Sips and Bites: Spring 2025
What’s brewing, cooking and happening…
NEW PLAYERS
Tony Kelly Restaurant Group is at it again – this time taking on Mexico with Playa Mexican opening at Bokarina Beach – just a tequila shot away from the group’s Bocca Italian. The project is led by Tony Kelly with familiar faces from nearby Bocca Italian as co-owners including Executive Chef Harry Lilai, General Manager Luke Stringer, and Restaurant Manager Isaac Saunders! Yareeba!
CATCH OF THE DAY
Fish House Steak & Grill is the latest venture from Kristine and Todd Young and the team behind the multi-award winning Bella Venezia Mooloolaba. Indulge in seafood fresh off the boats, premium dry-aged steaks and killer cocktails, all with a playful Japanese twist. Executive Chef Ben Achurch heads up the kitchen at both venues. The revamped Fish on Parkyn site oozes beachside charm with open-air elegance. See their story!
ALL ABOARD
Cruise into good times aboard The Boat Mooloolaba – a two-storey, all-weather floating venue offering sunset sessions, seafood soirées, high teas, Christmas Lights Cruises, bottomless brunches and private charters. With stunning views, DJs and live music, and designer interiors, it promises a ‘nautical chic’ immersion for up to 48 guests.
HAPPY Ä’THOS
Head to Alsahwa Estate’s Ä“thos restaurant for Happy Hour, Wed-Sat from 2.30-5pm. Divine cocktails, antipasto platters packed with delights made on site or sourced from local suppliers – and golden sunsets under swaying palms. Ahhhh! Keep an eye on their socials for the launch of Test Kitchen dinners! See their story.
NEW NGUYEN
After years of working in his cousin’s Nguyen Brothers restaurant in Maroochydore’s Kon-Tiki building, Luke Dang has reimagined the venue to open Grandma Dang – honouring the legacy of his grandma and dishing up classic Vietnamese dishes from family recipes handed down through generations.
COOLUM COOL
The Coolum Surf Club just got cooler with an extensive renovation while wine bar Estancia MarÃa is now serving coffee and breakfast from 7am-12pm, Wednesday-Sunday.
LAST DRINKS
Sharlene & Paul have shared their last slice of pizza at Pizzami Peregian Beach as they hand the business over to new owners. Watch this space.
AWARD WINS
The 2025 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards saw Noosa Black Garlic win the Champion Trophy for Savoury Preserves, topping 15 classes and winning a gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medal. Heart Therapeutics also won 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze; as well as 2 silvers and Editor’s Choice at the Clean & Conscious Awards.
There is something in the milk on the range with Maleny businesses dominating the 2025 Dairy Industry Association Awards! Maleny Dairies won 5 GOLD for its Natural Yoghurt, Lactose Free Full Cream Milk, Low Fat Milk, Farmer’s Choice Milk, and Full Cream Milk; plus 5x Silver for its Pure Cream, Sweet Greek Style Yoghurt, Custard, Strawberry Yoghurt, and Sour Cream. They will now compete in the Australian Grand Dairy Awards. Maleny Cheese Factory took out Champion Greek Style Yoghurt plus 2 x Gold for Passionfruit Yoghurt and Gourmet Apple Cinnamon flavours and 2 x Silver for its Gourmet Unsweetened Yoghurt and Buffalo Fetta. Maleny Food Co scooped the Gelati category with 5 x Gold for Kinder Surprise, Chocolate, Biscoff, Tiramisu and Creme Caramel plus Silver for Matcha gelati. Yum!
Nil Desperandum Rum scooped an extraordinary haul of 10 medals leading to it being named Champion Queensland Distillery at the Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits Awards. Get the sips on your lips at Rumfire on Saturday 25 October at the Woombye Distillery to celebrate Queensland Rum Day with a huge bonfire, live music, kid’s entertainment, food trucks, tastings and sales from participating distilleries and a limited-edition Queensland Rum Day rum featuring a blend of the state’s most respected rum makers – Bundaberg Rum, Beenleigh Rum, Kalki Moon, Nil Desperandum – and a top-secret guest distillery! See their story for ticket links + more.
ARTISAN ICE CREAM
Ice cream indulgence has hit Landsborough with the opening of Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream’s factory. The family-run business has one of the largest selection of Macadamia flavoured ice creams which can be bought from the onsite outlet.
SURF’S UP!
It’s always party time at Sunshine Beach Surf Club so don’t miss these events: Prosecco, Pinot & Piano, 28 Sept; Club Choir with Darren Percival, 29 Sept; Blaze of Colour, Taste of Elegance, 7 Oct; Jazz & Shiraz with Vince Jones, 19 Oct; Shades of Pink Breakfast on 23 October with guest speakers, raffles and lucky door prizes. Proceeds go to the Cancer Council. Plus Coup de Blanc for Melbourne Cup. Visit surfclub.sunshinebeachslsc.com.au/whats-on for details and bookings .
FESTIVE FEASTS!
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort has released its festive season events including a Christmas Day five-course menu with paired wines at Lily’s on the Lagoon or for families, a Buffet Lunch at Sola with a welcome drink, live carvery station and buffet with salad bar, seafood, festive food; dessert station with chocolate fountain and ice cream station plus a VIK (very important kids) station. Ring in the New Year with a Market Festival from 5pm. See their story for the QR code to register your interest.
DON’T MISS!
Taste of the Tide wine lunch at Peregian Beach Hotel to celebrate its 20th birthday! Friday 17 Oct, $120pp. Fresh seafood, matching wines and plenty of good vibes! See page 60 and visit peregianbeachhotel.com.au/whats-on to book!
