Five of the best: Places to eat and drink in Palm Beach
IT has been voted Queensland’s cleanest beach an impressive three times but Palm Beach is punching well above its weight in the foodie stakes too.
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IT has been voted Queensland’s cleanest beach an impressive three times but Palm Beach is punching well above its weight in the foodie stakes too.
Mr Buttergoods
1097 Gold Coast Highway
In just six weeks, this bakehouse under Lester and Earl has locals all abuzz. And why wouldn’t you be when the filling for the pies and sausage rolls comes straight from the smokehouse kitchen upstairs?
The pulled pork and beef brisket pies have been steaming out the door in the cooler weather and if you can’t choose between the two, try the sausage rolls that combine both meats with a generous dash of barbecue sauce.
But general manager Jackson Snook says it’s the artisan bread that’s got locals beating a path.
“The response to the bread has been phenomenal,” he says. “Palm Beach has been crying out for an artisan bakery for quite a while.”
Mr Buttergoods bakes its specialty organic sourdough fresh every day — white, light rye or the super-nutritious purple wheat, an ancient grain that has so many antioxidants, you feel younger just buying it.
“Then there’s the doughnuts, croissants, cruffins, eclairs, tarts and fresh sandwiches,” Jackson says. “Oh, and did I mention the ice cream?”
Yes, it gets better. An ice cream parlour has just opened in an idle corner, featuring the handmade, high quality Lick Ice Cream from Brisbane with fun flavours such as nutella and redskin to the more sophisticated salted almond and browned butter.
“We’re just experimenting with the flavours now to bring out our designer sundae range,” Jackson says.
Oh, stop it!
With a beach view thrown in, Mr Buttergoods promises to be an absolute hit with the summer holiday hordes, that’s if they can make their way past the locals.
San Sebastian
1/1089 Gold Coast Highway
If you’ve never heard of pintxos, it’s worth an educational trip to this laid-back wine bar just to find out. “Pintxo” is the Basque take on the Spanish “pincho” which means to pierce — in this case it’s with a bar skewer that holds tasty one or two bite, Basque-inspired bar snacks. They’re not to be confused with tapas but often are.
Chef Nikki Graieg and her front of house partner Alanah Mounsey launched in March last year, wanting to create a laid-back food and wine experience just as they’d enjoyed in northern Spain’s Basque Country.
“When I go out I want to try everything on the menu,” Nikki says. “Here we tell people to relax, have a drink, maybe two pintxos, another drink, maybe some tapas. There are no rules. You can work your way through the menu and try all the different flavours.”
The house favourite pintxo is the grilled haloumi, pear and honey reduction and for a more sizeable tapas offering, Nikki says it’s hard to go past the seafood ajillo, mixed seafood in chilli and garlic oil.
“The idea is to relax and take your time,” Nikki says. “We didn’t want to be doing double sittings, moving people on. It’s a laid-back place by the sea, just as you’d find in San Sebastian.
“The whole idea is for people to just feel at home and enjoy everything.”
8th Avenue Terrace
31/1176 Gold Coast Highway
There is always something new to savour at 8th Avenue Terrace — it’s part of the ethos.
Co-owner Shannon Baier-Dry loves nothing better than mixing it up but if you venture there now, you’ll encounter the 8th Avenue Terrace “Best of” menu, the all-time favourites that made their mark since the restaurant-bar opened its doors less than two years ago.
“We’ve got the kingfish sashimi with avocado puree and shiso and squid ink rice cracker,” Shannon says. “Then there’s the slow-braised shoulder of lamb for two — very popular and perfect for winter.”
You can layer up for tapas on the terrace if you’re after a warming drink and some sublime tapas offerings. The winter view is as crisp and inviting as the eclectic drinks menu.
In its first year of opening, 8th Avenue Terrace earned a gong in the prestigous Queensland delicious. 100 awards, putting it squarely on the foodie map.
“It may be winter but it’s worth venturing out,” Shannon says, urging Gold Coasters to leave their hibernation cocoons and pay a visit. “You can even keep your ugg boots on if you want. This is Palm Beach!”
The Collective
1128 Gold Coast Highway
No list of Palm Beach eating options would be complete without a mention of The Collective, a bustling hub of five restaurants and a bar, with a great rooftop space to boot.
In honour of winter (if you need an occasion), The Collective has launched all-you-can-eat feasting menus available from Sunday to Thursday nights for $40 a head.
Co-owner Jeremy Davidson says the idea is that each restaurant will take a turn to offer an array of delights that will keep coming until you surrender.
“On Sunday nights, it’s noodle, bao and wok selections with rice and greens from Umami,” Jeremy says. “On Monday, it’s endless pizza and pasta at The Italian Job.”
You probably get the idea but, if you’re still hungry, Tuesday night is Mexican delights from Calavera, Wednesday features all-you-can-eat chicken wings, pork belly nuggets and fries from Luckies Diner while The Kitchen has Thursday nights covered with a four-course selection of modern Australian dishes.
“The price also includes a glass of wine or beer on arrival,” Jeremy says.
The value is hard to beat. Be sure to wear an elastic waist with a few baggy layers on top. That’s what winter is for after all.
Balboa Italian
1069 Gold Coast Highway
If you haven’t been to Balboa lately, this quality Italian establishment has been road testing its new beachside balcony space. It caters for around 30-35 people and comes with its own bar and ocean views. General manager Brendan Cagney says the good news is it’s fully heated for the cooler months and will open to the sea breezes come summer. For those looking for some midwinter comfort food, Balboa has it covered. “The osso bucco with mushroom risotto has been very popular,” he says. “And our beef cheek gnocchi is always a favourite.”
Some warming cocktails have been added to the drinks menu while the woodfire pizza oven lends its own cosy glow. Balboa subscribes to that most Italian of philosophies — to start with the finest quality ingredients and treat them with respect. Everything is made from scratch in the Balboa kitchen and, fear not gluten-free and vegan hunters, the chefs are only too happy to meet any dietary requirements.
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