The Broadbeach faves’ seasonal menu must-eats.
The Broadbeach faves’ seasonal menu must-eats.
With a new season comes a new way of eating. Less salads and ice lattes and more warm, nourishing dishes that keep you energised and ready to face those chilly winter mornings when all you want to do is hit snooze and snuggle back into the covers.
One local spot that never gets it wrong when it comes to changing things up is Elk Espresso, found on the Old Burleigh Rd corner of The Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach.
You know the one. Always filled to the brim with both regulars stopping in for an epic brunch and visitors who have heard the buzz and come to see what all the fuss is about.
No doubt you’re aware what all the fuss is about, but if not, allow us to enlighten you.
Over the years owner Andrew Whiting and his crew have turned Elk from a friendly neighbourhood brunch spot to a friendly neighbourhood institution thanks to their exceptional eats, five-star fitout and absolutely all over it service.
They’re one of the most-loved eateries around and it’s an honour they’ve well and truly earned.
Which is why we’re here to discuss the latest menu offerings of Elk Espresso, something we’re all about when a venue has created food that is also art.
Let’s begin.
As always, the dishes are not only as tasty as anything you’ve ever sampled but they are as Insta-worthy as anything you’ve ever seen.
In particular this season, the Violet Crumble Waffles – fluffy, delicious waffles with Violet Crumble and dark chocolate ganache, lilac ice cream and gold flakes. Sounds super sweet but it’s actually perfectly balanced, as the team at Elk are aware of not creating dishes too over-the-top in flavour for early morning feasting. Bless them. We LOVED this one.
For the savoury fans there is Aged Cheddar and Corn Beef Croquettes with sweet corn purée, silverbeet, kalettes, beetroot and poached eggs and it is one of the very best breakfast dishes we’ve ever tried.
Another newbie is the Basil and Goats Cheese Scrambled Eggs with wild mushrooms, rhubarb paste and pecan crumble on spelt toast. A taste sensation.
There are also colourful, flavour-filled bowls, dishes that include pork, date and sage sausages and a slow cooked bean dish that’ll change your life.
The coffee is some of the best around too.
All in all, everything is amazing and you might need to visit a few times to try it all.
Big love Elk, you’ve done it again.
LOCATION: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
HOURS: Daily from 6am until 4pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Next-level isn’t enough props to give Elk Espresso, the Broadbeach fave that recently relocated to take up residence in the (now extremely fancy) Oasis Shopping Centre.
The new space, which opened today (December 15th), has doubled in size and comes complete with ocean views and a big old outdoor eating area perfect for cruisy summer breaky dates with your crew (and/or puppy pal).
Raw concrete, copper and greenery cascading from above is a similar vibe to the one you came to know and love at Elk’s OG venue. Throw in a spotted tile feature wall and two mint green coffee machines at the newbie and we’ve got ourselves a winner gang. To absolutely no-ones surprise.
As usual, the place is absolutely pumping but owner Andrew Whiting and his team are cool as cucumbers and clearly thrilled with their new digs (same, to be honest). Wonder if they need a live-in menu tester person.
A sweet new summer menu adds to the fun with dishes almost too pretty to eat. Do it though because, so so delicious.
Although every plate carried out of the kitchen is both beautiful and a taste sensation, there are two we must discuss.
First, the Pineapple Panna Cotta is all kinds of colourful magic with puffed grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and yoghurt. Those words aren’t quite adequate but trust us, it could well be the most Insta-worthy dish on the Coast.
Next up is BREAKFAST GNOCCHI and we have died and gone to heaven. Honestly gnocchi is up there with the invention of electricity as far as we’re concerned and especially Elk’s version. It comes with heirloom tomatoes, smoked bacon, chilli, basil, fetta and poached eggs and let us eat it every day.
Give us a sec to compose ourselves.
Okay we’re good. So, Elk’s big move was initiated after Andrew got word that their first home on Chelsea Ave was going to be knocked down and so, the search for the perfect new space began.
That’s it, you know the drill. Happy eating.
LOCATION: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
HOURS: 6am to 4pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Waffles are a highly underrated sweet breakfast dish, not quite a pancake, but equally as delicious.
Hailing from Belgium and extremely popular in the US, the thick golden, lattice-like treats were somewhat of a rare delicacy in Australia.
However, there are a growing number of venues on the Gold Coast serving up the sweet, topping laden goodness that are waffles.
On March 25th it’s World Waffle Day (which is fab news obviously) here’s our list of the top six spots listed from north to south.
Cardamom Pod
Whether you’re looking for a sweet or a savoury fix, Cardamom Pod has got you covered with their always delicious vegetarian treats. There’s a Banana Bread Sweet Waffle with caramelised banana, peanut butter fudge, mocha sauce, fresh berries and Snickers ice cream, YES PLEASE YUM.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Bubbo Dessert
Fresh off the streets of Hong Kong (aka Hong Kong street food) bubble waffles have taken the dessert world by storm and we are lucky enough to have one in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Not your traditional waffle square, these ingenious creations are bubble waffles topped with the most delicious of sweets and wound into a cone shape (can eat on the go). The Galaxy is a charcoal waffle with star lollies in the bubble pockets, RAINBOW ICECREAM, fresh cream, sprinkles, Fruit Loops, chocolate sauce and icing sugar and if that’s not the best thing you’ve ever heard, do you even dessert.
Where: Shop 10, 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
The Loose Moose
The US-style establishment boasts an absolutely goodie-packed menu and of course, waffles are a firm favourite. Particularly when they are of the Ferrero Rocher variety. They are a crispy buttermilk waffle with Nutella, double cream, chocolate soil, fresh berries, Ferrero Rocher chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry couli and dust. It’s a party in your mouth. Wash that down with a Freakshake and you’ve got yourself a time at The Loose Moose.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde
Cowch
Expect next level waffles at the mecca of dessert goodness – Cowch. The options are endless but you can’t go past the Nutella Waffle Sandwich with a stack of two waffles, a generous scoop of chocolate icecream, a handful of strawberries and obviously, a generous amount of crowd-favourite, Nutella. It’s a sugar coma waiting to happen. There are also Belgian Waffles if you’re after more of a classic situation.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
Easy Street Diner
An American-style diner serving up traditional style eats, Easy Street Diner bring you a combination you never thought possible – chicken and waffles. That’s right, Belgian waffles baked to order with southern chicken tenders, maple syrup and whipped butter. Additional crispy bacon comes highly recommended.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Peerless and Sunbrite Ave)
Oh My, Waffle
Have we left the best for last? We’ll let you decide, but Oh My, Waffle opened not too long ago as a one-stop waffle shop. Yes please! There are 16 different waffles to devour additional vegan options too), but we suggest starting with the classic Straight Outta Burleigh! (big fan of the name…) consisting of a golden waffle topped with strawberries, brownie pieces, melted Whittaker’s Creamy Milk chocolate, ice cream & whipped cream. What’s not to love?
Where: Shop 6,1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kirra Smith
