With his father, Gary Moore, a high-end catering chef in Scotland, Sam Moore discovered his love of cooking at the age of five. Now only 26, he's been recognised for his innovative degustation at Room81 at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, where he's been chef de cuisine for two years. Previous kitchens include No35 at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins with Gary McVeigh, No41 Chifley Place, Greg Doyle's Pier and Edinburgh's Prestonfield House Hotel.
WHAT'S THE BEST TABLE ON THE GOLD COAST?
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Rather than a favourite table, I tend to be drawn towards funky little cafes. In Broadbeach, I would recommend Brunch & Co's gourmet sandwiches for a light lunch. And I can't go without my morning coffee from No Name Lane. See facebook.com/brunchco/ ; facebook.com/nonamelanebroadbeach/ .
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY FOR THE LAST YEAR
Having moved from Melbourne just over 18 months ago, I've enjoyed taking the time to discover the hidden culinary gems around the Gold Coast. The Witches Chase cheeses from the Mount Tamborine area has been a highlight for me. Especially discovering the numerous varieties available locally and adapting their versatility to the different styles of dishes is great. We use the Witches Chase goat's curd in an ice-cream form with our "when sweet meets savoury" dish. See www.witcheschasecheese.com.au .
WHAT'S THE GOLD COAST'S BEST KEPT FOOD SECRET?
My hangouts seem to evolve as new joints continue to pop up, but I'd suggest starting the day at Pacific Ocean at BSKT Mermaid Beach to keep it fresh and healthy, plus the coffee is sublime. Plan a day on the beach, but remember to make a reservation at Etsu, also at Mermaid Beach, for dinner. It's a den of Japanese cuisine served with vibrancy and sizzle. See www.bskt.com.au ; www.etsu.com.au .
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
The southern Gold Coast is buzzing with new cafes and eateries. I'm always looking for the inside scoop on where to go. One of my recent finds is Elk in Broadbeach, it's a cool hangout with amazing breakfast dishes. When I'm not tasting new food or researching new dishes, I like to relax with my partner and try to get a bit of a tan, but being of Scottish origin with fair skin, I'm not always very successful. See facebook.com/Elk-espresso-215447851800541/ .
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE ON THE GOLD COAST?
Mount Tamborine has fantastic chocolate and fudge shops, and again, the Witches Chase Cheese Factory is a must do. There's also a great local brewery up there if you feel in the mood for a few. It's a hinterland retreat for all your favourite food indulgences and there's also plenty of bush walks to enjoy after lunch. On the drive down the mountain, stop off and look at some staggering views over the Gold Coast, it's a great day out. See www.tamborinemtncc.org.au
PLACE TO GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
Being a hardworking chef, I don't really get out that much but if I do get a "leave pass" from the kitchen, I'll head to Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads. Many of the local bars stock beers and ales from Burleigh Brewing Co which is always a drawcard for me, as well as the delicious tapas food. See www.burleighbrewing.com.au/
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND WHY, FOOD-WISE, ON THE GOLD COAST?
Locals swear by winter on the coast. Once the tourists have departed it becomes a playground for all of us foodies and musos. The region comes alive with Broadbeach blues and jazz festivals, plus you can hit the Miami Marketta – Gold Coast's food truck quarter for street food and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. See www.bluesonbroadbeach.com; www.broadbeachjazz.com; www.miamimarketta.com.
WHAT A VISITOR SHOULD AVOID FOOD-WISE ON THE GOLD COAST?
As a diner and a chef, I find most shopping centre food courts are lacking in choice. Should you be shopping till you drop and in need of a bite to eat, you just have to find the correct spots to go. Refreshingly, the new patio area of the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a great example of finer and healthier food choices within a shopping arcade. Just another reason to visit buzzing Broadbeach. See www.pacificfair.com.au .
