PARK PERKS
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite in the pool or strolling the parklands, Cafe Catalina has you covered
CAFE Catalina has a VIP entrance — it’s for Very Important Pooches. The all-inclusive eatery, next to Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, throws out the welcome mat for fur kids, along with the regular variety.
There really is something for everyone here: a semi-alfresco turfed area perfect for play, breakfasts with Broadwater views and Dimattina coffee for a poolside pick-me-up.
It’s big enough for groups (it can be hired out privately for events for up to 200 guests), yet easy to find a quiet table for two in the winter sunshine.
The meals are family favourites: neatly presented and prices aren’t bad when you take into account generous portion sizes.
In a creamier take on the ubiquitous smash, avocado is whipped with sour cream, sprinkled with feta and roasted cherry tomatoes, topped with basil oil and thickly slathered on sourdough ($16.50).
There are vegetarian ($19) and traditional ($22.50) versions of the classic big breakfast, and a range of hollandaise-drizzled benedicts (from ($18.50). Give in to your sweet tooth with orange-zest-sugar French toast, with bush honey, macadamias and ice cream ($14.50).
While we’re on the subject, you’ve got to try the Rush Munros ice cream from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Especially the hokey pokey – any Kiwis will know what I’m talking about – and manuka honey.
You can enjoy the silky scoops in a milkshake ($7.50), or choose from a broad range of fresh fruit smoothies, teas and coffee.
And then there’s the hair of the dog ... although the deliciously spicy bloody marys and cooling combos of citrus, cucumber and Pimms (available from 10am) are strictly for the mums and dads. 10/11 BROADWATER PARKLANDS, GOLD COAST HWY, SOUTHPORT
Breakfast daily
from 7am
Full Aussie – eggs, bacon, pork chipolata, tomato, mushrooms, house-made baked beans, grilled haloumi and sourdough toast ($22.50)
Spelt, maple and almond muesli with poached fruit and natural yoghurt ($12.90)