“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.
Norté and Sueño—a Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar pair—have opened as of late December atop the sleek The Oxley 1823 precinct in Mermaid Beach.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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 Norté’s kitchen.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
“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.”
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
Brady then flew to Buenos Aires, where he learnt how to butcher and cook a whole cow on a parrilla. Together with Norté 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: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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.”
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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. Connection is at the very heart of Norté—curved banquettes invited relaxed conversation, black pendant lighting casts moody shadows and the impressive central wine display beckons you to order another.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
Downstairs in Norté, 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 swimming with mango, bee pollen, chilli, and grapefruit; a delicate Mooloolaba spanner crab churro topped with cucumber, apple and jalapeño; and grilled coral trout draped in koji butter with white asparagus and nashi pear amongst raw dishes, bar snacks, masa (corn-based plates), mains, sides, and desserts.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
Designed for sharing, the mains blend authentic South American flavours with hints of native Australian ingredients; the chilli-glazed pork rack with lilly pilly mole and lilly pilly salad is as delicous as it is eye-catching and the slow-cooked short rib with al pastor aji amarillo and pineapple is set to be a favourite.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
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 Norté, 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.
Image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social
Norté 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. Norté and Sueño tick all those boxes. Now it’s down to us to make these the best venues we can.”
THE DETAILS
What: Norté and Sueño
Where: 6/2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach 4220
When: Open seven days.
For more information and to book, click here.
Main image credit: Norté and Sueño | Two Birds Social