Aux Fines Bouches serving up all the baked goodies.
Aux Fines Bouches serving up all the baked goodies.
Speaking of early Christmas gifts (roll with it), here’s one everyone can share. A decadent, French patisserie opened in Burleigh Heads just a little while ago and we have never been graced with anything quite like this Gold Coasters.
Aux Fines Bouches is the work of husband and wife team Richard and Sophie Le Deunff, who relocated from Adelaide not long ago to bring our city the goodies they’ve been delighting southerners with for the past 12 years.
Richard is the man behind the sweet treats, a Pastry Chef from northern France since he was 15 years old, he has won a slew of awards including Pastry Chef of the Year from prestigious Gault and Millau.
The reason for the awards is quite obvious as soon as you step inside the Taree Street space. Simply decked out with a few chairs, Aux Fines Bouches is really just about showcasing the absolute magic within the cabinets. The best part though, is watching Richard and his team at work through the window whilst choosing your goodies, so mesmerizing.
So what is the magic we speak of? Well friends, it comes in the form of tarts, cakes and pastries so decadent you almost feel bad putting them in your mouth. Almost.
The attention to detail that goes into each and every dessert is mind-blowing, how do you have so much patience, how do you not eat everything as you go, how do your fingers make such incredible things, you get the point.
For example, there is an apple shaped treat (fancily called a Pomme d’Eva) that looks exactly like an apple but instead of actual boring apple inside, it has a blackcurrant mousse and a crunchy outer shell. What.
That little guy went through five different phases of creation before it was perfected and it is indeed perfect.
There’s a Merveilleux – a traditional French dessert made up of two light meringues held together with whipped cream, covered in more whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings and so very yummy.
As people who LOVE a citrus dessert, we were very big fans of the Coucher de Soleil a lemon and raspberry tart with the perfect amount of punch that we absolutely did not share.
Richard comes up with one new dessert a fortnight and how he manages it, we will never know. He also makes incredible cakes for special occasions and we saw a pink one that we will order for every single person we know for the rest of time.
The point is, everything at Aux Fines Bouches is sweet and perfectly balanced and the array of stunning flavours on offer is going to knock your socks off.
Do yourself a favour the next time you’re in need of a sweet treat (so now).
LOCATION: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 7am until 3pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
If there’s one question we should all be pondering in a time of the many new venues we’re currently experiencing, it is this: if your food isn’t Instagrammable, is it even food?
The answer, friends, is yes probably but how good is it when food resembles art so delightful you’re (almost) sad to put it in your mouth.
Enter The Pastry Emporium and the magical, unearthly sweet treats they’re now bestowing on the good people of Mermaid Waters. As of today (October 12th), The Pastry Emporium 2.0 is open for business and their business is making the most beautiful/tasty pastries you’ve ever laid eyes on. You’ll find them in the Coast’s coolest new foodie hub which is also home to Nude Sisters Kitchen and Lucky Bao.
You can grab yourself a coffee and perch yourself at a table or take your goods to go (so you’re not tempted to buy more).
Owner Adrian Grazioli opened his first shop in Bundall around four years ago and since then, we Gold Coasters have been privy to some of the most decadent and intricate flavour sensations around.
For instance there’s a thing called the St Tropez Cheesecake (the pink one) and it is made with pistachio sponge, lemon cream cheese mousse, a red berry insert, red glaze and white graffiti and a marshmallow and chocolate decoration.
There’s also the Milk and Strawberries (the white one) which is a coconut macaroon base, valrhona milk chocolate mousse, a strawberry insert and desiccated coconut.
Hopefully you’ve stopped reading and are on your way there right now.
If not (silly you), here are some more sentences.
All of those ridiculously beautiful goodies are made on site at the Bundall store along with bread, almond croissants and made to order celebration cakes. Yep.
We’re done, go treat yo’ self.
LOCATION: Shop 2, 90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters
HOURS: 7am until 4pm Monday to Saturday and 7am until 2pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
If there are two guilty pleasures we indulge in way too often around here they are doughnuts and cocktails. Combine the two and you’ve created something a little bit magical that we will probably consume every day for the rest of time.
Can you imagine; the soft, sweet, comforting goodness of a doughnut infused with the tangy, soothing delight of a cocktail. It’s almost too much.
Well imagine no more Gold Coasters because as of this coming weekend, cocktail-infused doughnuts are a thing we can indulge in every single day for the rest of time, so catch you later shredding for summer diet (that didn’t really exist in the first place).
They are the work of Mermaid Beach newbie The Doughnut Affair and let us say, they are some of the very best dougnhuts the Coast has ever seen.
The whole world in fact. The Doughnut Affair began in New York City where owner Kurt Lehndorf first tasted the mouthwatering creations. As you will, he fell in love with the never-before-seen collaborations between TDA and other well known food and beverage brands – the most famous of which was combination of Chandon and a doughnut to create the Chandonut – and he decided to bring the business to our sparkly shores.
Lucky us.
The Mermaid Beach edition will be no different, with plenty of collaborations in the works featuring local brands and businesses you already know and love. But with the added life-giving goodness that is doughnuts.
As of Saturday, October 26th there’ll be six flavours on offer, each of which is as good as any doughnut you’ve ever sampled before (but some of which that have alcohol, so they’re obviously better).
Starting with the Pina Colada Doughnut that is indeed made up of Malibu-ganache, pineapple compote and melt-in-your-mouth doughnut heaven.
Next up is the Champagne Strawberries and Cream with champagne-infused whipped cream, fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and again with the doughnut heaven.
There’s a Breakfast Doughnut with prosciutto, rocket and blue cheese and it’s like a mini doughnut breaky burger and it’s so very delicious.
Don’t forget Bourbon Bacon with bourbon maple syrup glaze, caramelized bacon, black salt and crunchy basil. It’s absolutely amazing.
There’s a plain-glazed goodies, Choc Hazelnut, a gluten-free Salted Caramel godsend, so all the yummiest flavours.
For the kids, there are doughnut balls and they can choose from an array of toppings to have drizzled over the top.
Doughnut-maker extraordinaire Grace is a fourth generation Pastry Chef and if there’s a person on the Earth more passionate about doughnuts than us, it’s her. You’ll see when you taste them.
There’ll also be milkshakes (love you also), kombucha and juices and coffee by boutique Melbourne roasters Code Black who are making their debut on the Gold Coast.
So that’s a lot of words but we have a lot of love for The Doughnut Affair and so will you come Saturday. Good luck not going back every day for the rest of time.
LOCATION: 2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Oh Burleigh you little beauty, what’s not to love right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least) Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.
Sure, the beach is beautiful (that Hill is iconic for a reason) and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore but it’s more than that, Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty seabreeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.
We say when in Burleigh do as the locals do, so here’s our guide to the best eats, bars, shopping spots and places to visit so you can see why the locals love it and you should too (or else).
Fine Dining
Restaurant Labart
The fine dining venue has become part of the fabric of Burleigh’s bustling heart, but it’s also become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit and your dining experience there is one you won’t long forget. The produce is sustainable and the wine list is filled with some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh beach, Rick Shores is loved (not only locally) for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life, make a booking RIGHT NOW and order them all. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails and you’re a bonafide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Mr Hizola’s
Yum, contemporary Cantonese food, we love you. Mr Hizola’s is dishing up the goods in the form of tasty share-style dishes and we are here for it. Particularly the sizzling steak dish that is all kinds of delicious and an array of epic cocktails to match.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Jimmy Wahs
If you’re looking for fancy food but with the relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Burleigh, look no further. The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by Head Chef Jake’s trip through Vietnam and a desire to eat some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Same. It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, paired back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Casuals Eats
Burleigh Town Hotel
If you haven’t seen this new reno, then where have you been? One of the best glow ups on the GC recently (in our humble opinion), Burleigh Town Hotel has nailed the pub-style menu and good vibes. The perfect place to set up for the arvo with your besties and the kids, there’s loads of space for the little ones to roam and plenty to keep them entertained while you kick back with a beverage in hand. Say less.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Gelato Co
We’re softies for the sweet deliciousness that is gelato. Burleigh Gelato Co know how to deliver on flavours worth melting for, they’ve got all the classic Italian flavours you know and love along with their own signature specials. Guaranteed you’ll love them un-cone-ditionally.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Coffee Hangs
Seadog
The guys behind Seadog know coffee. Starting as a humble little hole in the wall – literally – Seadog has become the go-to for a quick bite and a brew. And don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you – you really are seeing double because you’ll find the crew on the bustling James Street or down the other end at the old faithful Burleigh Bowlo, perfect spot for a piccolo and park hangs.
Where: 8/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads and 1, Bowls Club, Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
There’s good reason this gem is heaving at all hours, the home of the iconic muffin top (IYKYK) and some of the best coffee in town, it’s not just locals who love it – you’ll find Gold Coasters and beyond flocking here for a taste of the goods. Come for a coffee and to get around their huge menu with something for everyone – literally, it’s impossible to not love something. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’s mandatory to leave with a pastry in tow – go on, you deserve it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Social Brew
Social by name, social by nature – Social Brew is one of Burleigh’s best coffee hangouts whether you’re looking to catch up with the crew or a spot to work for the day, there’s a reason these guys have stood the test of time. A staple spot to visit in Burleigh for their signature iced coffee, come for the caffeine and stay for the bites.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Baker
The baked goods that come out of this friendly little bakery are honestly something else. Owners Geoff and Lisa are passionate about baking and opened Burleigh Baker to provide us with the best tasting and most nutritious Artisan Sourdough and boy do they deliver. They use only the finest ingredients and the traditional process of fermentation. Do not buy bread anywhere else. You’re welcome.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Something To Drink
Paloma Wine Bar
From the brains that brought us Labart is the one and only Paloma. This small but mighty wine bar has one of the largest selections of boutique wines (we mean, it is in the name) with some seriously epic eats to accompany. We can’t go past the steak frites – seriously, don’t sleep on this – and if you don’t know where to start on what to sip the expert team always nail the reccos. Pop a Pet Nat on your must-try for something a little bubbly or if you’re more of a red drinker, their signature chilled reds are the ultimate for a hot summer’s day.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s very quickly became a firm local favourite when it opened last year and with both a drinks and food menu made up entirely of Australian produce, we are in love. There are cocktails made with Nutri Grain, some of the tastiest toasties around and all the very best Aussie beers. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Justin Lane Rooftop
Don your finest frock and rally up your girlfriends for a Sunday session and a spot of people watching on the roof at Justin Lane. With cocktails in hand and a balmy breeze blowing in through the windows, you need never go anywhere else again. After a few hours, pop downstairs for one of Justin’s famous pizzas and that’s your Sunday sorted.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Lockwood Bar
A somewhat hidden little speakeasy in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Lockwood Bar specialise in all of the very best varieties of whiskey along with many a local tipple transformed into tasty cocktails. It’s a laidback, jazz bar kind of vibe, low lit, often with live music and once you’re inside, you likely won’t want to leave. We dig it.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Brewing Co.
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. After opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced nine delicious drops with delightful names such as ‘My Wife’s Bitter’ and ‘FIGJAM’ – perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill or head into the brewery from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it. There’s live tunes too, what a combination.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
Something To Do
Burleigh Hill
Well hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become a local legend? No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos) “the hill” as it’s affectionately known is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revelers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around the hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy scenery or if you’re into hill and chill then order some takeaway and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Bowls Club
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls roll on from 12 to 5pm every Sunday and it’s a measly $5 per person including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Live music can be heard on Sunday arvos from 2 to 6pm. Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a wildlife park with a difference. Stroll through the tranquil surroundings to experience some of Queensland’s most iconic natural habitats and meet the resident wildlife — all in just one day. Explore the park solo or join the dedicated Park Rangers at the daily wildlife shows.
Where: Corner of West Burleigh Road and Loman Lane in West Burleigh
Shop With Us
James Street
If you’re in need of some retail therapy then James Street is the only place you need to go. The range of shopping has everything you need whether you’re looking for some new additions to your home from Maison & Maison or to update your wardrobe at Emte you’re guaranteed to leave suitably more stylish. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art to dress your walls at work or home, Art Yarramunua is our pick for their incredible collection of indigenous art, expertly curated to celebrate the rich cultural history of Australia’s indigenous communities.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Farmers Markets
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days the farmers market also boast locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. There’s also live music and plenty of laughter floating around. Happy days.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
