Looking for more than chocolates and flowers? Here are a few unique ideas for Valentines Day... Kayak under the moonlight What could be more romantic than paddling under the light of the full moon with your love. With the lights of Gold Coast City twinkling around you, kayak across the Broadwater to Wave Break Island where you can relax with a glass of wine and a platter of nibbles. Find out more here My Private Chef A bit rubbish in the kitchen? Why not get someone to cook up a … [Read more...]
Scenic Rim road trip
My photographer buddy @imagjen_ and I went exploring the Scenic Rim recently, two gals who love taking pics and eating good food – road trip woohoo!! It was such an incredible weekend that Madeline was inspired to dedicate a whole photo series to the Scenic Rim… and I launched a new Instagram account to showcase all the amazing foodie experiences out there (follow along at @tastescenicrim). I’m going to share my itinerary so you can plan your own weekend escape (OK, technically it’s a … [Read more...]
Yes Chef – the man behind Videre
“When I put food on a plate, everyone has an opinion.” Chef Grant Parry Grant Parry is Head Chef at Videre Restaurant, one of the Gold Coast’s hidden gems offering a fine dining experience that treats you like you’re special. Before dining, I recommend starting with a cocktail in the bar, so you can sip in style and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast hinterland from 21 stories up. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the head table right in front of the kitchen, … [Read more...]
5 reasons to visit QT Gold Coast
The team at QT Gold Coast have served me some fabulous foodie experiences during the last year that are simply too good not to share… so here are my top 5 reasons to visit QT now: Cocktails at Stingray Bar A funky retro vibe welcomes you at Stingray Bar. Not too big, not too small, this groovy bar is cosy and spacious all at the same time. Originally a California-style tequila bar it’s now morphing into a high-end cocktail bar. Tequila still reigns supreme with an impressive selection of … [Read more...]
10 things you should know about Dîner en blanc
So, you’ve got a ticket to the exclusive Dîner en Blanc woohoo! Like me, you’re probably blissfully unaware of what you’ve just committed too… Never fear, I’ve written this post just for you, to help get your head around the myriad of rules and logistical genius you’ll need to take a seat at the big white table… read on my friend (you might want to take notes, kidding… not really). What is Dîner en Blanc? The story goes that ‘dinner in white’ started as a gourmet meal between a group of … [Read more...]
5 reasons you’ll love the Paleo Camping Retreat
It’s not often you get to sit around a campfire talking about the benefits of bone broth, but that’s exactly what we did at the Paleo Camping Retreat last year. This awesome Paleo Camping weekend is run by Aimee and Clint from Primal Influence, and Dan the Aussie Paleo Chef. Different to your usual yoga-girls-with-green-smoothies retreat… it includes Paleo cooking demonstrations, slack lining and natural play, a bush tucker walk, star gazing, swimming in the creek, and the best soul-warming … [Read more...]
PYOB – pour your own beer
Taps is a fun new bar in Surfers Paradise - launched 3 weeks ago, this place is a little unique because it’s PYOB – pour your own beer. Yep, now you’re barman for the night! You load credit onto a plastic card when you arrive then use it to pour your beers. You’re charged by the ml which means you can pour as much or as little as you like, so you can sample every beer before deciding to pour a schooner of your fav. It’s all too easy, you simply grab a frosted glass from the fridge and … [Read more...]
My rescued lunch from OzHarvest
Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch? I joined the OzHarvest Rescue Lunch at Surfers Paradise yesterday If it wasn’t for my trusty juicer I know my floppy carrots and limp celery would end up in the bin. Food waste is a massive first world problem and one we’re all guilty of. When I go grocery shopping I tend to get a tad ambitious when thinking about my menu for the week, and inevitably my grand intentions fall by the wayside. To curb this I’ve started limiting my purchases to one … [Read more...]
The secret Gold Coast pop-up ‘restaurant’ you must try
A secret pop-up dining experience, just turn up and eat! I discover one of the best kept foodie secrets on the Gold Coast and chat to Bree Denman – the culinary creative behind the Goldtoast Supper Club... Every month members of the Goldtoast Supper Club are invited to a one-of-a-kind dining experience at a secret location. Like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gona get… could be an extravagant 8 course dinner at someone’s house, or a picnic amongst the pine … [Read more...]
Brisbane French Festival
'Le Festival' is the annual celebration of all things French in Brisbane and is hosted at South Bank around Bastille Day. I decided to get into the spirit for the Brisbane French Festival, donning stripes, red scarf and beret. Apparently I was the only one with the time or inclination to do this. I lamented to one nodding stall holder that it was a shame more people didn’t get the memo…said conversation then progressed to discussion that perhaps French people didn’t appreciate the clichéd … [Read more...]