Pina Colada doughnut anyone?
Pina Colada doughnut anyone?
If there are two guilty pleasures we indulge in way too often around here they are doughnuts and cocktails. Combine the two and you’ve created something a little bit magical that we will probably consume every day for the rest of time.
Can you imagine; the soft, sweet, comforting goodness of a doughnut infused with the tangy, soothing delight of a cocktail. It’s almost too much.
Well imagine no more Gold Coasters because as of this coming weekend, cocktail-infused doughnuts are a thing we can indulge in every single day for the rest of time, so catch you later shredding for summer diet (that didn’t really exist in the first place).
They are the work of Mermaid Beach newbie The Doughnut Affair and let us say, they are some of the very best dougnhuts the Coast has ever seen.
The whole world in fact. The Doughnut Affair began in New York City where owner Kurt Lehndorf first tasted the mouthwatering creations. As you will, he fell in love with the never-before-seen collaborations between TDA and other well known food and beverage brands – the most famous of which was combination of Chandon and a doughnut to create the Chandonut – and he decided to bring the business to our sparkly shores.
Lucky us.
The Mermaid Beach edition will be no different, with plenty of collaborations in the works featuring local brands and businesses you already know and love. But with the added life-giving goodness that is doughnuts.
As of Saturday, October 26th there’ll be six flavours on offer, each of which is as good as any doughnut you’ve ever sampled before (but some of which that have alcohol, so they’re obviously better).
Starting with the Pina Colada Doughnut that is indeed made up of Malibu-ganache, pineapple compote and melt-in-your-mouth doughnut heaven.
Next up is the Champagne Strawberries and Cream with champagne-infused whipped cream, fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and again with the doughnut heaven.
There’s a Breakfast Doughnut with prosciutto, rocket and blue cheese and it’s like a mini doughnut breaky burger and it’s so very delicious.
Don’t forget Bourbon Bacon with bourbon maple syrup glaze, caramelized bacon, black salt and crunchy basil. It’s absolutely amazing.
There’s a plain-glazed goodies, Choc Hazelnut, a gluten-free Salted Caramel godsend, so all the yummiest flavours.
For the kids, there are doughnut balls and they can choose from an array of toppings to have drizzled over the top.
Doughnut-maker extraordinaire Grace is a fourth generation Pastry Chef and if there’s a person on the Earth more passionate about doughnuts than us, it’s her. You’ll see when you taste them.
There’ll also be milkshakes (love you also), kombucha and juices and coffee by boutique Melbourne roasters Code Black who are making their debut on the Gold Coast.
So that’s a lot of words but we have a lot of love for The Doughnut Affair and so will you come Saturday. Good luck not going back every day for the rest of time.
LOCATION: 2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s the destination we all know and love. Relaxed, a little bit retro and constantly surprising us with new places to eat and play. It’s the much-loved suburb that flies under the radar when visitors come to town but to locals, it’s pure magic.
To show our love for this beachside beauty, here are ten things we locals love about Mermaid Beach.
The North Room
Recent receivers of a very prestigious hat, The North Room is an intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which more often than not, is overflowing with folks having the time of their lives as the sun goes down. Little Mermaid has earned the love of locals for their tasty eats, creative cocktails, and generally cool aesthetic – so get there now.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever). The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. While you can certainly purchase the potted petals for your humble abode, you may also like to hire them for an event (which is quite the concept if you ask us). The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Lupo
Italian food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and particularly when it comes from Mermaid’s Lupo. Tucked away in the little complex that’s also home to Bonita Bonita, Lupo’s menu is one you’ll never forget. It’s a quiet, laidback space, low-lit & moody, and did we mention one of the very best spots for drinking incredible cocktails and filling your belly with goodness.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Zeppelin Barbers
This is one for the fellas… Zeppelin Barbers is the best on the Coast if the man in your life is looking for a fresh cut. Jase and the team are absolute weapons with the scissors and they deliver quality chat and a frosty beer while they’re at it. Good vibes always.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
How good are surf clubs? Mermaid’s is right on the ocean with uninterrupted views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
It only opened recently but already Soak Bathhouse has become a firm favourite amongst those who are a little bit partial to some rest and relaxation in a beautiful environment (so everyone). It’s a stunning oasis featuring a magnesium pool, massage rooms, a sauna, spas, and a cold plunge pool. Plus you can get an LED facial and just generally kick your feet up and chill – tried and tested by us and we highly recommend it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak, everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best sides we’ve ever sampled. There are also small plate options and it’s all mind-blowing. We vouch for the gnocchi. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so you should also head in there for bulk margaritas before sampling all of the epic eats on offer.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
Barefoot bowls is never not a fun time and so, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Round up the crew on a Sunday afternoon for bulk beers and a little ball throwing (bowling) and then venture onto one of the many eateries (like those listed above) to round out the night.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Surely we have convinced you that Mermaid Beach is the place to be by now?
Words by Kirra Smith.
