RESIDENTS AND VISITORS INVITED TO SAMPLE AND SAVOUR THE GOLD COAST'S FOOD, WINE AND DINING

The Gold Coast's growing reputation as a city at the forefront of contemporary cuisine and quality wines has been celebrated with the release of its first Food, Wine and Dining Guide - an essential read for all residents and holiday-makers to the Gold Coast.
The free guide is the first to be produced for the Gold Coast and will showcase the best offerings from the region's burgeoning food and wine industry.

The guide features a diverse range of dining and culinary experiences, including the low-down on award-winning restaurants, information about local producers, events and food markets, and an exhaustive restaurant listing.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO, Pavan Bhatia, said the guide promised to lift the lid on the wealth of gourmet treasures the region provided and would give everyone a taste of what was on offer.

"The Gold Coast has more than 500 restaurants and cafes, and is Queensland's fastest growing wine region with 11 wineries now producing their own distinctive blends.

"There's something for everyone in this guide - whatever your gastronomic whim - fine dining, sampling local produce or visiting our outstanding wineries.

"We are very excited about exposing the Gold Coast's fantastic food, wine and dining experiences, and making them accessible to everyone," Mr Bhatia said.

The Gold Coast and its hinterland are renowned for catering to a diverse range of palates and is home to state and national award winners, including the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Chiangmai Thai Broadbeach, Zen Chinese Cuisine- Conrad Jupiters, The Tandoori Place, Cav's Steakhouse and The Villa.

There are also regular farmers' markets featured in the guide that showcase local produce from around the region at Southport, Marina Mirage, Mudgeeraba, Tamborine, Beechmont, Beaudesert and Banora Point.

As well as world-class restaurants, vineyards and markets, other culinary experiences on the Gold Coast include the Tastes of the Gold Coast festival, which will be held throughout August.

Also featured in the guide is the Food and Wine Trail which offers visitors a choice of half-day or full-day touring itineraries that showcase wineries, gourmet food producers and exporters.

Restaurant and Catering (R&C) Queensland Gold Coast Branch Acting Chairman, Paul Ierna, said R&C was proud to partner with Gold Coast Tourism and the Gold Coast City Council in producing the Gold Coast's first Food, Wine and Dining Guide.

"We are really proud of the depth and diversity of our food and wine industries on the Gold Coast and we want everyone to know about it.

"The Food, Wine and Dining Guide is available at travel outlets, visitor information centres and online at VeryGC.com," Mr Ierna said.