We Gold Coasters are the kind of folks who don’t mind getting a little bit dressed up and heading out for a tipple or two somewhere special.

Particularly when that somewhere special is a place we haven’t been before.

Enter Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats, Surfers’ new cocktail bar and eatery found within the stunning surrounds of Hilton Surfers Paradise.

Having only opened within the last little while, the new space is the perfect spot for an afternoon of sipping and snacking with a side of people watching and what could be better honestly?

Found on Orchid Avenue, Ms Margots overlooks the bustling street but inside is sleek and relaxing, all white tiles and a textured feature wall.

Plus of course, a stunning fully stocked bar.

The newbies catch-cry is ‘anytime’s a good time’ and we wholeheartedly agree.

In terms of eats, you can head in early for a spot of breakfast, a tad later for brunch or simply an evening snack.

The menu is made up of all kinds of high quality goodies, which is exactly what you’d expect from an eatery within such a prestigious establishment.

For example there’s Grilled King Prawns with kaffir lime and coconut dressing, green papaya and peanuts, Haloumi Fries with chipotle mayo and pomegranate glaze and a Tempura Bug Roll on a milk bun with Sriracha mayo and cos lettuce.

If you’re after something a little larger there’s Fillets of Barramundi battered in Lovedale Lager with caper mayo, Prawn and Pork Nachos and a Chargrilled Steak with harissa butter, asparagus, tarragon and drunken shallots.

There are also a range of pizzas to choose from and some extremely interesting (and yummy) desserts like Arancini Vanilla Crème Patisserie (which roughly translates to sweet rice balls) in three flavours – pistachio, dark chocolate and mixed berry.

To drink, there are many a tasty cocktail including our favourite, the Dane-gerous Tide with Havana Club Anejo 3yr rum, agave nectar, fresh chilli and lime juice and the Garden of Eve with Brookies Dry Gin, Elderflower, cucumber juice, lime juice, fresh basil and sugar cane syrup.

They’re all amazing though honestly.

How exciting is a brand new bar that we can stand up in.

Get down to Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats and experience it all for yourself.

We’re big fans.

LOCATION: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: From 7am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

With Mum’s day behind us for another year, you might be forgiven for thinking high tea season has come and scone.

Before you pack away the fancy frocks and lower the pinky finger, we have to let you in on a little secret.

Just chalk it up to another one of those happy discoveries we all make as we grow older and wiser, much like the game-changing revelation that breakfast can in actual fact, be enjoyed any time of the day (and inversely, if you want to have cake for breakfast you can do that too).

So lettuce spill the tea on this little pearl of wisdom: you can treat yourself to high tea any. old. time. you. like. #legasp

And when it’s time to treat ourselves to the finer things in life, it’s no secret the Hilton Surfers Paradise knows what’s up (quite literally, on account the 57 levels of luxury and all).

Already our go-to destination for staycays and soirees, but we need not only reserve our visits only for special occasions.

Because if you haven’t already met the Hiltons darling ground floor destination Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats, let us introduce you (and yes, she’s every bit as sophisticated as she sounds #howdoyoudoMs).

Nestled right off the bustling Orchid Ave Surfer’s strip Ms Margots promises tantalising drinks, delicious share plates & glittering coastal interiors #nowyou’rejustshowingoff

As if all that and a whole lotta it-girl energy isn’t enough, Ms Margot also puts on an infamous high tea spread so in-demand you can get your hands on it seven days a week.

Traditionally reserved for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and any special event in between, we maintain that ‘the sun is shining’ and ‘overdue goss sesh’ are perfectly valid reasons too.

Because quite frankly, who couldn’t use a bit more jam and cream in their lives #justbecause.

Since varie-tea is the spice of life, The Par-Tea High Tea menu is jam-packed with a tantalising assortment of savoury and sweet classics, perfectly paired with all the essential bevvys (#spoileralert ofc that includes a glass of bubbles which is entirely essential in our humble opinion).

It just wouldn’t be high tea without macarons and of course a berry nice fluffy scone or two with cream and berries – but since you twisted our arm we’ll manage to nibble our way through the Petit Cakes and Salted Caramel Truffles too #ifwemust.

Of course there’s no sad sangas to be found here – only the finest Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Open Sandwich #thankyouverymuch.

Keep it classy (this is Ms Margot’s, after all) and resist the urge to fight over the Pumpkin Arancini or the Haloumi with Honeycomb, Fig & Aioli, and you just know the S&P Soft Shell Crab Bao Bun will bring the #baofactor to the top off the whole delicious affair.

If you’re feeling thirs-tea, choose from Vittoria Barista-made Coffee or Dilmah Vivid Tea Selection and a who could forget the glass of Heidsieck & Co Monopole Champagne per person.

Now if what you and the best-tea’s are in the mood for is a little less ‘graze the day away’ and little more ‘full-blown full coma’, Ms Margot’s has just launched a delish new lunch menu every bit as #ladieswholunch worthy as their digs.

If you also have a huge soft spot for a good taco, the Soft Corn Taco with your choice of filling – Beef Cheek with truffled pepper mayo, Chilli Chicken with avocado & lime or Korean Peppered Tofu will give you something to taco ‘bout.

There’s also the fried and true crowd fave, Karaage Chicken Bites with rice, Kewpie mayo, Tamari & shallots but the Gyro’s Battered Barramundi with tzatziki, potato fries, tomato, lemon & parsley o-fish-ally has our mouths watering.

So whether it’s sophisticated sips, a leisurely lunch or a tea-riffic high tea experience, we think you’ll agree that anytime’s a good time to say hello to the ever-elegant Ms Margots and her enviable array of all-day delights.

When: Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats. Open Daily, 7am – Late, with Par-Tea High Tea available from 11:30AM – 3:00PM.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.

STORY SPONSORED BY HILTON SURFERS PARADISE HOTEL & RESIDENCES

Hands up if you grew up with the Moreton Bay bug making its once-a-year cameo on the Chrissy Day spread (one we were actually excited about, unlike the trifle…). Fast forward to now, and bug rolls are no longer an annual event, popping up on menus all over the Coast. And we are here for it.

Being able to wrap our mitts around these pint-sized parcels of seafood-stuffed deliciousness any day of the week is something we’ll never take for granted. Our willpower, however, is consistently #MIA in their presence.

If you needed proof this roll of the moment isn’t going anywhere, we’ve rounded up a list of GC spots serving up boujee bug (and lobster and prawn) rolls with zero effort required. Not a seafood fan? You may want to sit this one out and check our alternate list instead: 10 ways to be sad #justsquidding #moreforus.

Here are 9 places to get your bug (and lobster) roll fix on the GC.

Rick Shores

The OG home of bug rolls- we will forever be indebted to the culinary masterminds at Rick Shores for our introduction, and resulting obsession with the now ubiquitous shellfish slider.

The famous Rick Shores Bug Roll has remained a staunch cult favourite that the entire GC (and beyond) has been going cray-sea for ever since.
Their signature combo of golden Beer-battered Moreton Bay bug with sriracha and Bug mayonnaise – yes, their boujee secret weapon whereby chopped bug is incorporated into the mayo for extra sweetness and deliciousness – all sandwiched in a brioche bun…undoubtedly the one to beat.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

kōst

We’re yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been absolutely smitten with this hot spot (hence – hot spot). This sprawling stunner of a super-venue has been setting hearts ablaze ever since they sauntered onto Broady’s eat scene, along with literally anything they can throw on their signature charcoal wood-fire grill.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the most boujee sando of the moment can also be found here: Australian Bay Lobster meets Mooloolaba King Prawns, topped with soft herb mayo and native lime. Take it up a notch by adding 5g of Kaviari Caviar – strongly advised.
Where: 135S/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Mare Restaurant by La Luna

With the level of luxe La Luna is dishing up daily, it’s absolutely no surprise there’s also a cameo from our beloved bug roll gracing its menu. The swanky, euro-chic vibes are immaculate, as is the Crispy Tempura Moreton Bay Bug in a milk bun with Bug mayo and sweet + sour sauce.

Whether you’re luxuriating poolside in one of the sun-drenched La Luna cabanas, or sidling up for the full winning and dining experience at Mare Restaurant, one thing’s for sure, when you’re surrounded by yachts, superb sips and noshing on bug rolls, life is good.
Where: La Luna Beach Club Pool Pontoon, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Black Dingo Cafe

Sitting right on the NSW/QLD border lookout at Point Danger, this breezy beachside fave has become a go-to for post-swim feeds and coffee with a view that seriously shows off. It’s all about easy, coastal eats you can grab and wander with, while pretending you’re on a permanent seaside holiday.

The Bug Bagel is the star catch: Moreton Bay bugs layered into a toasted bagel with crisp baby cos and a punchy hit of sriracha mayo. It’s fresh, a little spicy, and basically tastes like summer in sandwich form.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta

Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar

Blowfish has never been one to shy away from a seafood-focused delicacy, and their Moreton Bay Bug Roll is no exception. This luxe little number features sweet bug meat layered with iceberg lettuce, savoury remoulade and pops of flying fish roe, all tucked into a soft bun.

The Signature Spring Rolls deserve an honourable mention too – a playful, Blowfish-style remix on the classic bug roll that proves they’re not afraid to bend the rules in the name of #delish. Add prime people-watching and Broadbeach buzz, and you’ve got yourself a very convincing reason to stay for dessert.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Joe’s Deli

If by now you’re wondering whether the limit of seafood-laden sliders exists (it doesn’t), the professional sanga slingers at Joe’s Deli are here to throw their unique blend of American diner-style and Italian-inspired eats into the mix for your culinary consideration.

Joe’s crew are renowned for their ability to put together a next-level sandwich, and the Lobbie Roll delivers on that promise (and then some), made with lobster, crab, kewpie mayo, shredded iceberg lettuce, chives, black caviar and lemon. So much yes.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters

Tarte Beach House

Never one to do anything by halves (unless it’s literally to cut one of those stacked signature NY Bagels in two), when our beloved Tarte takes on the lobster roll, of course, it was never going to be anything other than next level.

The Tarte Beach House offering includes real-deal Southern rock lobster, loaded in hot butter, celery, chives, and lettuce, all wrapped up in the most perfect of packages – a toasted house-made brioche. If you need us, we’ll be scoffing these buttery bug boi’s creek side allll summer long.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Pipi’s

Perched right on the Cooly waterfront, this polished coastal favourite is the kind of place you come for a “quick lunch” that somehow morphs into sunset drinks (zero regrets).

While technically a prawn roll rather than a bug, we’re letting it slide because it’s that good. Think crispy prawns, pillowy bread and a luscious tarragon aioli doing the heavy lifting, all best enjoyed with sparkly water views and a glass of something cold in hand. Honestly, the vibes alone deserve a seat at this table.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

The Blue Lobster

Nestled in Mermaid Waters’ Q Super Centre, The Blue Lobster isn’t your average fish-and-chips pitstop, it’s a full-on seafood celebration. Their lobster roll stars cooked Western Rock Lobster tossed in herbed Kewpie mayo, topped with green oak lettuce and a sprinkle of Tobiko caviar, all nestled in a lightly toasted brioche roll.

Not in a lobster mood? Their prawn slider hits just as hard: a crispy Patagonian prawn cutlet on brioche with Kewpie mayo, green oak lettuce, and a hint of paprika. Fresh, decadent, and just the right kind of fancy for a casual lunch.
Where: Q Super Centre, Shop 7C/14 Allandale Entrance, Mermaid Waters

Words by Chelsea Ipsen