There’ll be truffle in paradise if you miss The Star’s Truffle Season.
There’ll be truffle in paradise if you miss The Star’s Truffle Season.
Panic stations, people! We don’t know if anyone else has consulted a calendar lately, but winter is almost over, and with it, the window for indulging in devilishly decadent comfort food is rapidly closing in on us (much like the waistband of our fave jeans).
Never fear, because you didn’t think the good people at The Star would let us go out on anything less than a bang, did you?
Of course not! Because they’ve gone and rolled out a limited time Truffle Season event, which is excellent news for foodies, and the perfect excuse for those who are yet to see what all the truffle is about.
Prepare to jump aboard the truffle bandwagon, we’re going out with one last hurrah before the warmer months see us return to salad szn and treating our bodies like temples (slightly dilapidated temples that really like spicy margs, that is).
In a very fortuitous turn of events, Australian truffle season also coincides with our winter months, making it one perfectly overlapping, ultimate Venn diagram of indulgence #howserindipidous #anddelicious.
Nineteen At The Star
To kick off Truffle Season, we’re taking this tastebud party straight to the top – that is, the glistening jewel of The Darling’s crown, Nineteen at The Star. It’s only fitting – since truffles are known as the diamonds of the kitchen, after all. So y’know, you’ll be living the high life literally, and figuratively while you’re noshing on the limited time Truffle inspired menu.
Watch the world go by from one of the best vantages of the coast, and choose from one of three truffle inspired dishes dreamed up by the culinary masterminds behind Nineteen at The Star, or instead choose to add Truffles to any items on their menu. Call us cray-zy, but we’d happily throw back both the Butter Poached Marron made with Jerusalem Artichoke, Marron Jus, Truffle or the Dry-Aged Berkshire Pork, Radicchio, Celery Root, Sauce Pèrigueux, Truffle every. day. of. the. week.
And if your truffle obsession limit does not exist, finish the whole delectable soiree with a perfectly balanced Roasted Pear & White Chocolate, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Truffle sweet treat for desert.
Kiyomi
Sensational Japanese eats and enough hats to warrant a hat rack, Kiyomi is immediately where our mind goes when we start daydreaming about a luxurious fine-dining feast, so we know we are in excellent hands trusting them with our truffle fix, too.
Two mouth watering dishes are available at Kiyomi throughout August, it’s hard to imagine a more satisfying dish than a perfectly cooked Kagoshima Wagyu (MBS 12, thankyouverymuch) with Black Truffle. And before you go thinking they’ve peaked, hold on to your truffle hounds – because the perhaps even swankier yet Whole Flounder made with Brussel sprouts, capers, Lemon Kombu Butter and Truffle is bound to make a splash.
Cucina Vivo
A truffle a day keeps the sadness away, or, er.. something like that. Even though that’s not technically the saying, foodie fans of this highly sought after ingredient know this is 100% #facts. And when it comes to the iconic pairing that is Italian food and truffles, we have officially reached the pinnacle of indulgence (shh, no one tell France).
For maximum satisfaction, we highly recommend treating The Star’s Truffle Season event as a culinary scavenger hunt, ticking off each delectable venue (or dish, for the high achievers) as you go, and we could think of no better way to finish than luxuriating on the Cucina Vivo terrace, poolside with a decadent bowl of Truffle Risotto made with Black Truffle, mushroom, Parmigiano Reggiano, crème fraiche and soft herbs. Because that’s how the Italian’s would do it, and they know a thing or two about luxurious eats.
And if you see us at The Star every day for the month of August, no you didn’t.
When: Various activations through July & August
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.
Cosy up to Garden Kitchen & Bar this winter at The Star Gold Coast.
Gold Coasters—winter is here! Or at least our version of it, which means we can crack out our knits and knee-high boots (or if you’re really brave – and tall – the thigh-highs). It’s the best time of the year to be out and about, flaunting fabulous hair free from the humidity’s tyranny, and where better to enjoy the cooler season than Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast?
As always, they’ve lined up some stellar winter noms to keep you warm and well-fed, plus every Friday and Saturday night there’ll be a DJ on deck, inviting you to break out your best moves…without breaking a sweat.
Fire Pit Package
I mean, what’s winter without a fire pit? Picture you and up to five of your closest pals gathered around a crackling fire, toasting to good times with a bottle of Pepperjack Shiraz, and snacking on a specially crafted charcuterie box. And, Garden Kitchen & Bar are even including chocolates in the hamper package, because they don’t go straight to your thighs in winter (that’s our story and we’re sticking to it). It’s the ultimate way to experience a cozy winter evening without having to set up camp in your pokey backyard. This two-hour session of pure winter bliss will set you back $99 for the package for up to 6 people. Bookings are recommended.
Winter Delights
As the temperature dips, Garden Kitchen & Bar transforms into the ultimate winter retreat for your tastebuds with a special addition to its mind-blowing menu.
Indulge in an un-brrrrr-lievbly good three-course feast, starting with Cauliflower and Parmesan Soup. Elegantly paired with poached bay lobster salad and a lightly smoked chili oil, it’s simply winterful! Then it’s time for the main event and trust us – it’ll be love at frost sight…or bite! We’re talking Braised Lamb Shoulder, served with smoked eggplant puree, pickled red onion, coriander, and mint. To top it all off, dive (figuratively, pls not literally) into the Dark Chocolate Fondant and don’t even try and steal a mouthful of ours because if looks could chill…! The ultimate winter wonderland for your palate, devour its decadent salted caramel sauce, caramel gelato, and chocolate crumble. For $65 per person, it would be rude not to.
Gifts from The Garden
If you need an excuse to round up your crew, complimentary Whispering Angel Rose should do the trick. Order four or more main meals at Garden Kitchen & Bar and receive a 750ml bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé – on the house! Have a bigger posse to entertain? Go big (or go home) with eight or more mains entitling your group to a 1.5L Magnum Whispering Angel Rosé. Cheers to that!
So, grab your friends, your appetite, and your love for all things cozy and head to Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast. Winter, we’re ready for you!
For bookings and more information, go here.
When: Various activations happening all winter long. Subject to availability, change and cancellation.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.
Current Mood: Jolly AF!
When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, we usually think of beachside barbies and a pav with more humidity than dignity.
But come July? It’s game on for festive feasting, fuzzy knits, and enough mulled wine to make even the Grinch smile. So sleigh the mid-year slump and yule be sorry if you miss these jolly good celebrations happening across the Coast.
A true Gold Coast festive MVP, D’Arcy Arms is back with their classic 2-course Christmas feast. Think roast turkey, pork, ham, Yorkshire puds, and veg so good even your nan would approve. Finish strong with homemade sticky date pudding and enough butterscotch sauce to drown your seasonal sorrows. Irish pub vibes, fireplace, and all the trimmings? We’ll toast to that. $50pp
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
If luxury was on your Christmas list, the Imperial Hotel just gift-wrapped it at Il Barocco. Their Christmas in July dining experience is elegance on a (very festive) plate. Start with a silky parsnip soup, then choose between award-winning Wagyu or Lilydale Chicken with all the wintery trimmings- hello, creamed kale and honey-glazed carrots. Cap it off with a yuzu-spiked pavlova that’s basically Queensland summer in dessert form. It’s giving sleigh, but make it fine dining. $59pp
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Sunday 20th and 27th July
If a buffet is your love language, Green Fields heard you loud and clear. Cosy up under heaters with blankets and load up on traditional fare that brings all the nostalgic Chrissy vibes. Lunch and dinner sittings run across three glorious days, and honestly, we’re considering all three. Is that… too festive? No such thing. From $49pp
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July, 11.30am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 5th July, 5pm – 9pm
Running Friday and Saturday nights from 27th June to 19th July at Shoreline Restaurant, this festive buffet is bringing all the holiday cheer (and none of the sweaty Santas). Adults dine for $99, teens for $49, and kids for just $39, with epic eats like Bundy rum and maple-glazed ham, Aussie oysters, rib-eye steak and a dessert table that’ll make you believe in Christmas magic again (hello, chocolate lava pudding and rum balls). There’s also live music and drinks included, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Friday & Saturday nights, 27th June – 19th July (closed 29th June – 2nd July).
Eggnog on arrival? Say no more. Mr PP’s rooftop soirée comes stacked with entertainment, a Christmas in July menu (hi, pork belly and reef cod), a raffle, and a festive dress code that basically demands a novelty knit. Finish with Tuscan trifle and a dash of rooftop magic. Warning: may cause uncontrollable cheer. $75pp
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
When: 10th July, 6–10pm
It’s Christmas meets cocktails at this tropical-meets-twinkly fairy light haven. Kick off with mulled wine, feast on a festive menu, and dance the night away to live music. For an extra jolly boost, add the three-hour drink package or dive headfirst into a trio of specially crafted Xmas cocktails. $106.14pp
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 5th July, 6pm–9pm
If Christmas was more thongs than thermals, this tropical twist is your mid-year miracle. Labrador’s Christmas in July is turning up the cheer (and the sunshine), with Aussie Santa rocking boardies and a whole day of barefoot-style festivities. Think classic old-school games, a jumping castle, free craft and sensory fun for the kids, a disco dance party with DJ Hartley Love, and market stalls galore. There’s even a Reindeer Games Arena hosted by Brett Johnathan, with prizes up for grabs. Round it out with food trucks, face painting, and all the summery vibes you never knew Christmas needed. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Where: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington Street, Labrador
When: Saturday 26th July from 10am – 3pm
Terraces Restaurant’s signature long brunch is back on Saturday 26th July, and this time, it’s wearing a Santa hat. Sip, Savour & Soirée is serving up all your seafood faves with a festive twist, including Stradbroke Island oysters, lobster rolls, sashimi, Balmain bugs, charcuterie, Nimbin Valley cheeses and sushi, plus glazed Christmas ham, king prawns and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $179 per adult and $89.50 per child, including a luxe seafood buffet, a 3-hour free-flowing drinks package, live music, roving entertainment and complimentary parking. It’s indulgent, it’s vibrant, and it’s set to sleigh.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26 July, 12pm–3pm
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, dress festive and enjoy a fun arvo with the Miami community. Free entertainment for the kidlets, live music, eats and drinks by Little Itoshin and The Jolly Roger (with more to be announced), it’s a street style event you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear your ugly sweater, bring a chair or picnic rug and most importantly, bring your family and/or crew for Christmas in July with a street-style twist.
Where: Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
When: 2pm – 6pm Sunday 27th July
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London, but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Pimpama’s going all in on a one-day-only lunch event dripping in nostalgia and cranberry jus. Two classic courses- including turkey, ham, and apricot & pine nut stuffing– followed by a lucky dip dessert round. Pav or plum pud? You won’t know until it hits the table. Surprise! A$42.61
Where: 102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
When: 24th July, 11:30am–2pm
The Ducks are decking the halls and firing up the ovens for a cosy Christmas in July celebration on Sunday 20th July from 5pm to 8pm. For just $79 per person, guests will enjoy a festive menu filled with seasonal favourites, starting with smoked trout blinis, followed by roast turkey, glazed ham, bacon-wrapped sausages, and all the trimmings (hello, roast veggies, cranberry sauce and rich, velvety gravy). Dessert is a traditional Christmas pudding, of course. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, alongside their wine special of the day, Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the full drinks list also available for all your sipping needs.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 20 July, 5pm–8pm
Looking to sleigh your Christmas in July party this year? Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta is serving up glam, glitter and gourmet good times with an exclusive festive feast for private groups. Whether you’re after an elegant seated dinner or a chic cocktail soirée, this one’s all about luxe vibes, delish bites, and serious holiday sparkle. Think Christmas cocktails on arrival, a three-hour drinks package, themed décor, and enough merriment to make Santa blush. Bonus points: you can even add a Drag Queen, DJ, or Christmas photobooth for extra razzle-dazzle.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Available on Marketta open days throughout July
Price: From $70pp (cocktail) or $120pp (seated)
Capacity: 20–70 guests (private events only)
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
