Burleigh Baker

There are artisan bakeries and then there is Burleigh Baker, an unassuming little white store on the corner of James St that is in a league of its own.

No visit to the southern end of the Gold Coast should be attempted without dropping by to pick up one of their heavenly loaves or, if you have time, enjoy a light breakfast or lunch.

What makes this bakery a stand-out is the man behind it, Geoff, an agricultural scientist who has applied his knowledge, gained in his work with leading grain growers and pilgrimages around the world and to bread-making with amazing results.

Using organic flour, locally grown ingredients (where possible), hand-crafted and baked using leaven method and stone hearths, bread here is based on dough that takes from 10 to 18 hours of fermentation and proofing and that is designed to be eaten on the day of baking, European style.

While the hand-crafted Burleigh sourdough is most popular loaf (for good reason), must try is their signature Country Miche, a large rustic boule that is proven in a traditional cane banneton. In addition there’s the traditional heavier TartineMission with a nutty flavour, Sandwich loaf, Ciabatta (nonna’s or Olive) and the Burleigh baguette as well as Wilhelm’s light or full rye.

On the fruity side are the Orchard Loaf or Walnut with Fig and Cranberry.

Some of these come as part of the fantastic all day breakfasts here: Baker’s omelette made with free range eggs and cheese is served on Miche or rye toast while Poached Eggs are on Miche loaf with mushrooms; Scrambled eggs come with divine house-cured salmon, dill sauce and rye.

On the ligher side there’re Tartines – open-faced miche with toppings like smashed avo, cottage chese, tomato and rocket or Gorgonzola, pears, walnut and honey.

Come lunchtime sandwiches (Fielle Rolls with fillings of roast pork, caramelized onion, rocket and apple sauce or poached chicken, lettuce and mayo walk out the door and in between times the sweet stuff is just as irresistible – handmade cakes including Mars Bar cheesecake, cookies and pastries of the bread’s high calibre.