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 cheese masterclasses, a fiery new set menu, markets and a fanciful pop-up dining event.
Fire, flavour and Malbec take centre stage at Norté this March
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to lean into bold reds and flame-kissed fare, Nobby Beach restaurant Norté has you covered with the launch of Malbec Month. From March 4–29, the restaurant is spotlighting Argentina’s most iconic grape with a special set menu designed to celebrate the natural partnership between fire-driven cooking and expressive wines. Expect a menu shaped by the heat of Norté’s Mibrasa grill, where smoky, charred flavours meet classic Argentine influences – starting with a Fugazetta (a stuffed Argentine-style pizza), followed by a generous mixed asado served with native chimichurri, pickled eggplant, Currumbin Valley herb salad and chips, before finishing sweetly with dulce de leche gelato (our all-time fave dessert) topped with burnt Italian meringue. Those keen to go all in can add the optional wine pairing, a curated journey through Argentina’s renowned wine regions featuring an aromatic Torrontés from Salta, a vibrant Rosé de Malbec from the Uco Valley and a classic Mendoza Malbec from Catena Zapata. At $65 for the set menu (and $65 for the wine pairing), Malbec Month is a chance to settle in, raise a glass and explore the depth, character and fire-driven spirit of Argentine food and wine. Bookings essential.
Crack into Messina’s decadent cheesecake-loaded Easter egg
If your Easter plans revolve around dessert (as they should), Gelato Messina has once again delivered the goods with the return of its wildly indulgent Gelato Easter Egg. Dropping online at 12:00 pm on Tuesday March 10 (with a cheeky 10-minute early access window for loyal Messina app users), this year’s creation leans heavily into cheesecake in the best possible way. Crack through the dark chocolate shell and you’ll uncover layers of chocolate cheesecake gelato studded with baked cheesecake chunks, chocolate cream cheese with chocolate crumb mousse, salted caramel chocolate cookie mousse and a gooey salted caramel centre. Weighing in at a hefty 900 g of edible Easter egg (about 1 kg in the box) and designed to serve six, it’s the kind of over-the-top treat that Messina fans know tends to disappear fast. If you’re hoping to secure one, consider this your reminder to set an alarm.
Bigger, better, say hello to the new HOTA Markets
Your Sunday morning ritual at HOTA Markets is about to get even bigger. From Sunday March 22, the much-loved market will unveil a brand-new market area, expanding the line-up of local growers, bakers, makers and creative stallholders that fill the HOTA precinct each week. Expect even more stalls to wander through, more farm-fresh produce to load into your basket and plenty of gourmet bites to snack on as you stroll. The new space will introduce fresh faces alongside favourite regular traders, including colourful cactus specialist Thadz Cactusology and paddock-to-plate producer Local Dorper Lamb, adding even more variety to the already buzzing market scene. Whether you’re hunting down seasonal produce, browsing artisan goods or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere with coffee in hand, the expanded HOTA Markets promise even more reasons to roll out of bed early on a Sunday.
Learn the art of cheese with Sam Studd at this interactive tasting masterclass this Friday March 6
When someone writes a book called The Best Things in Life Are Cheese, you know they take their dairy seriously. Enter Sam Studd, son of renowned cheese authority Will Studd, who is bringing his passion and expertise to an interactive tasting masterclass designed for curious eaters and committed cheese lovers alike. The session dives into how to serve cheese at its best, pair it with the right accompaniments, cook with it creatively and enjoy it with confidence. Along the way, Sam shares practical tips, flavour insights and behind-the-scenes stories that bring every board to life. Adding another layer to the experience is a specially crafted cheese-inspired cocktail by bar manager Tom Angel, designed to complement the tasting and elevate each course. Whether you’re building better cheese boards at home or simply looking for an indulgent night out with substance, this intimate session promises plenty to learn, taste and enjoy. Read more here.
Little Truffle is set to take over Carafe Wine for a long-table dinner
Carafe Wine is continuing its run of in-demand pop-up dinners with its third special collaboration, following two previously sold-out long-table events by Rick Shores. This time, celebrated Little Truffle chef Daniel Ridgeway is stepping out of Mermaid Beach for a one-night-only dinner, presenting a refined multi-course menu inside the cosy wine bar. Expect dishes like cauliflower, parsnip and truffle amuse bouche, Moreton Bay bug and prawn tortellini, lamb cutlets with chicken and truffle mousse and cherries jubilee, each paired with thoughtfully selected wines. With previous events selling out fast, this intimate dining experience is tipped to be another hot ticket for food and wine lovers. Get your tickets here.
Paradox Coffee Roasters is making the move to Broadbeach
Attention coffee lovers, in case you missed the memo, Paradox Coffee Roasters, one of the Gold Coast’s most respected specialty coffee names, is making a big move to Broadbeach this March with a large new light-filled cafe in The Oracle dining precinct. Building on more than a decade of acclaim from its Surfers Paradise flagship, the Broadbeach space will combine serious brewing with a seasonally driven breakfast and lunch menu that highlights fresh local produce, indoor-outdoor seating and a community-focused layout that suits both quick takeaways and lingering brunches. Coffee will remain front and centre with a custom La Marzocco machine and visible brew taps putting the craft on display, and there’s even a dedicated training area planned for tastings and workshops as part of Paradox’s ongoing commitment to coffee education. Read more about the new outpost.
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!
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