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A recent epicurean escapade throughout Europe has inspired a Gold Coast couple to replicate the flare and fashion of its many eateries and to open a restaurant in Varsity Lakes’ burgeoning Market Square.
By visiting the most upmarket coffee houses in Italy, owners Marissa and Andrew Naismith were able to take the essence of many destinations and create a setting for locals and visitors to enjoy, appropriately called Mecca.
Marissa says by creating a coffee bar and restaurant for casual dining, Mecca stands as the gastronomic alternative of choice for locals to enjoy in the commercial heart of Varsity.
“Mecca adds a unique, Italian inspired influence to the high calibre of award winning restaurants already established in Market Square and we are excited to bring Mediterranean flavours and the relaxed ambiance of Mecca to this well-known precinct,” Marissa says
“Mecca offers modern Australian cuisine that taps into the burgeoning trend of Australian’s seeking small coffee bar experiences and by locating in Market Square we believe we are positioning ourselves for growth and longevity.
“We were drawn to the hustle and bustle community atmosphere of the precinct which is exactly what makes many European hotspots so chic and popular.”
This is not the first time that Marissa and Andrew have tried their hands in the hospitality industry, being the previous owners of a successful restaurant in Robina Village.
Marissa has over 35 years in the entertainment industry as an entertainer and talent agent and knows what it takes to impress a tough and often fickle audience.
“After great success with the legacy we had created in Robina, we felt it was time to try something new, and identified a local niche market for a Mecca style dining experience,” Marissa says.
“With our creative menu and using only the freshest produce, we set out to impress even the most discerning food palate,” Marissa says.
“Our baristas are trained in the latest European techniques and endeavour to achieve international excellence, but most importantly we are all proud of our restaurant and what we do.”
Boasting coffee that ‘one can worship’, Mecca is no stranger to the odd celebrity visit and is looking to establish itself as a night time venue once its liquor licence is granted.
Mecca opened earlier this year and is equipped to host Christmas party functions, weddings, parties and business meetings.
The lakefront Market Square precinct, likened to the fashionable high streets of England and Europe with its eclectic mix of shopping, restaurants and services, has attracted the attention of a number of new eateries in recent years with a stable of more than a dozen restaurants and cafes now calling Market Square home.
Boasting more than 40 retailers, the area is also home to banks, a medical centre, chemist, a supermarket, health and beauty establishments, travel agent, homewares, convenience stores and accommodation and conference facilities which all service the local business community, Bond University, Varsity College and the greater Varsity Lakes community.
For more information about Market Square visit www.msvl.com.au |