Mint Espresso opens its’ doors.
Mint Espresso opens its’ doors.
Is it not the best news ever that you can enjoy an island adventure, complete with exceptional eats and a beverage or two, without even having to leave the Gold Coast? You can even hire a little boat to get there should you wish to have an authentic experience.
The island we’re talking about today is, of course, Chevron Island, a little paradise unto itself bursting with exceptional foodie spots and pretty parks to laze about in having consumed all the exceptional eats.
The latest little newbie to grace Chevron Island with its’ presence is Mint Espresso, an intimate, rustically decked out space with both indoor and outdoor seating, painted a cheery shade of green (mint in fact) and lots of natural light flooding in.
It’s the work of a local Gold Coast family who are also the proud owners of the cutest baby French Bulldog there is in the world. Mint Espresso is their first venue and they’ve done quite the impressive job if you ask us.
The menu is made up of breakfast slash lunch eats along the lines of Shrooms on Toast (a favourite) with an array of tasty mushrooms on Turkish bread with grilled haloumi, basil pesto and poached eggs.
The Ultimate Eggs Benedict is also a winner; it’s Turkish bread topped with spinach, hash browns, sausage, bacon jam, poached eggs and truffle Hollandasie and it’s the perfect combination of breakfast goodies.
Everything is filled with flavour and absolutely stunningly presented to both delight your eyeballs and your Insta followers.
The coffee on offer is by the good folks at Byron Bay Coffee Co. and there are also cool, refreshing juices and of course, beloved milkshakes and thickshakes in case your inner child is calling.
Also, there are HOMEMADE baked goodies including brownies that will melt in your mouth and also come with ice cream.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a little island getaway complete with delicious brunch time eats and without breaking the bank, Chevron Island and newbie Mint Espresso are the go.
Prepare to be impressed.
LOCATION: 9/37 Thomas Drive, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 5.30am until 5.30pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s not often we get to welcome a newbie to Chevron Island but this week is the week folks and said newbie is bringing a beautifully balanced menu stacked with yummy eats that will cater to every taste.
The LeanChef Kitchn, found on Thomas Street in the bustling hub of our very own inner city island, is the work of former Melbourne restaurateur Enzo Loterzo who is offering gluten free, organic and vegan options as well as the tasty treat varieties we know and love.
The new venue has taken over the space where Lime Café once stood and it’s decked out in a natural, minimalist style perfectly befitting of the goodies on offer. Sit inside and watch the chefs work their magic or pull up a chair on the footpath and watch the world go by.
Let’s discuss the food though because there are many things you’ll want to sink your teeth into starting with the Croque Monsieur, which is a very extra version of a ham and cheese toasted sandwich and about 8 billion times more delicious. It’s made on grilled organic sourdough with gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard and smoked ham and topped with béchamel sauce and dill. So there’s your breakfast sorted.
For lunch go with one of two options. First, the L/C Open Steak Sarnie is made with grass fed, pesticide-free Cape Grim sirloin, preserved tomatoes, mustard aioli, lettuce, roasted capsicum and balsamic shallots on chargrilled sourdough.Second, the hand-crafted Butter Milk Crispy Chicken burger is all the best things with marinated crispy chicken breast, homemade slaw, bacon, cheese, aioli and sriracha. One of the best burgers around for sure.
You may also sample things like Roman Style Gnocchi, Risotteria, oh and Brilliant Belgian Waffles. The menu is quite the flavour-filled, slightly Italian-esque one and you’ll be hard pressed to choose just one dish.
The coffee is organic and the good vibes are flowing. Make sure you add this one to the list the next time you’re in the market for a healthy feast that both tastes delicious and makes you feel like you made a good life choice.
LOCATION: 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
HOURS: 6.30am until 3pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
From bonsais to beans, the Coast’s newest coffee nook has taken over the space where Chevron Island’s much-loved bonsai plant nursery used to be.
The cute little cottage style café pays homage to its former glory, in name and appearance, with abundant greenery offsetting the fresh natural styling.
Coffee is the name of the game at Espresso Bonsai with owner Christian extremely passionate about offering the best possible blends.
The Baristas are equally as enthusiastic about the quality of their creations offering alternative options such as V60 pour overs – a filtered style of coffee preferred by seasoned coffee drinkers offering a smoother, sweeter taste than a long black.
Beans are supplied by the Gold Coast’s own Blackboard Coffee who source their beans from plantations around the world, ethically and sustainably.
Espresso Bonsai also use Urban Finca beans, roasters who are passionate about telling the farmers story.
Acai bowls, smoothies, takeaway sandwiches, salads and toasties will soon be available for both dining in and to take away.
If exceptional coffee and people who care about what they do is high on your love list, make the drive to the tree lined streets of Chevron Island to check out Espresso Bonsai.
HOURS: 5.30AM to 2PM
LOCATION: 66 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.
Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.
Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
