There’s more than a touch of a French provincial town market in Ambarella Fine Foods. With its black and grey striped shop awnings, reproduction chandeliers, potted herbs and flowers accenting the displays, Mediterranean-influenced groceries for sale, a French patisserie and boulangerie, and even a kitchenware shop replete with Julia Child inspired cookware, it’s a lush shopping venue which is pleasing locals.
The concept of a market square with shops scattered around the edges is not new to the Gold Coast, however Ambarella has a unique and fresh feel. For starters it’s small, yet it holds most stores a local would need (fruit and veg, baker, seafood, butcher, groceries, frozen yoghurt, juice bar, takeaway, deli, coffee shop, kitchenware). It’s visually appealing and very open, with all stores similarly branded and visible from the entrance, ideal for a quick whip around! It’s a themed venue with store signage and marketing ‘branded’ not only with the French provincial theme, but also with the ‘farm-to-table’ concept. Not only can you purchase fresh pasta made to order, grind your own coffee, press your own juice, make your own pizza, pick and buy your own herbs, but also attend cooking classes and product demonstrations, such as the ‘make your own’ cheese kit shown on the day we attended.
Shoppers can combine their shopping with lunch or a gourmet meal to go, as well as a fresh juice or coffee. The nutty smooth coffee from Silipo is specially blended for Ambarella; it’s creamy and delicious! There’s even a shaded alfresco area out the front of the store as well as comfortable seating scattered inside the front doors. With few other grocery shops in the surrounding area, Ambarella is a fresh welcome change – a great place to enjoy a few hours, to shop, have lunch, and meet friends in the village.
1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters Ph: 07 5520 0806
Open: Mon – Sat 7am – 6pm; Sun 8am – 5pm