You need to stumble into Humble cafe.
You need to stumble into Humble cafe.
Number 328 on the never-ending list of perks that comes with living on the GC is that there’s a list equally as long of cafes for us to frequent any damn well time we please. Okay so technically within daylight hours at least, but by then usually we’re on the hunt for our caffeine to come a little more chilled and shaken over ice with vodka #espressomartiniappreciationclub.
Our insatiable appetite for that v. specific brand of casual-meets-gourmet cafe fare shows no sign of slowing down – y’know, the one that scratches the foodie itch but also you can spontaneously swing by rockin’ your gym gear with your four legged friend in tow?
While we might have previously overlooked Southport’s potential, these days we are officially eating humble pie. Because tucked away in this up-and-coming foodie destination is another noteworthy newcomer, Humble cafe. A hidden gem that everyone in and around the Northern GC needs to get acquainted with stat.
For new owners and newlyweds Sennie Tee and Stanley Lam, combining their respective passions and extensive hospo backgrounds to launch a venture of their very own was a no brainer. Sennie with her previous experience as both head barista and cafe manager, and Stanley most recently as Head Chef in Oi Izakaya as Sous Chef at Elk Espresso. Talk about a dream team.
The name is a nod to their ethos, with the pair believing “no matter how good you are in any industry or any situation, staying humble and kind will take us far,” adding “also I believe staying humble will bring you luck to meet good people”. Spoiler alert: We’ve peeped the menu and it feels like the luck is allll ours, Sennie.
The couple had previously eyed off the potential of this small but mighty location, agreeing it was a shame to see such a cute space sit empty. Perched in a quiet little spot, while Humble might have a small footprint, the cosy space leverages a bright and airy interior to create a warm and welcoming feel. The limited seating will no doubt be some pretty hot real estate, but those who nab a table will be rewarded with a sleepy, sun-soaked brunch spot and some seriously delish fare to feast upon.
Clear your schedule, because Humble cafe is definitely punching above their weight with the menu and we’re about to unpack it even more thoroughly than your bestie’s post date correspondence.
There’s a brunch of dishes that sound so tantalising we’re struggling to even form a shortlist – sweet tooths won’t be able to resist one of the Croffle options, but will have to decide between flavours like Cinnamon apple, PB and Choco brownie.
The Avoloumi – romesco sauce, smashed avocado, grilled halloumi, cucumber tomato salsa, dukkah, radish, multigrain toast is a fresh twist on the brunch staple that is sure to gain a hallou-lot of fans.
If it’s an all-out boujee breakfast you’re in the mood for, both the Chilli crab scrambled egg – blue swimmer crab meat, shallot, scrambled eggs, bird eye chilli, crispy shallot, sriracha kewpie mayo, sourdough toast, and the signature Panko soft shell crab benedict made with deep fried panko soft shell crab, smashed avocado, two slow poached eggs, paprika, chilli hollandaise, slaw, brioche toast are up to the task.
The drinks offering is just as exciting, with some enticing signature options such as the Water lilies drink, made with a combination of purple sweet potato & taro crushed ice, vanilla, full cream milk to tickle your inner foodie – while the extensive selection of old faithfuls available are every bit as strong.
Like all the coolest of cafes, puppuccino and babyccinos are all on offer so assemble your besties (big and small) and stumble across Humble cafe for your next brunch date.
When: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 7-2, Saturday-Sunday 8-3
Where: 1/9 Nesbit Street, Southport
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Southport Pavilion is coming in hot with the weekend holy grail: sunsets, sips and shares.
The GC’s insatiable appetite for alfresco eats destinations is almost as relentless as our thirst for waterfront cocktails, and on the very fortuitous occasions those two interests should overlap is a very merry occasion indeed.
Over the last few years, Southport has been channelling it’s own 90’s rom-com style makeover montage, slowly removing it’s proverbial glasses to reveal – gasp – there’s been some cool main-character energy lurking under the surface all along. And boosting those cool points by about a thousand, is the brand new, euro-summer vibing waterfront Southport Pavilion.
Unlocking the true potential of the ex-De Vito Waterfront possie, the new venue boasts an impressive 300 seats and with it, a whole new era of sunset sips for Southport and surrounds.
While at times the names of some of our local rivers hardly conjure glamorous connotations (honourable mention to the ‘brown snake’) – with the new Pavilion sitting pretty over the Nerang River, it capitalises on a pretty gorg waterfront outlook to the Surfer’s skyline that will have us all spamming the’ gram as the sun sinks low.
While the multi-level venue offers the choice of several enticing areas to cosy up with a cold one, the sprawling sundecks and accompanying cabanas will undoubtedly be some pretty hot real estate as those balmy GC afternoons return.
Channelling those European rooftop vibes, there’s turquoise pops against an abundance of whitewashed timbers, picnic tables, and beach umbrellas just begging to be claimed for the ultimate sun-soaked afternoons.
The menu is a veritable ‘best of’ casual pub-inspired fare and laid-back bites, stacked with share-style eats options best enjoyed over happy hour(s), with Wings, Halloumi fries, Charcuterie, through to luxe Seafood platters all equally as suited to graze the day away.
If you’re in the mood for a little more (or if you just don’t consider yourself much of a sharer – it’s okay, your secret is safe with us) grab yourself a SoPo schnitzel – Crumbed chicken schnitzel, fries & dressed house salad or perhaps the stacked The Pavilion burger – Toasted milk bun, chargrilled wagyu beef burger, aussie jack cheese, iceberg lettuce, fresh tomato, crispy onion rings, house pickles & house-made ‘mac sauce’.
Which, while it all gets a big, delicious tick (and yes we did say tick, there), we’ll be moving right along because is anyone really coming to a venue like this for the food alone?
Certainly not us – we’ve been training our whole adult lives for the swan dive we’re about to take into the cocktail menu.
It’s hard to say if it will be the Smoke & Mirrors – Mezcal, aperol, Pineapple, Chartreuse, Tajin or the SSP- Bombay Sapphire, Choice of Strangelove tonic, Garnish of Choice to earn top spot as our official drink of spring (and every other season, for that matter).
With the warmer months – and resulting lazy afternoons – just around the corner, we’ve no doubt we’re about to see a whole lot more of the signature sunsets and obligatory sundowners at Southport Pavilion.
When: 11am-11pm daily
Where: 2 Barney Street, Southport
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Eight Fifty Espresso will be your new goat-to
Ever find yourself in the presence of one of those enigmatic humans, radiating joy and the energy levels of a Labrador? And thought to yourself, what are they on? The answer is (almost always) coffee. An abundance of coffee. Beans on repeat.
And the sentiment rings true for a couple‘a self admitted coffee fanatics that up and opened a brand new coffee spot for the central GC to delight in. If you’re wondering just how many coffee shops does one city really need, we firmly subscribe to the Melbournian philosophy which is, the more the merrier. Literally, bc we can’t espresso just how much merrier we feel after a little cup of liquid sunshine for the soul.
Much like the Weetbix commercials of our youth, when we heard that one half of the dynamic duo behind newcomers Eight Fifty Espresso ‘does’ 6 cups a day, we quickly came to realise that fanatic, may in actual fact not be strong enough of a word.
For new owners Elise & Broden Johnson, they didn’t choose the cafe life, it chose them – after all, self-confessed coffee snob Broden hails from none other than a little town by the name of Melbourne. With a history in and around cafes, the two set to work perfecting their own range of beans a couple of years back while also juggling one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies Yakk, and suddenly the whole 6 cups thing is starting to make a whole lot of sense because we’re exhausted just thinking about all that #stiflesyawn.
As you’d imagine their quest to create the ‘best cup of coffee they’d ever tasted’, involved a very rigorous testing and sampling process (where do we apply). Elise & Broden have also begun planting the seed for a brand new charity, TreeLabs (y’know with all that spare time we’re sure) so keep an eyes peeled for your daily cup to become feel good in more ways than one.
And we’re not gonna lie, for a hot second we did think maybe the cafe was a convenient excuse for unlimited sippin’ on the merchandise #qualitycontrol, but upon further investigation we #canconfirm anyone with an impressive range of no less than seven bean blends, who also stands behind the bold claim that their coffee is the GOAT is clearly v passionate about bringing brew-ti-ful coffee to the masses.
Just a lazy block or two (who could say for sure, pls don’t count on us for directions #perpetuallylostaf) back from our fave Broadwater Parklands, Eight Fifty Espresso has been officially waking up Southport one cup at a time since earlier this month. It’s excellent brews for both central GC inhabitants and also, we’re pretty certain the collective productivity of the Coast’s entire CBD just skyrocketed.
Those Melbournian roots have entered the chat, because the slick new laneway-esque vibes of our newest takeaway coffee hookup is a sight for sore eyes. Glowing like a sapphire green gem among an urban sea of concrete, if the decor isn’t already giving us the green light to sidle on up then the big ol’ illuminated word coffee is a literal sign from above for our weary eyes. Nestled right into the Yakk HQ streetfront #convenient, we’re pretty sure this hole-in-the-wall takeaway pit-stop will now be unofficially fuelling all business meetings and leisurely strolls in 4215.
While you’re there, pick yourself up a bag of their signature bean blends for those days where you just cannot summon the motivation to peel yourself out of your PJ’s. Despite having seven signature coffee blends on offer, there’s not a meeeh batch among them. Each blend has been named after breeds of goats #truestory, so surely this must also make it Emma Wiggle’s fave brew too (okay so we may be speculating here). Both a nod their claim as the GOAT of coffee #weseewhatyoudidthere and to the origins of the world’s most beloved beans being discovered by a goat farmer and his wiley flock #TIL.
Now, if anyone needs us, we’ll be sipping a most excellent brew and googling pictures of goats, because *new obsession unlocked* and really, who couldn’t have a bit more cuteness in their lives. And one things is for sure, if it’s bl-eaty good coffee to-go you’re after, Eight Fifty Espresso has goat you covered.
Where: 12 Short Street, Southport
When: Monday – Friday 6.45am – 2.45pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
Making midday eats great again.
Who can go past a good lunch deal? Not us. It’s the closest we can get to a mini-vaycay during the work week. Meal prep? Not here. Because nothing says treat yo’ self like ghosting the soggy 3-day old leftovers in the fridge in favour of a feast for one – because who doesn’t want a reason to escape their desk jail for just an hour – or two.
Whether it’s a Friday long lunch with cocktails or a weekday steal, the Gold Coast has mastered the art of the set lunch. From bottomless brunches to two-course indulgences, these midday menus prove that the best lunches aren’t packed in Tupperware.
We’ve done the hard, and hungry, work to find the most irresistible lunch deals to get you through every single day. We got you!
Starting strong, we have Norté with their bold new $55 lunch set menu, created by Chef Rudy Malinverni, which blends Latin American flair with fresh, local produce. The three-course spread features Scallop and Kiwi Ceviche, tacos filled with crispy pork or braised cabbage, and a choice of roasted barramundi or crispy braised beef, served with rice and a Currumbin herb salad. Available Friday to Sunday from 12pm, it’s a sun-soaked long lunch best paired with a cocktail or bottomless package, and maybe a sunset drink upstairs at Sueño.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Here to make weekdays decadent with their new two-course lunch menu for $75 per person. Choose entrée and main or main and dessert, with indulgent dishes like sashimi with soy dressing and yuzu gel, Moreton Bay Bug rolls, wagyu steak tasting boards, NZ King Ora salmon with truffle and crème fraîche, or calamari fritti with sobrasada garlic mayo. Finish with a kalamansi crème brûlée or a decadent cheese selection. This is Broadbeach sophistication at its finest.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
There’s only one way to end the week right, and that’s with Glenelg Public House’s ‘Thank F**k It’s Friday’ spread! Think hearty pub favourites like grilled local prawns and rib fillet wagyu – there’s even roasted bone marrow with onion jam and mustard on toast. All for $70 per person. It’s the perfect excuse to sneak out for a cheeky early weekend meal.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Still serving one of the best value lunches on the Coast is Kin in Burleigh. For $25 per person, you’ll get your pick of Pan-Asian favourites – teriyaki chicken, bao, squid karaage, salmon sashimi, or chargrilled salmon with house furikake. Pair it with a cheeky drink and you’re laughing, plus their epic happy hour runs from 12–5.30pm. Ooh, cheeky!
Where: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Our fave weekend ritual, The Island’s Rooftop Graze Lunch. Gather the crew for a lavish three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package for $79 per person, available Saturdays and Sundays. It kicks off with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a spread of charcuterie, karaage chicken, lamb kofta, arancini, wood-fired pizzas, and more. Wash it down with cocktail carafes like watermelon margarita spritz and passionfruit and vanilla mojito while the DJ sets play!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Spice things up with a $69 per person weekend bottomless brunch at Mr Hizola’s. The deal includes your choice of lunch bowl (fried chicken, crispy beef or wok vegetables with sesame dressing) plus two hours of Shaojiu Spritz (peach, elderflower, lychee, strawberry and watermelon) and tap beer. With sittings at 12–2 pm and 2–4 pm, it’s the perfect way to ease into (or extend) your weekend.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
These guys know how to do a Saturday feast. For $29 per person, it’s all-you-can-eat tacos, tostadas, nachos, corn, and more. It’s the kind of lunch deal that calls for stretchy pants and maybe a margarita (or three) on the side.
Where: 140 Duringan St, Currumbin
The weekend bottomless brunch served two ways. First, we have The Wine Lover Pack ($79pp) which gives you two hours of free-flowing wine and Peroni alongside a three-course Italian menu. The Cocktail Lover Pack ($99pp) ups the ante with endless margaritas, Aperol spritz and mimosas. Expect classic entrées like calamari fritti or burrata, handmade pastas or pizzas for main, and cannoli or gelati to finish.
Where: 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Coast at Surfers is serving a three-course shared banquet with the option to make it bottomless (and, of course). For $99 per person, you’ll enjoy a banquet of sourdough with smoked butter, tempura eggplant, Angus flank or BBQ chicken, sides, and dessert, all paired with a two-hour drinks package. Long, leisurely and very tasty.
Where: Ocean by Meriton, Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Get around Hideaway’s ‘Street Feast’ for the entire table to enjoy! For just $69 per person, choose a selection of smaller and bigger plates, edamame or lotus root for starters, plus noodles or rice and salads or greens. Bring the gang, the menu is designed for the whole table to dive in.
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Welcome to the weekend bottomless lunch. For $85 per person, indulge in a chef’s selection of tacos and entrées paired with bottomless Prosecco, Palomas, Tequila Spritz, sangria, wine and beers for 1.5 hours. For an extra $25, upgrade to bottomless Classic and Chilli Coconut Margaritas, because it’s a crime to have tacos without margaritas.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Get ready for a flavour-packed weekday lunch deal at Maggie Choo’s. From Wednesday to Friday, 12–3 pm, their three-course express menu is just $29 per person. Start with roti and spiced peanut curry, move on to your choice of dumplings (spanner crab & prawn or chicken & truffle), and finish with either Pad Thai noodles or Vietnamese prawn lettuce wraps. Bold, fast and packed with flavour.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
So next time you’re tempted to settle for desk snacks, remember the Gold Coast has a lunch deal with your name on it. There’s no wrong choice, except not going.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
