Made With Love Bakery is a victory for vegans and pastry lovers
Made With Love Bakery is a victory for vegans and pastry lovers
Gold Coasters, what if we told you there was a new kid on the block slinging all your favourite sweet and savoury baked goods – and they’re all just a tad butter for you?
Made With Love Bakery is Southport’s tastebud tickling new treat spot – churning out fanciful, flaky bakery goodies such as cinnamon scrolls, croissants, Nutella donuts and potato pies – that also happen to be 100% vegan.
Holy beet!
Northern residents can now venture to Southport to sate their sweet and savoury vegan cravings – tucked just a few blocks beyond the bustling Ferry Road precinct is the new plant-based bakery, promising good coffee and pastries aplenty.
It’s a get we can chalk up to another culinary win for the suburb, with a slew of hip haunts – including Humble Cafe and Como Kitchen – also cropping up on the emerging Northern eats scene this year.
Included in the array of tempting treats is the Made With Love savoury speciality – a plant-based pie that’s certainly one to ‘meet’ (then promptly inhale).
The protein-packed signature dish comes sans guilt, promising a ‘traditional Aussie taste’ that comes 100% cholesterol free.
An all out victory for vegans, diners with dietary requirements, and absolutely anyone partial to a smashing the odd pie.
(And crust us, we’re as surprised as you to encounter the words ‘guilt free’ and ‘pie’ in the same sentence)
For foodies and first-time owners, husband and wife duo Alana & Brady Borg, Made With Love Bakery is an especially ambitious debut.
A brief career hiatus following the birth of the couple’s first daughter had Alana craving a change of pace, emboldening them to finally take the leap into realising their long held plant-based business pipe dreams.
With zero hospitality experience, the duo was armed only with an obvious passion for plant based eats (they even named their daughter Olive, awww), they embarked on their new vegan venture.
After searching high and low, the pair felt the family-friendly Alicia Street area ticked all the boxes thanks to its central proximity to the CBD – with a couple of added perks such as park-side frontage and plentiful parking sealing the deal on the spot.
Despite their lack of hospo know-how, the couple opted to lead the fit out themselves, though luckily Brady is pretty handy on the tools as a metal roofer by day.
The new space is not your ‘run of the mill’ neighbourhood bake house, with a decidedly more boutique feel.
A modern and moody palette dominated with chic black finishes, benefits from timber and white inclusions to strike a warm and welcoming balance.
Seating is also abundant for anyone not grabbing their treats to-go (aka paw-rents passing through on their way to the adjacent dog park).
When it came time to fill the crucial role roll of pastry chef, Alana and Brady put the feelers out in the community, enlisting the expertise of Baker-Manager Kieran McKenzie – embracing the challenge of churning out mouth-watering, plant-based pastries on repeat with vigour.
Alana adds of their talented treat-maestro, his enthusiasm for eats, and the project “was infectious and it kept driving us forward.”
Together, the trio created their signature array of tasty morsels – cooking up a menu promising 100% vegan-friendly, flavour-forward treats. On offer are Nutella and Custard laden donuts, Danishes that will quickly vanish, Sausage rolls and Ham and cheese croissants (don’t ask questions, just devour and appreciate the outright wizardry).
And finally, one more for the Biscoff bucket list: the Cinnamon scroll – complete with Biscoff swirl. And on that note… we realised we suddenly have somewhere very pressing to be.
If anyone needs us, we’ll be at Made With Love Bakery bi-scoffing these bad boi’s down (and perhaps a pie for good measure).
Where: 19 Alicia street, Southport
When: Tuesday – Sunday 7am-3pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Okay so the vegan eats movement has totally blown up on the Gold Coast, and we’re loving the ever-increasing variety of restaurants proving that plant-based fare is anything but bland-as-bruh.
If you’re looking for a list of local nosheries that can convert even the most passionate meat and meat by-product enthusiast into a bona fide vegan fare fan, read on friends….
Kuan Yin Tea House
If you’re one of those peeps who thinks eating vegan is all about tasteless rubbery tofu, get yourself down to Kuan Yin Tea House immediately! The ultimate IYKYK, this place is fast becoming a local institution with some of the best vegan eats in our ‘hood. Serving the most insanely delicious Thai inspired vegan food, do yourself a flavour (not a typo) and order the BBQ Pork Fried Rice. Now open Monday to Sunday, see you there every day and twice on Sundays!
Where: 152 Scarborough Street, Southport
Greenhouse Canteen
One of the OG vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast, Greenhouse Canteen’s menu is as good as it gets. They’ve got a botanical bar so that you can order a selection of vegan cocktails, wine or beer and the space is always packed with good vibes. To eat, we’d go for the Jackfruit and Sour Cream Enchiladas or the Sweet n Sour Tofu Larb. Also, if you feel like eating at home, Greenhouse does takeaway and for a gastronomic gift, they even sell vouchers. Hint hint….
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Goodness Gracias
It’s vegan. It’s Mexican. And ‘nuff said #BetterTogether. An all-time vegan fave on the Gold Coast for many moons, Goodness Gracias serves up plant-based Mexican food in a vibrant Palm Beach space with mexcellent service to boot. Eat-in or takeaway and choose from delicious eats like burritos, tacos, nachos and plenty of tasty sides and salads. We’re regulars here, and it’s always top-notch nosh (say that after a few margis).
Where: 1114-1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Blendlove
Blendlove started with two gals just trying to make a difference to people’s health through plant-based food. Created with love, they blend only the finest ingredients to produce a collection of whole, nutritious treats that are vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial colours, and refined sugar. Basically free from everything….except flavour! A local fave, educating the GC that raw and whole foods can be a party in your mouth. An Insta-worthy one at that!
Where: 253 Ferry Road, Southport
Lord of the Fries
If there’s one thing we can get behind, it’s a fast-food venue made up primarily of potatoes. Well colour us happy because Lord of the Fries is precisely that. Finally fries that aren’t drowned in beef tallow and juiced up with gluten, aren’t cooked in cheap’n’nasty oil or smothered in watered down tomato sauce, and haven’t been sitting in a bain-marie since the beginning of time. Praise be! Slinging vegan fries a-plenty, Lord of the Fries is also serving up Veggie Burgers, Onion Rings, Vegetarian Nuggets and Vegetarian Hot Dogs. Plus, everything is kosher and Halal. Hallelujah!
Where: Paradise Centre, 8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Hidden Cherub
Tucked away in our much-loved Miami, you’ll find laneway bar/plant-based eats venue: The Hidden Cherub. Decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look and greenery dripping from the walls, this warehouse style restaurant is a Vegan Vibe! While the drinks here are the main event (as they should be!), the 100% vegan packed food menu is filled with delicious share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides. In terms of burgers, get stuck into The Californian (just trust us) and sharesies some Sticky Buffalo Wings and Beef Tacos. Mouth-watering goodness at its best.
Where: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
Cardamom Pod
Cardamon Pod at Southport Is a favourite amongst Gold Coasters (and influencers), offering both mouth-wateringly yum vegetarian and vegan choices. All about clean eating, the menu is lit with Insta-friendly, tastebud titillating nosh so good it’ll knock the socks off even the most discerning vegan diner. We recommend the Mumbai Wrap, Life is a Berry Peach Pancake, and the Snicker Acai Bowl because duh – Snickers. There’s also plenty of raw treats, organic coffee and gluten-free options too. All dishes are almost too pretty to eat….emphasis on ‘almost’.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport
Easy House Vegetarian Restaurant
Okay it’s vegetarian, it’s vegan….and it’s YUM CHA! Nothing pleases our palette more, and the fact that this place has been around for yonks it a testament to its deliciousness. Whether you dine in or takeaway, Easy House will send your tastebuds into a tizz with the likes of Deep Fried Wontons, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, and Pan Fried Shanghai Dumplings. Not a yum cha fan? No probs, there is also a vast array of traditional (but vegan/vego) fresh, flavour-packed Asian dishes and banquet options.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
Doko Demo V
The Bali-vibing Doko Demo V 2.0 is even more amazing than the OG, and we are here for it! Offering an entirely vegan wholefoods-based menu, Doko Demo V is the work of Head Chef Jared Peck. Whether you’re seeking an uber tasty plant-based breakfast, lunch or dinner, this little gem is bursting with beautifully prepared dishes that are both healthy and of the eyes-are-bigger-than-your-belly variety. The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza goes down a treat, as does the No Beef Lasagne with garden salad, and the Unreal Scallopini. Wash your feed down with the Dokodemo cocktail because one must stay hydrated….
Where: 2 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters
Izakaya Midori
Umm with ‘Midori’ in the title, this place immediately had our attention. A Reedy Creek based trove of plant-based Japanese food, Izakaya Midori is a winner winner vegan dinner. There are dishes like Spicy Lime Karagee, Japanese Curry Rice, Midori Ramen (not the booze just to clarify), and Smoked Edamame to name a few. You can also grab things to takeaway and the service is next level. Sold? Of course you are!
Where: 50 Woodland Drive, Reedy Creek
Words by Bianca Trathen.
If you’re a southern Gold Coaster, you’ve been to Tarte Bakery Café (on repeat. Like twice daily…). You’ve knocked back a Cookie Cup, soaked up its Soho vibes and Parisian style people watching, plus grabbed your fair share of NYC inspired sweets or savoury snacks from the Tarte takeaway window. In fact, even if you’re not from the southside, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve either been, or heard your friends lusting over all things Tarte (and had that fleeting “are we talking makeup or the café?!” moment, before correctly landing on the latter).
This crowd pleaser’s celeb status extends far and wide and when you’re on a good thing, why not make it even better? Not possible we hear you say, but when we tell you about the newest Tarte in town; Tarte Market, you’ll eat your words…and its entire menu! And you won’t feel even a twinge of guilt because it’s the health-conscious member of this GC luminary triple threat, set to level up the Tarte empire another notch.
Taking over the Thai restaurant next door, owner, boss babe, and hospitality guru, Chloe Watts, has done it again. With New York and Parisian influences, Tarte Market is in theme with her older sisters, yet offers an entirely unique eating experience. Focussing on all things healthy, clean, and beach-bod-friendly, we’re invited to go against the rule and actually make friends with salad. These aren’t just any salads either, made fresh to order with the option of including as many house-made add-ons as your tastebuds desire. That’s right, in addition to a few drool-worthy combos listed on the menu such as the Healthy ‘Risotto’ (yes, this is still a salad), you can fully customise your very own creation!
Freestyle your protein with the likes of maple hot smoked salmon, smoked brisket, lemongrass grilled chicken, poached chicken, and for a slightly naughty slant on an otherwise nourishing feed, fried chicken. Non-meat-eaters and vegans, never fear as you can also DIY with tofu, and tarragon and sage mushrooms. Salad never looked so good!
Other ingredients include quinoa and black rice, brown rice, wombok, kale, avocado, green papaya, spring onion, silver beet, broccoli, cauliflower, pickled cauliflower, shaved brussel sprouts, caramelised onion, goats fetta, halloumi, free range eggs, crispy chick peas, almonds, pine nuts, and pistachio dukkah to name a few. Then coz you can, add your fave herbs like Vietnamese mint, dill, chives, parsley, and coriander (controversial…but we’re firmly pro this divisive super herb).
If you’re thirsty, order a freshly made smoothie, like the Berry Smoothie, with blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and honey. Or, the one that made us go weak at the knees, the Lychee Smoothie which is all about the lychee! Plus there are design your own fresh juices, top notch coffee, a variety of teas, a Parisian Hot Chocolate, and a selection of exclusive Tarte Drinks. We’re drawn to the Old Fashioned Lemonade and of course, the Cookie Shot with steamed vanilla bean milk. Oh, and there are some cheeky alcoholic beverages if you’re feeling that way inclined (we are), like the Grande Mimosa with fresh OJ and the Hard Southern Iced Tea with vodka. Bottoms up!
And if you happen to be hit with a case of in-house Tarte FOMO (defined as frequenting your chosen Tarte, but deciding you actually want a piece of the other Tarte/s), relax – you can order from all three menus at either the bakery, the takeaway window or the new market. But here’s a hot tip: if you want to DIY salad (and not order from their set combos), you need to actually go to the Tarte Market window.
So for a delicious, healthy Tarte-a-licious salad experience with the option to freestyle your feed, cease-ar the moment and head to Tarte Market. Be-leaf us, you won’t be disappointed.
Hours: 7 Days, 6.30am – 3.00pm
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Pics by Brittany Kreskas.
Shiro Gelato & Snack is Southport’s new HQ of sweet and savoury Japanese small bites (and licks) you Japaneed to be acquainted with, like now, arigatou gozaimasu.
Perched just a hop skip and a yum from the G’s Southport tram stop, the conveniently positioned new venue is a #snaccident waiting to happen for lucky passersby. For owner Kei Okamoto, a well-placed location was the main priority when selecting the new spot for Shiro Gelato & Snack. His former experience dishing up street food style Japanese eats at markets, combined with head chef Shodai Kawakami’s ten-year culinary expertise is the ultimate matcha made in heaven.
The two-legged fuzzy ball mascot featured throughout the shop’s signage is your subliminal sign to leg it on in to discover the array of treats that await. The interior fit out was handled by the Shiro crew (what can’t they do), with a simply-appointed and welcoming space framed by classic crisp-white subway tiles – while the seductive glow of those house-made gelatos glisten from the cabinet beyond. The intimate, corridor style space offers limited casual seating to lick, sip and savour until the #hanger safely subsides.
For those not familiar with Japanese fare, you might be wondering just want you can expect from the Shiro Gelato & Snack menu. Think authentic light Japanese bites worthy of quashing the most serious of snack attacks (though, with a couple of Onirigi’s under the belt, you may still feel a lot like rolling on out of there).
The aforementioned savoury specialty Onigiri, is a popular Japanese rice ball lunch and snack dish, as tasty as it is convenient to nom on-the-go. The Shiro offering includes six signature flavours such as a classic salmon and takana, made with Japanese leafy green mustard pickles and spices promising a slightly spicy and tangy flavour. Though we also like the sound of the Negi Miso – Shallots, miso, citrus chilli paste a shal–lot.
For sweet tooths, curb your cravings by sinking your teeth into the beloved jelly-like, traditional Japanese sweet treat that is Warabi Mochi.
Though we’ll never miss an opportunity to gush about gelato (umm hello, we live for this), and the Shiro Gelato & Snack selection of Japanese flavours does not disappoint. Japanese eats enthusiasts will be soy into the Kinako – a roasted soybean flour flavour most commonly compared to peanut butter. Joined by yet more mouth watering contenders such as Black sesame, Matcha white chocolate, miso caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and lemon flavour.
Can’t decide which sweet treat you’re in the mood for? Same. Might we suggest a thinly Mochi-wrapped (and/or topped!) gelato scoop for the ultimate best of both worlds action.
There’s no doubt lucky northern locals will bento-ver backwards to get their Shiro Gelato & Snack fix, while for everyone else this little Southport side quest is a tasty snackrifice well worth taking.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
When: 11:30am–10pm daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
