On the back of the recent announcement of the new dining and bar precinct, located under the Watermark on the Gold Coast, renowned epicurean Daniel Smith has been appointed Executive Chef.

Mr Smith will lead a team of culinary talent as he designs and crafts the delectable and sophisticated menu for both the new Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House, set to open in mid-December.

Having worked in some of the world's best restaurants, including Bedarra Island, One & Only Maldives at Reethi Rah and most recently at Stamford Hotels & Resorts, Mr Smith experienced a moment of synergy as soon as he entered the still-under-construction venue.

“I suppose it was a meeting of minds,” joked Mr Smith, who was greeted by a life-sized embodiment of the namesake and Walrus himself, as he walked through the doors for the first time.

Named Chef of the Year in the 2001 Movers and Shakers edition of GQ Magazine, Mr Smith believes his new home will be the embodiment of social dining on the Gold Coast, akin to what one would expect in any top ten metropolitan destination in the world.

“It's what attracted me to this new role; creating a home for sensational and irresistible food, wrapped in a cocoon of architectural cool, right in the heart of 'Australia's playground'.”

Mr Smith has already designed the majority of the fare, delivering a contemporary menu that will incite the dining impulses of even the hardest to please.

“The venues have been created to bring people together, the menu is no different. The produce, meats, fresh seafood, divine breads and other menu staples have been fashioned for sharing, comfort and as the perfect complement to conversation and great music.”

Mr Smith said his modern spin on a traditional grill house, boasting a centrepiece ten-burner grill, will lure those drawn to simple, thoughtful meals, based on wholesome, hearty produce.

“For me it's about creating a sense of wellbeing; a nourishment of the senses,” said Mr Smith.

A standout dish for Clifford's Grill & Lounge will be the exquisite, char-grilled 1kg T-Bone, gratifyingly served sliced off the bone, accompanied by three mouth-watering condiments, dressed with crunchy baby rocket and finished with the tangy hint of parmesan.

“The quality of T-Bone steak that we will be using is, quite seriously, the best.  This dish is one of what we have coined our Oven Daily Shares and there's no doubt it will become a favourite.”

The Walrus Social House menu will hero a select number of key menu items available in Clifford's Grill & Lounge plus some lip-smacking additions, including the heavenly Walrus Lobster Baguette - a symphony of poached lobster tail, slathered in preserved lemon mayo, unified with dill pickle and coupled with a crispy cluster of eggplant chips.

The menu will also champion grilled produce and will feature dry spiced rubs, giving it an American feel, while presenting deconstructed versions of some traditional favourites.

Mr Smith said he and his team are ready to set the burners alight and 'wow' patrons of the two premier establishments, likening the venues to something of the calibre of premium international resorts such as the One & Only brand.

“The development is totally different to anything that's currently on the Gold Coast.  It's being done properly by Venue Director Daryn Daniel and his team, and that's why I wanted to be a part of it.”

The adjoining Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House will each offer a unique dining and entertainment experience unseen before on the Gold Coast.

Clifford's Grill & Lounge offers an alfresco interaction for both internal diners and those sitting on the covered deck looking north-east up the Boulevard, enjoying a hint of salt air, just a mere block from the sand of Surfers Paradise beach.

The warm, warehouse-inspired fit out and adjoining luxe lounge, (perfect for a post-dinner tipple or late supper tapas graze), offers a welcoming experience where diners are able to take pleasure in a rare sensory haven of culinary satisfaction and inspired ambience.

Walrus Social House truly is an all-in-one entertainment venue featuring an uber-chic bar and cabana lounge, live music scene, wholesome cafe and discreet gaming lounge.

The Walrus Social House will offer a vast selection of international rums and signature rum-based cocktails alongside a flavour-forward tapas menu perfect for social sharing.

The cafe menu is all about healthy snack-and-go options with fresh juices, smoothies and barista-crafted coffee on-call daily, from dawn to dusk.

Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House are located at 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, under the Watermark.

The G:link Surfers Paradise station is on the venue's doorstep, making travel to and from this new dining and entertainment destination an even more accessible and appealing experience.

Clifford's Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House open mid-December.

All media enquiries:

Karen Smith, M10 Communications | Ph: 0407 527366 | email: karen@m10.com.au