Have you ever tasted something so good you’d be willing to line up for hours just to make it yours? If so, you’ll understand just how mouth-watering said thing must be and if not, read on.

Kylie’s Cupcakery began as a humble, at-home cupcake business within which the lady of the moment Kylie would create custom cupcake and regular cake orders for weddings, birthdays, Christmas, Easter and the like. But the thing is Gold Coasters, these cakes and cupcakes weren’t your usual run of the mill variety.

Nope, they were the kind that would be ordered in their hundreds every single day until the demand got so big that Kylie had to move into a standalone space and that friends, is the point of today’s tale.

The new space can be found on Lavelle Street in Nerang and if you’re not sure where that is, you can simply drive around until you see a huge line of people standing underneath a big pink sign. Every single day Kylie’s is open without fail.

Why? Because Kylie’s cupcakes are something very special. Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at (and take Insta snaps of), they taste like sugary little clouds of goodness that you could eat five of before you even blinked.

Flavours change all the time but Kylie posts on socials to let you know what will be on offer that day. Not that it really matters, they’re all so, so tasty and you should absolutely buy one of each (at least).

So what flavours are we talking exactly? Well, how does Lemon with Elderflower Buttercream sound? Yep. Chocolate Banana Sunday maybe. Caramel Popcorn, Unicorn (complete with edible glitter), Chocolate Mocha with Merlo coffee, the list is endless and Kylie says she comes with up with ten new flavours a day that she doesn’t even have time to create.

There’s also a Unicorn Shake that is more a work of art than anything else.

While you’re there, you can grab yourself a coffee and sit outside in the sunshine to devour your cupcakes, or take them home to sample slowly (they last up to a week in the fridge).

As you’d imagine, Kylie has won countless awards for her creations and never fear, if you miss out on the goods, she’s planning on opening a second space sometime in the future. In Palmy would be great thanks Kylie.

What are you waiting for?

Head in for a sugar high of the very best kind.

LOCATION: 6 Lavelle St, Nerang
HOURS: Open from 10am Wednesday to Friday, 9am Saturday and 7am Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

They say strength is born from adversity and that is certainly the case for the Sowter family, Mt Tamborine locals who lost their family home, restaurant and gallery in a devastating fire on New Years Eve of 2016.

The Polish Place was one of Tambo, and indeed the Gold Coast and surrounding areas’, most-loved restaurants due to their exceptional Polish menu, stunning hinterland views and everyone’s-part-of-the-family hospitality.

The restaurant and adjoining accommodation were built from scratch (and with a whole lot of love) by Phil and Ania Sowter in the early 1980’s and although the loss was obviously a devastating one, we bring you extremely good news.

The Polish Place is in the final stages of building and the brand new restaurant is set to open this week and we could not be more excited for the Sowter family and ourselves (and you), who now get to eat all of the Polish food, all of the time once again.

Before we get to the menu though, let’s chat scenery and as you’d know, having no doubt visited Mt Tamborine on many occasions, there are very few places that don’t offer breathtaking views and The Polish Place is no exception.

Overlooking the Scenic Rim (mountains as far as the eye can see) and with an outdoor area that’s home to countless colourful Rosella’s and filled with homegrown greenery, it’s one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever encountered and you’ll probably have a hard time leaving to be honest.

Now let’s talk Polish feasts and the very best advice we can give you is to arrive hungry and prepare yourself for some absolutely incredible flavours.

Ania has brought the most delicious homemade recipes from her native Poland and perfected them over the last 35(ish) years. The flavours are traditional, fresh and comforting and everything is made onsite.

The most popular dish, and the one The Polish Place has become famous for, is the Roast Duck for two with cherries. Those simple words don’t even begin to describe the love and life-changing flavours that make up this dish but you can expect soft, twice-cooked duck with not only cherries but apples baked inside and resulting in a sweet, mouthwatering dish that you’ll likely never forget.

Not only that though, we absolutely adored the Bigos (sauerkraut), Polish sausage, Pork Hock and a tomato soup with egg noodles that was the best we’ve ever tried.

There’s an extensive range of Polish beers, vodkas and local and Australian wines to complement the menu and everything can be enjoyed in front of the fire (season permitting) or out on the deck with the wildlife.

It’s been over two years in the making but the time has finally come to welcome The Polish Place back into the fold and once those doors do swing open, you better get in quick. Not a day has passed that the venue hasn’t received a call requesting an opening date.

Do yourself a favour and pay The Polish Place a visit ASAP, it’s famous for very good reason folks.

LOCATION: 333 Main Western Road, Mt Tamborine

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

We just adore seeing new cafes, bars, eateries and everything else popping up around the Coast. It’s a sign of the times when talented hospo operators are looking to create special places in areas that perhaps didn’t have them before.

Hudson & Rosie’s Table is the type of café that the locals to Highland Park have very much been looking for, and we can assure, the locals will be very much pleased.

As soon as you lock eyes with this space, we promise you will begin to get good vibes.

The venue boasts a cute inside space with bench seating, counter space and an open kitchen. The perfect vantage point to see the talented chefs going about making all of that delicious food you’re about to devour.

The décor is dominated by a dreamy peach/saffron colour which you will see splashes of throughout. Plants hang from every shelf and ceiling space and the staff here are some of the best looking and smilest bunch we think we’ve ever seen. And that isn’t an exaggeration either!

The light-filled outdoor decking area is where Hudson & Rosies set itself apart though. Think more plants (yass) and beautifully set tables with placemats! Meaning all you need to do is insert yourself here.

The menu, you can tell, has had a great deal of thought put into it too. There is something for everyone here. From your trusty ol’ classics to vegan twists on dishes, and meals with Asian influence, the menu makes it oh so hard to choose what you’d like.

If you’re heading here with a few people we suggest you be prepared for sharing, because when you see each other’s dishes it’s going to be the only option!

If you like to spice things up any time of the day then you mustn’t look any further than the vegan Dan-Dan Noodles which comes with Sichuan noodles, tofu and walnut mince.

Feeling a little more traditional? Try yourself the house-made Cornbread Benny; with slow-cooked beef brisket. Ohh yes.

The drinks list is equally as impressive as what’s on offer to eat. Frappes, smoothies, and thick shakes will provide ample options for those who aren’t into coffee — or perhaps not even old enough to have tried it. Speaking of which — the coffee here is fantastic and is from the talented folks at Gabriel Coffee. Whether you like your coffee hot or ice-cold, this roast will have you glowing from the very first sip.

Hudson & Rosies Table is primely positioned as the perfect pit stop for great food and drinks on that leisurely drive you might be taking up to the hinterland. And yes, we are looking at you dusty hiking boots! It’s about time you crack them back out and visit this little cafe on your way.

LOCATION: Shop 16/106 Alexander Drive, Highland Park
HOURS: 7am-2pm, 7 days

Words by Alex Mitcheson.