Nip on over to Kinship and feel good.
Nip on over to Kinship and feel good.
Ah, Gold Coasters and our borderline unhealthy situationships erm, unparalleled enthusiasm for supporting our beloved beach cafe scene – it’s a local rite of passage that goes together like Nippers and Sunday mornings (obligatory #NameAMoreIconicDuo). Which is a coincidence given that today, we’re here to introduce you to a brand new caffeination destination for Currumbin. With lucky locals last month welcoming the aptly named Kinship, a chic, community-focused cafe offshoot for Currumbin SLSC – conveniently located for salty Southern beach-goers to nip by for their daily fix of delish cafe fare.
Aaand admittedly our choice of analogy wasn’t so much of a ‘coincidence’ after all.. with this particularly delicious development coming in the nick nip of time for beach szn – to the delight of both aforementioned surf club crowds and hungry southern hordes gearing up to descend upon Currumbin beach #onrepeat this summer.
Nestled underneath the Club’s new Junior Activity & Community Centre (just across from the Currumbin SLSC), is a contemporary styled space with the menu to match. Rivalling all the edgy hipster haunts, the menu combines fresh and trendy takes – such as brekkie tacos and biscoff crumpets – along with classic cafe faves for an assortment that will appeal to absolutely anyone with an appetite. The breezy new beachside spot offers sit-down service, along with plenty of equally delicious portable options for peckish passersby.
It also takes up residence just down the road from Tommy’s Italian, with Kinship’s arrival on the same beachfront stretch now officially filling the brekkie and brunch shaped hole in Currumbin’s seaside eats offering.
For an extra dose of the feel goods with your morning latte (and we don’t just mean the usual caffeine induced pep-in-your-step, because that’s just a given) the profits made from the cafe will be used to support the Currumbin Vikings Junior activity program while also assisting with upkeep and facilitating discounted use of the space.
So, y’know, treat yourself, you superstar community supporter, you.
And now that we’ve established the perfect #treatyoself alibi, let’s duck dive on in to the menu shall we?
For those who have clocked up a ravenous, post-surf sized appetite, the array of egg-cellent brekkie contenders will be reminiscent of seagulls on a chip.
The Breaky Burrito – made with egg, diced bacon, cheese, avo salsa, jalapeño, hash, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato salsa will provide a delicious kick-start to your morning, while the Halloumi, Egg, & Hash Burger, Bacon & Egg Roll, Breaky Tacos are all suitable contenders bready and waiting to offer a satisfying brekkie for those on the go.
With summer around the corner, the Açaí Bowl will be on high rotation, as will a thirst-quenching selection of smoothies, Xpressed cold pressed juice, and iced coffee, though we’re sure that goes without saying.
And as lunchtime looms, the menu undergoes a slight switch up with Breaky tacos o-fish-ally becoming Fish Tacos, while the Burger gets beefed up with the 50g beef patty, tomato, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and house-made burger sauce on a toasted milk bun.
We’re gilled to report quintessential seaside eats Fish & Chips, and chippies sans fish also make an appearance among the mid-day menu offering.
So kids, settle in and slip slop slap… Currumbin just got a whole lunch more mouth-watering reasons to linger a little longer – as if our salty sessions needed any more encouragement.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
When: Monday to Sunday, 6am until 2pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Well well well, what do we have here?
If it isn’t our mate Currumbin collecting trendy new haunts like they don’t already have dibs on the coolest creek in the whole of the GC.
It’s okay though, we’re not mad about it, because in case you haven’t caught the hottest news in town, a cult-flavourite on the GC scene has branched out to bring us a BRAND NEW VENUE (and yes we feel the shouty caps are warranted, as will anyone who has tasted one of their mouth-watering pastries) because we are talking about our beloved, one and only Tarte Bakery here.
We are so bready for the great Tarte takeover, with Currumbin officially welcoming its sister venue Tarte Beach House this week and, while we want to say it’s every bit as good as you’d expect – it’s not.
It’s even better (how is that even possible?!)
Taking up residence under the palms lazily swaying by the picturesque Currumbin Creek foreshore, this Hamptons meets Parisian style stunner ticks all the boxes – and with owner and culinary mastermind Chloe Watts at the helm, we certainly don’t think this new venue will be living in the shadow of its big sister for long.
Somewhere between her duties as #supermum and running one of the GC’s most popular artisan bakeries, Chloe apparently manages to squeeze in the odd The Block binge, because the new Tarte Beach House beach shack glow up was a reno of epic proportions.
She well and truly uncovered the true potential of this creekside gem, which has been treated to a full facade makeover with some stunning new joinery to frame those knockout views.
Also of note are the painstakingly sourced vintage fixtures, with tables, counters and beach umbrellas turned lamp shades direct from France clocking in at a mere century old #oohlala.
Complete with chic monochrome checkerboard floors and elegant brass fixtures to round out the whole elevated space, it’s no longer just the glistening outlook that’s insta-worthy.
No how matter how ‘in’, the mullet may claim to be, we are loathe to use such a term to describe the ‘party in the bottom, business in the top’ functionality of this gorg new multi-level space (but we did it anyway).
Downstairs has been designed to be the more casual of the two spaces, welcoming us to saunter in post-dip and pull up stumps, or perhaps grab a New York style bagel (or any of your usual Tarte flaky faves) to-go #we’rejusthereforthecruellers.
Upstairs boasts the more formal style restaurant, which of course is fully licensed (which means Tarte cocktails, huzzah!).
Coupled with all-day faves such as Chilli eggs – Crispy ‘fried’ eggs, sauteed asparagus and broccolini with Aunty TT’s crispy chilli and fresh shallots on white sourdough and slightly more boujee brunch options such as the Lobster Roll made with Southern rock lobster in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce served in a toasted housemade brioche. Shut up and take all our money!
With plans to eventually extend the Tarte Beach House offering to arvos and evenings, Europe called and said we should definitely stay home for creek hangs this summer.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Carly King
Hands up if you also grew up with the not-so-humble Moreton Bay bug making its strictly annual cameo among the usual Chrissy day spread suspects (one that we were actually happy to see, unlike the trifle #blerg). The proliferation of bug rolls on menus the Coast over – and the resulting ability to wrap our mitts around these pint-sized parcels of seafood-stuffed deliciousness any old time we please – will never be lost on us. Unlike our willpower whenever we’re in their presence, which is demonstrably #MIA.
If you needed proof this little roll of the moment is not going anywhere, we’ve rustled up an entire list’s worth of places get your boujee bug boi fix without even breaking a sweat. And before you @ us, we do know that bugs & lobsters are not the same, but we’ve included both here because #delish.
Oh and if you’re not a seafood fan, check out our alternate list here instead: 10 ways to be sad #justsquidding #moreforus. But sea-riously, maybe this one’s not the list for you…
Here are 11 places to get your bug (and lobster) roll fix on the GC.
Rick Shores
The home of one of, if not the – OG bug rolls, we will forever be indebted to the culinary masterminds at Rick Shores for our introduction, and resulting obsession with the now ubiquitous shellfish slider. The famous Rick Shores Bug Roll has remained a staunch cult favourite that the entire GC (and beyond) has been going cray-sea for ever since.
Their signature combo of golden Beer-battered Moreton Bay bug, sandwiched between slabs of buttery milk bun and topped with Sriracha Mayonnaise and gem lettuce is undoubtedly the one to beat, with the secret lying in the boujee #bugonbug method whereby chopped bug is also incorporated into the mayo for extra sweetness down right deliciousness.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
kōst
We’re yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been absolutely smitten with one of the GC’s most notable newcomers, kōst. This sprawling stunner of a super-venue has been setting hearts ablaze ever since they sauntered onto Broady’s eat scene, along with literally anything they can throw on their signature charcoal wood-fire grill. It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that the most boujee sando of the moment, the bay lobster roll, gem lettuce and kōst signature sauce makes an appearance on the kōst menu right alongside their swanky seafood towers and roving champagne and caviar trolleys. Pro tip, you HAVE to add the chilli sauce for a next level spicy experience.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Cooly Breeze
Amalfi coast vibing Cooly Breeze is somewhat of a hidden southern gem, boasting both the Coast’s only fine dining rooftop views of the Tweed River surrounds and a pretty claw-some seafood selection, thanks to those Mediterranean roots.
Their answer to this beloved boujee sando is of course served with that same signature Mediterranean twist, with the Moreton Bay Bug, avocado, finger lime, fresh jalapeño, watermelon radish all served on a pillowy bed of focaccia. Our tastebuds are so bready.
Where: level 13/122 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Squiseato
Hitting the shops just went #nextlevel, with David Jones at PAC Fair welcoming its flagship gourmet eatery Squiseato last month – and with it, an entirely new meaning to our never-fail retail therapy mantra: #treatyoself.
A play on the Italian word meaning exquisite, it’s exactly how you’d imagine a DJ’s take on eats would go down. This full service new kid on the block is unapologetically flaunting their appreciation for the finer things in life, serving up Champagne, premium wine, hand-rolled pasta, freshly shucked oysters – and you guessed it – their signature sandwich, the Lobster Brioche Roll. The ultimate way to toast your next bargain hunting expedition.
Where: Pacific Fair, 4 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Bugz & Co
A local catering duo with one delicious specialty: cheeseburgers! Kiddinggg, its gourmet bug rolls, obviously – and some mighty fried ones at that. If the infiltration of these juicy little morsels into our local street food scene isn’t indication the cult sando has o-fish-ally #madeit, we don’t know what is.
Keep your eyes peeled for a whole lot of gourmet goodness to-go being cooked up by the Bugz & Co crew at your local fetes and markets – you can even lock them in for private soirees. Bug rolls that come to us?! How good.
Where: Local fetes, markets & private events.
Mare/Pool Club at La Luna
With the level of luxe La Luna is dishing up daily, it’s absolutely no surprise there’s also a cameo from our beloved bug roll gracing it’s menu. The swanky, euro-chic vibes are immaculate, as is the Crispy tempura Moreton Bay bug in a milk bun, bug mayo, sweet + sour sauce.
Whether you’re luxuriating poolside in one of the sun drenched La Luna cabanas, or sidling up for the full winning and dining experience at Mare Restaurant – one thing’s for sure, when you’re surrounded by yachts, superb sips and noshing on bug rolls, life is good.
Where: La Luna Beach Club, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Blue House
Bumbles cafe was not pulling any punches when they delivered their stunner of an offshoot The Blue House earlier this year. With a grown-up new spot for eats and sips sitting pretty by the picturesque Budds Beach promenade, the new venue delivers a delicious hit of #dopaminedecor right along with a knockout bug roll.
If you really want to seas the day, pair one of the classic Bug rolls made with little gem lettuce and sriracha sauce, with one of those blue-tiful house cocktails as the sun sinks low (rain, hail or shine all works tho tbh).
Where: 19-23 River Drive, Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise
Joe’s Deli
If by now you’re wondering if the limit of seafood laden sliders exists (it doesn’t), the professional sanga slingers at Joe’s Deli are here to throw their unique blend of American diner style, Italian inspired eats into the mix for your culinary consideration.
The Joe’s crew are renowned for their ability to put together a next level sandwich, and the Lobbie Roll delivers on that promise (and then some), made with Lobster, Crab, Kewpie Mayo, Shredded Iceberg Lettuce, Chives, Black Caviar and Lemon. So much yes.
Where: Pacific Fair, 4 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
Ms Margot’s
Nestled just off the bustling Orchid Ave strip, Ms Margot’s is certainly no stranger to all things luxe with a name like Hilton Surfers Paradise behind (and atop) her. Settle in for a spot of people watching, fave cocktail in hand with the swanky sandwich of the hour and let the good times roll.
Ms Margot’s dishes up a generous baguette roll loaded with a tempura style battered Moreton Bay Bug burger, gem lettuce, avocado and bread and butter pickles, all drizzled in chipotle mayo for a little extra smokey goodness.
Where: 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tarte Beach House
Never one to do anything by halves (unless it’s literally to cut one of those stacked signature NY Bagels in two), when our beloved Tarte takes on the lobster roll, of course it was never going to be anything other than next level.
The Tarte Beach House offering includes real deal Southern rock lobster, loaded in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce all wrapped up in the most perfect of packages – a toasted housemade brioche. If you need us, we’ll be scoffing these buttery bug boi’s creek side allll summer long.
Where: 1/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
FINEPRINTCO Art Bar
We all know they serve up delicious cocktails (thanks Rumtin) alongside the art, but did you know FINEPRINTCO Art Bar also dishes up epic bug rolls? Well, technically they’re bug brioche, but all you really need to know is they’re the goods. With Moreton Bay Bug, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaf and Sesame we’ve now given you the perfect excuse to drop into Brickworks. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally walk out with a Slim Aarons too.
Where: Brickworks, Shop 302, 107 Ferry Road, Southport
Words by Kellie Leader.
Full price meals? Not in this economy. We don’t know what it is about cheap eats, but for some reason food just tastes that much better when you’re not paying full price.
Life’s expensive (you don’t have to tell us twice) so we’ve rounded up the best Thursday cheap eats the Gold Coast has to offer so you can spend less time googling and more time on the important things – eating!
NORTH GC
MID GC
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MID GC continued…
MID GC continued…
SOUTH GC
