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Look, I know I’m late to the party, but I finally tried Rick Shores’ famous bug roll and it turns out that every single person was correct and it’s delicious. Even better with a glass of Champagne, a golden sunset and those wild, unruly waves crashing out the front. Bonus points if you’re lucky enough to have your out of office switched on.
Think a fat and juicy Moreton Bay bug, subtly sweet and tasting like the sea, deep-fried until golden and crunchy, layered with crisp gem lettuce and a creamy, Sriracha-laced mayo, all on a soft and squishy brioche bun. I had one because I had dinner plans and was being polite, but between you and me, I could have had at least three.
The pan-Asian restaurant opened right on the beach at Burleigh Heads in 2015. And that’s not a throwaway marketing tagline: any closer to the ocean and I’d need a spare change of clothes.
The restaurant was opened by mates Nick Woodward, David Flynn and Frank Li, AKA Friends of Friends, a hospo group behind some of Queensland’s most-loved venues, including Southside, Norte, Marlowe and Central.
Of course, there’s more to Rick Shores than bug rolls and banging views. Over the past decade, it has cemented itself as a first-class dining destination. The menu, overseen by executive chef James Bradley, features pan-Asian flavours and beautiful Aussie produce. Think Sichuan roasted duck breast with red curry, confit duck leg, crispy duck skin and lychee; Ballina king prawns with lemongrass coconut curry and pickled lime; and butter-poached snapper with Spring Bay mussels and lime emulsion.
And while people dress up for date nights and big celebrations, locals and holiday-goers are just as welcome to stroll up the beach, sit outside – sandy feet and all – and go to town.
Wondering who the hell Rick Shores is? Same. Co-owner Dave tells me: “Rick Shores is just a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the quintessential Southeast Asian Rickshaw taxi, and our location on shores of the Gold Coast!”
As for me? I’ll be back for those views – and the bug rolls.
Find out more and make a booking at Rick Shores here.
Note, I was hosted by Rick Shores, but our editorial recommendations are always honest. Find out more, here.