Familiar faces to open Sanctuary Cove's new enoteca

It is closing in on 40 years since the eyes of the world were on the opening of Sanctuary Cove. 

Owner Mike Gore spared no expense on "The Ultimate Event" back in 1988 with entertainment from Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and Peter Allen. 

What a time we had, despite the rain. Thanks Patti Mostyn. 

All those years on I'm still writing about the Gold Coast drawcard with top hospo operators Max and Amanda Alfieri to open a new Italian-style wine bar at the resort next month. 

Zio Italian Enoteca will see the former owners of popular Italian restaurant Ioesco will bring their passion for Italian food, wine and hospitality back to the Cove. 

Located in Building Four on Masthead Way, along the village’s main thoroughfare, Zio Italian Enoteca will offer seating for approximately 70 guests, with both indoor and outdoor dining available.

“We are incredibly excited to return to Sanctuary Cove and to be part of [developer] Mulpha’s vision for the future of the Village,” the duo said. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant dining and lifestyle experience that makes Sanctuary Cove such a unique destination.”

Zio Italian Enoteca will offer a selection of local and international wines, paired with traditional Italian antipasto-style offerings including freshly sliced cured meats, artisan cheeses, crusty breads and seasonal accompaniments. 

As the venue settles into spring, the menu will expand to feature a broader range of authentic Italian specialty dishes. 

“Sanctuary Cove has always been home to us,” said Max Alfieri. “Zio Italian Enoteca gives us the opportunity to share the flavours, traditions and discoveries we have experienced across Italy. From regional wines to time-honoured food traditions, we hope to bring a little piece of Italy to the Cove.”

Keeping it casual at Sanctuary Cove

Back in 1988, when I was working for the US news agency Associated Press, I was given the assignment of covering the opening of a swish new resort on the Gold Coast.

It was no ordinary opening.

Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston headed an entertainment line-up that also included Peter Allen, while Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert played some tennis for the invitees and there was Arnold Palmer, who designed the golf course, enjoying the ambience. 

It was dubbed "The Ultimate Event". Anyone who was anyone was there and developer Mike Gore earned worldwide publicity. 

Sanctuary Cove has been through some ups and downs over the 35 subsequent years, but new owners Mulpha Group are betting it will bounce back again. 

The latest addition to the Cove line-up is Waterfront restaurant Anchor Buoy, which has been has been refurbished and reopened with a new menu following its acquisition last year by Mulpha. 

The new menu from chef Mike Marshall includes crumbed snapper schnitzel; roast scallops with chorizo crumble and garlic butter, and cold smoked chicken salad, and local favourite fish and chips.

“Our aim is to reflect the spirit of Sanctuary Cove, providing great food and service at unpretentious prices for locals, boaties and tourists alike, whether they are popping in for a quick bite or relaxing in the sea breeze with a nice cool drink,” said Marshall.

Sean Robertson, Mulpha’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, is overseeing the launch. 

“We know how important great food and drink venues are for Sanctuary Cove residents, visitors and other local businesses, and we wanted to create a venue that is open for lunch as well as dinner that showcases exceptional food and service," he said.

“Anchor Buoy joins our Ioesco restaurant, and the Sanctuary Cove Tavern, as iconic local venues we are investing in to create a contemporary food and beverage scene that helps make Sanctuary Cove a great place to live and international tourist destination.”

Mulpha's hospitality portfolio includes Bimbadgen winery and Esca restaurant, wedding venue Palmers Lane and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard in the Hunter Valley as well as InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, InterContinental Sydney, and InterContinental Hayman Island.

Quiet tourism powerhouse builds up steam

You might not have heard of the brand, but Mulpha Australia is a fast-rising powerhouse in the Australian hospitality industry. 

The owner and operator of Bimbadgen Wines in the Hunter Valley is rapidly building up a formidable stable of hotels and eateries. 

The latest Mulpha acquisition is popular Italian restaurant Ioesco at Sanctuary Cove in Queensland.

Restauranteurs Max and Amanda Alfieri (above), who have operated Ioesco since 2008, will stay on as managers of the restaurant, with the support of the hospitality teams at Mulpha and Bimbadgen.

Mulpha's brands include Bimbadgen Estate and its award-winning restaurant Esca and Palmers Lane in the Hunter Valley, the recent purchase of Emma’s Cottage Vineyard with café in the Hunter Valley, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and restaurant Fireplace, InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Hayman Island.

Ioesco seats 120 patrons with plans underway to extend the deck.

Ioesco founder and manager Max Alfieri said: “We are pleased that we have secured the support of Mulpha to ensure the future of Ioesco. 

"It has been a labour of love and a privilege to serve Sanctuary Cove locals and the Greater Gold Coast community, and witness so many happy guests and wonderful moments over the years.”

Belinda Stapleton, the dynamic Mulpha general manager of hospitality, said: “We are delighted to invest in the future of this much-loved restaurant that helps makes Sanctuary Cove a great place to live and visit.

“Mulpha has a deep respect for the business that the Alfieris have built at Ioesco, and we want to ensure that continues into the future. Having Max and Amanda stay on through this partnership will ensure we continue the great legacy that they have created over more than a decade.

“To celebrate the partnership of Ioesco and Bimbadgen Wines, Mulpha are working with Max and Amanda in planning exciting new events and exclusive food and wine experiences for 2022. As well, diners at Ioesco will now be able to select premium Bimbadgen wines from the restaurant’s walk-in cellar for dinner or for a catered function in the restaurant.”

Mulpha also has several property development interests across Australia.