There’s something about the rise and rise of a homegrown brand that started out slinging their wares at the weekend markets that hits you right in the feel-goods. With cult Aussie labels like Peony swimwear, Business & Pleasure and Kivari all starting out from a humble market stall, it basically equates our weekly pilgrimage to saunter among the stalls (mosh pit, but make it mid-30’s) to a treasure hunt for adults. Somewhere right between the coffee van, and the organic zucchini’s lies the potential to uncover the next hidden gem.

And crust us then we say, we’ve got one to watch. While it’s undeniable the weekend market vibes are high on the GC, it didn’t take long for word to get out about Bake House Gozen’s croissants being next level.

For owner Maki Jinno, her pastry business started out delivering her tasty treats to the hungry hordes every Saturday at the Palm Beach markets.

After two years of delighting pastry aficionados with her trademark buttery, flaky goodness, Maki developed quite the cult following – frequently breaking hearts after selling out. It soon came apparent it was time for this little Bake House to gozen all out and expand to a shopfront. You go Glen Cocoa!

On her quest to find a home for her delicious goodies, Maki opted to set up shop in Molendinar, resulting in somewhat of a hidden gem with her artisan style bake-house the first of it’s kind in the area. Adding “We wanted a location where nothing much was happening in the area, so that when we opened it would be a surprise and shock to the community.”

Maki’s vision for the Bake House Gozen HQ was for it to be reminiscent of a Japanese bakery. The result would easily hold it’s own in any of the trendiest hotspot suburbs, which makes sense when you find our that local creative powerhouse Owen Thompson helped bring this project to life. Peel your eyes away from those seductive rows of pastries for long enough, and you’ll be greeted with creamy, rendered surfaces bringing luxe texture for days, and some pretty stunning oak joinery to ensure the space is still warm and welcoming (and if appreciating nice joinery means we’ve officially embraced middle age then so be it..)

There’s no flake it till you make it here folks, with Maki racking up an impressive 25 years of pastry experience under her chef’s jacket. All of the croissants are hand made in house using the traditional 3 day process, which… sounds like a lot of work tbh. We’ll be quite alright over here just sampling one of everything, thanks.

The menu is constantly rotating to welcome new, seasonally-inspired flavours alongside the staples. Of course there’s the beloved classics like Almond croissants and Pain au chocolat, but you can also expect to be tempted to stray from your usual go-to with new flavours to try such as Orange, mandarin and poppyseed Pain Suisse. Which, roughly translated is ‘heaven in pastry form’. Okay so it’s technically actually ‘Swiss bread’, though we would argue that’s chronically underselling how. dang. good. these. are.

If you’re on the central GC and haven’t yet acquainted yourself with the daily deliciousness they’re serving up, you’d butter believe you need to flake your way down to Bake House Gozen, ASAP.

Where: Shop 7B, 458 Olsen Avenue, Molendinar
When: 6am–1pm, Thursday-Sunday

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.

If there’s one destination that knows fine food and booze, it’s France. The European epicentre of elegance and gastronomic greatness, who doesn’t want to eat their way through its plethora of cafes, restaurants, and bougee bistros (despite being about as fluent as a baguette).

Blessing us with croissants flakier than your ex, cheeses to make your taste buds swoon, and wines that are inspiring an influx of wannabe sommeliers, what’s not to love?

But who needs a pricey plane ticket when you can get a tantalising taste of France right here on the Gold Coast? Let’s unpack who’s who in the zoo of French cuisine in our own backyard.

Little Truffle
Mermaid’s beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar is well and truly back…and looking finer than ever. Still serving the same signature cuisine the GC’s fine dining fans have been smitten for some 13 years now, Little Truffle 2.0 has been treated to a grown-up glow-up to match its refined eats. Combining moody Hollywood glam elements with jazz bar vibes, it’s suave, luxe and all the things we want from a fancy French restaurant.
Where:  2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
With locations in bustling Burleigh Heads and cool Currumbin, this is THE place for a shut-up good French breakky, lunch, and freshly baked pastry-fix. Blending the traditions of classic French patisseries with the freshness of Australian flavours, Tarte has cultivated a reputation for its meticulously crafted tarts, decadent pastries, hand-shaped artisanal breads, and c’est magnifique menu.
Where: Tarte Bakery – 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads. Tarte Beach House – 4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Le Petit Chef
Serving up an unforgettable journey into the heart of French cuisine, everything from the nosh to the impeccable service to the French tunes playing in the background will transport you to Europe’s golden child destination (minus the jet lag). Step into the refined yet cosy space, where you’ll be greeted by a charming mix of old-world France and modern sophistication – and chef’s kiss worthy fine French flavours.
Where: 1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters

Le Café Gourmand
Southern-based Gold Coaster folk have been flocking to this French firecracker since 2014. Open for breakfast and lunch every day except Monday, on Fridays they do French din-dins like a boss (and Trip Advisor agrees). We’re talking five courses and friends, this is the real deal – stretchy pants strongly advised. Add the wine pairing and oui oiu – it’s the ultimate in French food (and sips) fabulousness.
Where: 2545 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Aux Fines Bouches
Aux Fines Bouches (pronounce oh-fin-bush) opened its doors back in 2007 and was shaped, tempered, and baked into the business it is today, fuelled by sheer passion for an authentic, fine pâtisserie. Relocating to Burleigh in 2019, all of their products are handcrafted, baked, and served with a side of love #awwww. If we must single out something, it’s gotta be the croquembouches and not just because it’s a fun word to say. Trust us and you’re welcome.
Where: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads

Le Bon Choix
Baking happiness since 2004, Le Bon Choix has been satisfying both sweet and savoury tooths at it’s nine locations, including our beloved Pac Fair. Savico Basset-Rouge, founder and owner of Le Bon Choix, trained under the legendary Laurent Boillon, one of the most esteemed pastry chefs in the world and, well, nuff said. Think pastries, donuts, cakes, pies, quiches, sandwiches and of course, Le Bon Choix is the ultimate breadwinner of, well, bread.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

My French Pastries
Dubbed the GC’s gateway to authentic French delights by the masses and ‘bakery people’ by their talented team members, we wholeheartedly concur. Indulge in the true art of French pastry making and treat yo-self to something genuinely exceptional. Share in the delights that have made this French force of nature a landmark for pastry lovers everywhere and if you gain a few kg, #WorthIt.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Le Jardin Café
If you’re on the hunt for a fabulous French café that is charming, mini-me friendly (complete with a small-person endorsed kids menu), set in a beautiful garden space, and boasting a ten-outta-ten menu, Le Jardin is a no-brainer. With coffee and nosh getting the nod from even the most discerning diner, it’s relaxed yet sophisticated – and pretty as a picture. Plus, you can bring your pooch!
Where: 13 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach

Paris Brest
This chic little keeper in Palmy is basically the Parisian café of your dreams. Brought to life by the man, the myth, the legend, Mr Farouk Yousfi, this is your go-to for the holy grail of French pastries. Finetuning his pastry prowess in the heart of France, Farouk’s take on authentic French baked goods is a whole lotta lurve mixed with French flour and butter. Je t’aime Paris Brest!
Where: 1073-1077 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Franquette
Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name Franquette is bang on the money. Tambo’s resident French bakery serves simple and unpretentious food, made on-site using sustainable flours and Aussie ingredients when possible. The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness. Yes friends, Franquette is a legend in the baking. Just go.
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Words by Bianca Trathen

Excuse our French but we NEED to talk about the best tart-are in town! Opening in Broadbeach on 21 June, Le Petit Chef may be small by name but don’t be fooled, as the authentic flavours at this fine-dining French foodie haven are tres grande!

As you step into the refined yet cosy space, you’ll be greeted by a charming mix of old-world France and modern sophistication. Already the subject of water cooler chat all over town, it seamlessly blends elegance with an inviting sense of warmth.

Serving up an unforgettable journey into the heart of French cuisine, everything from the nosh to the impeccable service to the French tunes playing in the background will transport you to Europe’s golden child destination – minus the jet lag. Comfortably seating 30 diners or hosting up to 45 for a cocktail canapé-style soiree, it’s versatile and a virtuoso of its craft.

The power couple behind our new date-night / mate-night / any night go-to is Arthur and Aimy-Lee Duvillier. Arthur, who is also the Head Chef, has been cooking up a storm since the tender age of 14. While most of us were just figuring out how to use a jaffle maker, Arthur was mastering the fine art of French cuisine in Noumea, New Caledonia.

With 14 years of experience, his French cooking skills are second-to-none. By his side is the lovely Aimy-Lee, the customer service and event planning champi(gn)on of the business. With her eight years of experience, this hostess with the mostess will make sure that you not only dine like a VIP but feel like one too.

‘Nuff of that, let’s talk about the MVP – the food. For lunch you can order two or three courses and we recommend starting with Tartare De Boeuf Du Chef; Chef’s beef tartare. For mains, you can’t beat Blanquette De Veau Accompagnée De Pommes De Terre Kipfler; French veal stew with creamy white sauce served with kipfler potatoes. And for dessert, no one does a Plateau De Fromage Français (French cheese platter) quite like Le Petit Chef! And because, well, cheese.

If you’re visiting for dinner, choose from either the a la carte menu or the four course menu for an extra spesh night out. Whichever way you go, the signature dish is a must; Boeuf Rossini, Épinards Et Jus À La Truffe. Featuring beef Rossini, pan fried Foie Gras, spinach and truffle jus, it’s the duck’s nuts and well worth the splurge.

The only way this could possibly be better is if you prelude your main with an entrée, like Saint Jacques Et Son Siphon De Corail Au Safran (aka pan fry scallops and coral saffron siphon). And at this point, you may as well go full pig-out mode and opt-in for sweets too. Our pick is the Duo De Mousse Au Chocolat, Consummé De Fraise À L’estragon; a duo of chocolate mousse, strawberry and tarragon consommé. Ooh la la!

Le Petit Chef also offers private dining experiences tailored just for you. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a corporate event, they’ll create a bespoke experience with personalised menus and perfect wine pairings. Plus, they even regularly host cultural events and workshops, from culinary masterclasses to wine-tasting sessions.

So mesdames et messieurs, don’t baguette about it – put Le Petit Chef at the top of your list and experience the very best of authentic French cuisine right here on the GC.

Where: 1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: Dinner from 5pm – late Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 11am – 2.30pm Friday & Saturday
Instagram: @petitchefgc
Website: https://lepetitchef.com.au/

STORY SPONSORED BY LE PETIT CHEF