Ricks Garage
To say I will a little excited about this weeks review was a huge understatement. I was heading to one of the Sunshine Coasts newest bakehouses. But this wasn’t a new business venture, this was a extension to the legendary food joint that is Ricks Garage Palmwoods.
Ricks Garage has been around for a long long time. The building used to be a Blacksmiths way back in 1913, then years later transformed into a fuel and mechanic shop.
In 2003 the garage was purchased by Rick and Lisa. For a few years Rick was pumping fuel and fixing cars, while Lisa ran the post office across the road. In 2009 the family had this crazy idea to turn the fuel pumps off and turn this place into a premier food and entertainment venue.
These days brothers Tama and Ben run the show and gee it’s a big one. This place is massive and keeps expanding. The newest addition is the Bakehouse that opened right next door about 10 weeks ago. This new funky hangout is open daily from 5.30am to 2pm. It’s got a mixture of 🥧’s, sausage rolls, savory delights and great coffee.
I can remember coming to this place well before you could buy a 🥧 or a burger and gee it’s changed over the years. The whole place is unrecognizable from my first visit and every time I return there’s something new added. What hasn’t changed is the old work shop down stairs and the boys love for cars and bikes. Most days you will see various varieties of collectible cars parked out the front and just that is worth the visit. After getting arguably the biggest tour yet it was time to start eating 🥧’s.
With only two 🥧’s on the menu to choose from Chunky Steak & Lamb and Rosemary this decision was coming clearer by the second !!! I’m had to give both a test run !!! It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. The Chunky Steak was outrageously awesome, but I was going to base this review on the “Lamb & Rosemary”
🥧THE REVIEW 🥧
1. Value for Money – Look $7 is up there for a 🥧, but the size of this one was very very generous. Photos will show the depth of this thing was huge. Plus Lamb ain’t cheap and this 🥧 was full of the stuff. Overall very good value at 7 bucks. 9.5/10
2. Meat Ratio – The top pastry did sink in the middle and the photos clearly show this, there could have been more filling added to this 🥧. While the chunks of lamb were huge and plentiful more could have been added. 8/10
3. Meat Flavour – I’m
giving “FIVE AWESOMES” it was incredible !!!! The lamb pieces were like iceberg size and incredibly tender. Then added was salt, various peppers, special gravy, carrots and leek. This flavor was up there with the best I’ve had. Loved every bite. 10/10
4. Pastry – Almost perfect. The color, top and bottom bakes were excellent. The side bake was a smidge and I mean smidge under cooked. Stability was superb, i tipped this thing upside down about 10 times and it didn’t move one bit. 9.5/10
5. Serving Temperature – Perfect !!!! No waiting, just straight out of the oven in my mouth. 10/10
Overall Rating
🥧🥧 47/50 🥧🥧
This 🥧 was exceptionally good. The flavor was without a doubt the standout. The size and tenderness of the lamb pieces, mixed with the gravy sauce and vegetables have this a perfect flavored 🥧. The only improvement could be the meat ratio, all the other categories were perfect or close to. I can very easily recommend both 🥧’s on the menu, the boys and the bakers have nailed it.
This place is epic !!!! From the new bakehouse to the exiting garage turned food haven, the whole joint oozes class. Ricks Garage is a Sunshine Coast institution and it’s hard not to see why. Employing 63 staff and serving up to 1200 burgers on a Saturday this place goes ballistic. From the whisky room to the beer garden you will easily find a place to sit eat and relax. Trust me if you love your food, you’ve come to the right place. Now add the Bakehouse to the equation and this joint is almost complete. The boys tell me they haven’t finished yet and there’s more exciting news on the way.
The bakehouse and the garage is a MUST visit !!! It’s a experience that everyone should try and I’m positive you will be back.
Tama and Ben a massive thanks for having me in, giving me the tour and letting me share your families journey. Your parents handed you lads the baton and gee whiz you blokes have taken off with it. What you have a achieved here is remarkable. It’s a terrific business success story and it’s far from finished. As a pair of ex chippy’s you fellas have absolutely nailed this hospitality stuff.
Palmwoods is a ripping town and like most places has changed dramatically over the years. This whole area
Palmwoods, Woombye, Eudlo are well worth exploring. Take your time as there is plenty on offer.
