Zen and the art of tea

When you see the windmill you are almost there. That was part of the directions to find Tokonoma, a delightful Japanese tea house and gallery in the Gold Coast Hinterland at Mudgeeraba. It is run by Margaret Price in partnership with Toshiko Fukuda and includes a wonderful array of changing Japanese art that is worth the trip on its own. However, I was particularly seduced by the wonderful food. Margaret describes it as a Japanese Australian fusion. She has included some distinctive Australian flavours, like lemon myrtle, in her green tea drinks and the results are very impressive. There's a small lunch menu and some wonderful sweets that you just have to try - curry ice cream - sounds foul but is really very good. Black coffee jelly is another that has to be tasted. The Japanese sweets are almost too pretty to eat, but do! This place is really worth a visit. Read more about it in my story in today's Sunday Mail Discovery section.

Tokonoma, 442, Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. Open Thursday to Sunday, 9.30 – 3.30pm p 5530 2378. www.tokonoma.com.au