Proving dreams really do come true.
Proving dreams really do come true.
We interrupt regular programming with a bit of news fresh out of Pacific Fair that you’re going to be quite excited about.
Picture this: you’re kicking back on a lounge chair with your girls all around, cocktail in hand and a waterfall trickling peacefully in the background. Blissful right? The best part is, you don’t have to travel to the French Riviera or somewhere equally exotic, you can do exactly that right here in your very own backyard.
It’s called the Fountain of Goose and thanks to Grey Goose Vodka, it’s popping up in the resort area at Pacific Fair from October 11th to 13th and you’re invited.
The popup is a celebration of the everyday moments that are worth taking a moment to enjoy and we concur that sipping cocktails after a spot of shopping is precisely one of those moments.
Serving complimentary Grey Goose Vodka, Lime and Soda mini-cocktails, the Fountain of Goose scene is a wonder-filled space brimming with endless Insta-snap opportunities underneath Grey Goose umbrellas and surrounded by blue-striped deck chairs – with the fountain as your backdrop, it’s pretty much the same as being in the French Riviera wouldn’t you say?
The Fountain will be a taste of the decadence Grey Goose aims to offer as the celebratory drink of summer. The space itself will be pretty as an Insta-worthy picture with a white marble look finish and of course the fancy fountain itself; inspired by the brand’s luxury French heritage and ornate European architecture.
The world first Grey Goose brand experience will be travelling the east coast of Australia from October through to December, visiting us, Circular Quay and Federation Square.
There’ll also be randomly timed performances that will appear from nowhere throughout the three days in case you needed more reason to visit a bar giving out free cocktails.
The Fountain of Goose will be open to the general public and those who stumble upon it.
Which will no doubt be everyone.
To keep the good times going, Grey Goose has partnered with Nineteen at The Star Gold Coast where you can redeem a specialty cocktail token.
Don’t miss out on all those good times.
NB: Grey Goose cocktails are for those over 18 year obvs.
WHERE: Resort area, Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
WHEN: October 11th to 13th, 2019
Any excuse for a martini!
Who loves a dirty martini? Ummm, we do! And we love any excuse to drink one… enter: International Gin Day. June 14 is basically our second birthday – okay, technically it’s gin’s, but we’re claiming it.
Luckily for us, the Gold Coast is shaking (and stirring) things up with a bunch of bars serving epic gin creations using top-shelf local spirits.
So in honour of the juniper juice we all know and love, here are the best spots to get your gin fix this Gin Day – or, let’s be honest, any day ending in “y”.
Happy sipping, gin lovers.
Bringing a splash of Polish tradition to the Gold Coast, Panezski Artisan Distillery is a family-run gem crafting premium small-batch vodka and gin with heart, heritage and a whole lot of flavour. While vodka might traditionally be a northern hemisphere affair, Panezski is proving that Aussie soil can produce spirits with just as much soul. From their meticulous distilling process to their beautiful bottling, it’s clear this crew doesn’t cut corners. Drop in for a taste of Europe, GC-style.
Our pick: Northside Rickey – Panezski Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves and dry ginger ale. Cool, crisp and straight-up refreshing.
Where: Unit 2/2 Sierra Place, Upper Coomera
Tucked away in an industrial shed near Harbour Town, this gin haven is serving up serious style (think festoon lights, a swoon-worthy pink vee-jay counter, and shiny copper stills that deserve their own Instagram account). Their gin spirits are stellar, and they taste even sweeter in the form of their cocktails.
Our pick: The Mango Weis Bar cocktail with mango gin, mango nectar, lemon juice, vanilla sugar and aquafaba does it for us!
Where: 211 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
If there’s one place that knows its way around a gin cocktail, it’s the OG of Gold Coast distilling – Granddad Jack’s. They’ve seriously upped the ante with their bold new cocktail menu inspired by the Seven Man-Made Wonders of the World. Each drink is a flavour-packed tribute to an architectural icon – think a dry martini-style nod to the Great Wall of China with bold mandarin and umami notes, or a silky, spiced number inspired by the Taj Mahal. There’s even a foamy, tart twist on Chicha Morada repping Machu Picchu. Honestly, it’s a round-the-world trip without leaving Miami (and without needing a passport – bonus!).
Our pick: The Seymour Street, made with their house Greenhouse Gin, fresh lime juice and a dash of eucalyptus. It’s like sipping on an Aussie summer in a glass.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Far more than your standard distillery, Familiar Spirits focuses on crafting tailor-made spirits for cocktails, ensuring each drink is as smooth as a well-aged whiskey. Now we’re talking! Their signature cocktail menu rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try.
Our pick: The Not So Familiar Negroni, with Macadamia Fat Washed Pudding Gin, Lemon Myrtle Campari and Rosso Vermouth is calling our name.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
Meet the small-batch distillery that packs a big punch! Found on Scottsdale Drive in Varsity Lakes, Wildflower Distillery crafts exceptional and award-winning gin that can be deemed as ‘Burleigh in a bottle’. Crafted with locally grown botanicals, including cardamom, lemon myrtle and coriander, plus a little drop of honey from the owner’s very own Burleigh backyard, you can now understand why. It’s a very easy drinking drop, a little bit floral and paired perfectly with either tonic, solo over ice (tried and tested) or in their famous ‘Basil Fawlty’ cocktail- delish!
Our pick: The Basil Fawlty cocktail is worth the trip alone
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes
If you’re chasing sleek, sophisticated and seriously sippable, Burly Gin in Currumbin is your go-to. This dreamy gin bar is packed with artisan bottles so pretty, you’ll be turning them into vases when they’re empty (because why not have flowers and gin on display?). The team behind Burly serves up their entire gin range in a lineup of dazzling cocktails, each one more Insta-worthy than the last. The space itself is chic, the vibes are chilled, and the drinks? Let’s just say you’ll want to try the entire menu twice.
Our pick: Italiano Spritz – Citrus Burly Gin, Sanbitter, Grapefruit, Rosemary Shrub & Prosecco. Bellissimo!
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Aussie twist, Loborn Distillery is shaking (and stirring) up Tamborine Mountain’s sip scene in the most delicious way. Tucked among the leafy charm of Main Street, this boutique distillery is the perfect pit stop for a tasting or a cheeky cocktail session. Whether you’re vibing an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine or settling in for something stronger, Loborn delivers the goods with style, flavour, and plenty of mountain magic.
Our pick: The Classic G&T – Loborn Original Gin, Indian tonic water and an orange twist. Simple. Timeless. Perfect.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine
Home of the iconic colour-changing Ink Gin, Husk Farm Distillery is the ultimate gin-lover’s day trip destination. Set on a stunning working farm in North Tumbulgum, this spot is part cellar door, part bar, part café – and 100% worth the drive. While they’re also the brains behind Husk Virgin Cane Rum and Spiced Bam Bam, today we’re here for the gin (obviously). Expect garden-fresh vibes, paddock-to-glass pours, and cocktails that are as pretty as they are delicious.
Our pick: Ink Sloe Fizz – Ink Sloe & Berry Gin, lemon, soda. Light, bright, and berry delicious.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Pacific Fair gets the world-renowned newbie.
So this is exciting news for Gold Coasters; beloved British chef Jamie Oliver has opened his very first Australian pizzeria right here in our pretty city on Saturday 16th November and we, quite obviously, love both pizza and the man himself so this madeus very happy.
Aptly titled, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, the menu is inspired by Jamie’s many visits to Italy (lucky him) and featuring simple, tasty eats made with exceptional produce at a great price.
What’s not to love?
The authentic, artisan dough is tossed by hand and cooked in specialty ovens to create world-famous pizzas that are loved the world over. With venues in Dubai, Portugal and Hungary, we’re joining quite the international lineup.
The focus is on classic Italian flavours and a passion for food and entertaining which are things we also love very much.
If the overseas menus are anything to go by, we can expect pizzas topped with Chicken alla Diavola, meatballs, Neapolitan-style, the classic pepperoni (YUM), a vegetarian goodie and of course, specialty garlic bread unlike any other.
If we’re lucky, there may also be appetizers along the lines of crispy squid and maybe a pasta or two in case pizzas aren’t enough to fill your belly.
Fresh, delicious salads and delightful desserts are also on the menu so the next time you’re shopping up an absolute storm at Pacific Fair you can also look forward to an epic Italian feast to recharge the batteries.
Excitingly, Jamie is somewhat of a revolutionary in the food industry and the local newbie will see new recipes and concepts along with tasty and affordable food, exceptional service and a good time atmosphere.
Jamie’s Oliver’s Pizzeria is now open on the Gold Coast, so get yourself down there asap!
LOCATION: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Words by Kirra Smith
Photos by Brittani Johnson
