Eating meat is so yesterday. Plant-based is way more v-edgy
Eating meat is so yesterday. Plant-based is way more v-edgy
Vegetarians and vegans, guess who’s back? Back again? Nope not Shady, but Doko Demo V and yep, tell a friend (or a good spud-ie) because the new digs are positively radishing! Serving up multicultural vegan cuisine like a boss, we’ve been rooting for Doko Demo V 2.0 to be as unbeetable as the original noshery…and we’re pea-sed to confirm it’s even better! With not mushroom for improvement to begin with, they’ve come back like a kale-force wind and yes, these vegan puns are super corny.
Once sitting pretty in Miami, passionate owners Jared Peck and Vian made the big decision to shut up shop and relocate their booming business to escape ongoing tram constructions. Recently reopening in West Burleigh, all we can say is Miami: 0, Burleigh: 1, as this plant-based pearler is a winner winner (faux) chicken dinner! Even if you’re a carnivore from way back, we recommend you live on the veg and try this place because you’d never know meat had been given the flick. The flavours – and meal presentation – are tofu-king good.
Vian has nailed the interior design and along with her builder Greg, has created the perfect look and feel for this Bali-vibing breath of fresh air. Step inside and you’re instantly drawn to an authentic eye-catching bamboo bar with thatched roofing. There’s a vine-covered white vertical veejay wall housing the kitchen with a cool “Meatless doesn’t mean tasteless” aqua neon sign, and we’ll cheers to that.
There’s plenty of gorgeous greenery, festoon lighting, and a mash-up of wooden booths, funky tree slab tables, and old-school chunky timber tables and chairs. Accommodating 70 people, dining extends to an undercover outdoor area with plenty more seating, and a statement tree wallpaper adorned wall with peach neon “All Lives Matter” sign #TrueDat.
Now the most stressful decision you’ll face is do I go for breakfast, lunch or dinner because both menus will take you to your hap-pea place. Jared also dons the Head Chef hat and friends, this man is a wizard in the kitchen. For the most important meal of the day, we couldn’t go past the Taro Pancake Stack with fresh fruit salad, vanilla ice cream and maple which we might also order for lunch, because it’s an all-day breakky menu! And hey, we can go all sorts of non-conventional here because the lunch menu is also available from 7am, and this is like the exponentially levelled-up, meatless version of a post Melba’s Maccas hit at sunrise! We’ve picked the Works Burger with cheese, onion, lettuce, egg, tomato, beetroot, onion, pineapple, sriracha mayo, and bbq sauce on a charcoal bun with a side of Potato Fries. I can’t believe it’s not butter meat!
For dinner, how about an entrée of Pan-Fried Dumplings with special soy dipping sauce and some BBQ Pork Buns peas and thank you? Then, choose from Burgers, Wraps, Pizza, Pasta and a tasty selection of other plant-based pleasers. The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with smoky bbq, onion, capsicum, jalapeno, chilli flakes, cheese, and sausage goes down a treat, as does the No Beef Lasagne with garden salad, and the Unreal Scallopini with garden vegetables, mash potato, brandy, and mushroom cream sauce. And for something sweet, we’re ordering the Pot Plant Ice Cream because it combines our two favourite things and srsly, it would be rude not to.
Cocktails always deserve a shout-out, especially the Dokodemo with watermelon juice, vodka and mint but if it’s too early for booze (does anyone else hear crickets?), they do a mean coffee, shake, tea, juice and Hemp Kombucha.
Yep it’s official – we’ve rediscovered our culinary soil mate #EatBeansNotBeings.
Where: 2/2 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters, Qld, 4220
When: 7.30 – 3.30 Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm – 9pm Friday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Okay so the vegan eats movement has totally blown up on the Gold Coast, and we’re loving the ever-increasing variety of restaurants proving that plant-based fare is anything but bland-as-bruh.
If you’re looking for a list of local nosheries that can convert even the most passionate meat and meat by-product enthusiast into a bona fide vegan fare fan, read on friends….
Kuan Yin Tea House
If you’re one of those peeps who thinks eating vegan is all about tasteless rubbery tofu, get yourself down to Kuan Yin Tea House immediately! The ultimate IYKYK, this place is fast becoming a local institution with some of the best vegan eats in our ‘hood. Serving the most insanely delicious Thai inspired vegan food, do yourself a flavour (not a typo) and order the BBQ Pork Fried Rice. Now open Monday to Sunday, see you there every day and twice on Sundays!
Where: 152 Scarborough Street, Southport
Greenhouse Canteen
One of the OG vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast, Greenhouse Canteen’s menu is as good as it gets. They’ve got a botanical bar so that you can order a selection of vegan cocktails, wine or beer and the space is always packed with good vibes. To eat, we’d go for the Jackfruit and Sour Cream Enchiladas or the Sweet n Sour Tofu Larb. Also, if you feel like eating at home, Greenhouse does takeaway and for a gastronomic gift, they even sell vouchers. Hint hint….
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Goodness Gracias
It’s vegan. It’s Mexican. And ‘nuff said #BetterTogether. An all-time vegan fave on the Gold Coast for many moons, Goodness Gracias serves up plant-based Mexican food in a vibrant Palm Beach space with mexcellent service to boot. Eat-in or takeaway and choose from delicious eats like burritos, tacos, nachos and plenty of tasty sides and salads. We’re regulars here, and it’s always top-notch nosh (say that after a few margis).
Where: 1114-1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Blendlove
Blendlove started with two gals just trying to make a difference to people’s health through plant-based food. Created with love, they blend only the finest ingredients to produce a collection of whole, nutritious treats that are vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial colours, and refined sugar. Basically free from everything….except flavour! A local fave, educating the GC that raw and whole foods can be a party in your mouth. An Insta-worthy one at that!
Where: 253 Ferry Road, Southport
Lord of the Fries
If there’s one thing we can get behind, it’s a fast-food venue made up primarily of potatoes. Well colour us happy because Lord of the Fries is precisely that. Finally fries that aren’t drowned in beef tallow and juiced up with gluten, aren’t cooked in cheap’n’nasty oil or smothered in watered down tomato sauce, and haven’t been sitting in a bain-marie since the beginning of time. Praise be! Slinging vegan fries a-plenty, Lord of the Fries is also serving up Veggie Burgers, Onion Rings, Vegetarian Nuggets and Vegetarian Hot Dogs. Plus, everything is kosher and Halal. Hallelujah!
Where: Paradise Centre, 8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Hidden Cherub
Tucked away in our much-loved Miami, you’ll find laneway bar/plant-based eats venue: The Hidden Cherub. Decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look and greenery dripping from the walls, this warehouse style restaurant is a Vegan Vibe! While the drinks here are the main event (as they should be!), the 100% vegan packed food menu is filled with delicious share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides. In terms of burgers, get stuck into The Californian (just trust us) and sharesies some Sticky Buffalo Wings and Beef Tacos. Mouth-watering goodness at its best.
Where: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
Cardamom Pod
Cardamon Pod at Southport Is a favourite amongst Gold Coasters (and influencers), offering both mouth-wateringly yum vegetarian and vegan choices. All about clean eating, the menu is lit with Insta-friendly, tastebud titillating nosh so good it’ll knock the socks off even the most discerning vegan diner. We recommend the Mumbai Wrap, Life is a Berry Peach Pancake, and the Snicker Acai Bowl because duh – Snickers. There’s also plenty of raw treats, organic coffee and gluten-free options too. All dishes are almost too pretty to eat….emphasis on ‘almost’.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport
Easy House Vegetarian Restaurant
Okay it’s vegetarian, it’s vegan….and it’s YUM CHA! Nothing pleases our palette more, and the fact that this place has been around for yonks it a testament to its deliciousness. Whether you dine in or takeaway, Easy House will send your tastebuds into a tizz with the likes of Deep Fried Wontons, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, and Pan Fried Shanghai Dumplings. Not a yum cha fan? No probs, there is also a vast array of traditional (but vegan/vego) fresh, flavour-packed Asian dishes and banquet options.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
Doko Demo V
The Bali-vibing Doko Demo V 2.0 is even more amazing than the OG, and we are here for it! Offering an entirely vegan wholefoods-based menu, Doko Demo V is the work of Head Chef Jared Peck. Whether you’re seeking an uber tasty plant-based breakfast, lunch or dinner, this little gem is bursting with beautifully prepared dishes that are both healthy and of the eyes-are-bigger-than-your-belly variety. The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza goes down a treat, as does the No Beef Lasagne with garden salad, and the Unreal Scallopini. Wash your feed down with the Dokodemo cocktail because one must stay hydrated….
Where: 2 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters
Izakaya Midori
Umm with ‘Midori’ in the title, this place immediately had our attention. A Reedy Creek based trove of plant-based Japanese food, Izakaya Midori is a winner winner vegan dinner. There are dishes like Spicy Lime Karagee, Japanese Curry Rice, Midori Ramen (not the booze just to clarify), and Smoked Edamame to name a few. You can also grab things to takeaway and the service is next level. Sold? Of course you are!
Where: 50 Woodland Drive, Reedy Creek
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Nobby’s is one of the Gold Coast’s most loved good-time spots but over the last few weeks (months, years etc.), there has been A LOT going on. Exceptional new venues are popping up left, right and centre with more to come and originals we absolutely love, closing their doors for good (sad face). A lot see.
The latest news coming out of the little beachside beauty is very exciting indeed friends and it is that of i like ramen’s return to our shores. As you’re no doubt aware, the vegan ramen slinging lads made the move to Brissy a little while ago, after setting up shop at Miami’s The LC (now closed) and a weekly stint at Bine, also in Nobby’s.
But now THEY’RE BACK and they’re never leaving again (or else).
The crew, led by Bobby and Dom, have moved into the downstairs space on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Wave Street and underneath sweet, new surf store Surfboard Empire. Which is the perfect pairing honestly!
Now as you’d expect, the space is quite a treat with windows opening out onto the street down one side, an-industrial-style interior complete with low hanging lights made from planks of wood and a chalkboard on which you may write messages of love and noodle appreciation.
A bar at the back boasts a stunning black rendered bench by RENDER X but the pièce de résistance is (without a doubt) the bright yellow trike at the front door and if you ask nicely, the team might just let you take it for a spin (don’t tell them we said that though).
Let’s talk food and if you haven’t had the pleasure of sampling i like ramen’s goodies, get onto that right now. The menu is made up of plates and bowls, it’s all vegan and it’s all VERY GOOD.
Plates along the lines Panko Mushrooms (love you), Kimchi Potatoes (love you too), Sticky Eggplant, Garlic Soy Asian Greens and Holy Duck Baos are absolute flavour sensations and look, we’ll be spending a lot of time there from now on.
The Kimchi Ramen is a firm favourite with ramen noodles served in a spicy kimchi broth, loaded with kimchi perfection and fried tofu and topped with chopped spring onions, fresh sprouts, fried shallots, roasted seaweed, chilli threads and sesame. Too good.
There are also Mean Green, Mushroom Ramen, Chick’n White Miso Ramen and Loaded Bowls and we recommend eating one every single day forever.
Come summer time (next week), the team will be serving up salads and cold noodle bowls because it’s quite clearly going to be the hottest one we’ve ever experienced.
Drinks wise there are several Japanese whiskies on offer and we really love Japanese whisky. There are also mouthwatering cocktails – we were big fans of the Umeshu Spritz with Choya plum liqueur, Prosecco and soda – and an impressive beer and wine list too.
So all your (our) favourite things.
Not only all of that, there are some exciting events in the works, so even more reason to go spend time there. How good.
Welcome home I like ramen, we missed you.
LOCATION: 2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday 11.30am until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, we, the people of 2021 are more concerned with what we put in our bodies than at any other time in history. Diets and eating trends have come and gone, but the one solid dietary trend that has only gone from strength to strength is plant-based eating.
We now find ourselves with vegan options at most, if not all of our cafes, restaurants and eateries, so it was to be expected that at some point, someone was going to have that light bulb moment and open an entirely plant-based eatery. And that they did. Whilst there is a handful of venues falling under this banner in our city, you’ll no doubt be happy to learn that as of today, there is one more to add to the collection, Plants & Me of Southport!
Occupying a space on the southern end of busy Scarborough Street and only steps away from the Southport South tram stop means finding this little gem and finding your way home is not likely to cause any issue.
Once inside, you’ll feel an industrial/minimalistic vibe, but then you’ll notice these guys take their position on plants seriously too; with greenery-backed bench seating and an entire feature column dedicated to plants. But not just any plants either, rare and endangered species which in time you will be able to buy and then take home with you. Food and plants to take home in the same place — this is a new concept, people!
Great care is taken to produce a vegan menu that hinges on whole foods and using ‘mock meats’ as little as possible. A lot of work from the culinary wizards behind the scenes — with a peppering of love — has created dishes that you simply won’t find anywhere else, all tied together with a subtle infusion of Asian influence: most notably Japanese cuisine.
For example, you could start things off with Pinwheel House Gyozas with cabbage, ginger and mushrooms, before setting your sights on a Slow Cooked Japanese Curry of seasonal vegetables. Perhaps the most imaginative part of the menu is their desserts. With particular attention made to The Frozen Garden, smoked ice creams are topped with frozen (edible) botanics and sprinkled with candied mixed berries and cashew biscuit crumb. If one dish has the potential to turn anybody vegan, it has to be this one, people. Take note!
Drinks-wise, the venue is waiting for their liquor license approval — so until then, they will be operating under a BYO capacity. Fear not though, once they have the license approved, they promise to conjure up some incredibly complex and fantastic vegan cocktails just for you. And if their food menu is anything to go off, we can’t wait to see what they come up with.
Operating for breakfast, lunch and dinner and with three different menus, we can see Plants & Me on a collision course with some hungry plant eaters out there. From where we are standing, we can certainly see everyone — meat-eaters included — leaving with a smile on their face.
Where: 4/20 Scarborough St, Southport
When: Everyday 7am — 2.30pm | 5.30pm — late
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
