So it seems the best news of 2020 comes out of our very own Burleigh Heads and you guessed it, involves the very best of baked treats and a few familiar faces.

We’re talking about the opening of Tarte Bakery & Cafe, which is happening Wednesday August 19^th and if there is one thing you absolutely must do this year, it’s head in there and eat absolutely everything.

Tarte is the stunning new baby of Gold Coast hospitality royalty Chloe Watts, former owner of Paddock Bakery and an absolute magician when it comes to creating a world-class venue. It can be found on a sunny corner block in the heart of Burleigh, where Vecchia Roma once lived and look, you won’t miss it, there’ll be hordes of people (socially distanced obviously) wanting to get in for the rest of time.

The space has been entirely redone with the front façade being pulled out and put back in again to create a Soho, West Village (NYC) vibe that’s perfectly at home amongst the surrounding greenery. It’s all cool whites and calming blues with a huge open window overlooking the street, perfect for that Parisian-inspired people watching we all love while sipping coffee and downing baked goodies.

As you’d expect from Chloe, the space is beautifully put together – an antique bench was brought in from a rural NSW movie theatre (circa 1940’s), the door handles are over 100 years old, a luggage rack from an old train holds the bread behind the counter and Chloe’s Dad built a bench seat at the back.

Our favourite detail are the little gold cups Chloe bought from a London flea market years ago when she first decided she wanted to open a café and has been saving for this very moment ever since. Oh and the fact that she (and her builder) hand-chiselled 5,000 tiny black tiles into the floor. A labour of love indeed.

We could go on but let’s chat eats shall we?

First things first, the sweet baked treats will absolutely blow your mind. Every single one of them.

A Gold Coast first is the Cookie Cup which is indeed a cup made out of cookie mixture and served with warm vanilla bean milk (cold in summer). Yep, that’s a (very amazing) thing.

There are also Chocolate Praline Tartes, Cannoli with whipped ricotta and choc chips, a Rhubarb Custard Tarte, the list goes on. Many of the items are vegan and some are gluten-free but all are absolutely mind-blowing. We’ll let you discover the rest for yourself.

In terms of cooked dishes, there are some life changers and you’re going to want to sample them all. Starting with the Turkish Eggs with whipped Greek yoghurt, two poached eggs and Turkish spiced butter and served with white sourdough. Chloe has wanted to put that one on her menu for a while now and we are so very happy she did. There’s also Miso Scramble, a packed Breakfast Burrito and BAGELS in many epic flavours.

You should also sample the Roasted Grape Tartine, the Toastie (best in the world) and Cauliflower Burger because they are all some of the tastiest things we’ve ever eaten, hands down.

Every dish on the menu is thoughtfully created and balanced with intricate flavours and look just really yummy honestly. Best get down there and try them all for yourself hey.

Tarte Bakery & Cafe is sweet and sophisticated, warm and welcoming and the absolute perfect addition to Burleigh’s dining scene.

Things are looking up Gold Coasters, how good.

LOCATION: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: TBC

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Sweet news out of Varsity Lakes today Gold Coasters in the form of a fresh new donut joint that you no doubt already know and love.

Yes, it’s D Point 10 and they’re slowly but surely taking over our seaside city.

They began their sweet journey with a stand alone store up Southport way, migrated south to Broadbeach, north to Upper Coomera, out into Pacific Fair (within Bookface) and now, to the lovely little suburb that is Varsity Lakes.

And absolutely nobody is mad about it.

The new Varsity Lakes space can be found on Varsity Parade with street frontage, that means you can pull up a chair and people watch all day long, while sampling every single donut flavour obviously.

You can also sit inside and stare lovingly at said donuts should that be your preference.

Let’s chat said flavours shall we, because it’s quite the good time.

There are both mini and large varieties of donuts and we’ll start with the small ones and work our way up.

Choose from M&M, Oreo, Custard, Choc Custard, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, Jam, Nutella, Vanilla and Cinnamon. You can get four of those for $12 and six for $18.

In the large varieties, there are some of the same mini flavours plus absolute delights like Crème Brulee, Gaytime and WAIT FOR IT, Caramilk!

Guys, if there is good thing that comes out of this year, let it be known that Caramilk is it. And in donut form, send help.

You might need a coffee to both stay awake for all the eating and also to wash those tasty treats down and so, there are Common cuppas plus Chai Lattes, Dirty Chais and teas.

All donuts are made fresh daily and you should absolutely get involved in every single flavour right now. The more the better right?

Love your work D Point 10.

LOCATION: A2/201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
HOURS: 7am until 3pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Here’s some news that will likely incite happy dancing across the Gold Coast.

Nobby Beach has a new backyard bar and restaurant and it’s the work of someone whose venues you already know and love.

Yes friends, the newbie is brought to you by none other than Scott Imlach and his team at The Imlach Group, owners of local favourites Hideaway Kitchen and Bar, Mr Hizola’s, Bine Beer Bar, Nightjar and Nightcap.

Clearly a group of people who don’t like sleeping but hey, works for the rest of us.

The new spot is now open where it is absolutely likely to be overrun by revellers who don’t mind sipping beers in the sunshine (all of us).

Found within the space formerly occupied by beautiful The Yard Café, the new venue is a coffee shop for the time being, but will include a popup backyard-style bar and restaurant and seriously, why didn’t we think of that?

It’s called The Backyard Café and it sees the crew head back into the breakfast scene after seven years. Their original breakfast chefs are back to join the team and both Bowen Choat (ex Barchino Head Chef) and Danial Garbes are stoked (obviously) to be working with the Imlach Hospitality Group again.

GUYS remember how good Barchino was?

So what’s on The Backyard Cafe brekky menu? Your old favourites such as the Classic Eggs Benny and Big Brekky Burger make an appearance, in addition to some new and exciting ones.

The Southern Style Baked Eggs with crushed tomato, black beans, spices, roast pumpkin, free range eggs, baby spinach and avocado are a vego’s dream.

While the Healthy Burrito Plate with fluffy scrambled egg, brown rice, black beans, fresh basil tomato, totilla, avocado, sambal and salsa verde will put a smile on the dile of the fit tribe of Nobby’s.

The outdoor space will be doubled in size with picnic tables and plenty of space for the entire family.

The plan is to trade at night too, offering themed nights with as many different cuisines from around the world as possible.

Guest chefs and pop-up food trucks will also be on offer until something permanent is in place.

The Backyard Café opened on Wednesday August 5^th and has already brought together that Nobby’s community vibe we love so much.

They’ve done it again Gold Coasters, bring on the laidback backyard feels.

LOCATION: 17 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
WHEN: Open everyday from 6am to 2pm