West End’s Superthing bakery and cafe serves pimped up croissants
The famous French pastry takes on a whole new life at this Brisbane cafe and croissanterie, specialising in unique flavour combos with everything from fried chicken and hollandaise to Nutella and bananas.
U on Sunday
Don't miss out on the headlines from U on Sunday. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When it comes to croissants, I’m a purist.
While the latest fad may be to fill them with everything from fried chicken and hollandaise to Nutella and bananas, a great croissant should stand on its own – flaking with golden layers of
expertly laminated pastry held together with the best butter available.
Brisbane’s hottest restaurants booking out weeks in advance
Brisbane’s Regatta Hotel launches whisky-infused steaks
But at new West End cafe and bakery Superthing, which specialises in the French favourite, I broke my own rule.
Diners order at the counter next to a line-up of the day’s freshly baked treats – including everything from cherry danishes to monkey bread – tempting customers like the chocolate bars at the supermarket checkout.
And like a pair of sequin hot pants on a dance floor, the strawberries and cream croissant glistens among the parade, just begging to be ordered.
Filled with crème pâtissière and slices of fresh strawberries, then capped with more of those strawberries atop a swirl of cream-cheese frosting, it’s terrific! The sweetness of the icing balanced by the slightly tart fruit. Its generous size, however, means it is best shared.
The cheesecake cruffin doesn’t hit quite the same highs, with the chocolatey filling a little dense, but perhaps the early grey and honey-custard version would be better.
An all-day dining menu is also in play, running from avo on toast to a cheeseburger, with plenty of dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options available at reasonable prices.
Is Za Za Ta the hottest new vegetarian restaurant in Brisbane?
Alongside croissants, bagels are also a specialty here and they are very well made with that signature chewy crust and light, fluffy centre. The New York version ($14) comes packed with smoked salmon, tomato, capers, red onion and enough cream cheese to make a dessert out of later.
A little lighter on the Philly and this, too, could be a winner.
The prawn po-boy ($18) shows off the cafe’s fabulous soft milk buns, but the Cajun seasoning on the prawns needs more kick, while the celeriac remoulade would benefit from more acid and bite.
Coffee is from Padre and is bitter to contrast the bakery’s sweets, while there’s also artisan soft drinks, and iced teas and juice from The Juicery available.
The fit-out is warehouse-style with industrial, exposed elements contrasted against pale-pink furniture, making it more girlie than a Hello Kitty souvenir shop.
If that’s not your thing, there’s seating on the footpath outside, or better yet, grab one of the strawberry croissants and a plain bagel to go and enjoy it along the riverfront nearby.
SUPERTHING
215 Montague Rd, West End
3844 2013
Open daily 7am-2pm
VERDICT
Food 6
Service 6
Ambience 6.5
Value 8
IF YOU LIKE
THIS, TRY …
King Street Bakery
20 King St, Bowen Hills
3180 3980
