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’ve got word of Paloma’s new menu, festive events and a local Tweed chef named among the world’s best.
Tarte Beach House unveils an epic walk-through gingerbread house and festive high tea
Currumbin’s Tarte Beach House is dialling up the festive magic this year with an epic walk-through gingerbread house – a 100-plus-hour creation handcrafted entirely by the Tarte pastry team. Made from more than 100 kg of gingerbread (that’s roughly 200 baking trays), 26 kg of sugar, 40 hanging bells, 200 metres of twinkling lights, a real sleigh and an army of toy soldiers, the installation is set to be a scene-stealing holiday highlight. In true Tarte style, it’s not just pretty decorations, there’s also a Christmas high tea, which keeps beloved staples like the salmon and tomato bagels while introducing seasonal additions including a Christmas chicken sandwich with potato hash and cranberry, a French-brie cucumber sandwich, a matcha-glazed crueller filled with matcha crème pat, blood-orange curd crowned with a snowman meringue, and festive truffles in cherry-coconut and salted caramel-chocolate. To sip, the cafe has added a new pistachio foam cloud drink to its cult-favourite foam range, a suitably dreamy drop for the season.
Planter’s Kitchen at Husk Farm Distillery steps into summer with bold flavours and playful new cocktails
Husk Farm Distillery is turning up the heat for summer, unveiling a vibrant new menu at Planter’s Kitchen that celebrates the Northern Rivers’ growing season through the Thai-infused lens of head chef Suchada Williams. Expect bright, garden-fresh flavours – many harvested right from Husk’s own grounds – showcased in dishes like smashed cucumber salad with homegrown ginger and roasted sesame, or the deeply aromatic grass-fed braised beef, slow cooked in a master ginger caramel stock nurtured over time. Beloved staples like hot-honey halloumi remain, joined by new seasonal creations and an equally spirited cocktail line-up, where playful sips such as the Australian paloma and Caramello old fashioned take centre stage alongside long-time favourites. With its farm-to-bottle ethos, sustainable local produce and a refreshed drinks list brimming with summer-ready riffs, Husk’s Planter’s Kitchen is shaping up as a must-visit destination for long lunches, sun-drenched dinners and spirited weekend escapes.
Parkwood Village unveils a fresh dining era with new bistro menu and Laneway Charcoal Kitchen
Parkwood Village has entered a tasty new chapter, unveiling a fully refreshed dining offering headlined by an elevated bistro menu and the launch of its brand-new Laneway Charcoal Kitchen. The bistro has been reimagined with flavour-forward modern dishes, revamped classics and a lineup of weekly specials, marking the precinct’s biggest culinary upgrade in years. Meanwhile, Laneway Charcoal Kitchen is serving up smoky, slow-cooked goodness – think porchetta, picanha, lamb shoulder, charcoal chicken and house-made sides – all designed for easy family dinners, casual catch-ups and post-golf feeds. With dining now playing a starring role alongside the precinct’s mini golf, simulators, kids’ zones and entertainment offerings, Parkwood Village is shaping up as a vibrant all-in-one destination where locals can linger, feast and make a day of it.
A deliciously festive high-tea has arrived at FIXX Café
FIXX Café is kicking off the silly season with the launch of its Gingerland QTea High Tea, a Christmas-themed extravaganza of handmade sweets and savouries arriving from Saturday November 15. Expect a whimsical spread that swings from festive ‘bauble’ arancini to a zingy ‘Christmas tree’ lemon-lime cheesecake and the most adorable petit gingerbread men you ever did meet – each treat sprinkled with a little extra holiday magic. The high tea is $74 per person and includes tea or espresso coffee plus Santa’s Iced Spice, a refreshing iced Geisha green tea infused with mulled cranberry spice and orange. Little guests can join the fun for $39 with a playful kids’ menu, while those wanting to go all-out can upgrade to the Perrier-Jouët edition for $104. Served daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the FIXX Café lobby, it’s a festive indulgence worth unwrapping. Available daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm until January 4. Book here.
‘Tis the season for Madisons Cafe’s annual gingerbread house decorating
Get ready to deck the halls (and the gingerbread!) – one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved festive traditions is back. Madisons Cafe Broadbeach is once again hosting its annual gingerbread house decorating sessions, inviting kids, teens and adults alike to roll up their sleeves, unleash their creativity and sprinkle a little holiday magic. Little ones can dive into icing, lollies and pure Christmas joy in the kids’ sessions ($35 per child), while teens get their own hands-on workshop to whip up a festive masterpiece. Grown-ups aren’t left out either – the adult sessions ($120) come complete with drinks, nibbles and a seriously sweet dose of nostalgia. Running from December 11 to 19, this event is a cherished Gold Coast Christmas tradition – part workshop, part sugar rush and all heart. Book your spot by emailing [email protected].
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!