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La Maison Pacifique recently hosted Jane Scott of the Brisbane News
We at La Maison Pacifique recently hosted Jane Scott of the Brisbane News (introduced to us by the lovely Sally Scott of Alluxia.com) and below is her great (and much appreciated) review of our beautiful property (Nov 5-11, 2014) . We loved having you and your family stay Jane and are so pleased that you had a chance to visit local restaurant Osteria and the Margaret Olley Art Centre. You can view the original article here (pages 22-23).
La Maison Pacifique recently hosted Jane Scott of the Brisbane News
What do you look for in a beach house? Proximity to the water? For sure. Plenty of comfy spots to lounge about in? Yes. Peaceful location away from the high-rises and busy roads? Definitely.
Our home for a recent weekend away at Casuarina Beach, just across the border in New South Wales, ticked all of these boxes, and a whole lot more. La Maison Pacifique earns the grand title by being the uber beach house of your dreams – spacious, elegantly appointed and large enough to cater for a couple of family groups or a gaggle of friends. Stylish and supremely comfortable, it’s an A-list escape.
Arriving late on a wet Friday night, we made a beeline for the gas fire, which forms a striking centrepiece to the kitchen, dining and living space with its high ceilings and expanses of glass. The flames popped up with the flick of a switch and tensions began to slip away.
While there is no shortage of TVs in La Maison Pacifique – we counted three, plus DVD players, games consoles (Wii, PlayStation and XBox), iPod docks and the like – but they’re all cleverly placed in bedrooms or comfy media nooks, leaving the main space pleasantly screen free. We lounged on the large leather sofas while the kids loved the two cute “bubble chairs”. A 10-seat dining table brings the focus to eating and talking, and keen cooks are invited to plumber the flourishing herb garden just outside the back door.
Lucky Dip – Find Peaceful perfection at this home by the sea
Beyond the lap pool, at the bottom of the long garden, is a boardwalk and track through to a vast expanse of white sand that reaches from Cabarita to the south to Salt and Kingscliff in the north. The wild seas and stiff breeze on the weekend of our stay made for a bracing, beautiful walk the next morning. It’s amazing the diversions that an apparently empty beach can deliver – bluebottles, shells, even a washed up jerry can that housed a couple of uncomfortable fish: Dad’s chance to play wildlife warrior and release them back to the ocean.Coffee lovers should head north, towards the distant towers of Tweed Heads and take a left at access lane 11. A couple of blocks in is the popular Osteria at the Casuarina Domain development. An unexpected slice of Italy, Osteria offers cake and coffee, deli goods, and an excellent lunch and dinner menu – I recommend the line caught sardines with the pan-fried gnocchi with duck and porcini mushroom ragout.
Back “home”, we took a dip in the outdoor spa pool, nad then it was time to put our feet up and read, – or nod off. Where to put oneself though? La Maison Pacifique has – not counting the queen size beds in its five bedrooms – at least seven chill out zones, a couple with spacious, comfy sofas facing big-screen TVs, cushioned bench seating around a large outdoor table, and other thoughtful groups of two or three seats, with stacks of magazines and books in case you’ve neglected to bring your own.
Live the Dream… Escape the everyday and soak up the serenity at La Maison Pacifique, Casuarina Beach
Guest with a keen design eye will find much to admire, with the main suite offering some real wow factor. Bedroom and bathroom blend into one, with a free-standing bath surrounded by floor-set mood lighting that changes colours while you soak. The bed, a high set, four poster Balinese-style number, invites lounging, contemplation (a Buddha hovers above the headboard), and, naturally, romance – unsurprisingly, La Maison Pacifique is a popular boutique wedding destination.
Leaving such luxury and comfort behind is never fun, but spirits were lifted by a detour up the Tweed River to the Margaret Olley Art Centre at Tweed Regional Gallery, Murwillumbah. A re-creation of the much-loved artist’s home and workspace, the display is at once poignant and fascinating, and inspired interest in visitors young and old. Fortify yourself at the gallery’s excellent cafe before hitting the road home.
The writer was a guest of the owners. From $393 per night (min seven night stay). Mention Brisbane News when booking by November 30, 2014 and receive a complimentary French Champagne pack including Veuve Cliquot and Lindt Chocolates. Book at alluxia.com
Our very sincere thanks (again) to Jane of the Brisbane News for her kind words. Thanks also to Sally Scott of Alluxia for all her arrangements for the weekend. It really has been a pleasure working with you both.
…and… if you are looking for a resort-style luxury beachfront holiday home for your family holiday, romantic break wedding accommodation, (watch our video here), or a girls getaway contact us at La Maison Pacifique for availability and a quote…. Remember, our rates compare really well with local 5-star resorts – and La Maison Pacifique is private – on the beach – walking distance to cafes at Cabarita Beach – perfect spot for whale watching (June to November each year) – children optional!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates, (we accept credit cards too – via paypal!)
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
Latest News from La Maison Pacifique – October 2014
Latest News from La Maison Pacifique – October 2014
Welcome to all our new subscribers and hello to all our continuing ones! Featured articles this month include:
- Patrolled Beach 365 Days at Year at Salt, Kingscliff
- Top Tips for your Destination Wedding
- La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled
- Seat wars: How Qantas and Virgin Australia’s new business class designs compare
- Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
- Toast the Coasts – Gold Coast Selection
- Last Minute Accommodation Specials – December 2014
Patrolled Beach 365 Days a year at Salt Kingscliff
1. Patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff
Did you know that there is a patrolled beach 365 days a year at Salt Kingscliff? As the wonderful Australian Volunteer Surf Lifesavers take a break across the beautiful beaches in Australia, they hand over their flags to Lifeguards at Salt Village Kingscliff NSW for the winter season.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/patrolled-beach-365-days-a-year-at-salt-kingscliff/
2. Top tips for your Destination Wedding
Are you ready to plan your dream Destination Wedding in Casuarina NSW? We have put together our top tips for your Destination Wedding to make your day as special as you are!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/top-tips-for-your-destination-wedding/
La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled
3. La Maison Pacifique at Bridal Secrets Unveiled
We love supporting local events and initiatives and were delighted to be invited show you La Maison Pacifique at Waterside Events Bridal Secrets Unveiled at Currumbin RSL on September 7.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/la-maison-pacifique-at-bridal-secrets-unveiled-2/
4. Seat wars: How Qantas and Virgin Australia’s new business class designs compare
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/seat-wars-how-qantas-and-virgin-australias-new-business-class-designs-compare/
Queensland Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
5. Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
Our neighbours on the Gold Coast enjoy a plethora of wonderful food and dining experiences. Just a short hop “over the border”, we have reviewed the Sunday Mail’s recent lift-out and come up with Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast list. Just another reason to visit our beautiful region with easy access to the Gold Coast!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/queenslands-top-100-food-experiences-gold-coast/
6. Toast the Coasts – Gold Coast Selection
Following on from our earlier post – Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast, there was an extra section in The Courier Mail Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences web edition which highlighted a superb selection of other great Food Experiences on the Coasts – including our own Gold Coast – and entitled Toast the Coasts. Like our earlier post, we have separated out the Gold Coast experiences and summarised the extra selections for you below.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/toast-the-coasts-gold-coast-selections/
7. Last Minute Accommodation Specials – December 2014
Itching to beat the pre-Christmas rush with a sun-drenched holiday in the perfect beachfront location?
We are delighted to announce that we can offer some December 2014 dates at our offpeak rate – $2,950 for the week instead of $4,250 – saving a massive $1,300 or more than 30%! The dates available are:
- 29 November – 6 December 2014
- 6-13 December, 2014
- 13-20 December, 2014
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/last-minute-accommodation-specials/
8. The Commonwealth Games are on their way – our Gold Coast is next!
With the Glasgow games deemed “the best ever” and the warm welcome of the locals with their Scottish brogue, it is time now to turn our attention to the Gold Coast! Four years could seem a while away, but we at La Maison Pacifique are ready and waiting! Can’t wait for the Games to hit our shores and we are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world. For updates on the progress on the games, visit http://www.gc2018.com/ or follow on twitter at https://twitter.com/gc2018
9. Welcome to all our new subscribers!
Welcome to all our new subscribers and thank you to all our regular subscribers – we do hope that you continue to enjoy our newsletters each month. Thanks to our returning guests – and don’t forget to tell us about your stay – we love your feedback (and it is important to us!) We look forward to welcoming you all to our property soon – and don’t forget to book early – 2015 is shaping up to be another bumper year!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/description-rates/
10. La Maison Pacifique recent Tweets – my favourites!
Local News, Events and Information
RT @BrisbaneJane:#casuarina escape almost over. How to extract child from v cosy reading corner? pic.twitter.com/brtGSqLK9c
RT @Queensland:Perfect spots to catch a sunrise/sunset at the #GoldCoast ow.ly/AIy2f #thisisqueensland #PBEvent
RT @Queensland: Get inside scoop on the places to visit with free @gogobot app ow.ly/zd3O6 #thisisqueensland
RT @GCBulletin: Top 10 #cocktail bars on the #GoldCoast! tinyurl.com/p92r6kh pic.twitter.com/AMvJfHpnDk
RT @MrAdamSharpe: Ballooning In Byron Bay – Sunrise Style buff.ly/1s0r6rD #TTOT via @BckPackerBanter
Proud to be an Aussie! Go #Qantas-& absolutely everybody! ow.ly/BCRcW ow.ly/BCRe0
RT @ByronBayHouses: When you visit Byron Bay walk the beach twn Tallows & Broken Head & discover…. fb.me/1hdAYLv6V
RT @mullumfestival: MMF14 20-23 Nov. ARTIST Profile: BULLHORN fb.me/1EeelkpXG
Travel Tips and News
La Maison Pacifique
RT @mappingmegan: 11 #Travel Planning Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making goo.gl/Mo4yyD via @Treksplorer
RT @TravlandLeisure: 6 #travel wardrobe picks from @MichaelKors: tandl.me/1nbvITY pic.twitter.com/lwHc5fpHkr #Luxury
RT @IntTravellerMag:How to make economy feel (almost) like first:internationaltravellermag.com/?p=11045 @Qantasairways @cathaypacificAU…
RT @mappingmegan: #Travel Apps You Should Download – #ttot #holidays mappingmegan.com/travel-apps-to… #Australia
RT @TripIt: Tell us: what’s your go-to #travel credit card? Here are some recommendations: bit.ly/VMaGUP #tt #ttot
How to avoid #DVT on a flight.. ow.ly/ALinM via @theage #Travel #TravelTips #Australia
RT @TravelwitBender: Tips for Travelling Happily with Kids silverkris.com/stories/tips-t…
RT @SueHenly:6 Simple Tips for Terrific Travel Photos genuinejourneys.net/?p=70 #photography #travelphotography #traveltips
RT @luxury__travel: Why stay in a hotel when you can rent an apartment/house? bit.ly/1oyyGSm pic.twitter.com/wFvvRwsFF4
Flight test: #EtihadAirways business class via @theage ow.ly/Bks4k #Airlinefood #Travel #Airttravel #Traveltips
Wedding Tips
This proposal may make you cry (or dance in your seat.) ow.ly/AyHhb via @HelloMayMag #engagement #wedding
Creating a truly family friendly #wedding ow.ly/AEzEO via @easyweddings
Is a #wedding package for you? ow.ly/ADwdc @HuffPostWedding via @SandyMalone_ #WeddingTips #WeddingPackages
How to Know If Your #Wedding Planner Is Legit ttp://ow.ly/AEpdz via @SandyMalone_
The 10 most popular #first-dance #wedding songs in the world via @easyweddings ow.ly/AGf5H
RT @Bridesmagazine: Choosing #bridesmaid dresses shouldn’t cost you a friendship: po.st/fRGofQ #Wedding #BrideRT @brides: The biggest #weddingdress shopping mistakes – @KleinfeldBridal‘s fashion director: brid.es/1vKyhVt
RT @FindTitleLoans:5 post-#Wedding Financial Things You Must Do Together via @SandyMalone_ buff.ly/1qlwwLa #finance
RT @SandyMalone_: OMG! What does a #bride do when she hates her fiancé’s #BestMan? @brides blog! brides.com/blogs/aisle-sa…
Best #marriage #proposal ever? ow.ly/BxO2t via @couriermail #Wedding
RT @WeddingsinVQS: 3 Ways to Include Absent Wedding Guests in Real Time @SandyMalone_ brides.com/blogs/aisle-sa… via @brides
@SandyMalone_ 12 Incredible Ways to Make Guests Happy goo.gl/qEOeTd #wedding #ideas #hizons
RT @HuffPostWedding: How to nicely tell #wedding guests their phones aren’t invited huff.to/1w8dB6P
Wow, another great newsletter packed with some fantastic information ready for your next holiday!
La Maison Pacifique
….Have we convinced you yet that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever at any time of the year? All you have to do now is book your beach holiday! Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Patrolled beaches line the coast. We even have Carla, Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! You can even book a picnic or high tea with Teaspoon High Tea Events! Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates, (yes, we do accept credit cards – through our paypal!)
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 452 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 452 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
Toast the Coast – Gold Coast Selections
Toast the Coast – Gold Coast Selections
Following on from our earlier post – Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast, there was an extra section in The Courier Mail Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences web edition which highlighted a superb selection of other great Food Experiences on the Coasts – including our own Gold Coast – and entitled Toast the Coasts. Like our earlier post, we have separated out the Gold Coast experiences and summarised the extra selections for you below.
For the full list (across the Queensland Coasts), please visit here. Again, our thanks to Sharnee Rawson, Food and Nutrition Writer, The Courier Mail for her selections.
Hellenika 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach 4218 +61 7 5572 8009
Hellenika, older sibling to newcomer The Fish House, is the closest you’ll come to Greece in the sunshine state. Sink your teeth into sikoti (pan-fried chicken livers), saganaki (grilled sheep’s milk cheese) or htapodi (char grilled giant octopus) over ouzo at the bar or hunker down with a bottle of Greek indigenous wine and the arni sto fourno – a 1kg serve of baked junee lamb – inside the tavern. Exposed brick, timber tables and an oversized wine fridge walk the line between rustic and slick.
Seaduction Restaurant and Bar
Seaduction Level 2, Soul Surfers Paradise 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise +61 7 5635 5728
Housed on the first floor of Soul Surfers Paradise, Seaduction is arguably one of the coast’s most glamorous eating spots. A hunk of jamon, perched on a red vintage slicing machine, greets diners en route to the dining room with its floor-to-ceiling glass panels to showcase beachfront views. Executive chef Steve Szabo‘s skills shine through the dessert menu, with playful dishes such as chocolate pave with sheep’s milk yoghurt and a bonsai toffee apple.
Social Eating House and Bar 137/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach 4218 +61 7 5504 5210
As the name suggests, share plates are the bread and butter of this smartly-packaged Broadbeach haunt, which has some serious culinary talent lurking behind its casual facade. Raw plates are artistically strewn with peppered emu, pickled beetroot and celeriac or kingfish, smoked mayo and jamon, while ‘thing on toast’ includes rare beef with truffled manchego custard. The signature dish – egg in a jar – jumbles truffled hen’s egg with confit duck and mushroom ragout. The beachy vibe and laid-back staff make this the perfect place for a long lunch or lazy evening.
Little Truffle 2444 Gold Coast Highway, corner Bondi Avenue, Mermaid Beach +61 7 5526 5033
Don’t let the unexpected location put you off – this small restaurant, nestled in a slew of shops alongside the Gold Coast highway, is worth seeking out. Owner-chef Daniel Ridgeway shows restraint with his use of the prized tuber, which is shaved over cauliflower soup, rolled in a quail ballontine and creamed with potatoes. The rest of the menu is a mash-up of classic Spanish, French and Italian fare, beautifully plated with careful attention to detail. If you can’t decide between the tempting desserts, opt for the assiette plate, with a small taste of each.
Room 81
Room 81 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach +61 7 5592 2250
Another operation trumping the hotel dining presumption, Room 81 is the slick restaurant found at the entrance to the Gold Coast’s Sofitel. Specials such as confit prawns with brown butter, spring vegetable salad, cauliflower cream and ‘green apple cloud’ show off the serious kitchen skills, as do prettily-plated desserts like peanut parfait with salted caramel cream, raspberry gel and chocolate cookie crumble. Come Sunday, fine dining gives way to cocktails, tapas and live music as young locals assemble with a glass of something from the lengthy lists of vintage and NV champagnes.
Ristorante Fellini Level 1 Waterfront, Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach +61 7 5531 0300
Tucked well away from the tourist crowds, Fellini does Gold Coast dining at a different pace. Request a waterside table to take in the mega-million yachts bobbing on Marina Mirage and the city skyline across the river. All of the Italian classics – carpaccio, saltimbocca di pollo, tiramisu – are on the list, as well as plenty of fresh seafood options. Nibble on starters such as crispy soft shell mud crab fritters with a fennel and apple salad or baby zucchini flowers filled with spanner crab meat.
Bazaar at QT 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise +61 7 5584 1200
Yes, Bazaar is a hotel buffet, but this ‘interactive’ restaurant goes above and beyond regular offerings. Weekend brunch begins with a glass of prosecco and a trip to the raw bar – packed with oysters, prawns and whatever seafood is good on the day. The fruit is fresh, the omelettes made to order and the petite fours excellent. Dinner is more fresh seafood, plus steaks cooked to order, roast pork and fish fillets sliced from the whole beast, plus an extensive variety of dumplings and other small tastes. In short, there’s something for everyone.
We do hope you have enjoyed this special summarised post of Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Toast the Coasts – Gold Coast Selection. As always, we welcome all guests to our beautiful property, La Maison Pacifique, which is just a short drive across the border to many of the restaurants, cafes, emporiums, bakeries and other local businesses listed.
Oh – and there are some other restaurants you may be interested in as well which were part of the original magazine liftout by The Sunday Mail, check out our blog Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast for the full Gold Coast list.
Or you could go local…
There are a plethora of great local restaurants At Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Casuarina, including our favourite (one-hatted since 1996), Fins Restaurant, Marty’s at Caba, Mockingbird Cafe, Osteria, The Spice Den to name a few…
La Maison Pacifique
…and… if you are looking for a resort-style luxury beachfront holiday home for your family holiday, romantic break wedding accommodation, (watch our video here), or a girls getaway contact us at La Maison Pacifique for availability and a quote…. Remember, our rates compare really well with local 5-star resorts – and La Maison Pacifique is private – on the beach – walking distance to cafes at Cabarita Beach – perfect spot for whale watching (June to November each year) – children optional!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates, (we accept credit cards too – via paypal!)
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
Queensland Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast
Our neighbours on the Gold Coast enjoy a plethora of wonderful food and dining experiences. Just a short hop “over the border”, we have reviewed the Sunday Mail’s recent lift-out and come up with Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast list. Just another reason to visit our beautiful region with easy access to the Gold Coast!
You can view the full list and reviews across Queensland here.. Thanks to Sharnee Rawson, Food and Nutrition Writer, The Courier Mail.
Fine Dining
The Fish House
#13 The Fish House 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads +61 7 5535 7725
Restauranteur Simon Gloftis brought serious food credentials to Burleigh Heads, kicking off a gourmet revitalisation of the seaside suburb. what better to eat on a holiday than simply prepared fresh seafood, with a lick of good olive oil and Greek seasoning, while looking out over the ocean? Expect Tasmanian sea urchin tossed through al dente thin spaghetti, Petuna ocean trout baked with lemon and mustard, and whole fish, such as tiger flathead or King George whiting, to share. On-the-ball staff know their product, right down to when and where it was caught. The fit-out is gorgeous too, reflecting the same simple sophistication as the menu.
Best Breakfasts
#24 Commune 1844 Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads +61 7 5520 3377
this is one of the places that typifies the newly emerging cafe culture of the Gold Coast. It’s laid back, likeable and has grown organically, literally extending a mash-up of retro furniture outdoors into every space around it, to accommodate the crowds. The vibe is hip, upbeat, friendly and eternally busy. Try the coriander corn fritters with housemade chilli ham and two poached eggs. On Sundays there’s a table tennis table adding to the fun, hipster vibe of it all. The Campos coffee gets big ticks too.
#28 Canteen Kitchen 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Firstly, lets just say the coffee here, from Canteen Coffee next door, is some of the most meticulously sourced, extracted and presented you will find on the Gold Coast. But the team here ave also given us a breakfast menu that sparkles with originality, thanks largely to the Middle Eastern nuances such as freshly made flat breads that are served warm and spiced with za’atar. For the biggest appetites, there are plates of lamb kofta tagine and baked eggs, and the smahsed broadbeans or avo on sourdough, both with a tannin-rich olive oil, are a satisfying way to start the day.
Paddock Bakery
#29 Paddock Bakery 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Paddock Bakery is unlike any other offering on the Gold Coast, with its base of a renovated old house with rustic timber tables spilling outside into a leafy backyard. The newly added wood-fired bakery is the engine room and you can see the bakers at work behind a glass wall, before ordering you baked goodness and a coffee. There are fine sourdough loaves and hearty pies and buns, as well as breakfast options such as the carrot cake porridge that was such a hit in winer. Great Marvell Street Coffee – oh and Pepe Saya butter – seal the deal.
#30 Elk Espresso 16 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach +61 7 5592 2888
Expect a regular line-up at this hardworking little cafe, popular with local surfers for well-made Allpress coffee, and casual crowds who swing by for lunch. The menu is a good mash-up of naught – corn beef croquettes with black pudding, kale, celeriac remoulade, or maple-glazed pumpkin and smoke bacon tart – and virtuous – sauteed kale, roasted butternut pumpkin, free range eggs and pecorino cheese – with killer milkshakes, hand made sweets and turquoise-themed fitout that looks straight out of Frankie magazine.
Gourmet Goods
#50 Golosi Food Emporium 3/45 James Street, Burleigh Heads +61 7 5520 0704
An abundant display of fresh cut flowers lures you into this diverse little emporium, with gorgeous Danishes and macarons hidden beneath glass cloches, but it is the well-considered collection of gourmet provisions that really holds your attention. It’s a must do for Gold Coast holiday makers, offering a pantry of organic breads sourced from four bakeries, including Mullumbimby’s Scratch Patisserie, vinegar from the Granite Belt, kim chi from Byron Bay’s Peace Love and Vegetables and granola from Irrewarra Sourdough Bakery, plus two cabinets of cheese, a handful of Italian wine and plenty of gluten free sweets.
Specialty Bars
# 64 Black Coffee Lyrics 41, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise +61 402 189 437
Hidden off the main drag, this eatery-cafe-cocktail bar is an oasis for anyone looking for an alternative to the standard Surfers Paradise night-life. An eclectic fit out, with exposed brick, street art and mismatched furnishings, Black Coffee Lyrics couldn’t be more different to the glitzy main strip. Small and laid back, with an intimate feel, the bar slings cocktails, craft beers and local wines, plus snack such as ras el hanout spiced nuts, baked camembert and crispy school prawns.
Sip and Swoon
Witches Falls Winery
#72 Witches Falls Winery 79 Main Western Road, North Tamborine +61 7 5545 2609
Nestled in the Tamborine Mountains, an hour’s drive from Brisbane, is Witches Falls Winery, which opened in 2004 and uses Granite Belt grapes. Owner/winemaker Jon Jeslop has worked at Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley Wineries and has eared a reputation for his single varietal wines, with the Wild Ferment Chardonnay one of the favourites. The cosy cellar door offers 19 wines for tasting on any given day, with knowledgeable staff to guide you through. After a tasting, you can grab one of the winery’s picnic rugs and enjoy a glass in the surrounding gardens.
#78 Tamborine Mountain Distillery 89 Beacon Road, Tamborine Mountain +61 7 5545 3452
This boutique distillery, with old rock walls and a rustic showroom, is unlike anything else in Queensland. It produces an incredible range of liquers, schnapps and spirits and has won numerous awards over the years. Ever enthusiastic owner Michael Ward has featured in a British TV Show, which skyrocketed the distillery’s popularity with tourists. He and wide Alla moved from Tasmania in 1992 and fell upon their new career path wondering what to do with the abundant fruit of the trees on their newly acquired property. They now produce liqueurs, schapps, vodka, grappa and aquavit among others.
Sugar Hit
#96 Vivre a Vie 2354 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach +61 7 5526 1920
When a cafe is devoid of flor, sugar and eggs, is it still a cafe? Lara Forsyth Madden This so. She happily mixes raw cakes, such as beetroot mud cake, blueberry and lemon cheesecake or carob fudge balls with her more conventional offerings. This new wave of bakery aims to cater for every diet, offering almond, rice Zymill or soy milk for your coffee at no extra charge, and coconut icecream for dairy fee milk shakes. There’s a solid savoury menu too, and traditional pastry options such as apple pie and blood plum cheesecake. Beautiful bags of cookes, in grapefruit and lavendar or orange, cardamon and yoghurt, make great gifts and the ever burning coffee and chocolate scented candles are also hard to pass up.
#98 Palazzo Versace 94 Seaworld Drive, Gold Coast +61 7 5509 8000
If you fancy a taste of the high life, but the budget doesn’t quite stretch to an overnight stay, consider taking high tea at the Palazzo Versace. Sink into one of the pink and gold patterned chairs, and let the impeccably groomed staff deliver silver teapots of loose leaf tea or Do Perignon champagne, along with three tiered towers of delicate reats. The Couture menu includes tinyfinger sandwiches, filled with pickled cucumber or roast beef with horseradish, warm scones with thick cream and jam and a top tier of cake pops, macarons, citrus tarts and waffle cones of chocolate granuache.
We do hope you have enjoyed this special summarised post of Queensland’s Top 100 Food Experiences – Gold Coast. As always, we welcome all guests to our beautiful property, La Maison Pacifique, which is just a short drive across the border to many of the restaurants, cafes, emporiums, bakeries and other local businesses listed.
Oh – and there are some other restaurants you may be interested in as well which have featured on the website (but not in the lift out)! Check out our blog Toast the Coasts – Gold Coast Selections for extra Gold Coast additions that are not included above, including Hellenika (sister to The Fish House), Seaduction and Little Truffle.
La Maison Pacifique
…and… if you are looking for a resort-style luxury beachfront holiday home for your family holiday, romantic break wedding accommodation, (watch our video here), or a girls getaway contact us at La Maison Pacifique for availability and a quote…. Remember, our rates compare really well with local 5-star resorts – and La Maison Pacifique is private – on the beach – walking distance to cafes at Cabarita Beach – perfect spot for whale watching (June to November each year) – children optional!
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Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant & Interior Designer
La Maison Pacifique
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La Maison Pacifique 