Abby's Burgers 'n' Beers

(Img Source: http://forwardmunch.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/abbys-double-beef-burger-chips-and-a-beer.jpg)

The burgers are NOT better at Hungry Jacks. But I will say I recently experienced what Marshall and Ted from hit TV series How I Met Your Mother describe as a 'burgasm', the best burger in town. It wasn't from a restaurant with a red door, it wasn't from the chicken shop but it was from new local restaurant "Abby's Burgers and Beers". Owner, Abby, welcomes in guests with open arms - literally. Larger than life he sells his burgers in a convincing and unexpected manner. He doesn't brag about the high quality beef or the zesty special burger sauce; but he asks how your day has been, why you are there tonight and what he can do to make your meal, at his restaurant, an unforgettable experience. 

The competitive nature of local companies has meant the focus of marketing strategy has changed from a personal and friendly manner to one of efficiency and productivity. Burgers and Beers was refreshingly personal. It felt like I was at a restaurant I had been at a thousand times before, and having a relationship with the owners and manages gives customers a sense of privilege - a marketing strategy long forgotten in modern consumer relations. 

The burgers were actually very amazing, but what stood out most was that the whole experience, from the moment we walked in to when we paid the bill - it was special. It wasn't a large restaurant and it may not have won a thousand big awards (although the special burger sauce probably deserves an award) but restaurant dining should be about more than just the food and at this place it definitely is! 

Address: 2/235 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives, NSW 2075

Contact: 02 9488 8888

Food Styles and Specialities: Lunch, Dinner and Late

Access: Easy access parking lot around the back of the shops. 

Vapiano: Glorified Subway

Vapiano 

Image source: Vapiano.com.au

Nestled on the corner of King St and York St in Sydney's CBD, Vapiano is an italian restaurant which celebrates its unique healthy menu while also exploring a unusual procedure when fine dining. This while unique and eye-catching ultimately leads to the downfall of the restaurant. 

Vapiano, instead of traditional dining uses a canteen like procedure that sees its patrons lining up to order their meals and being allowed to watch first hand as it is prepared. It is an eye opening and new experience however this unfortunately takes far too long and ill conceived. This sort of experience works well as a fast food outlet but the lining up takes away from time spent conversing with friends and meals are therefore stagnant and unenjoyable. While this glorified subway is appealing to those looking for an alternative dining experience it may leave a sour taste in your mouth and for for students like us may leave your pockets a lot lighter. 

Address: Cnr King Street & York Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Food Styles and Specialities: Authentic Italian cuisine with a healthy twist. Gluten free menu is also very extensive.

Trading Hours:11am-11pm MON-SUNDAY

Contact (02) 9299 0079

www.vapiano.com.au

By Brendan

Something sweet- without the guilt!

Bella Natural Food Co. Store
Image Source: Bella Natural Food Co. Facebook

Bella Natural Food Co supplied me with a simply scrumptious dessert this evening after dinner. Even better, the dessert that I enjoyed didn't have to be a guilty one and totally satisfied my craving for something sweet that was healthy. Bella Natural Food Co uses all organic, natural and fresh fruit, vegetable and foods in their products creating vibrant and exciting meals for its customers. The store has really enhanced the culture of healthy eating in the Terrigal region which is home to numerous adventurous activities and people. The staff are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to delivering a unique experience. 

It doesn't stop here, you can then enjoy your lunch or sweet treat in a gorgeous environment if you just wander a mere 30 metres from the store front down onto the beautiful Terrigal beach, walk a few hundred metres over to the Terrigal Skillion lookout that has panoramic ocean views or just cross the road to enter the Crowne Plaza that is home to Terrigal's classy restaurants and vibrant night life.

Image Source: Bella Natural Food Co. Facebook

Address: 1 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal, NSW, 2260

Food Styles and Specialities: Organic and natural products and meals such as juices, smoothies, lunch, cakes and sweets
Trading Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 6.30am - 6pm
Friday- 6.30am - 6pm, 7pm - 10pm
Saturday- 6.30am - 5pm, 7pm - 10pm
Sunday- 7am - 4pm
Access: There is street parking nearby, less than 50m, however the parking seems to be regularly full so the free multi-storey carpark approximately 300m away offers a large number of carparks and a short walk to the cafe. Apart from this, the cafe is situated near two bus stops that are both within a 100 metre walk.
Contact:
Phone- 4384 3422
Email- bellanatural@optusnet.com.au
Social Media- https://www.facebook.com/bellanaturalfoodco, or follow them on instagram @bellanaturalfoodco

Four Hands Pizza Bar and Grill- Terrigal

Four Hands Pizza Bar and Grill, Terrigal
Image Source: Four Hands Pizza Bar and Grill Facebook

I dined at this little gem of a restaurant for dinner and was astounded by the responsive customer service and the extensive knowledge that each of the waitresses had of the products they offered from pizzas, other meals, beers, ciders and wines. 

Besides the waitress being attentive to our needs, always ensuring we had full beverages and being consistently engaging, the food was served promptly. And boy, oh boy, was it up to the standard the restaurant had been setting. The gourmet pizzas were just delicious and quirky. 

I highly recommend this restaurant for a relaxed outing with a subtle atmosphere of class in the heart of Terrigal's beach culture.

Address: 6/17 Church Street, Terrigal, NSW, 2260

Food Styles and Specialities: Lunch, Dinner, Coffee, Drinks

Trading Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12pm - 10pm

Services: Eat in, Outdoor seating, Family and children friendly, Take reservations, Waiter service, Good for group gatherings

Access: Close parking was limited but a couple of hundred metres away is a free, public, multi-storey carpark that offers a lot of parks. Otherwise, the restaurant is situated within 100m from several bus stops.

Contact:

Phone- 4384 4492

Website- http://www.fourhandspizza.com.au/

Social Media- https://www.facebook.com/4handspizza

The Point Cafe- Wamberal, Central Coast

The other day I visited The Point Cafe situated on the upper level of the Wamberal Surf Club on the Central Coast. The Cafe was so busy that I had to be sat on a waiting lounge for 10 minutes before being moved to an empty table. I definitely think that the Cafe needs to utilise more of the space on that storey of the surf club. Despite this, other option are arriving early or reserving a table which they allow you to do. After being given the menu I realised that the meals on offer were just a bit out of the price range I was willing to pay for breakfast. Luckily I was visiting with a regular customer who knew that the cafe offered some cheaper and more simple meals not written on the menu. Once the staff had revealed their miscommunication through several different waitresses repeatedly asking us if we had been served, a large serving of bacon and eggs on turkish bread arrived at the price of only $8, up to $20 cheaper than some of the other meals- unless you just want a small breakfast of toasted banana bread or turkish fruit toast for only $4.50.

Despite the busyness of the cafe that seemingly overwhelmed the staff, the service was very caring, the food was delicious and nothing could beat the panoramic views of Wamberal beach.

The Point Cafe Wamberal.
Image Source: http://pointcafe.com.au/point-cafe-wamberal

Address: 1 Dover Road, Wamberal, (above Wamberal Surf Club)

Food Styles and Specialities: Breakfast and Lunch

Trading Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8am - 3pm. Friday - Sunday, 7am - 3pm

Services: Eat in, Family friendly

Access: Easy access for private transport due to the large Surf Club carpark, just below and to the left of the cafe. Public transport is also a viable option with a bus stop situated a mere 100m away from the cafe.

Contact:

For inquiries and bookings phone- 4385 8841

Email- wamberal@pointcafe.com.au

Website- http://pointcafe.com.au/point-cafe-wamberal

let's mango!

Let's mango!... or tango, with each of the unique atmospheres, services and products that we mingle with as we hop from one cafe or restaurant to the next in our local areas. Through this blog a group of us will be providing you with information from each of our individual experiences at cafes and restaurants that we visit.

I am Nicole from the cafe exploring team so hello! Here is a little about myself...

I have a passion for food, particularly eating it but sometimes cooking it (although I'm not very good). I have a HUGE sweet tooth but also value healthy meals due to my extensive participation in sport like soccer and touch football. I currently study at university, work as an infants soccer coach and am a youth leader for year 9 girls at church. Amidst all these activities that keep me very busy I love to kick back and enjoy some food and conversation in one of the many relaxing cafes and restaurants on the Central Coast. 

Hi I'm Emily from the cafe exploring team! I love a good food blog, as I frequently check out most cafes and eateries online before I visit them. Food blogs and social media have really helped consumers make informed decisions about establishments before they visit and help them weed out the bad food and bad service! On a typical weekend, I'll usually visit two or three cafes for breakfast or brunch - my favourite meals! I try to experiment a little and rarely get the same thing twice, to get a good feel of a place and what it has to offer.

Our other cafe exploring friends Brendan and Michael both have a diverse and exciting range of interests and are from different areas around the Sydney region and are also keen to share with you our array of experiences. 

Don't forget that it takes two to tango, us and YOU! So join us on our food-loving adventures and enjoy! (: