire approach, with Ballina king prawns cooked over the coals, finished in cacahuate salsa and brown butter and served straight from a pop-up BBQ. Drinks are just as considered, with a dedicated Paloma bar pouring hand-pressed Palomas alongside coconut chilli margaritas and lime ranch waters. With both a la carte and banquet options available, it’s a high-energy celebration built around big flavours, good music and a steady flow of cocktails. Make a booking here.
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!
Want to see more stories from InDaily Qld in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily Qld as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily Qld". That's it.