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.
Currumbin’s new Tarte’d up Beach House.
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
There’s a lob to love about the beloved bug roll.
Hands up if you grew up with the Moreton Bay bug making its once-a-year cameo on the Chrissy Day spread (one we were actually excited about, unlike the trifle…). Fast forward to now, and bug rolls are no longer an annual event, popping up on menus all over the Coast. And we are here for it.
Being able to wrap our mitts around these pint-sized parcels of seafood-stuffed deliciousness any day of the week is something we’ll never take for granted. Our willpower, however, is consistently #MIA in their presence.
If you needed proof this roll of the moment isn’t going anywhere, we’ve rounded up a list of GC spots serving up boujee bug (and lobster and prawn) rolls with zero effort required. Not a seafood fan? You may want to sit this one out and check our alternate list instead: 10 ways to be sad #justsquidding #moreforus.
Here are 9 places to get your bug (and lobster) roll fix on the GC.
The OG home of 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 with sriracha and Bug mayonnaise – yes, their boujee secret weapon whereby chopped bug is incorporated into the mayo for extra sweetness and deliciousness – all sandwiched in a brioche bun…undoubtedly the one to beat.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
We’re yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been absolutely smitten with this hot spot (hence – hot spot). 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 no surprise to anyone that the most boujee sando of the moment can also be found here: Australian Bay Lobster meets Mooloolaba King Prawns, topped with soft herb mayo and native lime. Take it up a notch by adding 5g of Kaviari Caviar – strongly advised.
Where: 135S/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
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 its menu. The swanky, euro-chic vibes are immaculate, as is the Crispy Tempura Moreton Bay Bug in a milk bun with Bug mayo and 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 Pool Pontoon, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Sitting right on the NSW/QLD border lookout at Point Danger, this breezy beachside fave has become a go-to for post-swim feeds and coffee with a view that seriously shows off. It’s all about easy, coastal eats you can grab and wander with, while pretending you’re on a permanent seaside holiday.
The Bug Bagel is the star catch: Moreton Bay bugs layered into a toasted bagel with crisp baby cos and a punchy hit of sriracha mayo. It’s fresh, a little spicy, and basically tastes like summer in sandwich form.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta
Blowfish has never been one to shy away from a seafood-focused delicacy, and their Moreton Bay Bug Roll is no exception. This luxe little number features sweet bug meat layered with iceberg lettuce, savoury remoulade and pops of flying fish roe, all tucked into a soft bun.
The Signature Spring Rolls deserve an honourable mention too – a playful, Blowfish-style remix on the classic bug roll that proves they’re not afraid to bend the rules in the name of #delish. Add prime people-watching and Broadbeach buzz, and you’ve got yourself a very convincing reason to stay for dessert.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
If by now you’re wondering whether 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 and Italian-inspired eats into the mix for your culinary consideration.
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 Shopping Centre, 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
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 house-made brioche. If you need us, we’ll be scoffing these buttery bug boi’s creek side allll summer long.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Perched right on the Cooly waterfront, this polished coastal favourite is the kind of place you come for a “quick lunch” that somehow morphs into sunset drinks (zero regrets).
While technically a prawn roll rather than a bug, we’re letting it slide because it’s that good. Think crispy prawns, pillowy bread and a luscious tarragon aioli doing the heavy lifting, all best enjoyed with sparkly water views and a glass of something cold in hand. Honestly, the vibes alone deserve a seat at this table.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Nestled in Mermaid Waters’ Q Super Centre, The Blue Lobster isn’t your average fish-and-chips pitstop, it’s a full-on seafood celebration. Their lobster roll stars cooked Western Rock Lobster tossed in herbed Kewpie mayo, topped with green oak lettuce and a sprinkle of Tobiko caviar, all nestled in a lightly toasted brioche roll.
Not in a lobster mood? Their prawn slider hits just as hard: a crispy Patagonian prawn cutlet on brioche with Kewpie mayo, green oak lettuce, and a hint of paprika. Fresh, decadent, and just the right kind of fancy for a casual lunch.
Where: Q Super Centre, Shop 7C/14 Allandale Entrance, Mermaid Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Save your pennies for the weekend Gold Coasters.
Because Thursdays deserve more than toast for dinner, we’ve rounded up the best cheap eats across the Gold Coast to carry you through to the weekend. Whether you’re chasing tacos, parmis, burgers or a solid steak (with a cheeky beer on the side), this list has your name all over it. From north to south, here we go.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
