The Sunshine Coast, with its luscious hinterland and bevy of beaches, has long been mecca for many a domestic tourist. As a result the district’s edible offerings are flourishing, with some of the country’s best fine dining restaurants setting up shop in Noosa and nearby.

The most recent foodie addition to the Sunshine Coast comes courtesy of one of Brisbane’s biggest stars, Urbane executive chef Alejandro Cancino, who departed the Brisbane fine dining institution in June last year. The passionate vegan’s chosen diet has in part inspired the move, as well as the search for a better work/life balance with his wife and young daughter.

“There is a large and ever-growing vegan community on the Coast and we wanted to make the move to the area not only for the lifestyle, but also for ethical reasons,” he told Sunshine Coast Council of his move.

“As a vegan, I was no longer comfortable working with dishes containing animal products. I want to be able to serve 100% plant-based foods. It seems like an exciting time for the Sunshine Coast. I love the place and the people, and it feels like the region’s food scene is on the cusp of something big, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Cancino will shortly launch a vegan café and catering business called Lola’s Pantry in Kuluin, neighbouring Maroochydore. The eatery will comprise of both cafe and restaurant serving (of course) solely plant-based cuisine. Out the back will sit the hub of Cancino’s vegan-style pantry business Fënn Foods where you’ll find meat-free bites (like sesame cheese), all produced by Cancino and designed to be cooked from the comfort of your home.

Lola’s is just the start for Cancino, who is fast making a mark on the Sunshine Coast food scene, having already been named an ambassador for tourism body Visit Sunshine Coast to assist in the promotion of local producers and their edible wares.

Lola’s Pantry
2 Melaleuca Street, Kuluin