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An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home

An iconic shift – Gold Coast institution Elk unveils its new home

It's known as one of the Gold Coast's most iconic cafes and, as of December 15, Elk Espresso will open its doors for the first time in a new location. For six-and-a-half years, Elk has dazzled locals and tourists alike with its eye-catching dishes, specialty coffee and diet-breaking treats from its quirky digs in Chelsea Avenue. From now on, you'll find it on the beach-end of Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach. The space may be new, but you'll be glad to know that heart and soul of Elk has well and truly been retained.


The details
When owner Andrew Whiting originally signed the lease on the Chelsea Avenue space, he knew one day they would have to move it – the site had a redevelopment clause attached. Now, that time has come. Yes, it’s always sad to see such an historic and fabulous space knocked down to make room for an apartment tower, but in hindsight, Elk had become a victim of its own popularity and needed more space. It was not uncommon to turn up at the original 90-seat Elk on a random afternoon during the week and have to line up for a table … yes, it’s that popular. The new Elk has expanded to now seat 136, and it’s in good company with a bunch of tasty neighbours having also opened shop in the Oasis precinct this year including Main Street Burger Bar, Harajuku Gyoza, Junk and Beachside Pavilion.

The space
The new Elk is located in a brand-new purpose-built space that overlooks Kurrawa Park and the new-look Kurrawa surf club. When Andrew was dealt with the task on finding a new space for Elk, he was picky – it had to be bigger than what they had and it had to be in Broadbeach. As the founder of the original Vintage Espresso in Mermaid Beach and the owner of Sparrow Eating House in Nobby Beach, Andrew always uses the beach as his compass when scouting for new spots. So, when the vacant space popped up at The Oasis about six weeks ago, he knew it was right. It was a shell at the time, but he’s transformed it into a space that truly retains Elk’s personality and aesthetic while giving it a new edge, with elements like chipboard tabletops, raw concrete and splashes of pastel green taken from the previous location. It’s generally pretty hard not to make a brand-new venue seem sterile, but once you step inside you’ll feel like Elk has been perched in this spot for years. It’s bright and welcoming, with plenty of living greenery and a massive glazed window that overlooks the 40-seat outdoor area and park. Oh, and the iconic elk graphic from the original space has found its way over – it’s got pride of place on the back wall.

The food
Elk will still be serving its fine seasonal fare, though a bigger kitchen means the food offering has expanded and is expected to grow even more. The opening of the new space coincides with the launch of the new summer menu, featuring a bunch of colourful, light and fresh dishes. The Poke on Spelt (yes, a poke bowl on toast) using fresh Tasmanian salmon, creme fraiche, pomegranate and mango is pretty darn impressive, as is the summer doughnut, sandwiched with vanilla-bean custard, apple sorbet, passionfruit marshmallow, berries and a macadamia-coconut crunch. Egg lovers will have their eye on the truffled goat cheese scramble with roasted cauliflower, artichoke chips and ciabatta, or the Miso Corn with charred sweet corn, miso-corn puree, puffed grains, pickled celery, parmesan, poached eggs, rye soldiers, and smoked trout. The lunch menu sees everything from summer salads to a hearty wagyu-beef burger, a fried-chicken burger with spiced-plum sauce and sriracha slaw, and lightly fried calamari with broccolini, radicchio and lime.

Scoot over to our Stumble Guide for Elk’s new opening hours and location.

The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.



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