Recipe: Spicy Meatballs

If you feel like showing off at your next dinner party, then this recipe for tasty meatballs is for you.

PERFECT FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON!

Recipe: Spicy Meatballs

Makes 30 meatballs

Ingredients
500g x Beef Mince
500g x Pork Mince
1 x medium Brown Onion, finely chopped
5 x Garlic Cloves, peeled & crushed
1 Tbs x Oregano, chopped
1 Tbs x Thyme, chopped
4 x 55g Eggs Whole
2 x Egg yolks
1 cup x Bread Crumbs, fine white
2 tbs x Vegetta
3 tbs x Ketjap Manis
3 tbs x Sweet Chilli Sauce
1/2 Cup x Carrot, finely grated

Method

Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, put on the rubber gloves and start mixing.

When you are happy that everything is well combined, weigh the mix into 50g balls and place them on flat baking trays lined with baking paper 10mm apart.

Bake for 8 mins at 180 degrees Celsius and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Recipe by Head Chef Greg Spence.
www.rivers.net.au
Ph (07) 5527 6361

New Year's Eve Cruise, Gold Coast

We'll be celebrating the end of 2014 in our usual style... on the beautiful Gold Coast waterways.

With spectacular fireworks along the broadwater, you’ll have the best views of the night!

This special event begins with sparkling & canapes on arrival, followed by performances by our roving magician, live entertainment over 2 decks, international & seafood buffet dinner plus dessert buffet and selected beer, wine & soft drink.

Adults $199, Children (3-17) $139, Infants (under 3) Free.

Join us for the festivities on Wednesday, 31st December. Boarding 8pm at Marina Mirage.

Book online now or call 5527 6361.

Recipe: Flourless Orange Cake

Valencia Oranges are great this time of year, so grab 2 medium sized Valencia’s and have some fun.

And remember, the brighter the colour the sweeter the orange!

Flourless Orange Cake

Serves 6

Ingredients

Whole Valencia orange [medium] x 2
White Sugar x 250g
Eggs whole x 5 each
Almond Meal x 250g
Baking powder x 2 tea spoon
1 x 8 inch round spring form cake tin lined with baking paper

Method

Boil oranges in 1.5 litres of water for 1 hour in a medium size pot covered with a lid, drain then cool for 10 minutes

Blend whole cooked oranges in a food processor for two minutes or until they are a little chunky and place them in a large bowl

Whisk eggs & sugar into the orange paste for 3 - 4 minutes

Using a spoon, fold the almond meal and baking powder into the orange mixture

Spoon the cake mixture into the lined cake tin and bake on 160 degrees Celsius for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven

The middle of cake should feel just set

Allow to cool for an hour before turning the cake out

Serve with strawberries

I also like to add a little double cream or vanilla ice-cream

Enjoy!

Recipe by Head Chef Greg Spence

www.rivers.net.au

Ph (07) 5527 6361

Cocktail of the Month

Our guest Hawaiian barman has come up with a tasty little creation for coffee lovers... the Coffee Crunch Martini.

This masterpiece is made with a shot of Merlot coffee, kahlua and vodka.

As he has returned to his native island, we can now reveal the secret ingredient and present it to you as our martini of the month.

What's the secret you ask? Add a half shot of butterscotch liqueur for a deliciously sweet finish.

The martini of the month can be purchased on any cruise for the special price of $12 until the end of 2014... or until our barman returns from Hawaii!

BOOK ONLINE NOW or call (07) 5527 6361

Melbourne Cup Day Cruise Luncheon, Gold Coast

You're invited to a Melbourne Cup Day event on the water!

Don your best racing attire and join us for a day of bubbly, sensational food and loads of fun.

Our Melbourne Cup Day cruise includes a fabulous selection of canapes and sparkling on arrival, a delicious seafood & international buffet, live performances by Sitory Groove Jazz band featuiring Peter Tuitama, sweepstakes and a four hour cruise on Gold Coast's stunning waterways.

Have some fun with our sweepstakes and door prizes and watch the race live onboard!

Our Melbourne Cup Lunch Cruise includes:
• Scenic 4 hour cruise
• Live Jazz Band
• Canapes and sparkling on arrival
• Seafood & International Buffet
• Sweepstakes

Tuesday, 4th November 2014
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Tickets: $99 per person

Make a booking online or call (07) 5527 6361

Christmas Parties on the water!

Looking for your Christmas Party venue?

Our Ultimate Christmas Party cruise is for you!

We take care of all the work, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.

The Ultimate Christmas Party event includes a three hour scenic cruise on the sparkling broadwater, a delicious Christmas themed buffet dinner and Gold beverage package including beer, wine & soft drink.

Theming and entertainment is also taken care of, with festive decorations adorning the grand MV Voyager and Peter Tuitama performing Christmas classics and party favourites all night long.

We have three dates available, each offering a unique and unforgettable function experience.

Dates: 29th November, 6th December & 13th December
Boarding 6:30pm for a 7pm departure. Returning 10pm
Price: $135 per person

Make a booking online or call (07) 5527 6361

Prefer another date or exclusive use of our luxury fleet? We can tailor a function package to suit your needs.  Contact our event coordinator for a quote.

Download our popular Christmas Function packages here

NEW Showboat Cabaret Entertainment

We are pleased to announce the all new Showboat entertainment line up and brand new website, showboat.net.au. Rivers' Showboat Cruises offer live, fun and exciting cabaret style entertainment every weekend!

Every cruise now features the sensational seafood & international buffet, spectacular views and LIVE cabaret style entertainment!

 

Easter Sunday Lunch + School Holiday Specials

Join us this Sunday, 20^th April, for a special Easter Sunday Lunch Cruise the entire family will love.

Chef has prepared a special Easter buffet menu that is filled delicious seafood and international items guaranteed to please. 

Delicious dishes include Mediterranean antipasto platters, sushi rolls, honey glazed roast ham, marinated chicken drummettes PLUS a Seafood Fantasy of the freshest prawns, Spanner crab, calamari & salmon just to name a few.

This special event cruise departs from Marina Mirage at 12:30pm and will return at 3pm.

Price: Adults 79, Kids 49, Infants Free

Bookings available online or call us on (07) 5527 6361.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIALS:

Kids Cruise and Eat Free in April:

Treat the kids to an exciting adventure on the high seas these school holidays.  Children up to 12 years old will cruise for free on Rivers' Tuesday and Thursday Dinner Cruises. Parents and kids alike will be treated to a relaxing cruise with fantastic views of the Gold Coast skyline. Live entertainment and dance floor will ensure it’s a great night for all. *Use Promo Code KIDCRUFR when booking

Visit www.rivers.net.au or call us on (07) 5527 6361

Super School Holiday Special:

Kids receive a free Superduck cape or mask in April!

Tours run daily through out the holidays (including Good Friday & Easter Sunday) so hop on board for some Easter fun with Superduck!

To book visit www.superduck.com.au or call our booking office on Ph (07) 5526 2644

Valentine's Day Weekend on the Water

Romance is definitely in the air at Rivers this Valentine's Day weekend!

We are honoured to be celebrating Mark & Julie's wedding reception this Friday, 14th February. The bride & groom will celebrate their marriage on the most romantic day of the year with friends and family aboard the grand Voyager. The happy couple will hold their ceremony on a local beach, before joining us on board for a sparkling reception on the water. 

The happy vibes continue on Saturday night with our Valentine's dinner cruise. This special event will be a hit with your loved one. Beginning with a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival, your night of wining and dining features freshly shucked oysters to start, followed by a spectacular seafood & international buffet and Chef's Valentine's dessert to share.

Departing 7:30pm from Marina Mirage.
Tickets $99

Limited tickets for Saturday night's cruise are still available!

To book call (07) 5527 6361 or visit our website http://www.rivers.net.au/gold-coast-valentines-day_cruises.html

Wine & Dine your loved one this Valentine's Day on a Rivers Cruise!

Valentine’s Day promises to be an enchanting night of romance with a three hour scenic cruise on Gold Coast’s sparkling waterways.

This unique dining experience is sure to impress with a delicious seafood and international buffet on offer, featuring freshly shucked oysters with French vinaigrette to start, chilled tiger prawns and spanner crab, Roast Chicken with wild mushroom & taragon cream, Tomato stuffed with mushroom, onion and basil salsa, Chefs own double smoked honey ham and much more!

And don’t forget the dessert! Indulge in a  fabulous Dessert platter for two including seasonal fruit, orange chocolate mousse, iced cheesecake and berry compote.

Dates: Friday 14th  & Saturday 15th February

Boarding from 6:30pm, Departing 7:30pm

Price: $99 per person.

Seating: Friday, 14th Feb - banquet seating only.
Saturday, 15th Feb Cruise: Guaranteed tables of two - additional $20pp

Book online or call us on (07) 5527 6361

Holiday News & Christmas Greetings from Rivers

 Christmas Day Cruises:

We’re excited to be celebrating Christmas Day on board Voyager this year. We are expecting a full house on our Christmas Day Lunch cruise.

If you would still like to join us for a calm water cruise this Christmas, don’t despair! We have tables available on our Christmas Dinner Cruise featuring a terrific Xmas themed buffet & live entertainment. Cruising from 6pm

Book your Christmas Dinner Cruise online or call us on (07) 5527 6361

Last Minute Christmas Break Ups:

We are happy to announce last minute tables have been released on our Thursday, Friday & Saturday night cruises next week!

The twilight cruises are perfect for small groups of work colleagues who just want to get together for a stress free Christmas celebration! Availability on 20th & 21st December is limited so get in quick!

Call us now to secure your numbers - Ph (07) 5527 6361

New Cruise for the holidays:

Our brand new Sunday lunch cruise kicked off earlier this month. The new scenic cruise is an ideal way to show off the spectacular Gold Coast to visiting family & friends this holiday season (& treat yourself too!)

View the full menu & inclusions online or call us on (07) 5527 6361

Gift Vouchers:

A reminder to get your Rivers Cruise Gift Voucher orders in over the next few days! Santa & Australia Post are very busy this time of year, and we want to ensure your vouchers arrive in time for Christmas!

Gift Cards are available for our Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Sightseeing & Whale Watching Tours.

Order online or call us on (07) 5527 6361

5 Things to Consider When Planning Your Christmas Party

The silly season can be a hectic time of year, especially if you a charged with arranging the company Christmas party!

Our event coordinators have put together a list of helpful tips to keep in mind when planning your end of year event.

Menu
• Be sure to confirm the dietary requirements of all guests (ie gluten free, vegetarian)
• Your event co-ordinator is a good resource when it comes to selecting your menu, as they have the experience in what dishes work best with large groups and what is best avoided.
For example; steak can only be served medium in a function setting, which may only please a limited number of guests, so a better option may be a braised red meat plus a chicken or fish dish.
You may also love freshly shucked natural oysters, and be drawn to the idea of serving them to your guests, however in reality few people actually eat them when served at functions.

Beverage Package
• Will you select a set beverage package or arrange a bar tab?

Music / Entertainment
• Will background music suffice or do you require a lively band or DJ?

Photography
• Don't forget the photographer!

Decorations / Theming
• Understated elegance or loud fun theming?
• What about table settings? - flowers, balloons, candles, fruit or something entirely different
• Chair covers add to the look and feel of the venue -  there are a large variety of colours and styles available

Hassle free corporate events
If you need a hand organising your Christmas party on the water, our friendly event team is here to assist with everything from menu selection & music to photography & theming, our event experts can recommend a range of quality suppliers.

Ph (07) 5527 6361 or visit www.rivers.net.au for more information

Rivers Cruises Melbourne Cup Luncheon

If you are still looking for somewhere to celebrate the main event of the Spring Racing carnival, why not join us for Rivers’ annual Melbourne Cup cruise, Tuesday 5th November.

Indulge in Sparkling & canapés on arrival, before enjoying the festivities on our 4 hour scenic cruise with stunning three course lunch, entertainment, sweepstakes and giveaways!


Rivers Melbourne Cup Menu:
 
Entrée
Seafood basket for 2 including local prawns, oysters and crab served with lime aioli, lemon wedge and cocktail sauce

Rivers' stuffed capsicum with chick pea rice and goat's cheese drizzled with rocket pesto (v)

Main
Beef fillet mignon served on crispy skin kipfler potatoes with baby vegetables and port wine jus

Chicken breast filled with goat's cheese & thyme on parsnip mash and spinach with creamy champagne sauce

Seared salmon on lime and dill pilaf, stuffed tomato with palm sugar and mango salsa splashed with orange beurre blanc

Traditional char grilled vegetable stack with homemade Napolitana sauce (v)

Dessert
Dessert plate for 2 including vanilla cheesecake and chocolate mousse with mixed berries, Mediterranean antipasto dipping plate and herb & walnut cheese log

(Vegetarian option must be pre-ordered when booking)

Limited number of tickets still available.

Book online or call us on (07) 5527 6361

CHRISTMAS PARTIES WITH A DIFFERENCE!

Celebrate your work Christmas party in style with a scenic Gold Coast cruise. Our fleet of vessels can cater for any size group from 40 to 500 guests with cocktail, buffet and three course menu options available.

At Rivers we bring together a wide range of event options that will ensure your end of year event is a resounding success with colleagues and the boss alike!

We've put together some great mid week packages that will ensure planning your Christmas Party is a breeze.

Package 1.

Vessel: Spirit of Paradise
Includes:
• 3 Hour Scenic Cruise
• Silver Cocktail Menu
• 3 hour beverage package featuring unlimited beer, wine & soft drink
 
Menu
Cold
Mini Grilled Vegetable Focaccia with Basil Pesto
Walnut and Brie Tartlets
Roma Tomato, Basil and Spanish Onion Tart
Dill Bilini Topped with Sugar Cured Salmon Rosetto
Baby Nicoise Salad Tartlets with Capers
Hand Rolled Drunk Raison and Chocolate Truffles
Mini Lemon Curd Tartlet

Hot
Fish Goujons with a Lime and Caper Mayonnaise
Beef and Proscuitto Mignons with Tomato Relish
House Made Vegetable Samosa with a Yoghurt Dip
Baby Pizza with a Range of Toppings
Mini Lamb and Rosemary Pies
Filo Parcels filled with English Spinach and Ricotta
Custard filled Profiterols with Caramel Sauce

Select 6 Varieties, 15 pieces per person

$90 per person
Available Sunday - Thursday
*Price based on minimum of 80pax
Upgrades available. .


Package 2.

Vessel: Voyager
 
Includes:
• 3 Hour Scenic Cruise
• Your choice of Silver Buffet or 3 Course menus
• 3 hour beverage package featuring unlimited beer, wine & soft drink
 
Sample Buffet Menu
Caesar salad
Fresh coleslaw with tangy dressing
Platters of seasonal grilled vegetables, bocconcini, marinated
chicken wings and Mortadella
Marinated grilled calamari
Lamb, bean and pimento ragout
Crispy skin salmon fillets with lemon and dill batter
Beef and mushroom stroganoff
Traditional beef lasagne with shaved grana
 
Dessert
Baked chocolate cheesecake with crème anglaise
Vanilla panna cotta with roasted mango and coconut
 
Sample 3 Course
 
Entrée
Pumpkin and potato gnocchi tossed with spinach and Napoli sauce
 
Main
Roasted porterhouse on rosti potato with garlic jus
Thyme marinated chicken breast with scented oil on Mediterranean polenta
 
Dessert
Flourless orange & poppy seed cakewith orange syrup and pure cream
Baked chocolate cheesecake with crème anglaise
 
$100 per person
Available Sunday - Thursday
*Price based on minimum of 80pax
Upgrades available.

Option Extras:
• Additional cruise time
• Additional food platters
• Menu & Beverage package upgrades available
• DJ or Live Entertainment for your cruise
• Venue Themeing & Table Decorations
• Transfers for your group can also be arranged

For more information or to secure your preferred date, please contact our event coordinator on Phone (07) 5527 6361 or www.rivers.net.au

 

EVENT: Xmas in July Cruise!

Eat, drink & be merry on board Rivers Xmas in July cruise, Saturday 27th July.

Get into the festive spirit with a 3 hour cruise on the broadwater, live entertainment and let’s not forget a seafood & Xmas feast!

Enjoy traditional Xmas fare along with Rivers’ famous seafood dishes prepared fresh on board the grand Voyager. Succulent prawns, oysters and spanner crab, roasted ham, turkey and more.

With his crooners voice and infectious sense of humour, Gold Coast’s favourite performer Peter Tuitama will keep you entertained all night long. The man with the velvet voice will have you singing along to all the Christmas favourites, plus classic hits from today!

When: Saturday, 27th July 2013
Price: $79 per person
Includes: 3 hour cruise, Xmas buffet, dessert and live entertainment.

Tables are filling fast so book now!

For bookings call (07) 5527 6361 or www.rivers.net.au

Recipe: Fisherman's Winter Soup

Rivers Head Chef Akos Bilant is serving up this fabulous recipe for you to try at home. Perfect for those cold winter nights.

Serves 8

Fisherman's Winter Soup by Rivers Head Chef Akos Bilant

Ingredients

300g  Barramundi, diced 5cm cubes

300g  Perch, diced 5cm cubes

700g  Australian Bass, diced 5cm cubes

2 Brown onions, diced

¼  Clove garlic, diced          

1tbs Vegetable oil   

2tbs Sweet paprika  

3 Sweet banana capsicum                    

2 Tomatoes, diced

1 Red chili, diced

¼ bunch Parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

Stock

Add onion and garlic to a pot with oil and cook until soft and brown.

Remove from the heat and add paprika. Stir vigorously for approximately 30 seconds.

Add half of each fish variety and place back on the heat. Fill the pot with water until fish pieces are covered.

Simmer for 1 hour

Strain and keep the liquid – that is our fish stock.  

Soup

Place stock back on the heat and add the remaining fish, sliced capsicum and diced tomato.

Cook on a slow heat for 40 mins, occasionally stirring gently.

To Serve

Gently place fish in to a soup bowl and pour liquid over the top.

Sprinkle with fresh capsicum, chili and parsley.

Recipe by Akos Balint, Head Chef

Rivers Cruises

Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217

Ph (07) 5527 6361

www.rivers.net.au

Celebrating Winter with a new menu!

Winter Warmers Ahoy!
With the arrival of winter, Chef has created a sensational new menu guaranteed to chase the cold away.

Savour a hearty winter soup with crusty bread before digging into the sensational buffet featuring Beef Rendang pie, Moroccan style bean rice with corn, Satay chicken skewers with peanut sauce, Honey glazed double smoked roast ham drizzled with apple cider gravy and Rivers home cured beef just to name a few.  And let’s not forget the amazing Seafood Fantasy consisting of the freshest local prawns, Spanner crab and oysters.

Chef hasn’t left out those suffering from food intolerance's or special requirements either. Our entire menu has been carefully crafted with this in mind.

Each dish is carefully prepared and labelled with the appropriate Gluten Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free and Halal symbols. Keep an eye out for the dining cards on the buffet table or take a look at the new menu online.

Book now and experience the new buffet menu for yourself! 

Ph (07) 5527 6361 or visit www.rivers.net.au

Rivers Earlybird Event Special

With half the year almost behind us, it’s time to start planning the office Christmas party!

Celebrate in style this year on a luxurious cruise around the Gold Coast. Our fleet can cater for up to 500 guests with cocktail, buffet and three course options available. Each vessel can also be decorated and themed to suit your requirements.

Secure your preferred date & vessel by the 30th June and as a special earlybird offer, we’ll take 5% off the total function price!*

Get in quick - popular dates in December always fill up fast!

Call your personal event coordinator on
(07) 5527 6361 or visit www.rivers.net.au to take advantage of these great savings.


P.S. For the Xmas addicts out there, get into the  festive spirit a little early this year with our Xmas in July cruise on Saturday, 27th July. See website for full details.

Mothers Day Events

Rivers are offering two Mothers Day Cruises in 2013

 Show your Mum just how much you appreciate her with a special brunch or lunch cruise this Mother's Day - Sunday 12th May 2013.

Departing from Marina Mirage, the entire family can enjoy a memorable cruise aboard the luxurious M.V. Voyager. The flagship of the Rivers fleet with the capacity to hold 500 guests, she is the largest of her kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Taking inspiration from our popular Yum Cha cruise, the new Mothers Day brunch cruise will feature favourites including prawn spring rolls, sweet and sour pork, salt & pepper calamari, pepper beef and more.

If Mum loves her seafood, she is certain to delight in the Mothers Day Lunch Cruise! Featuring our famous seafood & international buffet, Mum can feast on a  selection of cooked prawns, spanner crab and fresh oysters... just to name a few.

With live entertainment on board and views of the spectacular Gold Coast waterways, Mothers Day is sure to be a day to remember.

BOOK NOW at www.rivers.net.au or call (07) 5527 6361

Yum Cha with a difference on the Gold Coast!

Yum Cha literally means “drinking tea” in Cantonese. Yum Cha is a weekend morning tradition around the world, where family and friends gather together to chat, feast & drink Chinese tea. While in Western lands people usually have a meal to themselves, the Chinese custom is for all at the table to share. A variety of dishes are ordered and placed in the centre of the group, allowing everyone to enjoy the selection.

Be the first to delight in our traditional Yum Cha lunch with a difference. The inaugural Sunday Yum Cha cruise sets sail on 6th January 2013. Why sit in a conventional restaurant when you can come aboard our floating restaurant and cruise the beautiful waterways of the Gold Coast.

Sample popular Asian delicacies including delicious dumplings, BBQ pork buns, prawn fried rice, salt & pepper calamari, honey glazed chicken, Seafood San Choy Bow and more.

Book now for the first Yum Cha Lunch Cruise.
Five lucky guests onboard the 6th January Cruise will WIN a free return visit. Simply reserve your table to enter.

Ph 5527 6361 or visit www.rivers.net.au