Happy days northerners, you no longer need to travel far and wide to find exceptional vegan/vego food because exceptional vegan/vego food has traveled to you.

Well close to you. At Club Helensvale to be exact and prepare to get deliciously green gang. That’s right herbivores (and those who don’t mind the odd meat free meal), Club Helensvale, who already had quite the impressive menu, have just launched a brand newie and it’s jam-packed with delicious vegan and vegetarian eats.

The newbie comes with the appointment of brand new (to Club Helensvale not the world in general) Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager Justin Zammit who is leading the charge with a fresh new approach to the Club’s food.

His Michelin Star background has seen him creating delectable eats throughout Europe, Brisbane and, most recently, for the QT Group. So we’re in good hands.

It’s his belief that plant-based diets are the way of the future and, with summer fast approaching, we’d be inclined to agree.

No doubt you’re aware that eating out has become quite the extravaganza in the last few years with every single food preference there is in the world, and some quite possibly made up, on offer to hungry patrons.

Enter Club Helensvale, the local faves changing things up for the good of the people.

So what’s on offer you ask? Well, brace yourselves folks, things are about to get tasty.

Tempura Vegetables for entrée are always a good idea obviously.

Next up, a vegetarian favourite is definitely the Gnocchi made with sage butter, peas, ricotta and Parmesan and it is absolutely melt in your mouth.

Vegan-wise (and otherwise) don’t go past the Vegan Eggplant Parmagiana with marinated eggplant, San Marzano tomato, basil, vegan mozzarella, crunchy fries and salad.

There is also a Palak Tofu Curry made with spinach and coconut and it’ll tickle your vegan tastebuds.

At Café 22, there’s a full vegan breakfast on offer as well as the Vegan Broad Bean Burger made up of a broad bean fritter, grated beetroot, carrot, hummus coconut yoghurt and crunchy fries on the side.

Maybe order all of those for your own sampling pleasure. Oh and don’t forget freshly made vegan cakes and desserts for all you sweet lovers.

The menu boasts a strong commitment to fresh, seasonal and locally grown produce supporting Scenic Rim growers wherever possible too.

So there you have it, if you haven’t treated yourself to a trip to Club Helensvale, it’s high time you did and, if you have, there’s a few next-level newbies to add to your rotation.

LOCATION: 20-28 Discovery Drive, Helensvale
HOURS: 9am until late weekdays and 8am until late weekends

SPONSORED BY CLUB HELENSVALE

Hello friends, we’ve ventured to the northern Gold Coast to bring you news of a sweet little newbie we absolutely think you should visit at the earliest available opportunity.

It’s called Café Sofi and it can be found in Helensvale within brand new ($4 million) leisure centre, The Surrounds.

Café Sofi is now the official meeting space within the stunning new precinct, set within lush gardens and with views across the grassy surrounds.

Owners and husband and wife duo Tony and Sophie Whitely have created a lovely little family-friendly environment bringing a welcoming vibe you may have come across at View Café Hinze Dam, the venue they’ve owned and operated for the past five years.

The newbie will offer all of your breakfast and lunch favourites with a few unique flavours thrown in for good measure.

For breakfast we’re quite partial to the Purple Bagel (obviously) with roasted beetroot hommus, a poached free range egg, fried haloumi, field mushrooms, pistachio dukkah and rocket on a lightly toasted bagel. YUM.

At lunchtime we would like to sample the Chicken and Bacon Burger and maybe the Homemade thin crust pizza please.

The menu also includes staples like fresh organic sourdough toast, free-range eggs, homemade hollandaise sauce, and tangy tomato relish and features everything from egg and bacon rolls to a post-workout protein hit.

A fully stocked cabinet display is filled with fresh salad concoctions, wholesome breakfast cups, and colourful wraps provide a healthy, delicious meal on the go.

The kiddies will be happy too with an extensive menu just for them including scoop ice cream and lollies to be inhaled while playing at the adjacent park.

Obviously having the park close by means you can kick back and relax (read: consume copious amounts of coffee) for a little while longer while the little ones are entertained.

Sounds like heaven to us and we don’t even have kids.

Pop in and try it for yourself.

LOCATION: 6 Emerald Drive, Helensvale
HOURS: Daily from 8am to 3pm

The Southern suburbs have seen their fair share of hip new venues lately and now it seems our northern neighbours are keen to get in on the action.

Two brand new coffee haunts have opened their doors, and been welcomed with open arms, with another to join the party this weekend (July 29th).

Whether you’re a top end local or simply keen to explore somewhere new, add these three to your list of must-visits.

The Coffee Deck Paradise Waters
Overlooking the water at Paradise Point, The Coffee Deck opens on July 29th. Promising loaded muffins (check out their Instagram for a sneak peek at these bad boys), homemade cakes and treats and delicious local coffee, this colour-filled space is sure to be a hit. The new space is the longtime dream of Trudie Duncan who promised her late mother, a cook, she would one day open a cafe. Offering all day breakfast and a few lunch options plus a specialty hot chocolate (!) menu, we think you’re gonna love it.
Where: 5 Admiralty Drive, Paradise Waters
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily

Paper Cup Coffee Southport
Their first venue, in Labrador, was such a screaming success that the Paper Cup team recently expanded to open a second on Ferry Rd in Southport. All about keeping things simple, the space boasts polished concrete floors, fresh flowers and plenty of greenery. Open for breakfast and lunch, grab yourself a coffee or takeaway sweet treat or settle in amongst the plants for an acai bowl or breaky bagel. It’s the perfect little spot for a before work cuppa or midday escape from the madness.
Where: 201 Ferry Rd, Southport
Hours: 5am to 5pm daily

Social Brew Paradise Point
Another joint born off the back of a roaring success story further south, Social Brew has joined the café strip along the waterfront at Paradise Point. After travelling 45 minutes from his Sovereign Island home for coffee in Burleigh, co-owner Mike decided the northern suburbs needed something new. Social Brew has taken off in both locations, offering breakfast, lunch and cheeky afternoon cocktails if you’re keen. The new venue also offers a picnic basket option where you can order from the website and have a basket made up to enjoy while gazing lovingly at the sparkling waterway (or your companion, whatever).
Where: 34 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily

You heard it here first; a trip to the north is the order of the weekend.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith