All blog posts tagged with central coast area
Coastal Bistro
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
...just beachy
How is the return to the daily grind treating everyone?? Are you already thinking about the next chance to escape and relax on the beach… or the opportunity to laze in a beer garden, enjoying a nice cooling ale, while watching the waves break in front of you.
Where is this far away oasis of sun and summer? Well, really it is not so far! It is just one hour north of Sydney, but it might as well be a million miles away. The feeling here is of complete relaxation. The foreshore is full of shops, cafes, restaurants and a perfectly position hotel and terrace, with shaded seating to take advantage of the view over the water.
The area reminds me of Bondi Beach or Coogee fifteen years ago, when you could still get a car park! The difference with Terrigal is there is a distinct holiday feel about the area. There are families playing in the sand at the beach with little children, couples having a romantic moment, and groups of “twenty somethings” enjoying an escape.
We decided to soak up some of the atmosphere in “The Terrace Bar” at the Crown Hotel, which overlooks the beach. A lazy hour or two was spent watching the people go by and enjoying the company of our friends. Mr GG was pleased to see the variety of beers available on tap, he returned with a Fat Yak Pale Ale and a Stella.
Our companion was pretty happy with the Reches Pilsner on tap and his lovely partner had a Cider. We enjoyed the opportunity to just catch up, and spent a cruisey afternoon watching people coming and going.
We all agreed that the ideal place to stay would be the Crown Hotel with its gorgeous view over the water. It is central to all the restaurants and shops and you would never need to use your car. There are so many other interesting accommodation ideas in the area. We noticed holiday houses to rent in the local Real Estate agents windows and B&B signs on a lot of the cottages and houses near the beach.
We checked out a few of the restaurants and have ear marked two for a return visit. The first was Le Chat Noir. When I first visited Paris I ate a meal in a restaurant by the same name in the Montemartre area. With such a French name it is obviously a French restaurant and the menu draws me, I am beginning to regret that we have already made dinner plans elsewhere.
We continue wandering through the shops when a blue furry monster grabs my (and the children’s) attention. His beady little eyes beckon us all into the store aptly named “The Sweetest Things” The children choose their favourite treat and I “ohh” and “ahh” at the gorgeous creations.
We continue to peruse the shops and restaurants when we notice “Coastal," a gorgeous little Tapas Bar with a delicious sounding menu. We are tempted to stop in for a jug of Sangria and a few nibbles but it is getting late, and with reservations at Bells Killcare we reluctantly move on.
It has been an extremely relaxing day. This is an area I would like to spend a lot more time exploring when time permits. So next time you are lamenting the working week, and you want a change in scenery, what about a couple of days at Terrigal Beach. Don’t forget to have a jug of Sangria for me!
The Sweetest Things
The Sweetest Thing…
…is watching a child’s eyes widen and light up when they walk into “The Sweetest Things” cake shop. There were too many delicious choices, and I had instantly excited children.
We had been going for a stroll around the Terrigal shops when we happened upon this apparition of sugar. It was immediately obvious that a quick look in the window was not going to satisfy either the children or myself. Hubby had given instructions that the children were allowed one item only… I kinda guessed the same went for me.
There were so many different cute items to choose from. The little ones were toing and froing between choices. There was giggling and jumping with excitement.
Little A finally chose a pink cupcake because that is her favourite colour. The flavour combination of her cupcake was Turkish delight and musk, it was absolutely delicious and finished in no time.
Mr L couldn’t go past the cookie monster with his chocolate chip mouth and his beady fondant eyes. Cookie Monster had first caught my attention from outside the shop so we had to buy him.
There was momentary silence while the children devoured their treats. I used the time wisely and photographed more of the cute baked goods. I loved the little iced sugar cookies packaged and ready for gift giving. There were teapots of all colours, happy pirates, sad pirates and angry pirates, and the cutest cookie of all, a little buzzing bee in a gorgeous old fashioned cake tin.
Being the Christmas holidays the shop was still full of festive cakes such a rum balls and white chocolate snowmen.
There were gingerbread houses of varying sizes gorgeously decorated with lollies.
I loved the bright red mistletoe on the Christmas cupcakes and the iced shortbread Christmas Trees.
The chocolate cupcakes also got my attention, they were so nicely decorated. I couldn’t imagine trying to eat one by myself but it would be such a gorgeous little gift.
The Sweetest Things also makes wedding and special event cakes to order.
The shop is located at Shop 4, Crowne Plaza, Terrigal, Phone 02 4385 2253.
Bells at Killcare
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.
Search Site
3 TOURS DEPARTING 2012
Have Your Say
I wish I had you for my mum when I was 5!
That cake would have been the talk of the town for the rest of the year - fantastic job.
A lot of your blogs will be interactively design and style that visitor share data to read your blog.
Thank you so much, it is going to be a wonderful surprise for my Mum, I wish everyone a great day with your own special people, those who helped you become who you are today.
Mum definitely deserves the hamper, because she is an amazing woman that has brought up 3 kids through tough times. She is the best mum a son could ask for.
She's had it tough, working hard
deserving much more than just a card
So let's raise a glass and toast her true
The best person in the world - Mum, that's you!
Thanks for the info on Rasa Malaysia's book. I used to visit her website for recipes but some time ago, igot a new PC and forgot to bookmark it!
You're too modest Julie! You did a great job with the cake! :D
Yellow strawberries and cream is just perfect for mum as a reward for putting up with two kids who were a pain in the bum.
I would have loved to have seen those martini glasses! Hope Miss A had a lovely time celebrating turning 5 :D
It shouldn't. It should go to me as whilst trying to make sure my mum, step-mum, MIL, Step-MIL, 3 x Grandmas are spoilt on Mother's Day, I always seem to get forgotten!
My poor old mum is battling to care for my step dad who has advanced Parkinsons. My real dad who has had a stroke still expects her to be there for him, my bro is going bankrupt and she lives two states away from her only gransdon. Her life has little joy- JUst wish for one thing nice to happen to her. We all love our mums, good luck to you all!
Perfect place to relax and forget about all the troubles we have in the city and just unwind ~ can't wait to go to somewhere like this hehe
- restaurant reviews (55)
- recipe (160)
- snack food (32)
- sapphire (1)
- coffs harbour area (35)
- dessert (47)
- high tea (4)
- cookbook challenge (24)
- entree (6)
- bush tucker (4)
- press release (2)
- news (2)
- fairs (1)
- new products (6)
- self contained accommodation (3)
| Australian Food Bloggers Ring | |||||||||||||||||||
| list >> | random >> | join | |||||||||||||||||
| Site Ring from Bravenet | |||||||||||||||||||
