Wake me up before you cocoa!
Wake me up before you cocoa!
There’s one word that sends 99.9% of us to our happy place, and for once, we’re not talking about wine or cocktails. We’re talking about that other guilty pleasure that unites us all…chocolate!
In awkward news for those of us out here living our lives as if every day is International Chocolate Day, July 7 is the official–and technically only–designated day of celebration for this divine cacao creation. While we fully intend to continue worshipping its very existence every day ending in ‘y’, this honorary occasion gives us the perfect excuse to visit some of our city’s finest chocolate-slinging purveyors. For your complete consumption pleasure, here are 10 of the sweetest and most drool-worthy chocolate treats to be found on the GC.
Custard Canteen
A few sandy footsteps from Tally Creek, Custard Canteen whips up pastry goodies like a boss. Every single they’re churning out of their ovens is legendary, though the gooey-centred cookies have a particular soft-spot in locals’ hearts. Stuffed with chunks of chocolatey Lindt goodness and an oozy ganache filling, the Salted Caramel White Choc Cookie will blow your mind. Plus, you can even pick up a Bake-at-home box to save a taste of that famed cream-cheese cookie dough for a rainy day (in theory – LBH, its days are numbered).
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
It’s widely-known among locals that a Tarte run can singlehandedly make your entire day. When you’re in the mood for fresh-baked chocolate-y morsels, you’ll likely be in luck at either location (provided you get there early enough, of course). But if you’re in need of a next-level chocolate fix (think break up, another lap around the sun, Saturn is in retrograde) head directly Tarte Beach House and order yourself one of the famous Brown butter & choc chip cookie skillets. Baked-to-order and served still-oozing, all will be right in the world again after devouring this final boss of chocolate hits.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Little Cocoa
If you’ve got a choc-a-holic in your life you really want to spoil (FYI – treat ‘yo self also falls under this category!) – Little Cocoa does luxe, hand-crafted chocolate with pizazz. Handmade using high-quality couverture, the artisanal bundles and boxes feature an assortment of luscious filling laden chocolates; fine pralines; and fruit, nut or puff stuffed dragées. The perfect gift for any chocolate-lover, these almost-too-pretty-to-eat morsels are guaranteed to be adored (and promptly devoured).
Where: Order online, or keep your eyes peeled for pop-up events at 7/10 Bailey Cres, Southport
George’s Deli
Now bread with us, because a deli is typically not front of mind when it comes to sating chocolate cravings. Don’t be fooled, along with delivering some killer sandos, the new kid on Kingscliff’s block is serving a stellar selection of house-made sweet treats. Those quick enough can take their pick of hand-made donuts from the rotating daily selection; but this time of year, the seasonal S’mores Hot Choco has us in its clutches. A huggable cup of creamy, chocolatey liquid gold, finished with a rim of freshly torched merengue – it’s what dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Paddock Bakery
I mean, who doesn’t heart this place! Universally beloved for myriad reasons, not the least of which is their banging baked goods selection; Paddock is a GC institution. If it’s a sippable sweet fix you’ve got on the mind, make your way through the leafy cottage grounds to the milk bar, where you can pick from an epic lineup of next-level shakes (and even have one created from your favourite cookie flavour!). For certified chocolate nuts, the Lamington milkshake is a must-try. Made with house-made coconut and chocolate milk, topped with Nutella and choc shards, it never misses #MilkshakeGoals.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Doughed
Doughed, Hope Island’s newcomer bakehouse café, does specialty drinks, focaccia sangas, stuffed doughnuts and some of the chunkiest NYC-style cookies out – holy moly, heaven is a place on earth indeed! If you’re craving sugary, sweet and cocoa-based baked goods, get in early to get your hands on the day’s mouth-watering selection. With flavours like Biscoff and Salted Caramel Pretzel gracing the NYC cookie rotation, you can’t go wrong. But if its chocolate you only have eyes for, it’s gotta be Hot Cocoa… or maybe Ferrero, wait, no, Red Velvet. Definitely… ah heck, better make it a box.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
Elk Espresso
The OG sweet-salty combo, chocolate and peanut butter is a pairing as iconic as they come – and Elk’s Chocolate and peanut butter thick shake isn’t far behind. Both the place, and the shake, have a special place in the hearts of many a Gold Coaster, and if they ever tried to take this creamy, chocolatey mainstay off the menu we’re fairly sure there’d be riots. Even if you’re not a fan of PB in particular, there’s a variety of dreamy shakes to choose from and they’re all to die for.
Where: Shop G044 Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Janus Bakehouse
Keeping us plied with specialty sandos, coffee and donuts, the multi-talented Janus crew is also more than capable of getting those chocolate hankerings sorted. There’s always something chocolate coated and/or stuffed to be discovered in the cabinet, with fresh delights being added all the time. Such as the Chocolate Mousse Donut, a heaven-sent cocoa-dusted creation stuffed with whipped-to-perfection-mousse that we haven’t stopped craving since we first laid eyes on it.
Where: Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar, 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Basque
If you’re a bit of a choccy fiend, Basque’s chocolate cheesecake will be a total revelation. First amassing fans on the market circuit with their signature blackened dessert; when it comes to cheesecake, these guys are unmatched. Husband and wife duo, Zac, and pastry chef Laura are total sticklers; right down to making their own crème fraîche on site. The result is rich, creamy and delightfully tangy, we would (and often do) go well out of our way to get a taste. Catch them and a tantalising curation of bubbly at their chic Chirn Park HQ, or on weekends at HOTA markets. Just be prepared for their cheesy creations to consume your dreams for the foreseeable future.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park
My Favourite Baker
There is something so satisfying about breaking open gooey-centred goodies to watch ooze unfold before your eyes, and My Favourite Baker delivers on this promise. Saving many a local from all kinds of celebratory binds, same day turnaround is just the beginning of the epic-ness these local cake wizards are capable of whipping up. They’re also known for an especially delectable range of chocolatey, oozy-centred cupcake flavours. Such as the Ore’Ooze – chocolate cupcakes, topped with vanilla buttercream and bursting with Nutella. Yum… we’ll take 12!
Where: https://myfavouritebaker.com.au/
Words by Kellie Leader
Every once in a blue moon, we get whispers of a newcomer so epic, we can’t say for sure if we’re actually dreaming. Something truly delicious has been baking in Chirn Park, with the impending arrival of a new artisan bakehouse concept, Basque, set to combine two signature specialties: cheesecake and champagne #isthisevenreallife?! Yep, we might have just died and gone to heaven.
There are few sweet treats so universally beloved as the humble cheesecake, with its irresistible allure and ability to send even those curiously dessert-averse individuals weak at the cheese. And when you hear that a newbie is coming to town specialising in not only that, but bubbles too, you know it’s gonna be When Harry Met Sally levels of OMG-good.
A duo that certainly needs no reminding of the sorcery that unmistakable sweet, rich and tangy combo holds are owners Laura and Zachary Guertin. They are thankfully here to reassure us that the dream-like existence of Basque Cheesecake & Champagne is in actual fact, very real #praisebe. The pair are certainly not alone in their view that “there isn’t much on this planet you can’t solve with cheesecake. And anything you can’t solve with cheesecake, you can usually solve with Champagne.”
This hospo super duo are both bringing their respective industry experience to Basque. The kitchen will be headed by Laura, formerly a head pastry chef for 4 years at two hatted restaurant Aubergine in Canberra, in addition to head pastry chef at Rebel Rebel. Zac brought his drinks wizardry to the table to curate the fun and varied selection of bubbles. Having sampled some of his creations at TØKOH we can happily attest to his genius. He spent 10 years behind the bar honing his talent in Canberra hospitality and led the team at award winning whisky bar Molly for 6 years.
“Basque exists to ensure that any truly special occasion is matched by a truly memorable cake”, with its arrival also offering the perfect solution to the age old question: ‘what should I bring?’. The couple adds, “We can help you say congratulations, thank you, sorry, goodbye, happy birthday or welcome”. Though in our humble opinions, ‘just because’ is just as valid, too #lifeisshort #eatthecake.
The locale for the new space was a no brainer for the pair, saying “We fell in love with the community at Chirn Park”, though we have little doubt that feeling will be very mutual indeed. In the ultimate win for both Laura and Zac and lucky locals, “The space was also a bakery beforehand so it came with a massive commercial 4 deck oven ready to go. This was a big drawcard for us being able to move in and start baking.”
The new venue will include intimate seating options both indoors and outdoors on the front deck, welcoming customers to partake in an obligatory slice of that signature cheesecake, or a convenient pit stop to pick up a celebratory cake on their way past. The fit out is every bit as chic as you’d expect, with a boutique feel to match the artisan-style baked goods. Timber herringbone floors frame the light-filled space, complimented by an array of elegant ambient lighting features.
With the venue’s signature sweet originating from Basque Country on the border between Spain and France, the menu offers a taste of the best of both worlds countries, with a Spanish Cheesecake and French Champagne selection.
To complement will be a rotating selection of sweet treats, batch brew and cold brew coffee, as well as a variety of gift pack options to suit every occasion.
Officially redefining (or forever ruining) the standard coffee catch-up with the gal pals, the most notable highlights will of course be that signature Basque cheesecake in addition to Champagne & sparkling wines available by the bottle.
The couple has worked hard to curate a “fun selection of bubbles across a few styles that we hope will cater to all taste palettes and budgets. Everything from Australian Pet Nat & Prosecco, Spanish Cava and of course a variety of French Champagnes including some of the big houses and some independent grower Champagnes.”
We’re not sure which part we’re most excited for, but it doesn’t matter bc we can have our champas and cake (and eat it too, obvs). But for now, our cravings remain well and truly off the Richter scale.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park
When: Wednesday – Thursday 10-4, Friday & Saturday 10-6 (Sundays at HOTA Markets)
Website: Basque-cheesecake.square.site
Instagram: @basque.goldcoast
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Winter is coming, but fear not. Tarte Beach House has dropped a winter menu update to make waking up on those chilly winter mornings more bearable and a whole lot tastier. Tarte Bakery has long been our old faithful, and when Tarte Beach House stormed onto the scene with its idyllic creek views and all-round aesthetic energy, we couldn’t get enough.
Like everything the team touches, the new Tarte Beach House menu is pure gold, with bold and indulgent flavours, alongside comfort eats that mix feelings of nostalgia with home-cooked goodness.
Heavily inspired by the traditions of Europe, specifically France, the menu is stuffed with winter warmers. So baby it might be getting cold outside but let me tell you things have been heating up on the new winter menu. Because we all know Tarte would never be caught dishing up anything other than best-in-show.
Remember when the most boujee part of a big brekky was door-stopper bread? Snooze. Tarte Beach House has reinvented the wheel with their Big Breakfast in Bread. Yep, IN bread. Get your fix with a sourdough boule filled with house ranchero sauce, Spanish chorizo, melted cheese and a fried egg. Consider the big brekky reinvented.
If you’re after something reel-y tasty the Grilled Barramundi will have you hook, line and sinker featuring locally caught fish, confit heirloom tomatoes, crispy capers, fresh parsley, herbed butter and lemon it’s got everything you want from a classic without compromising on big flavours.
Warm up from the inside out with the Green Curry Soup – think all the big curry flavours you crave along with sauteed prawns in chilli oil, pak choy, sugar snap peas, capsicum, crispy rice noodles and shallots – served with grilled roti, because what’s a soup if you don’t have something bread-y to dip.
Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s just us romanticising a soup moment, but there’s something about French Onion Soup that makes us feel like we’re having a Parisian moment. Mix it with Tarte Beach House’s signature Euro-inspired décor and it’s almost like you’re actually in the city of love.
French is big on the menu with influences in dishes like the French Green Salad if you’re after something light. We cannot go past the French Beef Dip. Stuffed full of house-roasted wagyu with Swiss cheese, caramelised onion, garlic butter, chimichurri and parsley, plus house slow gravy for dipping each and every bite. This one is a winner. BRB running to Tarte Beach House to get our hands on one right now.
Sweet tooth’s look away now. The Choc Chip Cookie Skillet puts Tarte’s signature brown butter chocolate chip cookie front and centre. Just when we thought that cookie couldn’t get any better Tarte starts offering it warm in the skillet, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to sweeten the deal. It’s hot, it’s oozy, it’s everything you want in a dessert. We won’t judge you if you have it for breakfast. Like we did! In the name of research.
Once you’ve chosen your food you’ll want to start getting acquainted with the seasonal cocktails. The Jam Gimlet with gin, house raspberry jam and lemon has our name all over it. Or catch us sipping back on the Dirty Chai Martini for a pick me up, with whisky, Mr Black, house espresso and chai.
If a warm hug in a cup is more your vibe then obviously the Mulled Wine – European style of course and the Hard Apple Cider with housemade apple juice and rum are the ultimate winter warmers.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Instagram: @sacrecoeur_patisserie
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*
Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…
Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?
Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.
The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?
For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.
Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.
To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.
Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Instagram: @georges.kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
