Rise and shine at Cooly's Awaken Cafe.
Rise and shine at Cooly's Awaken Cafe.
If you ask us, Coolangatta has been looking particularly perky of late – no, not in a BBL kind of way, but rather, the kind of pep in your step that comes with scoring a couple’a delightful new dining additions in your neck of the woods.
Hot on the heels of the Gambaro Group’s latest gem, Pipi’s Restaurant, making its grand entrance mere weeks ago, comes the cafe-style sequel for suave new seafood nosher. Gold Coasters, say hello to Cooly’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed new addition, Awaken Café.
Following in the footsteps of its Kingfish Tartare slinging big sis one level above, the lush, dual venue venture now reigns supreme over Point Danger; occupying the two lower levels of the recently constructed Awaken Complex. Already making some waves of its own, the caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way, adding caffeine hits and relaxed, brunchy bites like Fresh Pastries and Blueberry Pancake stacks to the rotation for Rainbow Bay’s neck of the woods.
Sporting an aesthetic as dreamy as the offering is delicious, the seaside venture is impressive, but not totally unexpected – coming courtesy of the culinary heavyweights behind esteemed Brissy eateries Black Hide Steakhouses, Italian gem Persone, and Caxton Street mainstay Gambaro Seafood Restaurant.
Delivering a knockout Gold Coast debut, the Gambaro Group says embarking on this exciting new chapter is a “moment to cherish”. It’s a sentiment shared, now we can finally get in on the action Brisbanites have been hogging had to themselves for some six decades.
Between a pearler of a pedigree, and the legacy of its locally-beloved predecessor, Cafe DBar; there’s no doubt the new venture has had some rather lofty expectations to live up to.
With the (very welcome) aroma of freshly-brewed beans once again filling the air, the cosy, 40-pax venue sees the cliffside community’s iconic whale-watching site restored to its former, coffee slinging prime.
Offering breakfast and lunch, the new dreamboat cafe on Cooly’s block boasts panoramic views from Snapper Rocks across to Duranbah Beach, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating at which to perch up for a cuppa or a bite to eat while you also ‘drink’ in those iconic views.
For the Gambaro gang, the goal was to create a contemporary yet inviting venue, with retro nods infused throughout in an ode to “classic cafes that have dotted the Queensland coastline for years”.
A joint collaboration between BYculprit. x S.SHYNE, the fit out is all about channeling that laidback Cooly lifestyle, while riffing on that of its upstairs counterpart, with chic, coastal tones and finishes featured throughout.
And look, we can (and will) gush Grand Designs style all day long, but let’s be honest – Breakfast Rolls and avo and runny egg studded Green Bowls are what we’re all really here for.
The Awaken menu is all about the quintessential, cafe-style classics, with Goat cheese studded Omelettes on sourdough served alongside crowd-pleasers like Cheese Toasties for the kiddos.
If you’re feeling famished, the Point Danger Full Breaky will be a no brainer – or for a lighter start, you can’t go wrong with the fresh and summery Corn & Zucchini Fritter, served with Siracha aioli. As the latter half of the day looms, the offering benefits from a couple of lunch additions, think staples like Fishermans Baskets and Wagyu Burgers, with a nom-worthy Pumpkin Salad that gives them a run for their money.
To wash it all down, Juices, Smoothies and all the usual caffeine-based suspects round out the rise-and-shine ready offering. Though, in quite the plot twist, the smoothie selection – like the Snazzy Snapper made with Mango, orange juice, Greek yoghurt, honey, mint, might just tempt us to forgo our usual coffee order. (Just kidding, we’ll be double parking all the way.)
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 6:00am – 4:00pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Big things have been afoot on the southern foodie scene of late. The surge of bar-raising venues for border residents shows no signs of slowing anytime soon, as Cooly welcomes Pipi’s Restaurant – a gush-worthy new seafood venture for Brisbane’s culinary big guns, the Gambaro Group.
If you haven’t yet caught murmurs of Cooly’s panoramically-blessed gem now presiding over Point Danger, let’s just say the much-anticipated arrival has foodies giddy with glee for very good reason.
If you’re a fan of lazy, beachfront sessions studded with Caviar bumps, Chargrilled Squid and Crudo… prepare to fall, hard. After all, Cooly’s newcomer boasts some sea-rious pedigree. Counting Caxton Street mainstay Gambaro Seafood Restaurant, Black Hide Steakhouses and Italian restaurant Persone among its peers, Pipi’s officially marks the first foray this end of the M1 for esteemed eats juggernaut, the Gambaro Group.
Aside from a packin’ a whole lot of culinary cred, the Euro-inspired 100pax stunner brings a sophisticated, Mediterranean seafood destination to Cooly’s formerly rather bare Boundary Street block, courtesy of the newly constructed Awaken Complex development.
Flaunting breathtaking views inside and out, the enchanting, coastal-style fit out was a collaborative undertaking between BYculprit. x S.SHYNE.
At its heart, a sprawling open kitchen and bar connects the dining spaces – flanked by 180-degree glazed views to the surf, soft lines and swoon-worthy, millennial pink finishes for days #drool. A nod, we’re told, to the colours and textures of the pipi shell – though no doubt luring hapless, blush-pink-obsessed 80’s kids is just an added bonus.
Leveraging sweeping views of the beachfront that stretches from Snapper Rocks across to DBar, Pipi’s vacillates between laid-back and luxury. Infusing a taste of theatrics to Cooly’s dining scene, the sophisticated spot boasts some unapologetically boujee inclusions like an open flame Josper grill, private dining space and feature Oyster display, while maintaining the welcoming, relaxed vibe of its ‘hood.
The menu offers contemporary Mediterranean-inspired eats, with a distinct focus on ocean delicacies – though Pipi’s is certainly not a one trick pony. You only have to go as far as the entrées to see what we mean, where specialties like zesty, salsa verde drizzled Chargrilled Squid and King Fish Tartare, served with green apple & radish, mingle with Marinated Chicken Souvlaki and Roasted Cauliflower finished in vinaigrette and hazelnuts.
Pipi’s selection of Oysters, Sides and Snacks such as the Swordfish Skewer and Crispy Prawn Roll, served drizzled in tarragon aioli, offer a tantalising prequel to the main event – while the mains are where that Josper grill really comes into its own. With dishes such as the Chargrilled Spatchcock, made with Australian olives, preserved lemon & parsley, set to steal the show – if you can go past the Handmade Lobster Linguine, that is.
Hoo boy, Coolangatta… we might just catch ourselves some feelings here if we’re not careful.
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: Wednesday – Sunday from 11:30am – 3:00pm, Wednesday – Thursday 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Sunday 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Okay sure, haters might say our daily cup(s) of liquid sunshine for the soul bring us disproportionate amounts of joy – but what about a whole dang cafe whose entire ethos revolves this concept?
Marina Ghobrial is the super Saiyan of good vibes behind Cooly’s newcomer, Kefi, a coffee spot dedicated to food that makes you feel good, inside and out.
Named after a Greek word that roughly equates to the essence of joy, which, is something Marina says the new venture embodies, adding “living a life full of Kefi is about cherishing the simple things that bring happiness to our souls.”
So hey, let’s all continue to lean into our caffeine-worshipping ways, in the name of livin’ our best kefi lives.
Headed by Vy Truong, a Head Chef who counts esteemed Brisbane eateries PawPaw Cafe and Stanley among her lengthy CV, the seed oil free kitchen specialises in serving soul nourishing food made with love. Whipping up beverages made with house-made almond milk, Eggs Benne, and berry-nice stacks of ricotta laden Hotcakes, daily.
All of which absolutely sparks joy, if you ask us.
Perched on the corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, Kefi can be found just footsteps from Cooly’s sand-kissed promenade, one block beyond the beach (a stone’s throw from a Marine Parade hidden rooftop gem – Cooly Breeze).
The 60-seater radiates warmth from the get go, with sunset-vibing tangerine pops conveying the brand’s ethos.
For the fit-out, Eddie Studio came together with Meka Build (a name also responsible for Social Espresso’s sweet new digs) to bring Marina’s vision to life.
One which was sparked by her travels, melding some Bali vibes and Mediterranean-inspired elements for the interior direction.
“I fly to Bali almost every year and love to visit all the beautiful cafes so wanted to bring something magical to the coast where people can escape the mundane” says Marina.
It’s a theme also carried throughout the menu, with Marina adding “I am quite health conscious and obsessed with the Mediterranean diet” – and by the sounds of the Hotcake with lemon whipped ricotta, fresh berries, maple and pistachio blanc anglaise.. we are about to be too.
The Eggs Bene also comes totally pimped out, feat. an extra delicious dose of nutrients – poached eggs, served with confit lamb shoulder, kale, tahini hollandaise and paprika on pita. And to drink, we think the signature cocktail, a Tiramisu Martini, says all you need to know.
For Marina, the new venue represents a long-held dream, and one that surely required a seismic leap of faith to make a reality.
“I decided that this was the year I took the leap, quit my job, moved from Brisbane and poured my heart into creating Kefi”, adding “Hospitality is my passion, I am a big foodie and love being around people.”
Which is just as well, because with a dreamy little venue like Kefi – something tells us you won’t be able to keep us away.
Go on Gold Coast, get those keisters along to drink in some sunshiney goodness in all forms, stat.
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 6:30am–2:30pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Call us shallow, but there’s something about a fave haunt sliding on back to the scene with a fresh new look that just makes you feel good. Doubly so, in the case of Tallebudgera Creek’s resident coffee slinger, Neptune Kiosk – recently unveiling its cheery new spruce up to go with the impeccable vibes Talle’s idyllic inlet dishes up daily.
Because if there’s one thing Gold Coasters can attest, when it comes to being creekside, ‘feeling good’ kinda comes with the territory.
Sandy-footed frequents milling around the Talle waterfront of late will have been delighted to stumble across the sight of a fresh-faced Neptune Kiosk, once again churning out the Marvell Street coffee and croissants from its sunshine-y new facade.
Tucked beneath Neptune Royal Life Saving Club just footsteps from the foreshore, the stalwart hole-in-the-wall has chic new look and slightly larger footprint, in a triumphant return of the oh-so-convenient caffeine and treat fix creek-goers have grown rather fond of.
The ever-popular strip has been abuzz with a different type of commotion of late – courtesy of a hefty $3.4 million boardwalk renovation for the precinct. In a move strategically timed to coincide with the works, which also incude upgraded picnic facilities and amenities block, Neptune Kiosk opted to follow suit and temporarily shut up shop to undergo a (slightly less spendy) glow-up of its own.
Back and better than ever, the waterfront coffee window now greets us with an extra cheery façade – just in case the blessed sight of our friendly neighbourhood barista wasn’t mood-lifting enough. Its welcoming exterior is now flanked by sunshine-y striped yellow awnings and nautical nods such as feature lights and a crisp, shiplap-clad exterior. It’s not all about the pretty stuff though, with functional improvements that expanded the space and added a dedicated pick up window… and when it comes to our coffee hit, we’re alllll about the efficiency.
For those trying to mind their caffeine intake (commiserations), there’s also squeezed to order Orange Juice and frosty, fresh fruit Smoothies to wrap your lips around. Creekside faves like Ice Creams and Milkshakes are also going strong here, with options like Nutella and Strawberry Jam which will no doubt be welcomed by the sandy groms – though we wouldn’t say no to a Salted Caramel for ourselves, just quietly.
If you’re feeling munchie after a solid creek sesh, swing by the cabinet to ogle the day’s curation of oozy, stuffed cookies, freshly-baked pastries and sweet treats. A selection, need we remind you, which is brought to you by the team behind beloved baked goods purveyors, Custard Canteen – so there are no wrong choices here!
The rotation, a little bird tells us, is also set to be bolstered by the addition of Hot cinnamon donuts and Toasted croissants in coming days – the call of which will be a pretty tall order to resist as temps relent in the latter half of the year.
Oh happy day, Gold Coasters – scrumptious creekside brews and chews are officially back on the menu at this cute ‘lil coffee nook (as if Talle needed any more going for it…)
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
When: Daily, from 5:30am
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
