One of Palm Beach\u2019s most popular eateries, which already features three different cuisines, has added a new option for those craving healthier meals. <\/p>\n
The Collective on the Gold Coast Hwy opened Onda on June 9. <\/p>\n
Venue manager Kent Mullins said the new menu was their way to connect with Gold Coasters wanting to eat well but still go out for a bite \u2013 a trend he said was bigger than ever. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an idea we\u2019ve been exploring for quite some time, driven by a noticeable shift in the community towards healthier lifestyle choices,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen it first-hand through the growing popularity of zero and low-alcohol drinks, as well as the food choices people are making when they visit.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mr Mullins said, just because the new menu was healthy, it didn\u2019t mean it lacked flavour. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe healthy food shouldn\u2019t feel restrictive or boring and we\u2019ve worked hard to create a menu that delivers on both nutrition and indulgence.\u201d <\/p>\n
The gluten-free and dairy-free selection includes a Seoul beef bowl with crispy lettuce, rice cucumber radish, sesame, kimchi, spring onion and gochujang sauce. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a Greek chicken bowl, a green goddess bowl and a range of salads. <\/p>\n
Salads span from chicken schnitzel caesar with crispy bacon, to the sweet heat with grilled halloumi, the \u2018ribs and ranch\u2019 with a slow-braised beef short rib, and \u2018mexicila\u2019 with black beans and corn chips. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve built the menu around clean, nourishing, high-protein food,\u201d Mr Mullins said. <\/p>\n
He said they had noticed the hospitality scene around them slowly disappearing as looming residential developments started to take shape. <\/p>\n
Two years ago an 18-storey tower was given the green light by council to take over the space where The Collective has traded since 2016. <\/p>\n
Mr Mullins said they hadn\u2019t heard from the developer and were moving forward with the public information available. <\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness certainly hasn\u2019t been without its challenges,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBetween the uncertainty around the development and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting so many people, it\u2019s been a testing period for local businesses,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cLike everyone, we\u2019re keeping an eye on the situation (the development).<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, our focus remains firmly on our venues, our team and our customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not going anywhere anytime soon.\u201d <\/p>\n