restauranting by the reef

The Reef Restaurant is one of Terrigal's more exclusive and classy restaurants, situated right in Terrigal Haven overlooking the spectacular beach and down the coastline. The other day you would not believe what happened to me... Actually don't guess, I am going to tell you anyway because I am so excited and I hope you will be too! One of my friends went to the Reef Restaurant and was so pleased with the food, atmosphere and service that he just could not stop talking about it. Not too long after this, he purchased a $150 gift voucher for my boyfriend and I to go and treat ourselves to a 3 course meal and drinks, simply because he wanted us to enjoy it as much as he did, talk about generosity!

image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=view+from+reef+restaurant+terrigal&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zKNtU-COJ4jGkgXPxoEY&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=SpiePfKiUV12WM%253A%3B59Ett6prL3hOdM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthewongcouple.com%252Fimages%252Fmonique-daniel-wedding-2%252F46-big.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthewongcouple.com%252Fblog%252Fwedding%252Fterrigal-central-coast-monique-daniel-2%3B1400%3B467

I am so excited to visit that I thought I would do a brief post on the restaurant so we can all be excited together (I'm so keen I have already started looking through the menu and thinking about what I should get!).

Firstly, here is where the restaurant is:

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

Here are some of the views that I will be lucky enough to experience:

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

image source: http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/

And finally here are some things that I have been looking at on the menu that have been getting my mouth watering!

image sources: file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/reef_autumn_menu_web%20(3).pdf

I cannot wait to get along as it is going to be so much fun and the food sounds like it will be spectacular!



Address: The Haven, Terrigal, NSW, 2260
Food Style and Specialties: Lunch and Dinner
Trading Hours: Tuesday-Sunday- lunch is served from and dinner from 6pm
Services: eat in, bookies generally required and preferable, good for special events like weddings, good space for group gatherings, helicopter packages
Access: car park out the front, bus stops in short walking distance
Contact:
Phone- 4385 1983
Email- info@reefrestaurant.com.au
Website- http://www.reefrestaurant.com.au/contact/

The Entrance Lake House

The Entrance is home to some of the Central Coast's most beautiful scenery and most family friendly activities to enjoy. The magnificent waters of Tuggerah Lake that skirt the town parallel a multi-purpose walking and bike track so that the locals and tourists can immerse themselves in the scenery before the lake eventually channels out to the Pacific Ocean at the pristine Entrance Beach and Sea Bars. 

(Image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+entrance&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Gz1pU4y_KMeA8gXUw4GgAw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1517&bih=741&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=PHJ4XVajWZ9KEM%253A%3BvznLUifzz12dxM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bluebaytouristpark.com.au%252Fimg%252Fpano.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.bluebaytouristpark.com.au%252Forana.html%3B900%3B300)


Throughout the year the Entrance boasts numerous tourists, from afar and locally as they come to get away from the busyness of life. The area welcomes family holidays with a range of activities such as free music festivals, markets, mardi gras, vintage car shows, pelican feeding, boat hire, fishing and play equipment and areas for children.

Amidst all this my family ventured into one of the towns oldest facilities, The Entrance Lake House. This 100+ year old building, with the help of architects, was restored back to its original state as it replicates that of a 1900's luxury guest house. The renovations are outstanding and for my family who have lived in the area for 50+ years it conjured memories of the Entrance as they enjoyed it when they were young. The history of the Entrance is actually quite fascinating and I'd definitely recommend reading up on it if you're thinking of visiting.

(image source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=the+entrance+lake+house&rlz=1C1KMZB_enAU581AU581&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=sj1pU4P0K8Kl8AWhhoLYAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=aZ05fLg-M_naJM%253A%3BgB95Uzw8Eo7W_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-0lMjhHkNuy0%252FUHkMshXzKQI%252FAAAAAAAAAMY%252FdJte9UCT87Q%252Fs760%252FTELH%25252Blogo.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheentrancelakehouse.blogspot.com%252F%3B528%3B527)

Anyway, in we walked the The Entrance Lake House and as soon as we finished gawking over the setting sun over the lake, our eyes were set upon the menu and our bellies were having a terrible time trying to decide what to order! The meals looked scrumptious! We finally decided on a Mexican Chicken Parmigiana (parmi, by the way is always a good go to when you are feeling a bit undecided when looking at a menu) with sides of salad and chips. We sat down and began soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of the Hotel. I will admit, although the music was suitable to the 90's culture they were sporting, it was just a smidge too loud which made conversation with my parents a bit tough (although it could be that they're, you know, getting on a bit if you know what I mean...).

In not too long our meals arrived, served by an absolutely lovely waiter who was very genuine and took an interest in us and made us feel like valued customers. The food was also delicious! Now, you might find it hard to believe... but I don't really like hot chips... but oh boy these chips were a different story, I just couldn't get enough! The Parmigiana was also a brilliant size that left me very satisfied and the Mexican flavour is definitely a good option as the salsa, guac, sour cream and cheese kept the chicken schnitzel moist. 

Our delicious Mexican Chicken Parmigiana.

Overall the experience was brilliant and the service alone would make me go back there, not to mention the food! My parents, actually, HAVE already returned and enjoyed another meal there with friends!

Address: 27 The Entrance Road, Cnr Oakland Ave, The Entrance
Food Styles and Specialties: specialist coffee house, all day eatery, producing fresh and simple modern Australian fare that is predominantly enjoyed for lunch and dinner.
Trading Hours: 6:30am - 12:00am (midnight), 7 days a week.
Services: Takeaway snack, eat in, indoor and outdoor seating, family friendly, good for group gatherings/group menus, spaces for high teas, weddings and functions
Access: The Hotel has a parallel car park that they own and can be used, otherwise the Hotel is surrounded by bus access. If you're feeling active the Entrance can easily be ridden around on bike.
Contact:
Phone- 02 4332 5253
Email- Info@TheEntranceLakeHouse.com.au
Website- www.TheEntranceLakeHouse.com.au

The Cow Shed

(image source: https://www.facebook.com/thecowshedcafeterrigal/photos/pb.476629625767327.-2207520000.1399275916./476653402431616/?type=3&theater)

This morning I set out with a friend, in the icy wind, to venture for some breakfast. Luckily, we came across this little cafe that was protected from the wind and had the morning sun filtering into the dining area. We immediately knew that this was where we were going to find refuge from the Autumn chill and a soul-warming meal.

(image source:https://www.facebook.com/thecowshedcafeterrigal/photos/pb.476629625767327.-2207520000.1399275916./476633125766977/?type=3&theater)

As soon as we sat down the waitress greeted us with cups and a large jug of water as we scanned the menu. Oh boy! and did we scan that menu! The meals on offer for breakfast were absolutely so delish that it was difficult to commit to just one decision!
My friend finally decided on a Smoked Salmon and Chives omelette and I chose, although very tempted by the bircher muesli, a 'Breakfast Bruschetta with mushrooms, grilled haloumi and pesto'. We relaxed after ordering and starting chatting but in no time at all our meals were served, well, let me tell you, we didn't do much talking after that! Just a lot of  'mmm's'. For $9.90 the omelette was easily worth more than we paid, it was probably the thickest, largest omelette with an abundance of salmon and other wonderful flavours inside. The bruschetta was even more worth the money, probably being enough to feed 2 people! It consisted of two toasted bruschetta pieces, a generous spread of pesto with even more to garnish, countless mushrooms and probably 5-6 pieces of haloumi! I didn't want to stop eating, the flavours were divine!

The omelette my friend ordered and my breakfast bruschetta.

I can safely say we left a lot warmer, with a new found love for haloumi, satisfied bellies and smiles on our faces.

Oh, and before we left we couldn't help but check the lunch menu... I think we'll be heading back soon to taste some of their scrumptious looking pastas, salads and burgers!

Address: Shop 2, 16 Church Street, Terrigal, NSW
Food Styles and Specialties: Breakfast (all day) and Lunch
Trading Hours:
Monday: 7am-2pm
Wednesday-Sunday: 7am-2pm
Services: Indoor and outdoor eating, Good for group gatherings, Family friendly, Waiter service, Gluten free options
Access: Directly opposite a bus stop, across the road from a carpark and 200m from a multi-storey carpark
Contact:
Phone- 4384 6484
Email- thecowshedcafe@gmail.com
Social Media- https://www.facebook.com/thecowshedcafeterrigal

are you Craving some sushi?

Crave Sushi, situated along the Central Coast's Terrigal beach 100% lives up to its name. Crave is exactly what you do. Once you have dined here there is no turning back. This unique and authentic Japanese restaurant has become synonymous with sushi for those who have been customers there.

(image source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=595011937250656&set=pb.100002255651032.-2207520000.1399160922.&type=3&theater)

The waiters and waitresses are all very efficient, friendly and embody the relaxed ideals of chilling out with friends at the beach and grabbing a social bite to eat. The speed at which they make your order and serve it to your table is impeccable. The sushi rolls are made quite large and you don't need to order too much, although you will probably want to! These freshly crafted servings can be enjoyed in a range of flavours and styles including sushi, sashimi or nigiri filled and topped with chicken, chicken schnitzel, prawn, tuna, salmon as well as a range of fresh vegetables and authentic sauces.You can enjoy your Japanese meal either inside the restaurant or outside, alfresco dining style, which I might add, has water views.

Other items on the menu that Crave are becoming renowned for include their plated dishes such as their delicious specialty, teriyaki chicken or Japanese wagyu beef curry with rice. They also encourage the social atmosphere and group gatherings through their selection of tapas style entrees easy for sharing such as octopus served with shaved bonito, crab flavoured rissole and scrumptious gyoza dumplings.

The only criticisms I have of the restaurant are the lack of easy access, although their is a multi storey carpark only a short distance away the quick walk feels like forever when you are craving some of this modern Japanese cuisine. The meals can also be quite pricey but for the quality and size of the meals on offer most find this easy to look past.

Address: Crown Plaza, The Esplanade, Terrigal, NSW, 2260
Food Styles and Specialities: Lunch, Dinner
Trading Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12pm - 10pm
Services: Eat in, Outdoor seating, Family and children friendly, Air conditioning, Waiter service, Good for group gatherings, BYO, Disabled access, Vegetarian and Gluten free options
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- (02) 4384 6751
Social Media- https://www.facebook.com/cravesushicafe/

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