They serve dinner too! That's right, Bam Bam Bakehouse goes Asian by night with an explosive menu.
They serve dinner too! That's right, Bam Bam Bakehouse goes Asian by night with an explosive menu.
Not long ago, Bam Bam Bakehouse decided to blow us all away by announcing they were opening Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner.
Bam Bam is no secret hot spot. There is a constant explosion of people lining up to taste one of their delicious strawberry tarts or signature Bam Bam Benny’s. In fact, tables fill up so quickly that Bam Bam has started handing out picnic blankets and delivering baskets to people willing to really soak up the alfresco dining experience in the adjacent park.
So when announcing they were opening for dinner, we couldn’t wait to see if the menu was worth gathering the squad for.
Looking over the quiet park at night, the atmosphere in the venue is warm and private. The decor hints French countryside meets New York industrial. Think fresh flowers and delicate tiles contrasted by recycled timber and a mixed height tables paired with metal stools. Twinkling candle light gives an eternal dusky mood while the warmth from the outdoor heaters will keep the winter chill at bay.
The distinction between the day/night menu is clear with the Asian additions like Steamed White Fish Dumplings made fresh with shitake mushrooms and Coconut Prawns battered in Stone & Wood. The Katsu Sando with panko dumbed chicken schnitzel, white cabbage, house Tonkatsu sauce and Paddock Bakery Scotch loaf is irresistible. If you didn’t know, Paddock and Bam Bam are sister restaurants. Paddock makes the breads and Bam Bam makes the sweets and then they swap. But back to food, the Thai Beef Salad featuring hot smoked beef, roasted peanuts and Naam jim is perfect for a lighter taste explosion. If you want to bust out the big guns (which we suggest you do) you’ve got to get a side of the Special Soft Shell Crab Chinese Fried Rice with your order. Put a little Sriracha on the side to detonate serious flavour.
On Thursdays be sure to hit up Holy Schnit! night featuring $18.90 Chicken Parmi, rocket salad, chips and a Stone & Wood (what a deal!).
Since dinner is only served Thursday – Sunday it would be a sin not to indulge in at least one of their cocktails. The Elderflower Margarita is a best seller, but we thought the Midori & Cointreau cocktail, the classic Japanese Slipper really packed a punch! The Ink Gin & Tonic is just so pretty too.
As Bam Bam Bakehouse is a patisserie by day, it’s unacceptable to leave without trying one of their Sweet Thangs. The interactive Choux Bomb Sundae is truly the way to go. Crispy choux pastry, crunchy praline croustillant, caramelised hazelnuts, vanilla soft serve and a pour-it-yourself nutella hot fudge sauce is a flavour combination so deadly, we can’t guarantee you won’t die of happiness.
Monday – Sunday – breakfast / lunch 7:00am – 3:00pm
Thursday – Sunday – snacks 2:00pm – 5:00pm, dinner 5:00pm – late
2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
What started off as a way to honour the women (also known as Dough Lassies) who volunteered in serving doughnuts to soldiers in World War I and to help raise funds for the needy, has now become a much celebrated yearly event – Doughnut Day! Not that we need an excuse, but who doesn’t love to over-indulge in doughnuts?
This Friday make your way over to Paddock Bakery in Burleigh’s Hibiscus Haven and choose between baby Nutella bots (tiny doughnuts filled with Nutella) or The ‘Milo Milkshake’ Doughnut – semi-sourdough doughnut, dipped in milk glaze with crunchy little milo pebbles.
20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
The guys at Blackboard Coffee got behind the doughnut craze early on in the game and brought us the injectable doughnut, a syringe filled with a delicious salted caramel sauce stuck in a doughnut – yum! And the best thing about it? You get to inject the gooey caramel sauce yourself. But be warned, they usually sell out early in the day!
7/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
I think we are in heaven! Doughnut Time is celebrating National Doughnut Day with three limited edition MEGA doughnuts, introducing D’oh Nut!, Big Poppa and Chris Hemsworthy. They’re said to feed up to four people and are available now for pre-order via the online store https://goo.gl/AyuOj5. Pick-up from Friday 2nd June to Thursday 8th June.
Shop 5, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Corner of Cavill Avenue & Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
All Time Coffee Co. is a no fuss coffee shop focusing on the important things in live – coffee and (vegan) doughnuts. Some of our favourites: the Notella doughnut, a vegan alternative to Nutella, the Fairy bread doughnut or *drumroll* the MAPLE ‘BACON’ DONUT, filled with maple jelly, smothered in a creamy vanilla and maple flavoured frosting and topped with smokey maple coconut bacon!!
1/2478 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Skull and Bones have won multiple awards for best coffee on the Coast, it might be time for them to win a doughnut award. Decide for yourself and try their take on the humble doughnut – bronut , a mix between a brioche and a doughnut. Those scrumptious treats are filled with a variety of different fillings like Nutella or caramel. Our recommendation, however, is the Bronut Sundae, a fluffy bronut filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with Nutella, a must try this Doughnut Day!!
2577 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Minus 32’s doughnut creations are next level. It’s already hard enough to chose a doughnut from their selection, but it doesn’t end there. You can pimp your doughnut with chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce and ice cream, possibilities are endless. Find them at Miami Marketta every Friday and Saturday and at other pop up event’s around the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
It’s fairly safe to say that anyone who loves doughnuts had a Krispy Kreme before, after all, they are the top dogs amongst the doughnuts. To celebrate International Doughnut Day in style, Krispy Kreme Pacific fair is giving away one free original glazed doughnut to everyone who comes in store on the day! Yes, you heard right FREE Doughnuts! Do-nut be late, they’re only available until stocks last.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (near Coles), Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Spanish Doughnut a.k.a churros may look slightly different than the traditional doughnut but taste just as good (if not better!). All churros are made to order, using 100% Australian made products, proudly supporting local produce and suppliers. No preservatives, artificial colour or sweeteners are added. Fresh is best – viva! Spanish Doughnuts.
17 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
The deli at Providore Marina Mirage is stocked with fresh pastries baked onsite daily including Nutella filled cronuts, a mix between a croissant and a doughnut, the original doughnut and twisted doughnuts. If you call yourself a true doughnut lover then celebrate Doughnut Day at Providore Marina Mirage this Friday open from 7am.
Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, 37 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
This one’s for the die-hard doughnut fans. *Insert* Doughnutfuckwitdis Burger, a hand pressed wagyu beef patty, Nutella, smoked bacon, double jack cheese between a grilled Doughnut Time™ original glazed doughnut. And to not disappoint your sweet tooth, have a go at the “Oreogazm”, deep fried Oreos in doughnut batter w/ ice cream and liquid Nutella.
1/37 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Adrian Grazioli is the face of The Pastry Emporium, a hidden gem tucked away in the backstreets of Bundall. One of his skills? Doughnuts! Adrian and his team make them with brioche of course, fresh every day. Nutella and Custard is a favourite flavour and highly recommended.
Offer: you get two for one this Friday!
Campbell St, Bundall
Located just five minutes west of Surfers Paradise is this European style bakery, baking up doughnuts for over 20 years. Our recommendation is the classic jam filled doughnut dusted with cinnamon icing sugar, or maybe you’re more into the Ferrero Rocher style doughnut? We do-nut judge.
Sorrento Shopping Village, 20 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Words by Louisa von Ingelheim
Indulging in the gooey, nutty godsend that is Nutella is a guilty pleasure that knows no bounds. Fortunately for Gold Coasters, there’s no shortage of spots across our sunny shores offering tantalising Nutella treats to satisfy those sweet cravings.
There’s no denying the joy it brings to enthusiasts, so here are 10 spots offering delectable Nutella creations (listed North to South).
D Point 10 – Nutella Doughnut
The Nutella Doughnuts (filled with lashings of the good stuff) are some the very best things in the entire world and you (and should) can eat them by the dozen at D Point 10. So soft, so fluffy, so great.
Where: 201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Rosé Gelateria
In addition to serving up delicious gelato this pastel-infused beauty is a veritable fountain (literally) of nutella goodness. They have Nutella Cheesecake Dessert Jars, Nutella stuffed Cinnamon Cruffins, Nutella Shakes and the pièce de résistance, Nutella on tap! You are guaranteed to walk out of here in a sugar coma.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Shop/39A Masthead Way, Hope Island and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach.
Cheeky Waffles
The naughtiest kid on the block, Cheeky Waffles offer a nutella “love injection” into their genitalia-themed desserts. Perfect for those who like their waffles extra saucy!
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Paradox Coffee Roasters – Iced Nuttellate
So it’s an Iced Latte but with Nutella which, as far as we’re concerned, makes it one of the best things in the world. Need we say more.
Where: The 4217, 7/10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
Elk Espresso – Nutella Thick Shake
Elk Espresso are famous for their insane Nutella Thick Shake, which is one of the most delicious things you’ll ever taste. Maybe order two.
Where: Shop G044, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Joe’s Deli – Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake
This traditional Italian style deli is known for its killer sandwiches, but its sweets are equally spesh. Next time you’re shopping up a storm at Pac Fair refuel with a slice of Joe’s Famous Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake. This is a true crowd-pleaser, served with a decadent drizzle of liquid Nutella and a perfectly torched marshmallow brulee topping.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Bam Bam Bakehouse – Nutella Cronuts
Bam Bam’s Nutella Cronuts are the best way to start every day. The nutty spread is wrapped up in a soft buttery and sugar-coated flaky croissant dough and honestly who even needs an explanation, just go eat some.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Paddock Bakery – Nutella Bots & Coco Pops Milkshake
Paddock is the queen of OTT sweet treats but we just can’t go past their sweet little Nutella Bots. Lashings of Nutella inside their soft sourdhou cinnamon doughnuts. Bite-size and so very excellent. If you prefer your Nutella in liquid form order a Coco Pops Milkshake and thank us later. Coco Pop flavoured milk finished with Nutella & fresh Coco Pops – crack it & let the fun begin!
Where: Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Ze Pickle – Oreogazm
Deep fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and Nutella drizzled on top. The dream.
Where: 1/37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Custard Canteen – Double Choc Brownie Cookie
Chunks of epic choc brownie, Lindt milk and dark chocolates, topped with Nutella. Is it hyperbole to call a cookie life-changing?
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Tallebudgera Creek
Words by Belinda Symons
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
