With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), our minds conjure up images of all kinds of French inspired splendour.

And well done us, because this is precisely what Franquette Bakery on Tamborine Mountain is all about.

Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name is reflective of the food; simple, unpretentious, and made on the premises using sustainable flours and Australian ingredients when possible.

The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness, making Franquette a legend in the baking.

Founder and Head Baker Jérôme Favier has the perfect ‘blend’ of skills, with a resume any baker would be proud of.

Being somewhat of the Doogie Howser of the bakery world, Jérôme graduated from the typically two-year professional Baker Diploma course in just six months, yeah, as you do.

He then returned to Europe to master traditional artisan methods to produce quality, crafted baked goods, with the intention to come back down under to wow us with his skillz.

Baking for several big names, he spent two years in France, one in Switzerland, plus one in Germany, and this reads like our Contiki tour itinerary circa 2001.

Moving on to the Gold Coast, he enjoyed an eight year stint at Burleigh Baker, where he held the prestigious ‘Master Baker’ post and played a key role – both front and back of house – in the GC institution’s success story.

Jérôme chose the beautiful Tambo location as the village size is similar to his French hometown in Bourgogne.

It also has that unmistakable mountain atmosphere, a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, and of course, it’s a mecca for locals and tourists alike.

Engaging Shopfit Co for the design, we’re pleased to confirm that from bread to dough, Franquette rocks a French style bakery and bistrot (small café) look and feel.

Everything about this gem is warm and inviting, starting with the striking green and white logo, reminding us that it’s ‘without any fuss’.

The roof forms an eye-catching peak, featuring dark wooden panelling and matching weatherboard, contrasting white bifold doors, bare bulb pendant lights, and lots of on-brand green accents.

The large windows allow people to see the bakers in action #NoSecretsHere, and although it’s geared primarily to the takeaway market at this stage, patrons are invited to sit and relax under the terrace and on the deck.

Around the back is where you’ll find the cute deck space with an outdoor seating area accommodating 40+ people, plus a green area for kids and doggos to hang.

So what sort of bakery wizardry can we expect to unearth?

Firstly, we’re talking more loaf varieties than you can poke a bread stick at, including white, multi, olive, fruit, sandwich, ciabatta, napoleon, spelt, Josephine, miche, and the French bakery staple, baguettes.

Or, if you’re not interested in DYI-ing your sanga or baguette at home, hook yourself up with one of Franquette’s freshly prepared sandwiches, toasted sandwiches or baguettes.

Overflowing with THE most scrumptious fillings (think European influenced deli meats, cheeses, and other quintessentially Euro ingredients), the photos alone induce a drool reflex.

There’s also an assortment of rolls, scrolls, and pasty-infused deliciousness.

Oh and if you’re partial to a croissant and duh, who isn’t, there are melt-in-your-mouth good almond croissants, savoury croissants, or you can order them a-la-natural.

The signature item here is called The Mountain Top which is both intriguing by name, and totes fitting for obvious reasons.

And the signature beverages are their Blackboard coffee bean-based brews, straight outta Burleigh #LocalsSupportingLocals.

Plus there is a range of Blackboard products stocked in the bakery so you can buy some for ‘ron.

Our advice?

Just dough it!

Jump in your car and head for the hills (mountain hills, potato potahto) to experience the best bakery goods since sliced bread.

Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 7am – 3pm Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

If the sight of a Spritz gracing the cocktail list makes your heart skip a beat, or the very thought of Apertivo hour gets your tastebuds tingling – we’ve got two little words to make your whole day: Tasting. Bar. Or, Loborn – as Tamborine Mountain’s latest specialty sip spot is officially known.

Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Australian twist, Loborn is the specialty distillery levelling up the Mountain’s sip scene. Showcasing modern amaro infused with local botanicals, Tambo’s stunning new tasting room offers a variety of ways to familiarise ourselves with its herbaceous star sip.

Nestled amongst Main Street’s lush greenery, swing by for cocktail service or walk-in tasting. Discerning liquor connoisseurs can go behind the brand’s two signature aperitif blends and their signature gin, with experiences and masterclasses to delve into.

For those partial to sun-soaked arvos with a spritz firmly planted in hand, this home-grown distillery comes as a particularly tantalising development. Bittersweet Italian liqueurs, collectively known as ‘amaro’, have quite literally been having their moment in the sun of late. Even if you’re not up with all the technical lingo, chances are you’re already a big fan (huge, even) of this herbaceous sip. Thanks to the surging popularity of aperitif-based cocktails like the classic Negroni and Aperol Spritz, this bold citrusy style of libation has earned its place as a cocktail list (and happy hour) staple.

Now with a spot dedicated to this very sub-category, Loborn – short for ‘Locally Born Spirits’ – is the handiwork of Thomas Drewett. Specialising in traditional Italian methods melded with hinterland-inspired ingredients and surrounds, the lip-smacking new venture all began with one thought: what if Tom could reinvent the famous bitter aperitif using local Australian botanicals? Asking the real questions here!

A Tamborine local of several years, Tom was inspired by the mountainside community’s abundance of produce – particularly the local oranges. And when life hands you a bumper supply of citrus, naturally, the next logical step is to try your hand at the age-old craft of amaro. Or it is when you’re one ambitious fella with a background in engineering! Channelling that expertise into the complexities of distillation and flavour, Tom embraced the challenge of perfecting the precise art/science behind traditional Amaro.

Emerging victorious the brand now boasts two signature, botanical-rich blends. Thirstly, there’s Amaro N01 – a bright and vibrant aperitif ideal for a golden hour Spritz. While Amaro N02 is a bolder, ruby red Australian amaro packed with bittersweet complexity (think Negroni or Americano).

Also on offer is the Loborn Original Gin, which blends juniper with native citrus for a crisp dry finish.

Then there’s the little matter of the brand new HQ Loborn is now flaunting; perched within North Stores’ food, art and nature precinct in the heart of Tamborine. With the fit-out led by Ashlea O’Neill, the vibe is modern utilitarian, but beautiful – which is only befitting for a crew of modern Amaro makers residing in an architecturally designed creative hub!

Tempting locals and day-trippers with everything from crafted tipples like the Loborn Spritz to private tasting experiences and masterclasses – this one goes straight to the top of the ‘must try’ list cocktail fans! Like, this weekend.

Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine
When: Friday & Saturday from 11am–7pm and Sunday from 11am–3pm.
Extended opening hours will be released during spring / summer season.
Website: Loborn.com
Instagram: @loborn.spirits

Words by Kellie Leader

If you’re anything like us, our brains say salad, but our tastebuds autocorrect that to gelato. It’s the edible equivalent of shoes – there’s always room for more, plus it feels way less damaging than its bloat-inducing cousin, ice cream #truedat. So when we discover a gelato shop worthy of our coin and in this case, our KM’s (it’s on Tamborine Mountain), we feel compelled to do our bit for society and spread the good word.

Introducing Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co, a two-months young gelato wonderland churning out the finest traditional Italian gelato goodness. With seasonal flavours rejigged every few days, regular visits are totally justified, dispelling the theory that you can have too much of a good thing (you can’t).

Using local growers and ingredients where possible by working with suppliers like For Real Milk, Grazing Girls Eggs, and Funny Honey (Scenic Rim), Cravve Chocolate (Burleigh Heads), Those Little Voices Coffee (roasted on Tambo), it is the ultimate #supportlocal business. And stop press, these gelato geniuses have opted for the traditional pozzetti gelato cabinet. This uber authentic cabinet has lids (say what?!) and the contents can’t actually be seen from the cabinet (*cue crickets…*). But fear not friends because this is the traditional way, and the best means of storing a natural product. It stops circulation and maximises freshness, which means the end result is pure gelato supremacy.

Experienced Pasty Chef Bec Leitner along with her partner (and home-grown Tamborine kiddo) Alick Kilsby combined their passions and voila – Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co was born. Bec, who is also the ‘Head Chef’ and was previously manager of the pastry team at Burleigh Baker, has long championed desserts that are natural, lower in sugar, with no nasty fake stuff #AmenSista. Joining forces with Alick who is passionate about supporting the growing food scene in his ‘hood’ and making Main Street a food lover’s must see (or must eat), they’re a match made in heaven…both professionally and personally.

Just before opening, this gelato loving duo embarked on a research trip across the entire East Coast to sample as much pozzetti gelato as possible and guys, if you need volunteers to source more intel…#JustSayin. This enabled them to nail the exact texture, flavour and style, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Bec also received one-on-one training from a couple of Italian Gelato experts to perfect her skills, and ensure the recipes remained authentic and natural.

Alick and Bec designed the interiors with a clear aesthetic in mind, alongside shop fitter Sam Harder. Inspired by the Tamborine Mountain rainforest scenes with a minimalist and contemporary look and feel, you’ll find indoor seating for 18, outdoor seating for 8, or you can plonk on the grass. Located close to stunning lookouts and rainforests, if you overindulge (us), you can always clock up some steps on a nearby rainforest hike #bonus.

In addition to being delish and tradish, their gelato is all gluten free, plus they offer several vegan options as well. Right now, we’re crushing on the Mint Stracciatella which is fresh garden mint gelato with chocolate shards throughout. Equally delectable are the Banana Custard, Lamington, and Lemon Myrtle and Honey flavoured gelatos, and we won’t judge if you order all of the above coz we did too. There is also a small selection of cakes for sale each day, which again are natural and always gluten free.

So next time you’re planning a trip up the mountain, remember a balanced diet is a gelato in one hand and a gelato in the other – especially when they’re au naturel from Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co.

Where: 4/15-17 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
When: 10am – 6pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Days and hours are extended on school holidays
Instagram: @tamborine_mountain_gelato_co

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Carly King