3-5 Kurrawyba Ave

Terrigal NSW

The extra long Easter break seems to have given everyone the opportunity to take some time for a well deserved break.  Is seems a little relaxing and socializing is on everyone’s agenda at the moment.  We are catching up with family at the central coast and took advantage of the opportunity to try a Tapas Restaurant I’ve had my eye on for a while. It is always busy and I was lucky enough to reserve the last table.  It seems I wasn’t the only one wanting a little sangria and Tapas to kick off the holiday.

The atmosphere is busy, modern and friendly and we were looked after well by the waiter.  Naturally we started with a jug of Sangria while we made our way through the delicious sounding menu.

It is always difficult to know how many Tapas dishes to order so we asked the advice of the waiter; he suggested we should order three Tapas dishes per person to share between the four of us.

The Sangria arrived and I was pleased to taste the extra hit of spice which had been added to the wine and fruit. It really gave the Sangria an authentic spicy flavour.

We each chose our dishes, which started appearing almost immediately. First up were the Rosemary & Chilli Marinated Olives ($6.60) and the Hommus with warmed Pita bread ($6.60)

Tapas are always a great choice for socializing with friends.  I love sharing food anyway as I always like to taste everything on the table so naturally Tapas is a good option for me.

Next to arrive at the table was the Vegetable Frittata with Beetroot Labneh ($7.70 1 small square).  The frittata was so light and creamy and very well suited to the tang of the beetroot labneh.

One of my favourite Tapas is always the Arancini so I was pleased when Michelle chose this dish. It was described as a Mushroom & Haloumi Arancini and was served with Aoili. ($8.50 3 small pcs) I love the crispy outer casing and the creamy rice filling of these delicious little balls of flavour and these were no exception. The Aioli finished them off nicely although it was a little awkward to share 3 small pieces between four adults. It would help if the number of pieces in each dish were the same.

The lamb cutlets with Olive Tapenade ($11.00 for 2 cutlets) arrived and we were all still very hungry, the dishes had been delicious and we were looking forward to more. We divided the two cutlets by four and I couldn’t help wishing we had known there would only be two per serve.  This would have at least given us the option to order two serves, although at $22.00 for four cutlets it is probably a little steep anyway.

The cutlets were however deliciously moist and flavoursome and I am rather partial to olive tapenade so I enjoyed the dish, albeit only a small mouthful.

I feel that you can never go wrong with crumbed deep fried cheese, and happily our Crumbed Manchego sticks with Capsicum Jam ($8.50 for 3 pieces) were the next to arrive. These were as gorgeously creamy and delicious as you would imagine from gooey warmed cheese coated in crisp breadcrumbs. The capsicum Jam was the perfect accompaniment cutting through the richness.

We made short work of the Barossa Valley Chorizo ($9.40), it was served grilled with no accompaniments but chorizo is a must when indulging in little bites with friends and this particular sausage was a nice blend of spicy and smoky.

I had ordered the Salt & Chilli Squid with Mojo ($9.40) because a girl can never have too much Mojo! The calamari was coated in a delicious thin salt and chilli tempura and served with a spicy Harissa paste. It was an absolutely magic combination which we all enjoyed.

I usually try to steer clear of blatantly fatty foods but I couldn’t resist ordering the Grilled Pork Belly with Harissa Paste ($9.40 for 4 pieces). I justified choosing the dish by promising myself I would do a little extra exercise tomorrow.  These little babies were delicious.  They just melted in my mouth and were absolute, artery clogging perfection. I enjoyed every second of our brief encounter. Unfortunately it seems to have been consumed a little too quickly and I missed getting a photo!

The Spanish Meatballs with Chermoula ($9.40 for 2 pieces) were the next dish to be divvied up. These were a tasty homestyle meatball in a tomato based sauce which had a hint of cumin and allspice to give it a lovely lift.

At this point in the meal I was concerned that I was still quite ravenous.  We had just been served our Garlic & Chilli Prawns ($11.00 for 3 pieces) but I feared that once we worked out how to stretch these between four hungry adults we would still be left wanting.

I quickly perused the menu and added the BBQ Duck Pancakes with finely sliced vegetables and Chilli Tomato Jam ($9.40 1 mini spring roll cut in two) I hoped this dish would be a little more substantial.  The flavour of the BBQ duck was superb, it had a lovely light Asian feel although I think we may have missed the Chilli Jam. The pancake was more like a crispy mini spring roll and the filling was so moist and delicious.

I really don’t like writing a review which isn’t completely glowing, especially when I have thoroughly enjoyed the meal, the atmosphere and the service. I do have to say, after all those dishes I was still quite hungry.  At the end of the meal I decided that I probably wouldn’t need to engage in any exercise for my evening’s consumption.  Although the dishes were rich there was barely a morsel in each serve, so not only would it not harm me, I still felt I needed something further to eat.

I understand that Tapas is supposed to be tiny servings to share but these were a little too miniscule. Also not knowing whether 1,2,3,or 4 pieces were going to arrive per dish made ordering for everyone a little difficult.

As we were leaving we noticed two desserts heading for a lucky recipient. The first was the Chocolate Chilli Cake with a web of toffee and gorgeous homemade Ice-cream.  The second was a delicious Panacotta with berries. Both of these dessert were presented amazingly and I was almost tempted to sit back down for dessert, but our party was already heading for the door so I followed along behind.  The dessert were priced between $11.00- $13.00 and were absolutely stunning.

Coastal Bistro is open 7 days per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations please call 02 4385 3100. For more details www.coastalbistro.com.au

Let’s give a big cheer! We have finally made it to Friday!!

Is it just me, or does the weekend seem to take forever to come around some weeks?

If you are planning to curl up on the lounge with a glass of wine or a beer this weekend, why not add a delicious gourmet pizza to the plan and call it the perfect night in.

I had been hearing some great reviews about the new local pizza place.  So last night I organized a group of 14 (including quite a large group of hungry kids) and we descended on the Pizzeria.  LaKiss Jetty Pizzeria opened in January this year and serves a range of tradition and gourmet pizza’s, pasta’s and breads.

Our initial plans had been to order the pizza and eat it on the beach, but after a game of beach cricket we found the weather was turning a little cool.  We decided we would take advantage of the “dine in” option at LaKiss and dragged the troops up from the beach.

Jac & I were the first through the doors and we both just melted with the delicious homemade pizza aroma.  The smell took me right back to 20 years ago in Crown Street, Surry Hills when I used to get my Pizza’s from an Italian family business.

This is another family pizzeria owned by Paul & Katie a young husband and wife team.  Paulie is a big Lebanese guy who we watched spinning the dough like a pro in the newly opened business, Katie is a local girl who has been working in the hospitality industry in the Coffs Area.

The story goes that right after their wedding Paul announced that 2010 was going to be the year of the pizza! Paul grew up in Sydney and had over a decade experience in Pizzeria and had always wanted to own his own shop.

After moving to Coffs Harbour in 2005, he realized there was a place here for some new tastes in Pizza, and he decided that one day he would be the man to deliver it to the locals.

Paul's experience resulted in the imaginative menu, and was mainly influenced by his own taste. He told me the nachos pizza came to him in a dream. He hates the mess of nachos and dreamed about the solution, he put his nachos on a pizza base.

I am certainly pleased he did.  The Nachos Pizza was one of the many delicious pizza’s I tried, and thoroughly enjoyed. It included corn chips smothered in a tasty chili con carne and served with sour cream and guacamole.

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself; I should mention that the Pizzeria also has a selection of tempting “starter” pizza’s.  We ordered a Garlic Pizza Bread, Garlic and Cheese Pizza and I had to try the Olive & Feta Bread.

I was so impressed as I watched my bread being made, I love olive tapenade and lots of delicious tapenade was being spread liberally over the pizza base.  Ooh I was so in love with my pizza by this stage.  I turned my head as the olive oil was being liberally splash over the feta.  I figured that it won’t affect my waistline if I don’t see it going on.

When the starters arrived they were just as delicious as they looked.  I also tried the cheesey garlic bread and I was in heaven, the cheese was so deliciously garlicky and lush. Oh my god, I could have just eaten these, never mind the pizza! But with all the great smells it wasn’t going to be long before I was tempted away from my pizza bread.

The next pizza up was the Moroccan Lamb Pizza. Being Lebanese, Paul has always known labneh is the perfect accompaniment to lamb, so naturally the Moroccan lamb pizza is served with a delicious, creamy tangy labneh, roasted capsicum and baby spinach leaves. Marinating the lamb prior to cooking meant that the lamb was lusciously moist and full of flavour.

The LaKiss menu reflects Paul’s belief that pizza isn’t bad for you. Using good quality healthy ingredients pizza can be a healthy family meal.  I ordered the Smoked Salmon pizza and I have to agree with Paul.  It was a gorgeous pizza with ricotta cheese, Spanish onion, lemon, capers and baby spinach. I would consider this a perfectly healthy dish, and soo good!

Now as you all probably know I can’t go past blue cheese, I adore the creamy tang and I just crave it. I spotted a Pizza called the Blue Spud which includes potato chopped into matchstick, blue vein cheese, cracked pepper and fresh thyme. I just had to give that one a go as well.  My tummy space was running a little low by this stage but it was mouthwateringly delicious.

I hadn’t quite eaten my body weight in pizza yet and everyone was raving over Jacqui Mexican pizza so I sat up a little straighter to make room for another slice and took the plunge.  Jacs pizza had more spice and kick than most Mexican pizza’s I’ve had which is why our table was enjoying it so much, it was just so tasty!

Paul & Katie said that so far the local favourites are the Moroccan Lamb, Nacho, the Jetty Super Special and Gourmet Vegetarian.  I a little embarrassed to say that I also had a few bites of hubby’s Jetty Super Special and it was exactly as the name suggests “Super Special”.

I watched the Gourmet Vegetarian being made for another order and it will be high on my list of pizza to order next time.  This pizza includes eggplant, artichoke, sun dried tomato and feta cheese, YUMMY! You just can’t go wrong with this combination.

We did also order a Papa Joe which is basically a meat lover’s pizza but I think it may have been demolished before I had a chance to grab a bite.  I have the photo as evidence that it was received but its stay with us was short lived.

LaKiss is BYO and has a great friendly atmosphere. Children are very much welcome, our six little monkeys were given colouring in to keep them amused while the pizza cooked, and the waitress was great bring jugs of water when the kids needed more.

I tried to get a general consensus on the two favourite pizza’s for the night. Most of the votes seemed to be for the Mexicana and the Nachos Pizza, but my favourites were the Smoked Salmon and the Moroccan Lamb.  The children polished off three Hawaiian pizzas between them, a fair effort given that the age range is 3 to 6 years.  So I think it is safe to say there is something on the menu for everyone.

Katie tells me that diners are welcome to customize pizzas to their own tastes but I think we will be working our way though the menu before we start mixing things up.  There are so many great flavour combinations already.

LaKiss Pizzeria offers dine in, takeaway and home delivery, Tuesday though to Sunday. For orders or reservations Ph: 6652 1939.

Katie also mentioned a “stalkers special.” From time to time LaKiss will offer a special to their Facebook followers.  So follow the link and “Like” LaKiss Jetty Pizzeria.

At the end of the meal Paul brough out a delicious plate of Dragonfruit for the adults... maybe it was for the kids too but we weren't sharing too many peices.  (The kids were given their own little treat ;)  )

As we turn into the long drive, it is apparent that this was going to be a very unique property.  The winding road snakes its way amongst natural bush and opens on to gorgeously manicured formal gardens and lawns. Bells at Killcare is located at Killcare Heights on the Central Coast and it is a seclude property set on 8.5 private and tranquil acres.  Patrons can choose to stay in one of the gorgeous little cottages nestled amongst the bush, or visit for a day spa experience and finish with a meal in the restaurant.

Mr GG and I have made dinner reservations. We were looking forward to sampling the Modern Italian cuisine from the hated restaurant. Walking into the restaurant it has a fresh coastal feel with a quiet elegance.  The first dining room is obviously for private group dining and would make an ideal venue for a small gathering.

We were seated in the main dining room and given a bottle of water and a bowl of complimentary olives and two homemade crackers whilst we perused the wine list.  It is fair to say the wine list was extensive; there were 32 pages in all.

We made our choice and turned our attention to the menu. I have to remind my readers that we are right in the middle of the festive season so my appetite is waning a little from all the recent feasting. We had intended to share an entrée so that hubby and I could still manage three courses but alas none of the entrees really took my fancy.

I reasoned that this could be a blessing as I would defiantly have space for a dessert. Once we ordered complimentary bread rolls and olive oil were brought to the table and sat beside the olives. I was a little disappointed that the bread had not been warmed but I reasoned it made it easier to resist temptation and save myself for the meal. Hubby thoroughly enjoyed the bread and oil. I tried a bite and I agreed the oil was very richly olive and truly delicious.

For my main meal I had decided on a Pan-fried Scallop with crushed potato and samphire, caper and lemon dressing.  We also ordered a side of Green Beans which was served in garlic and parsley butter and seasoned with a delicious amount of salt.

My meal could not have been more delicious! The gorgeous lemony, buttery smashed potato with delicate, sweet scallops was just too much. Potato is my ultimate comfort food and these were just the best, I am sure I was making a “when Harry met Sally face” by the time I finished my last buttery mouthful.

My gorgeous husband chose the grilled spiced Quail with Italian Cous Cous and Zucchini Trifolati. I was the first to try his dish and the quail was lovely, it had a spicy crunchy crumb coating which kept the meat deliciously moist inside. The zucchini Trifolato reminded me of a ratatouille which is one of my favourite dishes when it is done properly. The Trifolati was very flavoursome and a great match for the inner circle of spiced cous cous and sultana.

We were both very happy with the dishes we had chosen. The green beans which we ordered to accompany our mains were a great addition and finished the dishes perfectly. After four bread rolls, oil, olives a main and a side of green beans Mr GG wasn’t fussed on dessert but that’s why I had been “saving myself.”

I happily accept the dessert menu and informed hubby that I would chose a dessert for us. I was torn between two choices. The Banana & Hazelnut Tarte with Banana Gelato sound delicious and not too rich but another dessert was served with a Candied Ginger Gelato that had me salivating. Mr GG was adamant that I could expect no help from him in polishing off a dessert, so I asked the waitress if she would mind adding a scoop of ginger gelato to the Banana & Hazelnut Tarte, after checking with the kitchen she informed me that it would be no problem.

When the dessert arrived I was in pure gelato heaven! I simply cannot describe the flavours. The dessert was served with a sweet caramalised banana which combined with the warmth of the ginger and the cream cold banana ice-cream was mind blowing. There were so many oohs and aahs going on, that hubby was tempted to try the dessert.  He agreed that it was really something else.  I would have been happy just eating the gelato and caramalised banana. Ginger and banana gelato are a perfect match.

The tart was the cutest little thing.  The shortcrust shell being unbelievably thin and crisp, the filling was beautiful and moist with a rich dollop of chocolate in the top.  In all it was a delicious dessert and a delicious meal. We were both very happy with our choices and the general ambiance of the restaurant.  It is quietly elegant and somewhere to consider for a special occasion.

We have just said farewell to Mana, our Japanese student.  She is returning home to her family after spending three months living with us, in Australia.  It is very sad, and there have been tears, but it has also been a very rewarding and enriching experience for our whole family.

For three months we have been part of an extended Japanese family. We have hosted Mana, and also opened our house to her friends. Mayumi is the most outgoing in the group, she has chase the “little ones” around the house until both her and the children have been worn out. Tomo and Mana spent a day in the kitchen with me showing me how to make some traditional dishes, Chawan Mushi and Suki-yaki.  Naho is the quietest of the friends but she always joins in when the “family” gets together.

For our last meal together we decided on a Chinese at “The Dragon Restaurant” We were joined for dinner by the iFamily.

The Dragon Restaurant has been open in Coffs Harbour since the early 1980’s.  It hasn’t had a facelift since then but it is “cute” in its retro Chinese appearance, and the meals are both generous and delicious.

There are no real surprises on the menu, just all the regular dishes.

We had starters of short soup, sang chow bow, and mini spring rolls which turned up piping hot almost before we finished ordering!

We surprised Mana with a gift.  She is a fan of the “Red Hot Chili Peppers” so we bought her a RHCP shirt, thankfully we were able to get it in XS!  Despite all the baking, homemade pizza and cooking Mana kept her tiny figure.

True to form the mains were served only a heartbeat after the starters.  We were all hungry so the “lazy Susan” in the centre of the table was getting a fair spin there for a while.

We had chosen, Special Fried Rice, Honey King Prawns, Mongolian Beef, Chicken Chow Mien, Garlic Beef with Vegetables and Sweet & Sour Pork. The meal was absolutely delicious, I couldn’t choose which was the nicest dish on the table. They were all great in that sticky, oily garlicky way. We all left the table very satisfied, if not a little sad that this was our last meal with Mana.

We will see you again Mana, Myumi, Naho, and Tomo, until then, keep practicing your English!

Dragon Chinese Restaurant

108 Grafton Street
Coffs Harbour 2450
(02) 6652 4187