Despite the reference in its name, there’s nothing ‘Stone Age’ about Bam Bam Bakehouse. Nor anything so deep; it’s just the childhood chant of owners Ursula and Ben Watts’ young son.
Cute? Yes. Symbolic? Yes. In more ways than one, Bam Bam Bakehouse marks the ‘coming of age’ of The Paddock Bakery crew, who have already experienced a triumphant knockout response in their first week open. Building from their experience in The Paddock, both Bam Bam’s venue and menu have a broader reach than The Paddock. More modern smart café with wider appeal, the eatery has a very grown up eclectic feel.
In a complete rejuvenation of a former double-lease premises, Bam Bam Bakehouse has come to life. What a difference these guys have made to this underutilised venue! With floor to ceiling bi-fold glass doors now opening up two sides to the park, the back of the premises remains a closed kitchen. Simple yet sophisticated, rustic but on trend, the décor references our heritage with its pressed metal hung ceiling above the espresso bar, copper bar lights, black vintage subway tiles and lawyer cane lampshade. Brick and rough-hewn wood complete the look.
The bakehouse, a new addition to the premises, is still in sight, not only in the venue’s title but also physically behind waist to ceiling glass. Bread (in several permutations), freshly baked at The Paddock, still stars on the menu but it’s more ‘built’. Very cleverly too. The menu covers the coast’s favourite brekkies (Avo on toast and Eggs bene), but takes us away from childhood standards such as Dippy eggs, branching out to place footholds in all our favourite camps: American street food (shaker fries), burgers (available for brekkie and lunch), French cuisine (with its house-baked pastries, from pain au chocolat, brioche and croissants to Croque Madame) and Asian (2 Egg Nasi and Ramen Salad).
Market fresh fish and prawns are local (great additions to a brekkie menu), and we love that Australia’s geographic place in Asia is finally acknowledged within a mainstream brekkie menu. The single page menu is broader than it looks, including additions and options which should also please vegetarian diners. GF and vegan diners will need to ask directions.
Subtly the menu even manages to have a dig at its ‘I’m wearing active gear even though it’s my non-gym day’ clientele with the Barbie Bowl, a luscious on-trend combo of pink pitaya (aka dragon fruit), banana, mango, young coconut, bee pollen and chia crumble. So ‘now’!
Smart and casual, Bam Bam Bakehouse is the epitome of the new Gold Coast café culture. In fact, it ticks all the boxes – delicious grounded whole food, environmentally friendly takeaway packaging, and great Single Origin Roasters coffee.
Bam Bam is well placed to build on its success. Gorgeous by day, look out over the park as you feast on shared Buffalo Wings or Steamed Dumplings before embarking on a Hickory smoked pulled pork burger or the Chicken Parmi doorstop sandwich. Well known for their desserts, the Bomb is a soft serve filled choux pastry with ‘pour your own’ Nutella sauce.
The venue’s licensed, with Stone and Wood on tap, a small but interesting selection of wines and even a few cocktails. Oh, and in case you’re feeling virtuous, there are salads, steak and the day’s catch of market fish on the menu. Beer on tap and wines by the glass or bottle, your casual dining is covered, and very romantically so. Bam Bam!
Shop 2, 2519 – 2521 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Bookings recommended, walk-ins welcome! Ph: 07 5526 5218
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NOTE: This review has also been published on More Gold Coast.