Le Bon Choix brings French elegance and seriously good sandwiches to Brickworks in Southport
The French don’t just make pastries, they perfect them. For centuries, boulangeries and patisseries have elevated butter, sugar and flour into edible art, celebrated the world over for their finesse and flavour. Now, Gold Coasters can indulge in that same culinary artistry and tradition a little closer to home, with renowned bakery Le Bon Choix unveiling its latest location at Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport.
Le Bon Choix is the creation of Savico Basset-Rouge, who trained under the legendary Laurent Boillon – regarded as one of the most successful pastry chefs in the world. After honing his craft, Savico relocated from Melbourne to Brisbane and, in 2004, opened his first humble boulangerie patisserie in Albany Creek. It may not have had the chic polish the brand is now known for, but it quickly gained a loyal following of devotees who fell in love with the pastries and baked goods.
Spurred by Albany Creek’s success, Savico opened a larger, more refined store in Brisbane’s CBD, quickly paving the way for almost a dozen more stores across Southeast Queensland. The new Brickworks location carries forward the ethos that has underpinned Le Bon Choix since the beginning, “the authenticity of the product – flavours, ingredients, preparation, and processes must be upheld. We never take shortcuts … this is how we’ve maintained the quality of our food since day one,” Savico says.
Marrying Parisian elegance with the laid-back Gold Coast lifestyle, the newest outpost is designed for lingering over coffee dates and unhurried lunches. Step inside and you’ll be met with a cheerful “bonjour” – a nod to the bakery’s French roots – before your eyes are drawn to an L-shaped cabinet overflowing with glossy fruit tarts, jewel-toned macarons and croissants so buttery they practically melt on sight.
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Adding to the array is an artisan sandwich menu, which has already proved a hit with diners, featuring options such as prosciutto and camembert with beetroot relish on caramelised-onion ciabatta, smoked salmon and cream cheese on rye, and a vegetarian option filled with tomato and mozzarella with basil pesto. Classic savouries like chicken and leek pie, golden ham and cheese croissants and the ultimate French comfort dish, the croque monsieur, are perfect companions to your coffee.
For Savico, dining out is about much more than food – it’s about connection. “Food transcends borders and brings people together. It’s wonderful seeing people at the cafes from many different cultures smiling and happily enjoying the food and each other’s company. A smile is a language that everyone understands and we’re in the business of creating more of them,” he says.
From humble beginnings to a Queensland institution, Le Bon Choix has become synonymous with French craftsmanship. With Brickworks now added to its growing family, the Gold Coast has gained another place to connect and indulge, French style.
Head to The Directory for opening times.