Thanks to the GC’s status as a burgeoning foodie haven, it’s not often that we get the chance to bring you word of a totally new cuisine sauntering onto our local eats scene.

While it may be new to us, Nikkei cuisine has been having a moment of late – enjoying a rise in popularity internationally among heavy hitting culinary destinations such as Dubai, London and Miami #sohotrightnow.

There’s nothing like the prospect of discovering a brand new fave that has us forwarding that hot little link to the group chat quicker than you can say ‘whose keen?’.

With Nobby’s recently welcoming Tayta Nikkei and Pisco Bar, and with it, a whole new cuisine for us to delight in – that’s one convo we’re defs not about to be ghosting #we’resothere.

For the uninitiated, the intriguing combination of Japanese and Peruvian elements might seem a somewhat #unexpected new player in the world of fusion-style eats, though that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The culinary history behind this delicious hybrid has been formed over generations, with Nikkei the resulting cuisine of Japanese immigration to Peru some centuries ago.

Which quite frankly makes us feel like we’ve been missing out for far too long.

For owner Adriano Antonini, he could not sit idly by knowing full well the mouth-watering goodness we here on the GC were missing out on.

An impressive tenure in hospitality venues across the globe was what led Italian born Adriano to discover his love of the cuisine, after a stint working in a Nikkei hotspot in Coya, London.

Ultimately, the challenge of bringing something unique to the GC proved too irresistible, finally opening the doors to Tayta after a year long hunt for the perfect spot, adds Adriano ‘the location is great and we felt there was more need for casual fine dining options in Nobby’s’.

Heading the fit-out himself, Adriano has gone for a dark and moody vibe for the space.

Thoughtfully selected traditional Peruvian colours and patterns have informed the direction for the interiors, resulting in an elegant South American jungle aesthetic.

The 60-seat venue offers the kind of intimate ambience that invites you to settle in for a few rounds of Pisco Sours, and we oblige.

As for the food, we’re happy to report seafood lovers especially should be very keen to sea what Tayta has in store.

As a dish that originated in Peru, the menu prominently features an array of Ceviche style dishes where seafood takes centre stage.

While the likes of Tuna Chifa made with Chili Garlic, Sesame, Ponzu, Kombu, Wakame are where the obvious Japanese influences enter the chat.

We can never go past the Okonomiyaki (no matter how much we embarrass ourselves trying to pronounce it) – a Japanese Pancake with Slow cooked Pork, Charred Corn, Spicy Mayo, Tayta spiced mix.

While sushi lovers, and even the sushi ambivalent (an oxymoron, surely) will be tempted with some zesty takes on their usual go-to’s, with a boujee Tuna Roll made with Cucumber, Spicy Mayo, Truffle Ponzu, Roasted Sesame that will undoubtedly see us unable to return to it’s food court counterpart.

Also coming in September is Tayta’s Saturday brunch with bottomless Peruvian Chicha Morada cocktails.

Till then, we’ll make do with a few Hibiscus Pisco Sours – a delicious twist on the Peru’s national drink – the Classico Pisco Sour (and probably a couple of those, for good measure).

See you there, amigos!

Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

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: Downstairs officially opens Thursday 10th August, upstairs opens this weekend from 6.30am-3pm daily.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Carly King.

Number 328 on the never-ending list of perks that comes with living on the GC is that there’s a list equally as long of cafes for us to frequent any damn well time we please. Okay so technically within daylight hours at least, but by then usually we’re on the hunt for our caffeine to come a little more chilled and shaken over ice with vodka #espressomartiniappreciationclub.

Our insatiable appetite for that v. specific brand of casual-meets-gourmet cafe fare shows no sign of slowing down – y’know, the one that scratches the foodie itch but also you can spontaneously swing by rockin’ your gym gear with your four legged friend in tow?

While we might have previously overlooked Southport’s potential, these days we are officially eating humble pie. Because tucked away in this up-and-coming foodie destination is another noteworthy newcomer, Humble cafe. A hidden gem that everyone in and around the Northern GC needs to get acquainted with stat.

For new owners and newlyweds Sennie Tee and Stanley Lam, combining their respective passions and extensive hospo backgrounds to launch a venture of their very own was a no brainer. Sennie with her previous experience as both head barista and cafe manager, and Stanley most recently as Head Chef in Oi Izakaya as Sous Chef at Elk Espresso. Talk about a dream team.

The name is a nod to their ethos, with the pair believing “no matter how good you are in any industry or any situation, staying humble and kind will take us far,” adding “also I believe staying humble will bring you luck to meet good people”. Spoiler alert: We’ve peeped the menu and it feels like the luck is allll ours, Sennie.

The couple had previously eyed off the potential of this small but mighty location, agreeing it was a shame to see such a cute space sit empty. Perched in a quiet little spot, while Humble might have a small footprint, the cosy space leverages a bright and airy interior to create a warm and welcoming feel. The limited seating will no doubt be some pretty hot real estate, but those who nab a table will be rewarded with a sleepy, sun-soaked brunch spot and some seriously delish fare to feast upon.

Clear your schedule, because Humble cafe is definitely punching above their weight with the menu and we’re about to unpack it even more thoroughly than your bestie’s post date correspondence.

There’s a brunch of dishes that sound so tantalising we’re struggling to even form a shortlist – sweet tooths won’t be able to resist one of the Croffle options, but will have to decide between flavours like Cinnamon apple, PB and Choco brownie.

The Avoloumi – romesco sauce, smashed avocado, grilled halloumi, cucumber tomato salsa, dukkah, radish, multigrain toast is a fresh twist on the brunch staple that is sure to gain a hallou-lot of fans.

If it’s an all-out boujee breakfast you’re in the mood for, both the Chilli crab scrambled egg – blue swimmer crab meat, shallot, scrambled eggs, bird eye chilli, crispy shallot, sriracha kewpie mayo, sourdough toast, and the signature Panko soft shell crab benedict made with deep fried panko soft shell crab, smashed avocado, two slow poached eggs, paprika, chilli hollandaise, slaw, brioche toast are up to the task.

The drinks offering is just as exciting, with some enticing signature options such as the Water lilies drink, made with a combination of purple sweet potato & taro crushed ice, vanilla, full cream milk to tickle your inner foodie – while the extensive  selection of old faithfuls available are every bit as strong.

Like all the coolest of cafes, puppuccino and babyccinos are all on offer so assemble your besties (big and small) and stumble across Humble cafe for your next brunch date.

When: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 7-2, Saturday-Sunday 8-3
Where: 1/9 Nesbit Street, Southport

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.