“Queensland’s hottest new venues” is not a phrase we throw around lightly. But when it’s the highly anticipated offering from the team behind Rick Shores and Brisbane’s Southside and Central, we don’t think it’s overkill. In fact, it’s downright essential.
Norte and Sueño—a Latin-American inspired restaurant and bar pair—are due to open mid-December atop the sleek The Oxley 1823 precinct in Mermaid Beach.
The venues have been envisioned, meticulously planned and refined for over half a decade. And when we say meticulously planned, we mean it.
The team has traveled the globe, hitting hotspots in Mexico, Panama, Peru, Brazil and London for inspiration. Co-owner Nick Woodward travelled South and Central America nine times, while Executive Group Chef James Brady hit the Argentinian countryside to learn to build the traditional South American flat hearth in Norte’s kitchen.
Image credit: Norte and Sueño | Mathilde Bouby
For over a month in Mexico, Brady did little more than cook, immersed in the rhythms of the local culinary scene.
“I was just on my own and that was my routine,” Brady says. “There were spice blends to explore. The chilli range was incredible, each with a different flavour profile. You’d chat to the purveyors and their excitement for their own cuisine was infectious.
“Then I’d head back to the apartment and just cook and cook. It was such a great opportunity to develop the stocks, the sauces, the pickle blends, the salsas, the protein marinades – those foundation recipes for a restaurant and bar.”
Brady then flew to Buenos Aires, where he learnt how to butcher and cook a whole cow on a parrilla. Together with Norte Head Chef Rudy Malinverni he traversed his way through Peru and Brazil, their travels inspiring a menu that showcases the bold, smoky flavors and techniques of Latin America.
Image credit: Mathilde Bouby
The preparation—and pressure—is hardly surprising when you’re building on the legacy of Rick Shores, widely regarded as the Gold Coast’s most iconic restaurant.
“This concept has been in discussion since before the pandemic,” says Woodward, who is a co-owner along with David Flynn and Frank Li.
“There’s definitely that pressure. But we’re blessed to have an incredible team and we had to wait for the right location.”
Designed by award-winning architecture and interiors firm J.AR OFFICE, the two venues are a love letter to the monolithic boldness of 1960s and 1970s Mexico City. Black slate is contrasted by brown limestone, woven textiles, and striking waffle ceilings, while a jaw-dropping red staircase winds through the heart of the venues.
Image credit: Norte and Sueño | Mathilde Bouby
Downstairs in Norte, the kitchen takes centre stage—both literally and figuratively—with the menu revolving around the custom-made traditional South American flat hearth. Expect vibrant creations like raw scallops with mango, bee pollen, chili, and grapefruit; a rich beef tostada with fermented chili and kombu; and grilled coral trout draped in koji butter with guacachile and green pico de gallo amongst raw dishes, bar snacks, masa (corn-based plates), mains, sides, and desserts.
Upstairs at the semi-open-air Sueño, the vibe shifts to lighter, more playful dishes, with a focus on ceviches, skewers, and tacos. Think baby abalone with fermented habanero and pickled red onion, hiramasa kingfish and Ora King salmon ceviche, and al pastor-style Moreton Bay bug tacos with pineapple and a crustacean butter emulsion.
Image credit: Norte and Sueño | Mathilde Bouby
Of course it wouldn’t be a venture from the Rick Shores team without an extensive drinks list. Group Beverage Director Peter Marchant has curated a 150-bottle wine list for Norte, with nearly half the selection showcasing Central and South American producers. Upstairs at Sueño, it’s all about tequila, mezcal, and creative twists on classic cocktails amidst the arid landscape-inspired fitout.
Norte and Sueño have all the makings of a worthy Gold Coast sequel to Rick Shores, and Woodward says it was worth the wait.
“We weren’t going to be rushed,” Woodward says. “We had to wait for the right opportunity so there would be no regrets. Norte and Sueño tick all those boxes. Now it’s down to us to make these the best venues we can.”
THE DETAILS
What: Norte and Sueño
Where: 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach 4218
When: Mid-December opening
To keep up to date, click here. We’ll have more details shortly.
Image credit: Mathilde Bouby | Supplied