HIGH FIVE FOR PALMY

The compact southern suburb has everything from all-you-can-eat pork belly nuggets to bakery goodies, writes Denise Raward

Five of the best foodie haunts in the southern suburb

MR BUTTERGOODS 1097 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

In just six weeks, this bakehouse under Lester and Earl has locals all abuzz. The filling for the pies, including the pulled pork and beef brisket, and sausage rolls comes straight from the smokehouse kitchen upstairs. General manager Jackson Snook says it’s the artisan bread that’s got locals beating a path. “Palm Beach has been crying out for an artisan bakery for quite a while.” Mr Buttergoods bakes its specialty organic sourdough fresh every day — white, light rye or the nutritious purple wheat, an ancient grain that has so many antioxidants, you feel younger just buying it. “Then there’s the doughnuts, croissants, cruffins, eclairs, tarts and fresh sandwiches,” Jackson says. “Oh, and did I mention the ice cream?” Yes, it gets better. An ice cream parlour has just opened in an idle corner, featuring handmade Lick Ice Cream with fun flavours such as Nutella and redskin. “We’re just experimenting with the flavours now to bring out our designer sundae range,” Jackson says.

SAN SEBASTIAN 1/1089 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

Chef Nikki Graieg and Alanah Mounsey launched in March last year to create a laid-back food and wine experience like they’d enjoyed in northern Spain. “When I go out I want to try everything on the menu,” Nikki says. “Here we tell people to relax, have a drink, maybe two pintxos, another drink, maybe some tapas. There are no rules. You can work your way through the menu and try all the different flavours.” The house favourite pintxo is grilled haloumi, pear and honey.

8TH AVENUE TERRACE 31/1176 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

There is always something new to savour at 8th Avenue Terrace — it’s part of the ethos. Co-owner Shannon Baier-Dry loves nothing better than mixing it up but if you venture there now, you’ll encounter the 8th Avenue Terrace “Best of ” menu, the all-time favourites. “We’ve got the kingfish sashimi with avocado puree and shiso and squid ink rice cracker,” Shannon says. “Then there’s the slow-braised shoulder of lamb for two — very popular and perfect for winter.”

THE COLLECTIVE 1128 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

The Collective has launched all-you-caneat menus from Sunday to Thursday nights for $40 with a glass of wine or beer on arrival. Co-owner Jeremy Davidson says the delights will keep coming until you surrender. “On Sunday nights it’s noodle, bao and wok selections from Umami. On Monday it’s endless pizza and pasta at The Italian Job.” Tuesday is Mexican from Calavera, while Wednesday features chicken wings, pork belly nuggets and fries from Luckies.

BALBOA ITALIAN 1069 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

If you haven’t been to Balboa lately, this quality Italian establishment has been road testing its new beachside balcony. It caters for around 30-35 people and comes with its own bar and ocean views. General manager Brendan Cagney says it’s heated for winter and will open to the sea breezes come summer. For those looking for some midwinter comfort food, Balboa has it covered. “The osso bucco with mushroom risotto has been very popular and so has the beef cheek gnocchi.”