By Rama Gaind.
Selection of desserts at Cucina Vivo. Photo: Rama Gaind
Trying to stay positive, regardless of personal circumstances can be difficult at the best of times. If a situation is not conducive, then you have to create opportunities. Such was the thinking behind a visit to Queensland sometime ago, which in hindsight, was a fortuitous decision. Just as well because I haven’t been able to get to the Gold Coast since then. Even plans to visit next weekend have now been dashed due to uncertainty on travel restrictions.
Last week’s Greater Brisbane lockdown due to new COVID-19 cases has had some ramifications. It’s difficult to say with conviction when we will be able to tour with certainty about there being no more border closures.
How right was English poet Geoffrey Chaucer when he said: “Time and tide wait for no man”. Time is precious and every second is important. Grab opportunities when you can.
How lucky was I to have experienced a style of hospitality that was a real treat. I had stayed at the then-named Jupiters Hotel & Casino before it was rebranded as The Star Gold Coast in March 2017. Jupiters has undergone a $345 million transformation, in what was regarded as Australia’s most extensive hotel refurbishment.
It’s now described as Australia’s five-star fun-parlour ― ‘playtime in paradise’ ― with luxurious accommodation and spa, iconic bars, restaurants and entertainment precincts, alongside the thrills of a world-class casino.
Jupiters Hotel & Casino was rebranded as The Star Gold Coast in March 2017. Photo: Rama Gaind
I still remember the excitement of my last visit where the sophisticated and modern feel that complemented the Gold Coast’s relaxed beachside lifestyle, was almost a stone’s throw away from Jupiters. It was a pleasure to go across the Gold Coast Highway to indulge in five-star luxury with 24-hour casino, bars, lounges, restaurants and shows galore.
I was one of the lucky ones to get that ‘regal’ treatment after being picked up from the airport by Charlie Dibella from Royale Limousines — and taken to Jupiters. The only sounds one could hear were of laughter and incessant chatter that emanated from mingling crowds in every corner of the complex. Commendable.
Delectable dining
It didn’t take long to get in tune with the good times at the vibrant restaurants and bars, which were packed to the rafters! Italian cuisine is defined by its generosity of spirit, which was evident at Cucina Vivo. People celebrated the joy of sharing with family and friends, and we also tried the award-winning executive head chef Chase Kojima’s cutting edge Japanese cuisine at Kiyomi.
Chef’s choice: antipasto del Salumiere. Photo: Rama Gaind
Inspired by the cliff-top restaurants of the Amalfi Coast, Cucina Vivo serves up authentic Italian favourites and inspired new classics – all in a cheerful, relaxed setting overlooking the pristine tropical pool.
The menu, inspired by all regions across Italy, features traditional favourites together with inspired interpretations of the classics. Deciding what to eat was going to be a painstaking effort, so we left the decision to the restaurant manager. The array of dishes that followed did not disappoint.
The lychee cocktail got the dining experience to a spirited start. Many appetising dishes followed: antipasto del salumiere (chef’s selection of choice salami, provola, giardiniera), caprese salad, petto di pollo (tender chicken breast with braised forest mushrooms and charred figs), delectable lamb with chestnut gnocchi and cranberry and tortelloni ripieni (tasty crab meat, ricotta and lemon zest on green pea puree).
However, it was one of the desserts — cioccolato rosso ferrari (pistacio crostata, stracciatella ice cream, ferrari red chocolate sphere and grappa-infused chocolate sauce) — that had everyone enthralled in a blissful syrupy rapture. Bellissimo!
Energetic vibe
Petto di Pollo – Chicken breast with braised forest mushrooms, charred figs. Photo: Rama Gaind
Visit any corner of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast and you’ll be constantly amazed at the hustle-and-bustle that seamlessly combines with an energetic vibe that’s always prevalent.
Whether you start your morning by taking to the surf, unwind on the beautiful beaches, followed by family outings in lusciously-green parks or discovering arts and crafts markets, the constant bustling atmosphere continues to astound.
Further surprises await if you wander down the Broadbeach mall that’s sprinkled with roving street artists and a myriad of dining options which take in everything from brasseries, bistros, gourmet delis to bars and five-star feasts.
Shoppers can’t go past Pacific Fair — one of Australia’s largest retail centres with numerous stores, cinemas and casual dining. There’s also the Oasis Shopping Centre, with specialty stores and services, which is the premier destination for fashion, food, lifestyle and fun in cosmopolitan Broadbeach. Known as ‘Broadie’ to locals, this neighbourhood has entertainment that’s never-ending.
This was one sojourn that did not disappoint! Fingers crossed there will be no disruptions to plans now that I’ve booked my airfares to return to Queensland later this year.
I’ll listen to what G.K. Chesterton said: “Hope is the power of being cheerful in circumstances that we know to be desperate”.
DETAILS BOX
Jupiters Hotel & Casino was rebranded as The Star Gold Coast in March 2017
www.star.com.au/goldcoast/
Broadbeach QLD 4218
Tel: +61 7 5592 8100
