Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*

Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…

Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?

Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.

The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?

For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.

Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.

Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.

To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.

Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!

Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Instagram: @georges.kingscliff

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

Lunchbox icon. Satisfying snack. Celebratory staple. Sandwiches are, quite literally, the best thing since sliced bread. Our infatuation with this blessed bread-based creation is as infinite as the mouth-watering combinations to be found within it’s carb-a-licious confines.

From provolone topped meatball subs to pesto slathered panini’s, Philly cheese steak stuffed hoagies and every gourmet combo in-between – times sure have changed for the humble ham sanga once rattling around in our trusty school bag. Like a good aged cheddar, our love for this lunchtime staple only intensifies with age, and it’s little surprise really, considering the proliferation of tip-top sando joints we are treated to nowadays.

Here are 12 of the Coast’s best sandwiches for when you’ve got bread on the brain.

Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
We will never not be in awe of the world-class deliciousness that Tarte founder, Chloe Watts is capable of whipping up with little more than some basic pantry provisions. A dual location local bakehouse known for some of the best goodies going – with those rows of golden pastries and galettes vying for your attention, do not sleep on the equally salivation-worthy savoury creations. Pick between artisanal sammich vessels such as everything bagel buns, pillowy slabs of sourdough, or warm baguettes, arriving in the form of Five-cheese truffle toasties or Korean Philly Cheese Steak respectively… #SandwichGoals
Our Pick: The Miso Chicken Sandwich is a revelation.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Cheese Me Baby
Coffee, charcuterie, vino and toasties – Cheese Me Baby does a handful of things spectacularly well and with the way to our heart well and truly established, we see no reason why they should ever stray from their (cheese)wheelhouse. For sandwich-loving fromage fiends, seventh heaven exists just off Mermaid’s Gold Coast Hwy stretch, with golden, gooey Toasties and open-faced Tartines served hot off the sandwich press seven days a week. Keep it classic, or opt for sensational sweet-salty combos such as the raisin cinnamon sourdough, made with rocket, triple cream brie, prosciutto. Hello, lover.
Our pick: Make it a 3 Cheese W/ Tomato Soup and watch all your troubles melt away.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Side Piece
Side Piece is another star pupil on our eats scene that’s certainly no stranger to a little sauerkraut, swiss cheese and sliced meats action. They’ve just launched a killer new menu and among the array of cafe style suspects and some darn good coffee, you can find a couple of saucy, meat and cheese stuffed morsels that will absolutely destroy any crisp white tee’s in their path #worthit. Start your day with the king of breakfast sandos, a pickle and brown sauce stuffed B+E Toastie, or if you prefer big buns, try the barbecue Pork Roll (which, quite frankly, we’re not above starting our day with, either).
Our pick: Our love for a Reuben knows no bounds
Where: 2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes

George’s Deli
If classic New York-style is the iteration of carb-based vessel you’re craving, skip the long haul flight and head directly to George’s Deli. Contributing copious amounts of retro-inspired cool factor to Kingscliff’s main drag, Marine Parade’s cute-as-a-button reuben-slinger punches out delicatessen classics and caffeine hits with a side of house-made Filipino-inspired desserts like the signature ube-infused handmade donut. Sando fans can savour top-tier pastrami and pickle laden Toasties along with succulent sammie specials like Beef Birria served by the sea – by George, this one’s a winner!
Our pick: La Cubano – plus requisite donut for ‘Ron, obviously.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Joe’s Deli
Sandwich fans, when a specialty sando slinger’s designation is accompanied by the word famous, you know those tastebuds ought to sit up and pay attention. Fusing Italian and American street food influences, Joe’s Famous Deli does classic, cold cut stuffed deli subs, sandwiches and piadinas (Italian flatbreads); all wrapped up with a hearty serving of nostalgia. Founded by Patrick Killalea, an ex chef to-the-stars who dedicated almost two decades to delivering the perfect deli, you’d be hard pressed to find a crew more committed to the sandwich craft than these guys. Situate yourself in one of the cushy New York-style booths and let happiness ensue.
Our Pick: The Lobbie Roll
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

MC’s Sandwich House
Whether your idea of bread-based perfection is a stacked salad sanga, New Orlean’s style Poh Boy sub, or a perfectly-crisped toasty oozing with multiple types of cheese – whatever you’re craving, chances are MC’s Sandwich House is dishing it up. These sure guys know how to play to their strengths; slinging sodas, Coffee Supreme and a tightly curated menu of next-level sando combinations available till sold out. So if it’s sandwich alchemy you’re craving, no dill-y dallying y’all.
Our pick: Hot Chicken with jalapeño brined fried chicken, house slaw, cheddar and jalapeño honey on brioche… *Chefs kiss*
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Scott’s Luncheonette
For deli style bites meets apertivo hour, leave those hankerings in the expert hands of Scott’s Luncheonette. An Italian-inspired panino bar specialising in coffee, specialty sambo’s, and sips, head to Palmy to start your day with authentic espresso served with egg and hash stuffed ciabatta Brekky Sangas. The latter half of the day is also sorted; crushing those cravings with classic combos like Leg Ham with provolone cheese, tomato & in-house pickles; chased with a cheeky tipple, should you wish.
Our pick: Mexican Pork made with crumbled feta & Oaxaca cheese… mmmm.
Where: Shop 1, 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Janus Deli and Janus Bakehouse
If it’s incredible sandwiches you seek, Janus Deli is a local delicatessen concept dishing them up every day of the week. No longer Molendinar’s best kept secret, fans can now get their donut or deli fix straight outta Surfer’s Paradise. Be it sweet or salty, there’s plenty to get your tastebuds around here – purists can quell cravings with cold-cut stuffed classic style subs, tease the tastebuds with Korean-infused creations, or get amongst some truly bun-dary pushing sando combos. Such as the sweet-salty big boss; the Bacon & Egg Sanga, served between two sticky Glazed Donut slabs.
Our Pick: Grab the The J.F.C and the name will become immediately apparent.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Doughed
Dual specialty snack spot, Doughed, is a delightful newcomer bringing spoils of sandwiches and sweets to the hungry folk of Hope Island. Sweet or savoury, crispy-edged NYC-style cookies or palm-sized packages of pillowy focaccia loaded with cold cuts, carb cravings are well and truly curbed here. If it’s superb sandwiches you have your heart set on (always) there’s plenty to wrap your mitts around, with mouth-watering creations like the three-meat Mortadella Medley, with semi-dried tomatoes, pesto, chilli honey and more. Doughed, where’s my carbs?!
Our pick: The Mortdella Medley
Where: Hope Island Marketplace, 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island

Juniors Deli
Whether it’s a cheeky midday morale boost or all-out midweek slump avoidance; the medicinal properties of a lit lunch should not be underestimated. Juniors Deli is one such spot delighting Mudgeeraba residents by way of spectacular hoagies, such as the specialty; provolone and ranch laden Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. If you’re after a hand-held meal that’s a little less siesta-inducing, a fully-loaded salad sanga always goes down a treat.
Our pick: Philly Cheese Steak (for obvious reasons).
Where: 2/51 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Piknik
When you’re in the mood for munching or a light meal that just so happens to smash your daily veg quota, Piknik always delivers. If you’re not yet au fait with Burleigh’s resident rainbow snackery, think fresh smoothies, juices and a display cabinet brimming with some of the most colourful, made-daily sarnie combinations going. Tuck into plant based specialties such as the golden Tofu Schnitzel sandwich; all of which come gluten free and dairy free to keep the tum happy, too.
Our pick: The Burleigh Basic (a misnomer, we promise #drool).
Where: Shop 7/3 Deodar Dr, Burleigh Heads

Delightful
If you’re keen to graze the arvo away on all things cured, brined and aged (and when aren’t we?) then Monique and Alisha are your gals; but if you’re in the mood for antipasti and bread, well, they’re also known to bung on a particularly stellar sanga to boot. After several years spent slinging the prettiest picnic boxes we ever did see, the duo branched out with their aptly named brick-and-mortar venture, Delightful. With their feel-good munchery fuelling the Tweed CBD since, swing by for a fresh daily selection of breakfast toasties, classic and fully-loaded deluxe sandwiches and give your laughing gear something to really grin about.
Our pick: Photo finish between Green Goddess on Turkish or Chicken Bruschetta
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads

Words by Kellie Leader

If you love a burg and a brew, we reckon you’ll be ben-ding over backwards for this one. Bringing a stacked selection of USA-style bites like Buffalo burgers, Bacon poutine and Biscoff shakes – Adelaide-born franchise, Benny’s American Burger has branched out with a brand new patty-slinging location in Surfers Paradise.

Taking up residence on Hanlan St (a stone’s throw from Janus Bakehouse and The Island) the glitter strip’s latest Pulled pork burger and Buffalo wing bringer officially marks the eleventh location for South Australian export, Benny’s American Burger. The certified burger brainiacs behind this burgeoning Southern-born venture say the secret sauce for their success comes down to juicy burgers, crispy fries and warm hospitality… but we’re sure the frosty ales and loaded shakes don’t hurt either.

Founded in 2013 and fuelled by a passion for authentic American cuisine, the first restaurant quickly became a crowd fave among burger-loving Radelaidians. They slowly expanded their USA-inspired eats empire in the decade since, and with the count now well into double digits, it would appear we’ve got some catching up to do. Our minds and bodies are so bready.

Offering seating for 30 inside and a further 32 out, Benny’s is all-American grill served with swagger. Paying homage to West Coast hip-hop culture, insta-ready LA-inspired murals meld with retro diner nods in the form of classic red pops and glowing neon signage. The real star of the space is the large-scale mural which spans the length of one wall, with cameos from a couple of certified fire-spitting icons, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur contributing infinite cool points.

With the fitout’s fresh vibes confirmed, we can turn our attention to the most pressing matter of all – the menu. And word to the zucchini fries, though this might be a star spangled burger slinger through and through, vego fans are truly in for a treat too.

Benny’s boasts a fully-stacked Veggie and Vegan burger menu to complement the usual burger suspects. Offering carb-a-licious creations like the Classic Veggie, or the mouth-tingling Hot Vegan, we’re tipping even a famously plant-based superstar like Snoop, would for shizzle give these bun-based munchies his seal of approval.

Tater tots, Onion rings, Mac n cheese and several iterations of gravy and cheese laden Poutine have got your comfort food hankerings sorted, in addition to a juicy selection of classic burgers ready and waiting to woo your tastebuds. For the purists, stripped back options like the Cheese Burger or Standard Beef, with Angus beef patty, cheese, burger sauce, onion, pickles, tomato and lettuce will be hard to go past. Or if you really wanna throw caution to the wind, the Spicy Beef comes with all of the above, plus a little extra jalapeño and hot sauce action.

If beef style burgers aren’t tickling your fancy, there’s an equally lengthy selection of house-marinated Chicken Burgers, such as the Nashville Chicken, made with glazed chicken breast patty, Cheese, Ranch, Pickle & Slaw. If meat sweats are your barometer for the perfect burg, skip straight to the Premium section. Where button-popping behemoths like the Bigger Than Texas, served with no less than four different meats, are up to the task. But, the question is… are you?

Where: 40-42 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
When: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 10 pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 12am

Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby