The Dish: Gold Coast food news you need to know
The Gold Coast’s dining scene never seems to sit still, and frankly, we’re not complaining. Consider this your bite-sized serving of everything worth eating, drinking and knowing about on the Gold Coast right now.
Pipit is hosting a Vietnamese-inspired pop-up throughout September
Back in the dark days of the 2020 lockdowns, Pottsville institution Pipit launched Mr Trinh’s, a takeaway-oriented concept inspired by the food traditions and flavours of co-owner Yen’s Vietnamese heritage. Now, the Pipit team has brought Mr Trinh’s back as a pop-up dine-in residency, serving Vietnamese-inspired fare made with Northern Rivers produce (sourced from growers like Concisous Ground and Boon Luck Farm) every Sunday lunch and Monday dinner throughout September. The offering weaves together family favourites and contemporary takes on Vietnamese classics, with chef Ben Devlin and his team turning out the likes of banh mi choux bun sandos with duck pate, pork chả lụa cold cut and pickles, grilled snapper fish cakes on lemongrass skewers, grilled duck sausage with betel leaves, snapper fillet with makrut lime brown butter, and slow-cooked duck leg with green pepper and ginger. Head to the Pipit website for booking and menu details, and follow Mr Trinh’s on Instagram for updates.
The Langham puts a ballet-inspired spin on afternoon tea
Pas de deux with your petit four? The Langham, Gold Coast is bringing a little theatrical flair to Palm Court this September with The Art of Movement, a limited-edition afternoon tea celebrating the world premiere of Queensland Ballet’s Elegantly Wasted at HOTA. Running until Sunday September 20, the experience translates the art of ballet into a line-up of delicate sweet and savoury bites, including Yuzu Etoile, pistachio-and-raspberry Dacquoise en Pointe and a Chocolate Pas de Deux layered with milk chocolate, dulce de leche and sea salt. The $95 experience is served daily from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm with specialty teas and coffee, or you can add a little extra sparkle with champagne. Better yet, bookings put you in the running to win a luxe stay at The Langham alongside tickets to Queensland Ballet at HOTA. Book a table now.
Sip into spring with Veuve Clicquot at Sandfire
Spring has officially arrived, and Sandfire is celebrating the only way it knows how – with champagne, ocean views and a long lunch that rolls well into the afternoon. The North Burleigh oceanfront venue is teaming up with Veuve Clicquot for an exclusive Spring Launch on Friday September 18, kicking things off with a glass of Veuve on arrival before three hours of free-flowing Chandon, beer and cocktails. Roaming oysters and canapes will keep hunger at bay, with bites including smoked-salmon crostini, truffle-laced pumpkin arancini, crispy chicken sliders and wagyu beef tataki, while singer and guitarist Ben Amor provides the soundtrack from 2:30 pm. Tickets are $199 per person, with festivities running from 1:00–4:00 pm. Sunshine, champagne and the North Burleigh coastline? That sounds like spring to us. Book here.
Cosy up for cocktails and sunset views inside JW Marriott’s private domes
Winter may be over, but that doesn’t mean cosy season has to be. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is keeping the snug vibes going with Sunset Sessions, inviting you to settle into a private all-weather dome overlooking the resort’s saltwater lagoon. As the sun dips and the fairy lights flicker on, tuck into cocktails, bubbles and a generous spread of charcuterie and cheeses, chicken baos, fresh scallops and oysters. Available Friday to Sunday from 4:30–6:30 pm, the intimate experience is designed for two to four people and costs $150 per person, with the option to add a bottle of Moët & Chandon for $50 per two guests. Consider your next date night sorted. Book your dome here.
Cowboy core comes to the Tweed for Husk Rum’s Harvest Fest
Dust off the cowboy boots and limber up your throwing arm because Husk Rum Harvest Fest is returning to North Tumbulgum for two days of rum-fuelled revelry on October 17–18. The annual celebration of the Tweed’s sugarcane harvest will bring live bands, pop-up bars, fresh-pressed cane juice, low-and-slow barbecue and plenty of cocktails to Husk Farm Distillery, alongside some brilliantly unconventional entertainment. Saturday will see competitors hurl stalks in the fan-favourite sugarcane javelin, while the Cowboy Catwalk runs all weekend with prizes for those who commit hardest to cowboy core. There’ll also be rum tastings, distillery tours, a new Harvest Deli and pop-up market, plus a hay maze, cow feeding and face painting for little festival-goers. Tickets are $20 for adults and include a Husk Rum with freshly pressed cane juice on arrival, while under-18s enter free. Grab tickets here.
Moustache is making breakfast cheap again with its new $10 jaffle menu
When did breakfast for a family become a $100 affair? Moustache owner Brodie Green reckons there should be another option. The Mermaid Beach espresso and wine bar has launched a new $10 jaffle menu, extending the venue’s cucina povera philosophy, which translates loosely to ‘kitchen for the peasants’, into the morning. The concept takes Moustache’s Wednesday-night cucina povera offering, usually $14, and gives it a breakfast spin with a line-up designed to be affordable, filling and, importantly, something both kids and grown-ups will happily eat. There are four options, and Moustache has called in a couple of local mates for the occasion. Pasta Emporium supplies the goods for the gloriously carb-on-carb Mac & 3 Cheese, stuffed with creamy three-cheese macaroni, Grana Padano, mozzarella, American cheese and bechamel, alongside a Spaghetti Beef Ragu loaded with slow-cooked beef ragu, spaghetti and Grana Padano. The Lamb Yiros is a collaboration with Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros, layering marinated lamb with goat’s cheese and house-made tzatziki, while Moustache keeps things classic with its own Breakfast Focaccia, made with house-made focaccia, bacon and egg.
Originally intended as an August-only winter special, the $10 offering has already earned itself a permanent spot. Brodie confirmed Moustache plans to keep it rolling every morning beyond August, which is excellent news for anyone who likes their breakfast hot, cheesy and still in the realm of a tenner.
Velvet Cafe & Lounge leans into after-dark dining with new After Hours sessions
If you’ve ever walked into Velvet Cafe & Lounge and thought it felt more like a European wine bar than your average neighbourhood cafe, you’re not alone. With its deep maroon velvet booths, warm golden glow, walnut panelling and nostalgic mid-century interiors, the Miami favourite has always hinted at life after dark. Now, it’s happening. Velvet has launched After Hours, extending service every Thursday to Saturday from 2:00 pm as the cafe seamlessly shifts from leisurely lunches to relaxed evenings centred around good wine, share plates and conversation. As the light softens and the music settles into a house soundtrack, guests can graze on hot-honey halloumi, anchovy toast, steamed mussels, Basque cheesecake and generous cellar boards alongside a curated wine list and cocktails including an Espresso Carajillo, Velvet’s signature coffee-infused gin and tonic, or a classic Aperol Spritz. Head over here to make a booking.
Got a hot tip for us? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we’d love to hear it!
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