The Gerringong Deli & Cafe, NSW

A rich omelette on a lazy Saturday morning (above). The Gerringong Deli & Cafe, at 133 Fern Street, the main strip that goes through the business hub of this South Coast village, was busy with many brunch or breakfast customers by 9am. The winds were howling outside, and one could view the open ocean bay if you stood outside the deli and cafe. Inside, it was cozy half-light, with the feel of a souvenir shop, an active crew and the aroma of something baking or cooking. My choice of omelette was richly rewarding - feta cheese, good old Aussie bacon, rocket, tomatoes and smoked salmon, laid out on organic battered yolk and whites. Maybe it was too wholesome for breakfast, but it was comfort food on a rather weather-confronting day.

Coffee and a newspaper(above) - in this case, the back page of the weekend Illawarra Mercury before the NRL Grand Finals the next day. There is a good selection of modern Australian and baked stuff in the deli & cafe, with outdoor seating optional.

The view of Fern Street (above) from the Deli & Cafe. I was also fascinated by the ambiance and display from the shop next door, called MAS, which evoked of Paris and the French countryside.

Gerringong pretty much is a quiet haven after lunch time, but the Deli & Cafe remains open every day till 530pm. Gerringong and its sister seaside neighbour, Gerroa, are situated between Kiama and Berry, and worth a diversionary tour and drive. Allow yourself around 2 hours driving if you are coming from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.