Refuel with brunch, burgers and cafe bites at Riverland Kitchen.
Refuel with brunch, burgers and cafe bites at Riverland Kitchen.
Raise your hand if you can’t resist wrapping your lips around a thick pair of juicy buns… burger buns, that is. If you’re also a southern local, or partial to the odd jaunt over the border – keep that hand up, then immediately assume a roof-raising position – as Tweed welcomes Riverland Kitchen, the creekside all-rounder bringing brekkie bites and gourmet burgers to the banks of Terranora Creek… #score!
For eagle-eyed residents left pondering over the spruce-up that’s been underway for Kennedy Drive’s stalwart, nosh-slinging corner tenancy in recent weeks, Riverland Kitchen’s grand reveal finally answers the question on everyone’s lips. That is, just what deliciousness does the revamped riverfront site have in store?
Shaking up the former Worst Burger site; new owners Steve Kitson and Marc Bocquee have opted for a “little bit of the same and a little bit different” approach for the reimagined venue. Adding that, essentially the aim was to “spoil the locals with tasty, creative and fresh foods and a beautiful space to relax”.
Well, give us a golden ticket and call us Augustus Gloop, because spoilt we are. Though there is no chocolate river, health nuts can channel their inner kid-in-a-chocolate-factory over rotating Raw Earth Organic Kombucha flavours flowing from the taps, while caffeine-lovers will be kept plied with locally roasted Paradox Organic Coffee.
And to wrap our sticky little mitts around; mouth-watering bites like Jalapeño and Provolone Arancini, smoked salmon stuffed LA Bagels and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burgers (or wings!) will no doubt be received with delight by all.
And if based on that little array of tastebud teasers you’ve surmised this may not be the first rodeo for the Riverland crew, you’d be right. It’s little wonder really – when you consider Marc’s background in fine dining establishments and bunch of accolades to boot, such as a chef’s hat from the Australian Good Food Guide, thankyouverymuch.
Most recently spending the last 2 and a half years working as Head Chef for the previous business, Marc and the team reckon they’ve got the edge on what punters – especially Gold Coast locals – love about burgers and everything in between.
And, after seductively ogling the menu several times, we’re inclined to agree.
Noting that the perfectly positioned business had come up for sale, for the now-Riverland crew, what started as casual, dinner table chatter with out-of-town rello’s quickly spiralled into a fully-fledged dream in the blink of an eye… #WellThatEscalatedQuickly.
Sporting a fresh lick of paint, with crisp white and coastal-inspired decor featured throughout, the charming creekside spot is looking better than ever.
For Tweed’s riverside perambulators, Riverland Kitchen beckons with cafe-style feasts such as syrup-drenched Belgian Golden Waffles, and the ‘Truck Stop’, made with Fried Cheese Kransky, Hash browns, Crispy Bacon, Cheddar and Sweet Onion Frittata; that morph seamlessly into several iterations of Belgium waffle fries and bun-based delights as the day wears on.
And while we could dedicate an entire write up to the burger menu alone, if we absolutely had to pick – it’s hard to go past the Crispy Pig, made with Crispy Goalie Pork Belly, Sauerkraut, Slaw, BBQ Sauce, Pickles, Dijon Mustard Mayo.
Not to mention, a selection of libations so stacked it could make a milk bar blush – with Loose Leaf Teas, Smoothies, Fresh OJ and loaded Shakes (think Tim Tam and Jersey Caramel) to complement the specialty coffee and kombucha line up.
Where: 45 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads
When: 7am–3pm Sunday – Monday, 7am–8pm Tuesday – Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*
Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…
Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?
Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.
The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?
For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.
Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.
To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.
Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Instagram: @georges.kingscliff
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.
Nestled at the foothills of the world-heritage listed Wollumbin (Mt Warning) in the heart of the Tweed Valley stands a bona fide local treasure; Mavis Kitchen & Cabins. Established in 2007, this culinary utopia has become the region’s worst-kept secret, where gastronomy, greenery, and good times are a given. Serving up exquisite Modern Australian cuisine with a pinch of Middle-Eastern flair, Mavis is the kind of place where time slows down, and your appetite speeds up.
Here, dining is a two-floor affair set in a thoughtfully restored 120-year-old timber Queenslander. Perched on an ex-dairy farm site and surrounded by the enchanting Wollumbin National Park, Mavis is more than just a pretty façade. Its casual, warm, and tropical embrace mirrors the lush rainforest and 25 acres of perfectly manicured gardens which would make any garden gnome swoon. Guests can graze and sip inside or outside on its three expansive verandas, each providing cool breezes and front-row seats to soak up the mountainous magic and botanical bliss.
The proud owners are dynamic duo Tindal Magnus and Sam McCormac. With impressive backgrounds boasting a blend of restaurateur razzle dazzle and health industry ingenuity, their passion for Mavis is fierce. Heading up the kitchen is esteemed chef and taste-bud tamer, Tara N Bandock. Cheffing since the tender age of 18, Tara has worked her palette-pleasing panache across Europe at five pan-Asian restaurants, leaving a slew of satisfied bellies in her wake.
The interior design is the perfect blend of warmth and homeliness, filled with love, light – and a hint of saffron. It reflects the changing nature of the spaces and the people who’ve fallen head over heels for the venue, helping Mavis nail the X factor. The décor, however, takes a backseat to the real star of the show: the incredible food whipped up by Tara and her culinary cohorts.
In a world where sharing is caring, Mavis takes it a step further, centring its philosophy around sharing both the food and the experience. It’s like a culinary love letter to the Tweed Valley, with each dish telling an unforgettable story. Case and point: we’re stanning over the signature dish, Grilled Kangaroo Loin, Macadamia Purée, Davidson Plum and Bordelaise Sauce.
For the vegetarians and vegans, you can’t go past the mouthwatering Tender Chickpea Gnocchi, Smoked Tomato, Mushrooms, Garden Basil and Pecorino. But it’s not just the nosh living in our minds rent-free, it’s the sensational signature cocktail; Bush Lemon Negroni. Made with Campari, amaro, sweet vermouth and bush limoncello, it’s a liquid vacay for your senses.
And it would be rude of us not to mention that Mavis is a mere stone’s throw away from historic villages, art galleries, and the GC/Tweed Coast staple, beautiful beaches. Location, looks, and lip-smacking fare – yep, this place qualifies as the ultimate triple-threat.
So, whether you’re looking for a long, leisurely lunch or a cozy cabin escape to nurture your food coma, Mavis Kitchen & Cabins is the go-to, and will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Uki
When: Lunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Website: maviseskitchen.com.au
Instagram: @thepantryuki
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY MAVIS KITCHEN & CABINS
