Gold Coast hospo legend on track to host exclusive GC500 dining

A prestigious Gold Coast restaurant has secured an exclusive trackside location for next month’s Supercar events, offering guests a $3300 fine-dining experience amid the race action.

Hospitality honcho Nick Woodward, the name behind Gold Coast culinary delights Rick Shores, Norte and Sueno, is all gas and no breaks, revealing his Gold Coast 500 trackside debut next month.

In place of surf-side staple Hellenika by Simon Gloftis, Latin American newbie Norte will partner with Supercars to host glamorous guests inside the chicane on October 25 and 26.

Mr Woodward said the pop-up suite was a “surreal” opportunity.

Supercar driver enjoying some of the sample dishes at Norte, to the amusement of Supercars Tracey Woodbry and Norte's James Brady. Norte will be hosting its first trackside dining experience at the GC500. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The GC500 has always been one of those weekends that lights up the whole city, and to be invited into such a big calendar event is both humbling and very exciting,” he said.

Executive chef and Norte co-owner James Brady detailed delicacies on offer to the tune of “fun, fresh and full of character”.

“The excitement of the racing pairs perfectly with the bold, vibrant flavours of Latin American cuisine,” he said.

Ticket-holders will be served free-flowing champagne and crafted cocktails.

Mr Brady said the menu would include “a selection of South American pastries, followed by a range of spicy snacks leading to our signature Rick Shores bug roll”.

“The main event, aside from the racing, is a lamb asado grilled trackside, capturing the smoky, charred flavours you’d expect from an authentic Argentinian parrilla.”

For driver Cameron Crick, sampling the crowd favourite Moreton Bay bug roll was a no-brainer.

Supercar driver enjoying some of the sample dishes at Norte, to the amusement of Supercars Tracey Woodbry and Norte's James Brady. Norte will be hosting its first trackside dining experience at the GC500. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Living on the Gold Coast, it’s awesome to see restaurants we love getting involved in race weekend,” he said.

“Everyone knows Rick Shores is iconic. I’m telling you now, if you haven’t tried their famous bug rolls yet, that alone is reason enough to indulge in this unique experience.”

Asked if it could become a calendar event for the group, Mr Woodward said: “From the noise to the atmosphere to the crowds, it’s one of those events that makes the Gold Coast come alive and we’re grateful to be a small part of that. We are ready to keep the pit-stop open for as long as they’ll have us.”

Tickets are $2200 per person per day or $3300 for both days.