Freestyle Tout

50/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley 4006

(07) 3252 0214

From its humble beginnings in Rosalie to arguably institution status today, the reigning monarch of Brisbane’s burgeoning dessert café scene needs no introduction. The long queues out of the door every night is testament to Freestyle Tout’s devoted following, who swear by its extensive offering of classic comfort foods like sticky date pudding, crème brulee, bread and butter pudding, or the good old deluxe sundae. Some of these are truly decadent: A Little Bit of Queensland is a macadamia white chocolate slice enriched with generous lashings of butterscotch sauce in decorative patterns, and served with a scoop of white-chocolate-caramel-macadamia ice cream.

If you’re not in the mood for dessert but kind of hungry, you  might like to check out Freestyle’s all-day savoury menu. Perhaps a hunger-busting wagyu beef burger with chips and aioli, or something lighter like lemon pepper chilli calamari served with an Asian-inspired salad? There are also a small monthly selection of specials, and this is where the kitchen expresses their creativity, experimenting with ethnic food like pork and shiitake potstickers or unusual dessert combinations like peanut butter cheesecake. Offerings like gluten-free chocolate cake or the vegan pear and rhubarb crumble with soy custard, mixed berries and coconut ice cream means that no one gets to miss out on decadent desserts because of dietary restrictions.

What to drink with dessert? Coffee is often the first choice for most people, but if you’re also the type who likes to take your time savouring your sinful treat, thinks it already has enough fat and sugar and is partial towards tea, I recommend a pot of loose leaf without milk and sugar. Like wine, tea contains tannins and pairs well with food, and of course that includes dessert. Arctic Fire goes well with the vibrantly piquant combination of passionfruit curd tart, mini white chocolate cannoli and blood orange ice cream, while zesty Japanese lime tea is gorgeous with berry sorbets.

Currently there’s only one Freestyle Tout in Brisbane after the closure of its sister café at West End. They are still actively promoting local art and providing catering services, and owner Martin Duncan has come up with plenty of activities for Freestyle fans. There’s now a monthly book club, and if you’re contemplating putting together a getaway with friends and loved ones, Martin can organise art classes, luxury accommodation and even cooking classes with celebrity chefs and local celebrities in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.