[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Kristal Smith\u2019s travels throughout Central America in 2007 saw her welcomed into the homes of families to share their food, and it\u2019s this unique insight that has driven her to develop her own culinary skills.<\/p>\n
Ten years later and a world away, Clay Cantina epitomises Kristal\u2019s travels and experiences in an intimate restaurant and cooking school that pays homage to authentic Mexican food.<\/p>\n
Plates like sopes, a popular street snack comprised of thick tortilla with pinched up sides and piled high with toppings, a range of enchiladas, and tacos prepared and cooked as if you were in one of those family homes, are just some of the delicious dishes to try.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Located at the end of a retro Coolangatta arcade reminiscent of the suburb\u2019s 60s heyday, Clay Cantina is an unassuming offering that will certainly surprise once inside.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Clay-Cantina_11-2022-HR-2822.jpg” title_text=”Clay Cantina_11-2022-HR-2822″ show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”pa-image-3-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 2;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Clay-Canatina_03-2022_Contax_1-HR-31-min-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Clay Canatina_03-2022_Contax_1-HR-31-min (1)” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”pa-image-3-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 1;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 1;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The set up reflects a simplicity that millions of Mexicans would be familiar with, where there\u2019s no bench to separate you from the cooking.<\/p>\n
Clay Cantina has casual tables for two or larger communal tables with an open kitchen that adds to the buzz.<\/p>\n
Kristal says Central America naturally resonated with her when she travelled there and automatically made her feel like she belonged.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an amazing experience and something that really spoke to me, like I\u2019d arrived home,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cMexico particularly is a fascinating country which is vastly different from one region to another, which makes it so interesting.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring my travels there I\u2019ve been fortunate enough to be welcomed into the homes of locals, and it\u2019s here that I found my place in the culinary world.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
A range of these in-home experiences and some time at local cooking schools helped Kristal hone her knowledge and skills and provided the insights into what the locals ate every day.<\/p>\n
Her return to the Gold Coast compelled her to share her experiences and Pop Taco was born, a small catering and taqueria out of a converted lean-to-shed parked amongst office spaces and warehouses at the end of a carpark in Currumbin.<\/p>\n
Along with a cooking school it was a hit but looking for a more permanent home drew Kristal to the evolving southern suburbs, and Clay Cantina was launched earlier this year.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Clay-Cantina-02-2022-1110-2-min.jpg” title_text=”Clay Cantina 02-2022-1110 (2)-min” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”30px||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 2;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Eos-02-2022-1-34-min.jpg” title_text=”Eos 02-2022 1-34-min” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”pa-image-3-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 1;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 1;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
\u201cCoolangatta is a really interesting place, it still has that old school charm but it\u2019s also experiencing change through development and people rediscovering the suburb,\u201d Kristal says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a great laid-back vibe here still, even though it\u2019s attracting a new demographic, which is perfect for what we want.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re able to stay true to what we do and serve our food to a clientele that appreciates the time and effort that goes into it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clay Cantina\u2019s menu displays some familiar sounding dishes, but they\u2019re prepared and served similar to what you\u2019d find in a Mexican home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Small offerings like Esquites, shaved whole street corn cooked in broth served with queso, chile, lime and totopas; Flautas, rolled crunchy taquitos drowned in crema, queso, salsas and lettuce; or crunchy tortillas with traditional toppings are a great place to start.<\/p>\n
The sopes, enchiladas and tacos are larger meals and filled with traditional ingredients, with a changing weekly and seasonal offering including the current prawn ceviche with green sauce.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The restaurant is licensed and has a simple but sufficient drinks list including refreshing fruit drinks (agua fresca) and sodas, a range of wine and beer, Mexican inspired cocktails as well as Michelada, a type of beer cocktail with salt, lime and clamato juice, and the obligatory agave.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When not running the restaurant, the space doubles as a cooking school for those interested in preparing authentic Mexican food.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cooking classes have been a huge success with people interested in what we\u2019re doing, group bookings and even for corporate events that act as a team bonding exercise,\u201d Kristal says.<\/p>\n
\u201cFood is a natural way to bring people together, and what better way than to work on shared dishes while enjoying a margherita or two?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud to be able to teach Mexican cooking and provide a connection to the amazing and colourful culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
Classes range from a full day masterclass to shorter three-hour social events showcasing the art of ceviche, tacos, tortillas, and chiles rellenos.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Clay-Cantina_Outtakes_09-2022-WR-0224-min.jpg” title_text=”Clay Cantina_Outtakes_09-2022-WR-0224-min” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”right” module_class=”pa-image-3-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1920px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px||20px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-wrap: wrap;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 2;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 2;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Clay-Cantina_09-2022-WR-0657-min.jpg” title_text=”Clay Cantina_09-2022-WR-0657-min” show_in_lightbox=”on” module_class=”pa-image-3-4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”order: 1;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”order: 1;” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||25px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Kristal says while growth is part of the plan, she couldn\u2019t do it without her terrific team.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people I have around me help make Clay Cantina what it is,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes collaborations with ceramicists to make authentic Mexican clay and stone cooking utensils which we\u2019ll start retailing in the New Year.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like the family homes I was privileged to spend time in, I want to replicate that feeling right here on the Gold Coast for everyone to share.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dining at Clay Cantina won\u2019t disappoint, and just like Kristal\u2019s sentiment towards Mexico and Central America, when you visit it will feel like \u201chas venido a casa\u201d (you\u2019ve come home).<\/p>\n
Website: https:\/\/www.claycantina.com\/<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kristal Smith\u2019s travels throughout Central America in 2007 saw her welcomed into the homes of families to share their food, and it\u2019s this unique insight that has driven her to develop her own culinary skills. Ten years later and a world away, Clay Cantina epitomises Kristal\u2019s travels and experiences in an intimate restaurant and cooking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5761,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[42,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autumn-2023","category-plate"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5137"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6201,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5137\/revisions\/6201"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rsvp.mbgoldcoast.com.au\/emag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/claycantina\/<\/a><\/p>\n