Simon Gloftis, Claire Beard and Luke McCartin release plant based butter Bu Deli

The Gold Coast’s most celebrated restaurateur has returned to the city for his newest venture, but it’s not what you might expect. Check it out

The Gold Coast’s most celebrated restaurateur has returned to the city for his newest venture, but it’s not what you might expect.

Simon Gloftis has surprised foodie fans hoping for a Hellenika homecoming by launching a Burleigh-made vegan butter.

While Mr Gloftis is known for carnivorous classics like baked lamb with lemony potatoes, he revealed he’d been using the plant-based substitute at his Brisbane venues — Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster, Sunshine and Sushi Room — for some time.

He said Bu Deli — a collaboration with Byron Bay couple Claire Beard and Luke McCartin — had taken four years to bring to market.

The owner of the popular Hellenika has announced he has entered the plant based world with a product he says is “in a league of its own”. Left to right ,Luke McCartin and his business partners Claire Beard and Simon Gloftis at the factory. Picture Glenn Hampson

Creators Ms Beard and Mr McCartin took almost a decade to master the recipe.

“I tasted it and was like, ‘Yeah nah this is really good’,” he said.

“I had to be involved

“It’s in a league of its own … there’s nothing close to it.”

Ms Beard previously worked for Mr Gloftis at his original Gold Coast cafe Piccolo.

He said the butter, made from coconut oil, coconut cream, soy milk, macadamias and cashews, was perfect for cooking.

“My mum makes cakes with it and it gives it an extra layer,” he said.

The restaurateur said he had been using it in his venues without telling anyone and customers “loved it”.

“It makes crazy good pan-fried fish or croissants but my favourite is still with Vegemite on toast.”

Left to right ,Luke McCartin and his business partners Claire Beard and Simon Gloftis at the factory. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Gloftis said he hoped the $7.99 dairy alternative would go global, with customers choosing it as an “everyday butter”.

“I’m not vegan but it is probably a good thing to not eat animal products all day every day if you don’t have to,” he said.

Mr Gloftis said customers could order Bu Deli online or grab it from The Standard Market Co on James Street, Ferry Road or Gasworks.

“You’ll slowly see it pop up everywhere and it’s on the menu at all of my restaurants.”

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