The cost of pretty much everything is rising rapidly. From petrol (don’t even get us started), to the price of a simple iceberg lettuce, it’s enough to have you googling hobby farms and tiny off-grid cabins. Rather than follow the trend, primo Italian dining spot Cucina Vivo at The Star Gold Coast is going against the grain to drop a brand-new menu that is jam-packed with bargain bites. For a limited time, diners can munch on three selections from the small plates menu to share between two people for just $50. Yes, you read right – you can graze your way through the likes of antipasti loaded with San Daniele prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, marinated olives, grissini and seasonal fruit alongside semolina-dusted loligo squid, house-made arancini and spicy wagyu meatballs. The frugal feasting doesn’t end there. The esteemed eatery has also unveiled a brand-new set menu for two, which will change monthly. For all of April, you can wrap your mitts around a piping-hot margherita pizza fresh from the woodfired oven, ribbons of house-made fettuccine carbonara Romana and a Parmigiano Reggiano, pear and rocket salad, for just $45 for members ($65 for non-members) for two people. Those with a sweet tooth can add a crostata di limone (lemon tart) for just $8 – bellissimo!
Alongside the bonafide bargain bites, the venue’s in-house sommelier has personally curated by-the-glass wine pairings for each of the venue’s signature dishes. Sip a glass of Tiefenbrunner pinot grigio as you plunge a fork into the spaghetti marinara loaded with king prawns, red snapper, calamari, Kinkawooka mussels and pipis, or pair your rich veal scallopini with a fresh and juicy Anima Rosato from Sicily. Bring your Italian spread to a fitting finale with a selection from the dessert trolley, which is every bit as delicious as it sounds. Let your eyes do the ordering, you can’t go wrong.
Ready to dine on a dime? Jump over here for a booking.
This article was created in partnership with our friends at The Star Gold Coast. The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.