Local produce soars at airport
Two new venues have opened at Gold Coast Airport, promising to spotlight the homegrown through collaborations with some of the city’s most popular hospitality figures.
Matt Jefferson (Social Eating House, Orzo) has curated the menu at signature bar and restaurant
The Sand Bar, part of the airport’s $500m expansion.
Airport Retail Enterprises general manager of food and beverage Hayley Bell said the collaboration was a great way to “hone in” on local Gold Coast gems.
“We have a couple of menu items we’ve called Matt Jefferson’s culinary journey,” she said. “We have a French brulee crumpet, which is as delicious as it sounds.
“At lunchtime, we’ve got pork cotoletta – something a little upper-class for the airport,” Ms Bell said.
“We’ve managed to incorporate Matt’s items throughout different venues in the airport, so you get a feel of different localities.”
Ms Bell said local tipples were also the star at the bar.
“It’s really great for our staff to be able to tell the story of these local distilleries and suppliers to people coming through the airport – it’s a forefront for people wanting to then go and check out those locations as part of their visit to the Coast,” she said.
Grab-and-go style cafe
Social Espresso also opened its doors on Wednesday.
The takeaway venue is a partnership with the owners of Social Espresso Burleigh, Mitch and Hayley Roberts.
The menu features acai bowls and an Aussie favourite – jaffles.
“We’ve got a Heinz spaghetti jaffle, a banana and Nutella jaffle and chicken and avo,” Ms Bell said.