There’s one word that sends 99.9% of us to our happy place, and for once, we’re not talking about wine or cocktails. We’re talking about that other guilty pleasure that unites us all…chocolate!

In awkward news for those of us out here living our lives as if every day is International Chocolate Day, July 7 is the official–and technically only–designated day of celebration for this divine cacao creation. While we fully intend to continue worshipping its very existence every day ending in ‘y’, this honorary occasion gives us the perfect excuse to visit some of our city’s finest chocolate-slinging purveyors. For your complete consumption pleasure, here are 10 of the sweetest and most drool-worthy chocolate treats to be found on the GC.

Custard Canteen
A few sandy footsteps from Tally Creek, Custard Canteen whips up pastry goodies like a boss. Every single they’re churning out of their ovens is legendary, though the gooey-centred cookies have a particular soft-spot in locals’ hearts. Stuffed with chunks of chocolatey Lindt goodness and an oozy ganache filling, the Salted Caramel White Choc Cookie will blow your mind. Plus, you can even pick up a Bake-at-home box to save a taste of that famed cream-cheese cookie dough for a rainy day (in theory – LBH, its days are numbered).
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
It’s widely-known among locals that a Tarte run can singlehandedly make your entire day. When you’re in the mood for fresh-baked chocolate-y morsels, you’ll likely be in luck at either location (provided you get there early enough, of course). But if you’re in need of a next-level chocolate fix (think break up, another lap around the sun, Saturn is in retrograde) head directly Tarte Beach House and order yourself one of the famous Brown butter & choc chip cookie skillets. Baked-to-order and served still-oozing, all will be right in the world again after devouring this final boss of chocolate hits.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Little Cocoa
If you’ve got a choc-a-holic in your life you really want to spoil (FYI – treat ‘yo self also falls under this category!) – Little Cocoa does luxe, hand-crafted chocolate with pizazz. Handmade using high-quality couverture, the artisanal bundles and boxes feature an assortment of luscious filling laden chocolates; fine pralines; and fruit, nut or puff stuffed dragées. The perfect gift for any chocolate-lover, these almost-too-pretty-to-eat morsels are guaranteed to be adored (and promptly devoured).
Where: Order online, or keep your eyes peeled for pop-up events at 7/10 Bailey Cres, Southport

George’s Deli
Now bread with us, because a deli is typically not front of mind when it comes to sating chocolate cravings. Don’t be fooled, along with delivering some killer sandos, the new kid on Kingscliff’s block is serving a stellar selection of house-made sweet treats. Those quick enough can take their pick of hand-made donuts from the rotating daily selection; but this time of year, the seasonal S’mores Hot Choco has us in its clutches. A huggable cup of creamy, chocolatey liquid gold, finished with a rim of freshly torched merengue – it’s what dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Paddock Bakery
I mean, who doesn’t heart this place! Universally beloved for myriad reasons, not the least of which is their banging baked goods selection; Paddock is a GC institution. If it’s a sippable sweet fix you’ve got on the mind, make your way through the leafy cottage grounds to the milk bar, where you can pick from an epic lineup of next-level shakes (and even have one created from your favourite cookie flavour!). For certified chocolate nuts, the Lamington milkshake is a must-try. Made with house-made coconut and chocolate milk, topped with Nutella and choc shards, it never misses #MilkshakeGoals.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Doughed
Doughed, Hope Island’s newcomer bakehouse café, does specialty drinks, focaccia sangas, stuffed doughnuts and some of the chunkiest NYC-style cookies out – holy moly, heaven is a place on earth indeed! If you’re craving sugary, sweet and cocoa-based baked goods, get in early to get your hands on the day’s mouth-watering selection. With flavours like Biscoff and Salted Caramel Pretzel gracing the NYC cookie rotation, you can’t go wrong. But if its chocolate you only have eyes for, it’s gotta be Hot Cocoa… or maybe Ferrero, wait, no, Red Velvet. Definitely… ah heck, better make it a box.
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island

Elk Espresso
The OG sweet-salty combo, chocolate and peanut butter is a pairing as iconic as they come – and Elk’s Chocolate and peanut butter thick shake isn’t far behind. Both the place, and the shake, have a special place in the hearts of many a Gold Coaster, and if they ever tried to take this creamy, chocolatey mainstay off the menu we’re fairly sure there’d be riots. Even if you’re not a fan of PB in particular, there’s a variety of dreamy shakes to choose from and they’re all to die for.
Where: Shop G044 Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Janus Bakehouse
Keeping us plied with specialty sandos, coffee and donuts, the multi-talented Janus crew is also more than capable of getting those chocolate hankerings sorted. There’s always something chocolate coated and/or stuffed to be discovered in the cabinet, with fresh delights being added all the time. Such as the Chocolate Mousse Donut, a heaven-sent cocoa-dusted creation stuffed with whipped-to-perfection-mousse that we haven’t stopped craving since we first laid eyes on it.
Where: Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar, 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Basque
If you’re a bit of a choccy fiend, Basque’s chocolate cheesecake will be a total revelation. First amassing fans on the market circuit with their signature blackened dessert; when it comes to cheesecake, these guys are unmatched. Husband and wife duo, Zac, and pastry chef Laura are total sticklers; right down to making their own crème fraîche on site. The result is rich, creamy and delightfully tangy, we would (and often do) go well out of our way to get a taste. Catch them and a tantalising curation of bubbly at their chic Chirn Park HQ, or on weekends at HOTA markets. Just be prepared for their cheesy creations to consume your dreams for the foreseeable future.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

My Favourite Baker
There is something so satisfying about breaking open gooey-centred goodies to watch ooze unfold before your eyes, and My Favourite Baker delivers on this promise. Saving many a local from all kinds of celebratory binds, same day turnaround is just the beginning of the epic-ness these local cake wizards are capable of whipping up. They’re also known for an especially delectable range of chocolatey, oozy-centred cupcake flavours. Such as the Ore’Ooze – chocolate cupcakes, topped with vanilla buttercream and bursting with Nutella. Yum… we’ll take 12!
Where: https://myfavouritebaker.com.au/

Words by Kellie Leader

Does your mum do that thing where when you ask her what she wants for Mother’s Day (slash birthday, Christmas etc.) she says “nothing darling, I’m just happy to spend the day with you”? Cool ma, but no. Just allow us to shower you in gifts that will never be equal to the fact that you birthed us out of your body.

This Mother’s Day (on Sunday May 10th) is particularly special because many of us won’t be able to spend the day with our Mama’s like we usually would. Which means we need to get an even better present.

So, friends. Here’s a list of local businesses we encourage you to peruse for the perfect gift and maybe buy one of everything because she’s worth it.

Moss Living
Fun fact: over the last few weeks we’ve invested in many a linen loungewear item and it has been the greatest iso choice of all. The best part is, they’re good all the time and you should invest in some for Mum. Local brand Moss Living has everything from luxurious linen robes to stunning dresses, playsuits and of course bedding if you want to splash out. It’s all absolutely beautiful so good luck choosing just one thing. Take a look here.

Little Fisher Co.
HANDBAGS. How good are handbags, so versatile, so pretty, so practical. You know who else is keen on handbags? Mums. You know who makes the loveliest of handbags? Little Fisher Co. Specifically of the Moroccan variety. They are the woven kind with leather straps and they come in both backpacks (convenient) and a larger tote style. Perfect for carrying all the things Mother’s do plus as a little carry on bag for when we can fly again. Love these. Here they are.

Huckleberry Flowers
Flowers are a thing all Mamas love and they’re an absolutely beautiful gift for yours this Mother’s Day. Huckleberry Flowers are a beloved Gold Coast business who create absolutely magical floral bouquets using both fresh and dried flowers. Choose from SO many types including natives, bold and garden or have the girls put together a dried bunch so she can keep them forever. Find Huckleberry online here (they’re also doing delivery) or grab some from Miami store Heartfill.

It’s Coco & Peach
Since there’s still plenty of sunshine on the Coast (and we’re allowed to have picnics again), why not gift Mum the perfect outdoor umbrella. Coco & Peach have a stunning range including yes, Peaches and Cream that we absolutely adore. There are some with sweet little tassels and some without but all of them are so delightful and definitely the kind of thing you can “borrow” for the day when Mum’s not using it. Find your favourite here.

Grit Ceramics
If locally made ceramics haven’t changed your life yet, allow us to drain your wallet quick smart. One such brand of absolute ceramic gold is Grit Ceramics who create the prettiest of plates, keep cups, bowls etc. in all your favourite Autumn hues (think navy, grey and turquoise). The brand draws its name from the properties of the word grit which means particles of stone or sand, courage and passion for long-term goals. That floats our boat and probably your Mum’s too. Fill up your cart here.

Comfort and Calm
Oh the classic candle. What woman in the world doesn’t already have 57 in her house and a need for many, many more? Comfort and Calm boast a beautiful range of handcrafted candles in scents like Island Living (yes please) and Zest for Life (double yes please). Best. Gift. Ever. They also make the ceramics too, so add a few for Mum why don’t you. Sniff them out here.

Cedar and Stone Botanicals
This is one Gold Coast brand who have become a household name and for good reason. Their earth conscious, organic skincare are divine and the perfect gift for the one you love most. With everything from moisturiser to body oil, essential oils, exfoliant and even handwash, they’ve got Mum covered this Mother’s Day. There are lots of delicious flavours to choose from and we’re pretty sure every single one is worth owning. Wait, buying for Mum. Both. Get every single thing here.

The Beige Studio
Locally created art is our favourite kind of art and we particularly love that of The Beige Studio. Purchase a colour-filled print to adorn Mum’s wall and we guarantee you’ll get plenty of brownie points for these ones guys. Choose to have a commissioned piece done or a print from the online store and either way, you’ll be bringing a smile to the face of everyone involved. Choose your favourite here.

Little Cocoa
Chocolate. Obviously. But not just any old chocolate, the very best kind. Little Cocoa are the creators of artisan chocolate pralines and let us tell you, they are the goods. Now for Mum you can get a special Mother’s Day box featuring a touch (hand painted) of leopard print plus a little rose gold bling to keep things fancy. There are three tasty types in the box including Espresso Martini, Macadamia Ganache and Passionfruit and White Chocolate and you should probably grab a box for yourself while you’re at it. Get them here.

Happy shopping favourite children, you are welcome.

Words by Kirra Smith

I think we can all agree Japanese food is a gift from the Gods. Particularly when it’s consumed in a floating, recycled railway sleeper booth and with the sweet smell of charcoal wafting through the air.

There probably aren’t enough words to describe the sensory experience that is Burleigh’s new back alley Japanese Yakitori Bar, but in the name of delivering the news, we’ll give it a crack.

Iku Yakitori Bar is the latest baby of local restaurant dream team Mitch and Nerissa McCluskey (of Etsu Izakaya and Commune fame) who will soon be welcoming an actual baby into the world (because sleep is overrated yo).

The vibe is dark and moody with the aforementioned booths floating a foot off the floor opposite the Binchotan (grill) and decked out with leather cushions and cosy, up-close-and-personal feels. At the alley end of the venue, a low-lit bar and velvet corner lounge await and you may dine in any area that tickles your fancy. With an authentic, somewhat massaging cobblestone floor, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just stepped off the streets of Tokyo. Alas, work tomorrow.

In case you’ve never heard of a yakitori bar, the gist is this – yakitori quite literally translates to grilled chicken and no part of the chook will escape the Binchotan uncooked. That’s right foodies, your boundaries are about to be tested and you should not be sad about it. Thighs, liver, skin, cartilage and hearts will all be skewered for your tasting pleasure.

Tenderloin, seafood and veggies will also be stuck on sticks and there are other delightful things such as edamame dip and raw fish to consume too.

Bar manager extraordinaire Adam Bastow was brought down from Etsu to work his magic in the Japanese whiskey-focused space. He and the team will also be creating a new, fresh produce focused cocktail menu each week to keep you on your toes. Ambitious lot aren’t they.

Charcoal for the Binchotan is imported from Japan and everything from the plates to the leather menus and napkins have been handmade by the team (read: Nerissa). It’s tiring just reading that.

So many words, so many reasons to go. Thanks for reading.

LOCATION: 1730 Gold Coast Hwy (front entrance) or head in through the back on Justin Lane (next to Lockwood Bar).
HOURS: 5pm until late daily.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.