Paradise Magazine - v1 AW 2023

PARADISE

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to the first edition of Paradise Magazine! If this is your first visit to Paradise Centre or you’re one of our wonderful Paradise locals, you have been sure to notice the incredible changes and new faces we have welcomed over the past few months since we opened our beautiful beachfront dining and fashion precinct. After 18 months of construction, we kicked off in September 2022 opening eight new restaurant and dining experiences with stunning views of one of the best beaches in the world and welcomed some of the biggest fashion brands to Surfers Paradise!

In this edition, we are putting a spotlight on all of the tempting places to eat (sorry we’ve given you too many choices!), you’ll meet Pat and Alex from Nahm Talay Thai (a MUST visit), discover the new additions to our entertainment level and know where to shop hot new looks and accessories. Our fashion hard hitters will impress any shopper! Whether you’re a local or visiting us for a few days, we welcome you to explore and enjoy our slice of paradise.

Sarah Debono Marketing Manager Paradise Centre

OUTRAGEOUSLY spontaneous

WELCOME TO PARADISE

With Paradise Centre located just metres from Surfers Paradise Beach, the new $40 million dining precinct takes beachfront dining to a whole new level.

Did you know that construction of the beachfront dining precinct used:

• 1.2 million litres of concrete

• Over 31 tonnes of glass

• 69 tonnes of steel

• Over 6,800 bolts

• Over 42,000 tiles

• 15 tonnes of dirt

• Over 900 workers to complete the 18 month redevelopment

With eight restaurant and dining options over two levels providing stunning views of the sand, waves and beyond, elevated dining has never looked better!

BEACHFRONT BITES

La Playa

La Playa bottles the feeling of a salty summer vacation and serves it up through a warm open-air interior and an authentic Gold Coast dining experience. Whether you’re ready to dive into a shared plate of warmed olives, decadent Saganaki, fresh oysters, QLD King Prawns or Calamari Fritti, with a Mediterranean spread available from midday until late you can indulge in a number of options.

Enzo’s Cucina

With a focus on fresh and homely Italian food, where the gnocchi is made from scratch, and the meatballs honour Enzo’s mother’s cooking. If you’re craving an authentic bowl of pasta or a straight-fromthe-oven-hot pizza, we recommend popping into Enzo’s Cucina. Served with the warmth of southern Italian hospitality, Enzo’s is the perfect place for an affordable and authentic Italian meal to share with your famiglia.

TGI Fridays

The TGI Fridays’ grills are always hot, giving us that classic American fix we’re all after. With an extensive selection of wings, potato in more forms than you could dream of, ribs, steaks, salads, an unbeatable dessert menu, a carefully curated cocktail menu and so much more, you’ll be counting down the hours until you can get a taste.

Gelato Messina

It’s what you’ve all been waiting for, Gelato Messina is now open on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s your late night sweet tooth, your escape from the heat, or you just want great, flavour-packed, authentic gelato, Gelato Messina in the beachfront dining precinct is where it’s at.

Nahm Talay Thai

Serving up a range of curious breakfast creations on top of an extensive menu with all of your Thai favourites, Nahm Talay Thai is everything you love about Thai and Southeast Asian flavours with a modern twist. Indulge in old favourites like a classic Pad Thai or prepare your tastebuds for a curry with a side of roast pumpkin or pandan creme brulee. Quench your thirst with fresh and zesty cocktails that will transport you right to the beaches of Southeast Asia, or choose from beers on tap.

Wahlburgers

You’ve heard about it, seen it, craved it, but you’ve probably never tried it. Wahlburgers is a family restaurant founded by chef Paul Wahlberg with his famous brothers Donnie and Mark Wahlberg, so it’s bound to be brilliant. With only a handful of venues and being the first in Queensland, you now have the chance to try Wahlburgers “Raising the Bar & the Burger” right here at Paradise Centre.

El Camino Cantina

El Camino Cantina is an Austin, Texasinspired Tex-Mex restaurant serving big flavours, even bigger margaritas and classic Tex-Mex food. Packed with neon lights and juke boxes, filled with the delicious scent of Mexican herbs and spices and margs flowing all day long, you’re bound to have a great time. Plus, El Camino Cantina Surfers Paradise offers the very first breakfast offering in Australia!

Hero Sushi

Made fresh each day, this sushi stop has all your favourite sushi and Japanese bites ready-to-go for those in a rush. Grab a ready-made box or build-your-own with rolls, nigiri, inari and more in classic Japanese flavours and Aussie fusion favourites.

Check out more dining options here

THE BEST THAI YOU’VE EVER PAD

What was your inspiration when creating Nahm Talay Thai and its menu?

Meet owners Pat and Alex from Nahm Talay Thai as we chat food, predictions and their recipe for success.

Tell us a little bit about your background...

We’re both from Thailand and moved to Australia in 2007. We lived in Sydney for 7 years before we came to the Gold Coast in 2015 to start our first restaurant. Now we have 5 restaurants in Queensland.

What is Nahm Talay Thai’s signature dish? What do people love about it?

I would say all of the dishes at Nahm Talay Thai are our signature dish because they’re presented with Nahm Talay Thai’s style, food and preparation. What we care about is not just the taste and the looks but also the quality of the ingredients is very important too.

We want to promote traditional authentic tastes of Thai with incredibly beautiful presentation and great quality ingredients.

What Australian ingredients do you love using?

We love using Australian ingredients to create the new Thai dishes such as Wagyu, lamb and Australian fruit and vegetables.

What do you want your diners to experience at Nahm Talay Thai?

We want them to feel welcomed from their first step into the restaurant with amazing food, exceptional service, great ambiance, beautiful views and the best location.

What is the most popular dish on the menu?

Crispy pork bao, whole fish 3 flavours and Pad Thai (pictured, right).

What are your predictions for Gold Coast’s foodie scene over the next few years?

Healthy, quality ingredients, presentation, mix and match, international food, fusions but also authentic dishes.

Advice you live by?

Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you do.

GC Favourites:

Dish to cook at home: Thai noodle soup

Restaurant for dinner:

Nahm Talay Thai (of course!)

Things to do on the weekend: Eating, cooking, creating and trying new things.

Beach:

Elephant Rock, Currumbin

Underrated spot on the Coast: Southport

TOP SPOTS FOR COCKTAILS

Check out more top spots for cocktails here

Soak in sunshine and sea breezes while enjoying an afternoon mojito, get the party started at dinner with a fruity sangria, and say “chin chin” as you clink glasses of Aperol spritz. There are so many reasons and ways to enjoy a cheeky cocktail – here are four of the best spots at Paradise Centre.

Nahm Talay Thai

Nahm Talay Thai has an extensive cocktail offering, each presented as a theatrical, insta-worthy creation. Whether you’re after Jellyfish Shots, a Vodka Pink Lotus or a Tom Yum Mule, you’ll be sure to find your new favourite flavour here.

Nahm Talay Thai is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

El Camino Cantina

El Camino has perfected the true Tex-Mex style margarita - served frozen, on the rocks or Cadillac-style (with a float of Grand Marnier) and each made with a secret mix including tequila, Triple Sec and heaps of fresh lime juice. Grab a table overlooking the beach and enjoy a margarita tasting paddle at El Camino, open from 8am - late, 7 days.

La Playa

Translating to mean ‘The beach’ in Spanish and Portuguese, La Playa’s expansive Mediterraneaninspired menu has an impressive lineup of cocktails to share. Why not meet your mates for a jug of Sangria or cheers to a French Martini with girlfriends. Open from 7am - late, 7 days a week.

Iced Tea, Pink Punk Martini and Ultimate cocktails, TGI Fridays takes beverages seriously! With their carefully curated menu serving up over 30 types of cocktails and 11 kinds of low and no alcohol concoctions there’s plenty of options to cheers to.

Whether you’re after a long lunch or something to grab and go, you can’t go past Cavill Avenue at Paradise Centre.

CAVILL MALL HOT SPOTS

See the full list of hot spots here

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL

Timezone

The party palace of adrenalinepumping good times has something for everyone. Bring your family, your date or your mates and explore this giant neon arcade that’s been thrilling locals and visitors for more than 40 years.  Challenge your date to a dance-off, race your friends on a virtual track, or challenge the whole family to a laser tag battle or round of mini golf. Once the fun is wrapped up, venture over to the Winner’s Vault to explore a treasure trove of cool prizes or grab snacks from the onsite cafe and bar.

timezonegames.com/en-au/ surfers-paradise

FREAK VR

Enter the arena and put your teamwork to the test in a virtual reality escape room at FREAK VR. The ultimate in virtual reality entertainment, FREAK combines cutting-edge multiplayer games, incredible 4D effects and curated physical spaces to help you venture beyond reality. At FREAK, you don’t just play the game, you become the game! Using worldleading technology, FREAK VR is so immersive, it has to be experienced to be believed.

freakvr.com.au

MANIAX Axe Throwing

Release your inner warrior at MANIAX, the ultimate axe throwing experience right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Step outside your comfort zone and create new memories with family, friends or colleagues as you uncover hidden talents, learn a badass new skill and challenge your crew. Who will win bragging rights as the ultimate axe-throwing champion? Ride the escalator to the first floor of Paradise Centre to find the custom-built axe hall with 15 throwing lanes, a Viking-themed bar and blissful ocean views. Don’t forget to snap a photo sitting on the mighty warrior’s throne. maniax.com.au

Zone Bowling

Featuring 12 interactive bowling lanes, a cafe and bar, get excited for a unique bowling experience at Zone Bowling Surfers Paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family fun day out, a date night idea or somewhere to hang with friends, we’ve got you covered!

zonebowling.com

Go Ride A Wave

Go Ride A Wave is a must for any visitor to the Gold Coast. With our beautiful beaches and warm water, the conditions at Surfers Paradise are ideal for surf lessons and surf hire. Go Ride A Wave’s surf school specialises in daily beginner surf lessons. Group and private lessons are available on request. Find their shop across the road from the famous Surfers Paradise sign at the beach end of Cavill Mall and experience one of Australia’s most iconic surf destinations.

gorideawave.com.au

Holoverse Dinosaur World & Aquarium

Take the whole family to the holoverse, a high-tech interactive universe of fun and entertainment – the first of its kind in the world!

When you enter the holoverse you can explore various virtual worlds – meet monsters or dinosaurs, dive under the sea, play action sports, feel like you’re flying or play arcade games. Holoverse is great for the whole family, birthday parties or team building days. Explore these different holographic worlds, from the kid friendly to the M-rated, on the ground floor of Paradise Centre.

surfers-paradise.holoverse.com.au

WINTER IN PARADISE

Blue skies and sunshine can only mean one thing... winter on the GC has arrived.

Jackie wears Rip Curl tee, Surf Dive N’ Ski cord pant and shacket, Vans shoes and Stateside Sports snapback. Jackie (right) wears Vans Denim Torrey. Louis (top right) wears Fast Times cuff beanie.

Louis (bottom right) wears Rip Curl flannel jacket and long sleeve tee, and iKandi Sunglasses

Emily wears Surf Dive N’ Ski tee, jeans and jacket, Stateside Sports cap and iKandi Sunglasses.

Louis wears Surf Dive N’ Ski tee, track pant and jacket and Fast Times cuff beanie.

Emily (top right) wears Rip Curl crew and cap and Surf Dive N’ Ski sunglasses.

Vans

FASHION

Scan for top trends for winter 2023

Factorie low rise baggy jean $59.95

Factorie moto bomber jacket $149.95

Surf Dive N’ Ski cozy up beanie $45.99

Surf Dive N’ Ski Set The Tone jacket $149.99

iKandi LE SPECS Something Camouflage $79

Fast Times Skateboarding Brickstack mesh snapback chocolate/black $49.95

Factorie open gallery varsity jacket $169.95

Surf Dive N’ Ski Thrills mini tee $49.99

Vans style 136 Decor VR3 SF $139.99

Rip Curl Bobbi stripe long sleeve tee $69.99

Rip Curl Corpawatu Icon PU slim wallet $19.99

Rip Curl Posse 33L driven backpack $99.99

Emily wears Surf Dive N’ Ski tee, jeans & jacket, Stateside Sports cap & Vans shoes. Jackie (left) wears Rip Curl tee & Stateside Sports shacket.

Louis wears Stateside Sports jersey, Factorie jeans, Vans shoes.

PENNE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

What’s your background in the restaurant world?

I studied and qualified as a chef in Italy. I started my career working in 5-star hotel kitchens in Venice and Tuscany. It’s here where I started placing my roots in the hospitality industry. I then moved from the kitchen to front of house to experience customer service in the restaurant world. A few years on I developed passion for the mixology world and decided to join IBA Academy and become a bartender. I worked and managed different bars until I moved to Australia where I managed different venues in Sydney and the Gold Coast.

What’s your favourite dish at Enzo’s Cucina?

The ‘Mixed Sharing Board’ is my favourite as it’s a platter made with our most popular entrees. You get to try a lot of different items without missing out on any of the best items on our menu. Our fresh homemade gnocchi is also on my top list.

Where’s your next holiday destination?

I will finally be going back to my country Italy, this year in July. It’s a holiday that I’m really looking forward to since I haven’t been there and seen my family and friends for six years.

What do you love about Paradise Centre?

Paradise Centre is certainly the place to be as it has lots to offer; from the spectacular beachfront position to beautiful activations such as live music on weekends and roving entertainment. The new beachfront dining precinct brings a whole new level to Surfers Paradise.

What’s your proudest moment?

I’ve put in years of hard work and to get the opportunity to become a restaurant owner in this industry, and be able to share this journey with my business partners, Enzo, Carlo and Joseph, is something that makes me very proud.

Tell us some advice you live by.

Work hard, stay humble. Success is a beautiful thing. But unbridled by humility, it can also be an ugly, selfish and an all-consuming endeavour. Never forget your roots, never forget the sacrifices others made on your behalf, never forget to say thank you and to pay it forward. Never forget that who you are is so much greater than what you do. Remember this and you will be golden.

GC Favourites:

Beach: Burleigh beach for its natural beauty and surroundings plus it has such nice cafes and local restaurants. Restaurant: My favourtite coastal european restaurant is Sofia’s in Broadbeach, I like Etsu in Mermaid Beach for Japanese and our neighbours Nahm Talay Thai for Thai. Entertainment: Miami Marketta. I love the variety of events and themed parties they have all year. The vibe reminds me a lot of Europe. Food to cook at home: I literally cook anything Italian and I much prefer to cook up a feast for family and friends rather than just a small meal, but fresh pasta made from scratch is my favourite.

Beverage of choice: I am a gin and tonic drinker and I have my own collection of gins at home, but I am also becoming more passionate about whiskies as we have nearly 30 different whiskies on our drinks list at Enzo’s.

Enzo Cucina’s Dylan Di Liberto gives us advice to live by and shares some of his proudest moments.

SPOTTED IN PARADISE

FUN IN PARADISE

WHAT’S ON

MAY

JUNE

JULY

13 & 14 May

Mother’s Day Weekend

Join us for free barista-made coffee from 10am-12pm and acoustic guitarist Jacob Vincent performing in the beachfront dining precinct from 10am-2pm.

3 June

SeaFire

Secure the best seat in the house for the massive pyrotechnics’ extravaganza held on Surfers Paradise Beach, right in front of Paradise Centre. SeaFire brings together some of the world’s leading pyrotechnics designers where they will compete for the biggest and best sky spectacle.

29 June - 2 July

Skate Expo

Skating displays, meet & greets, giveaways, DJs and more.

AUGUST

10 June

Live music presented by Paradise Centre

13 & 14 August

Live music presented by Paradise Centre

18 -20 August

Pacific Airshow

All eyes to the skies with jet loads of giveaways, roving entertainment and more over 3 non-stop action-packed days.

18-20 August 2023

PACIFIC AIRSHOW

This August the skies of Surfers Paradise Beach will be transformed into a never before seen airshow experience, showcasing the best military and civilian aviators from around the world. Introducing Pacific Airshow!

Direct from the breakout success of the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, Surfers Paradise has been named the successor of the USA's largest airshow and is sure to become a national must-see event.

From 18-20 August 2023, Paradise Centre will become the beating heart of all the non-stop aerobatic demonstrations, happening daily for 4+ hours along the 2km coastline of the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach.

What's sure to become "the event" of 2023, don't miss out on tickets to this massive three-day spectacle

featuring live choreographed aerial performances, VIP meet & greet events, parties, family-friendly experiences and much more. Visit pacificairshowaus.com to get your tickets!

Scan for more details

Head to Paradise Centre for your front row seats to the threeday, music, arts, entertainment and skateboarding festival this September, where the streets and the beach are transformed into a music lovers playground (and still 100% free!).

Bringing in spring with a bang and taking place across two stages, including the Main Stage and the newly named Dr. Martens Street Stage, SPRINGTIME’s music lineup for the sophomore year will include ethereal indie-pop icon Matt Corby, New Zealand alt-pop artist BENEE and Australia’s favourite partystarting duo, Bag Raiders (DJ set).

Proudly a supporting partner of SPRINGTIME 2023, Paradise Centre is smack bang in the middle of all the action as your one-stop-shop for festival fashion, food, giveaways, music and more.

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER

1 - 3 September

SPRINGTIME Festival

Get your front seat to uninterrupted music and good times, held across multiple stages in Surfers Paradise. FREE and open to all ages.

16 - 28 September

School holiday entertainment

Roving entertainment, family friendly activities, live music, giveaways and more!

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

30 September - 1 October

AFL/NRL grand final weekend

Live music presented by Paradise Centre

2 October

King’s Birthday Long Weekend

Live music presented by Paradise Centre

27 - 29 October

GC 600

Start your engines and get set for the thrill of this annual race plus live music presented by Paradise Centre.

18 - 26 November

Schoolies Week

Live music and giveaways galore, Paradise Centre has got the goods.

DECEMBER

9 December - January

Sparkling Summer begins

Kick off the festive season with roving entertainment, family fun, live music, giveaways and more!

Ridiculously DELICIOUS