Strawberries-and-cream beer, Bertie Beetle pies and showbags galore – where to find Ekka-inspired treats in Brisbane
Ekka may be off the calendar this year (again), but that won’t stop Brisbane from celebrating our favourite annual agricultural show. If you’re keen to experience some show-day goodness and score some tasty Ekka-inspired delights, we’ve put together a list of some decadent delectables that you can treat yourself to for a limited time. So roll up, roll up and read on to find out what sweet treats are in store for you …
Stone & Wood Brisbane, Fortitude Valley: In response to the cancellation of this years Ekka, Brisbane brewery Stone & Wood has decided to help fundraise for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation by resurrecting its strawberries-and-cream-flavoured beer inspired by the Ekka’s iconic strawberry sundae. Available to snag at Stone & Wood’s Fortitude Valley brewery, the Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer is brewed with 60 kg of Queensland strawberries, with lactose and vanilla added during fermentation to create a creamy flavour that closely resembles the taste of Ekka’s much-loved treat. All of the proceeds from the strawberry-sundae beers sold at Stone & Wood’s Brisbane brewery will be donated to The Common Good to help fund health research with The Prince Charles Hospital.
Ekka drive-through, Bowen Hills: So you can treat yourself to a scoop of the icy indulgence that is the iconic strawberry sundae, Ekka is running a pop-up drive-through outlet at Sideshow Alley as well as a stall on King Street, which will be open for nine days starting this Saturday August 14 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. The carnival snacks don’t stop at just sundaes – both pop-up stalls will also be selling dagwood dogs and Bertie Beetle showbags.
Pie Town, West End: Adored for its delicious pastry goods, Pie Town in West End will be cooking up a host of Ekka specials over the next week. We’ve heard that the much-loved Bertie Beetle pie will be making a return to the cabinet and there is also a strawberry sundae pie with chocolate ganache, vanilla creme with fresh strawberries mixed through, whipped cream and more fresh strawberries to top it off.
Superthing, West End: Pink-hued West End pastry paradise Superthing is serving up strawberry-infused treats so good that they will have you ordering seconds. If you’ve been craving flaky, buttery, golden croissants, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Superthing’s dough punchers are serving up a strawberries-and-cream croissant made with fresh dollops of cream and strawberries. If that’s not enough, the team are also slinging a strawberry-and-cream thick shake, so be sure to wear your stretchy pants.
Emporium Hotel, South Bank: To keep spirits high, Emporium Hotel South Bank have some fun Ekka-inspired sweet treats to try for a limited time only. Relive your greatest Ekka memories with a Candyman Cake in Belle Epoque, a Strawberry Fields cocktail at The Terrace and a Hay Bae cocktail at Piano Bar. Signature will also be taking part in the fun with a decadent dessert soon to be released.
Paddington Social, Paddington: Another pastry must-try to tick off your Ekka eats bucket list can be found at Paddington Social on Given Terrace. The much-adored cafe is cranking the ovens to bake batches upon batches of its newest creation – a croissant inspired by Ekka’s iconic strawberry sundae. The tastebud-tempting invention is made with strawberry cremeux, strawberry and lime whipped panna cotta and it’s topped with crispy strawberry crumbs. We’ll have several, thanks.
Darvella Patisserie, Bulimba: Our mates at Darvella Patisserie in Bulimba have been baking up a storm and we think they’ve come up with a masterpiece – the Ekka Strawberry Sundae Croissant. Featuring the bakery’s signature two-toned croissant cone filled with vanilla custard and strawberry gel, this baby is then topped with vanilla chantilly cream, strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries. Be quick though, as this goodie is only available this Wednesday August 11, Saturday August 14 and Sunday August 15 from 7:00 am until sold out.
Chouquette, New Farm: Haven’t had enough strawberries yet? Good, because we have another primo treat that will have you salivating. New Farm French bakery and patisserie Chouquette will be serving up a Strawberry Sundae Cheesecake this weekend in an ode to the Ekka. This dreamy vanilla cheesecake (with a hint of strawberry) is packed full and topped off with fresh Sunshine Coast strawberries. Available to snag in store only this weekend, we suggest running, not walking.
Jocelyn’s Provisions, Albion, Camp Hill, Brisbane City and James St: In celebration (or perhaps in memoriam) of the Ekka, the creative crew at Jocelyn’s Provisions have concocted a Strawberries and Cream Cruffin filled with fluffy cream, strawberry jam and fresh strawberries. This tantalising creation will be available in store (until sold out) from Wednesday August 11 until Saturday August 14, so make haste.
Lune Croissanterie, South Brisbane: If you hadn’t heard, world-renowned croissanterie Lune opened a full-scale production facility and shopfront in South Brisbane just last week. Although they might be newcomers to Brisbane, the Lune team are also getting in on the Ekka fun and have created a danish inspired by the famous strawberry sundae. This beauty is filled with a house-made fromage blanc, topped with fresh Queensland strawberries and finished with a strawberry glaze. From Wednesday August 11, there will be a limited number of the danishes available every day for the rest of August.
Psst … if you’re still keen to grab a showbag (or five) we suggest having a gander on showbags.com.au or at the Showbag Shop website.
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