Tag Archives: gold coast dining

Oct 6 2019

Max Steak and Seafood, Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Billed as a steak and seafood restaurant, with some enticing specials and attentive staff, we chose Max’s for an evening dinner out.

Broadbeach itself is just below Surfers Paradise, a foodies haven in its own right, with plenty of food and accommodation choices. Trust me, here there is no shortage of good quality food at reasonable prices.A myriad of highrises and shopping centres make up the Gold Coast. Amazing the view you gain from a little height.

Within a short walk of most Broadbeach accommodation, Max Steak & Seafood is one of the many choices on offer.

After persuading the extensive menu, we decided on Max’s. And overall, pretty happy with the choice.

No surprise that Hubby as hungry, so we ordered a few dishes to satisfy his hunger.A novel concept for a seafood chowder, Hubby was definitely happy with his entree choice!

The mouthwatering steak pictured first was my choice today. Accompanied by a side of vegetables, the steak was delivered resting in its own sauce. Cooked to your liking, and a reasonable steak, I was happy with the dish.

But this is a steak and seafood restaurant right, so seafood is obligatory. Lobster Mornay, was by no means a small meal. The succulent lobster, burst from its shell, topped with melted cheese. A tempting treat, which oozes opulence.

We are early eaters but the venue filled quickly, as did the others around. Depending on the night, you might find live music in the middle of the eateries. Certainly a drawcard for the little ones who were happy to dance and make friends.I will leave you now with a sunset from Broadbeach. Not something you see too well in Queensland, unless you are up high. We do some incredible sunrises, but we are on the opposite of the county to where the sun goes down. Sometimes though you get to nail it.

Stop by Max Steak & Seafood, it is worth trying!

Mar 18 2018

Novotel Surfers Paradise

Treated to a viewing of the refurbished rooms at Novotel Surfers Paradise this week was quite an unexpected bonus. Attending this Travel Massive meet was most definitely worth the return trip from Brisbane to the very heart of Surfers Paradise.

Now sporting a wonderful peaceful ambiance the rooms are quite inviting. Couple this with the balcony off each room giving you simply stunning views across the Gold Coast, and you have a winning combination.

A new rooftop area is now available for function hire. Very spacious, kitted out with comfortable, inviting furniture, this certainly is a rooftop space worth considering if you’re requiring a venue.

Views upwards are quite impressive too!

Staff were all friendly and more than happy to assist in any way possible. The lobby area can be quite busy at times with tour groups coming in and out but it doesn’t matter as there is such a huge amount of space, along with a bar/cafe, information & tour booking desk as well as reception. An onsite restaurant is up on level one plus laundry, games room, gym etc near the pool and rooftop areas.

Centrally located, from this hotel it is a mere short stroll to the beach as well as a multitude of attractions, leave the car and enjoy a walk.

Consider this hotel if you’re looking for accommodation, those newly refurbished rooms really do look very inviting!

Jul 23 2017

Novotel Surfers Paradise – Hanlans Restaurant/Bar

Mini Breaks are a great way to give your mind and body a chance to take a breath before you launch back into the routine of life. This view of Surfers Paradise Main Beach area, could be all yours at Novotel Surfers Paradise.  As an Accor Plus member, the complimentary room for the year was still waiting to be utilised.  Hence a visit to Novotel Surfers Paradise.

Our view from the room, was mesmerising.  From here we could watch the activity on the streets below, check for whales passing out at sea, view the river and its boats, or simply chill out and enjoy the landscape canvas rolled out before us.   Sunset and Sunrise views, were nothing less than superb!

Day rolled into night, with outstanding orange hues as the sun dropped in behind the Western Ranges.  As the hunger pains set in, we visited the Novotel Restaurant, Hanlans.  Located on Level 1 of the complex, the expansive restaurant mainly operates as a buffet for both breakfast and dinner.   On the ground floor, Hanlans Bar is open through the day, with a breakfast and lunch mini menu to keep you going.Staff here are attentive.  Water is topped up throughout your meal, plates are cleared in a timely fashion and above all else, every staff member we came across, throughout the hotel, from reception, concierge through to bar, restaurant and cleaners, were professional yet friendly.  Its a rare venue to have all staff displaying good quality customer service.

From fresh seafood, to seafood salads and other salads or meats, through to a delectable dessert selection, along with many options in between, there is plenty to choose from.

Should you have the prilege of being an Accor Plus member, you will receive big discounts of your meals.  For two people with one membership, this results in a 50% meal discount, essentially one of you eats for free.

Rooms are comfortable, clean, with balconies plus the added bonus of being so close to a lot of options, where you will likely park the car and leave it there.  Shopping is below the hotel, or walk to the beach in 5 minutes.  Check out the Q1 tower for a birds eye view, barely 10 minutes walk or visit the many other attractions in the area.  

As night falls, life does not become quieter on the streets below. Patrons flock to the nightlife, bathing in the depth of colourful lights, twinkling around them from all angles.

A winter sunrise in Queensland is stunning.  Orange hues light up the fiery sky before fading through to the daylight blue.  Take a short walk to the beach and you may have the opportunity to see a surfer disappearing into the waves. 

Silhouettes outlined by. the rising sun provide not only fantastic photo opportunities, but also those moments where time stands still, momentarily.  Indulge yourself, take the walk and wonder at the colourful birth of a new day.

All the food we enjoyed at the Novotel was fresh, nicely presented, and enjoyable.  Below are some food images from our weekend stay.Caesar Salad with Chicken tenders at Hanlans Bar.

Love the presentation of the loose leaf tea.

Calamari & salad at Hanlans Bar.

Cheese plate at Hanlans Bar.Burger at Hanlans Bar.

Ice cream is made fresh on the premises.

I love this personal touch with what we think are staff handprints across the front window, making an interesting view from Hanlans Bar.   Sit down in the bar, enjoy a barista or bar drink whilst you watch the world go by.   There is always something happening in Surfers. This is a venue we will return to, look forward to seeing you there!


Jan 17 2016

BSKT Cafe – Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

 
Maybe you’ve started with a morning stroll along the beach, just a stones throw from the cafe, or, perhaps this was your intentional destination.  Either way, you’ve now discovered a pleasant indoor/outdoor seating area, with an interesting menu.

A mix of old meets new.  Sharp clean lines around the bar area are  given a slightly eclectic  touch, with hefty wooden tables, metal seats plus random relics from earlier eras.   

Nice to note there were plenty of staff, all neatly and uniformly dressed, more than willing to politely assist customers.    

 Breakfast salad.   A combination of beets,  sweet potato, brocolini, haloumi, topped with poached egg and a touch of maple.   I’m told this was good as this shiny, appealing plate of food looked.

 Another meal at our table was the packed full, omelette. Served with field mushrooms and the seeded toast, peeking out from under the omelette. 

Hubbys choice was the Big Breakfsr.  Steak, ham, eggs, mushrooms, alongside a sweet potato bubble n squeak.  

   My choice today, was the Navajo Native Breakfast with an extra side of smoked salmon.  Smashed avocado, beans, eggs and a pleasant non-hot tomato relish filled the plate.   The beans mixed nicely with the rest of the dish.

With a reasonable selection of drinks, including smoothies, juices and pleasing sekection of tea or coffee, you won’t have a problem finding a beverage to accompany your meal.

Now if you didn’t have that beach stroll earlier, maybe you will feel so inclined after your relaxing breakfast. 👍

Apr 12 2015

Beach Cafe, Marine Parade, Broadbeach

  

Heading home from the Gold Coast, we decided to drop by Labrador for a refuelling Brunch.

Located on Marine Parade, just opposite the water, is this fresh, beachy feel cafe.   With an inside airconditioned area, open at one end, or outside dining area choices, you will find something suitable to you.  Here you order and pay at the counter, before taking the allocated table  number to your area of choice,.

  

The chocolate thick shake above was most definitely thick, with the consistency  of a cold soft serve ice cream, enabling the straw to stand on its on.   A meal in itself!

  

Hubby’s choice of the big breakfast, impressed with the large steak and generous portion sizes overall.  I myself chose the omelette.  Soft, tasty and packed with my choices, the omelette was a filling yet not too heavy meal. Service here was friendly, prices reasonable, with drinks and meals arriving without a long delay.  

Enjoying the airconditioned inside area, whilst still able to take in the view across to the sea,  this cafe was a very pleasant place to dine.  You may wish to check this cafe out sometime whilst in the general vincity.   Certainly worth a look.

 Edit

Apr 8 2015

Marios Italian Restaurant Broadbeach

  

Seated beneath the decorative grape vines, secured to the roof above, we enjoyed a long, lingering lunch, wiling away the afternoon with good friends.   A wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by, served by waitstaff with an awesome sense of humour and accompanied by very good food and wine.  Aaah bliss 😄.

Located on the side of the Oasus Shopping Centre, along the restaurant strip side, there’s plenty to see here.  People passing by, a busy restaurant strip, yet somehow relaxing when you are seated at your table, just out of reach of the normal comings and goings around you.  

  

One of the entrees enjoyed was the scallops dish above.  Delightfully soft scallops cooked Italian style, were a definite hit.  

  

I chose the above stuffed, lightly crumbed mushrooms, as an entree.  A perfect combination of mushroom, cheese and crumbs.   Enjoyable as a nice light start to a meal.

Presentation of meals was certainly very good, as was the freshness of the food included.    Your biggest problem here is probably going to be choosing a seating area.   We had the wonderful balcony area, with a big marquee available in the mall area, as well as the inside dining.

  

My choice was to enjoy a second entree as opposed to a main.  Given the size of the meals I saw being delivered to other tables, this was a wise choice.

  

However this seafood plate above was a delicious choice.  Salmon, oysters, prawns and a superbly dressed rocket salad.   The main size version of this was available as well, personally though, I found this to be the perfect size.

No doubt at sometime you will find yourself in the Broadbeach area of the Gold Coast, keep this Italian Restaurant in mind for a relaxing dining experience.  In the meantime, here’s  a taste of the dessert menu, to tempt those tastebuds😄.