Within The Surrounds Leisure Centre precinct.
Within The Surrounds Leisure Centre precinct.
Hello friends, we’ve ventured to the northern Gold Coast to bring you news of a sweet little newbie we absolutely think you should visit at the earliest available opportunity.
It’s called Café Sofi and it can be found in Helensvale within brand new ($4 million) leisure centre, The Surrounds.
Café Sofi is now the official meeting space within the stunning new precinct, set within lush gardens and with views across the grassy surrounds.
Owners and husband and wife duo Tony and Sophie Whitely have created a lovely little family-friendly environment bringing a welcoming vibe you may have come across at View Café Hinze Dam, the venue they’ve owned and operated for the past five years.
The newbie will offer all of your breakfast and lunch favourites with a few unique flavours thrown in for good measure.
For breakfast we’re quite partial to the Purple Bagel (obviously) with roasted beetroot hommus, a poached free range egg, fried haloumi, field mushrooms, pistachio dukkah and rocket on a lightly toasted bagel. YUM.
At lunchtime we would like to sample the Chicken and Bacon Burger and maybe the Homemade thin crust pizza please.
The menu also includes staples like fresh organic sourdough toast, free-range eggs, homemade hollandaise sauce, and tangy tomato relish and features everything from egg and bacon rolls to a post-workout protein hit.
A fully stocked cabinet display is filled with fresh salad concoctions, wholesome breakfast cups, and colourful wraps provide a healthy, delicious meal on the go.
The kiddies will be happy too with an extensive menu just for them including scoop ice cream and lollies to be inhaled while playing at the adjacent park.
Obviously having the park close by means you can kick back and relax (read: consume copious amounts of coffee) for a little while longer while the little ones are entertained.
Sounds like heaven to us and we don’t even have kids.
Pop in and try it for yourself.
LOCATION: 6 Emerald Drive, Helensvale
HOURS: Daily from 8am to 3pm
Happy days northerners, you no longer need to travel far and wide to find exceptional vegan/vego food because exceptional vegan/vego food has traveled to you.
Well close to you. At Club Helensvale to be exact and prepare to get deliciously green gang. That’s right herbivores (and those who don’t mind the odd meat free meal), Club Helensvale, who already had quite the impressive menu, have just launched a brand newie and it’s jam-packed with delicious vegan and vegetarian eats.
The newbie comes with the appointment of brand new (to Club Helensvale not the world in general) Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager Justin Zammit who is leading the charge with a fresh new approach to the Club’s food.
His Michelin Star background has seen him creating delectable eats throughout Europe, Brisbane and, most recently, for the QT Group. So we’re in good hands.
It’s his belief that plant-based diets are the way of the future and, with summer fast approaching, we’d be inclined to agree.
No doubt you’re aware that eating out has become quite the extravaganza in the last few years with every single food preference there is in the world, and some quite possibly made up, on offer to hungry patrons.
Enter Club Helensvale, the local faves changing things up for the good of the people.
So what’s on offer you ask? Well, brace yourselves folks, things are about to get tasty.
Tempura Vegetables for entrée are always a good idea obviously.
Next up, a vegetarian favourite is definitely the Gnocchi made with sage butter, peas, ricotta and Parmesan and it is absolutely melt in your mouth.
Vegan-wise (and otherwise) don’t go past the Vegan Eggplant Parmagiana with marinated eggplant, San Marzano tomato, basil, vegan mozzarella, crunchy fries and salad.
There is also a Palak Tofu Curry made with spinach and coconut and it’ll tickle your vegan tastebuds.
At Café 22, there’s a full vegan breakfast on offer as well as the Vegan Broad Bean Burger made up of a broad bean fritter, grated beetroot, carrot, hummus coconut yoghurt and crunchy fries on the side.
Maybe order all of those for your own sampling pleasure. Oh and don’t forget freshly made vegan cakes and desserts for all you sweet lovers.
The menu boasts a strong commitment to fresh, seasonal and locally grown produce supporting Scenic Rim growers wherever possible too.
So there you have it, if you haven’t treated yourself to a trip to Club Helensvale, it’s high time you did and, if you have, there’s a few next-level newbies to add to your rotation.
LOCATION: 20-28 Discovery Drive, Helensvale
HOURS: 9am until late weekdays and 8am until late weekends
SPONSORED BY CLUB HELENSVALE
The pretty little beachside suburb of Kirra is the perfect place to spend a balmy summer, soaking up the sunshine and refueling with tasty food and ice-cold tipples.
Which is why we’re thrilled to bring you news of a brand new eatery open as of right now, St Helen’s, and their tasty food and ice-cold tipples, you guessed, right opposite the ocean in Kirra.
The casual, welcoming space, named after the active volcano Mt St Helens (located near Seattle, Washington) is relaxed and unassuming, the type of place you can drop in to with sandy feet and a solid sunburn and kick back for an afternoon refreshment or two.
St Helens is the work of husband and wife duo Brendan and Jess Hayes who moved from down south to bring their beachside restaurant dreams to life. Chef Jess hails from Seattle and brings plenty of those flavour influences to a menu filled with fresh, feel good foods you’re going to absolutely adore.
The space itself is simple, deep ocean greens paired with dark timber, pendant lights and a neon sign or two make up a venue that’s right at home in the heart of Kirra. A black and white painting of Mt St Helens herself completes the picture.
But back to the menu. Jess has created dishes that are simple and unfussy but filled with unexpected flavours and using as much local produce as possible.
We were particularly partial to the Kirra Fried Cauliflower with ranch and Frank’s hot sauce and the Baby Cos with Parmesan and pickled celery in the small plates section.
Large plates-wise we highly recommend the Mighty Clarence River Free Range Pork Shoulder which is a buttermilk braised shoulder with polenta and peach chutney and the Rainbow Trout – sugar cured and grilled with potatoes, cherries and horseradish cream.
For dessert, don’t go past the Peanut Butter Crème Brulee with a crunchy chocolate cookie on top – it could be the best we’ve ever had.
Drinks-wise the fridge is filled with cans of beer, a sweet selection of wines and all your favourite spirits.
It’s the sweet little venue Kirra never knew it needed and we’re all going to get along just fine thank you very much.
LOCATION: Shop 2, 78 Musgrave St, Kirra
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 4pm to 10pm
Words by Kirra Smith
