Cocktails, Canapés & Coastal Cuisine

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com 0412 910 857

On Friday 15 August 2025, Capri on Via Roma came alive as Isla Dining and Edgewater Dining hosted a glittering evening of culinary discovery. Guests were welcomed to Isla’s waterfront terrace just as the sun dipped low over Surfers Paradise, the golden light dancing across the river. Glasses of crisp sparkling wine and artisanal cocktails circulated as trays of delicate canapés were passed – fresh oysters with citrus mignonette, smoked salmon blinis and local prawns infused with zesty lime, each bite a reflection of the region’s coastal abundance.

As twilight deepened, the party moved into Edgewater Dining’s private dining room for a carefully curated dinner and wine pairing. The menu was designed to showcase both seasonal produce and the restaurant’s flair for refined yet approachable cuisine. Edge side was French baguettes with smoked salt cultured butter and stracciatella cheese. Paired with Craggy Range Pinot Noir -Martinborough NZ. Then a combination of  Striploin steaks Cape Grim TAS and  Wild Caught Snapper with black lip mussels , chorizo, truss tomato and beurre blanc sauce.  Free range chicken poached & grilled breast, smoked corn puree, charred corn, split jus, parmesan crisp. All served with Truffle Fries and shaved parmesan and a Green Bean salad with grapes and mustard dressing. Paired with South African Pinotage a soft rich red with roasted coffee and chocolate notes.

The evening carried the unmistakable feeling of exclusivity yet was warm and convivial – a true celebration of the Gold Coast’s evolving dining scene. Conversations flowed as freely as the wine, with guests lingering long after dessert – a decadent chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis – had been served. The event captured everything that makes Isla Dining and Edgewater Dining such standout destinations: a marriage of coastal charm, culinary excellence and genuine hospitality.