Samaras Woonona NSW

Community feasting is marked by the sharing of not just food but also an opportunity to meet up, catch up and chat up.   Contemporary society takes up much of our individual time with the pursuit of the means to survive, save and prosper.  Our daily regime is marked by periods of commute,  working with other people, carrying out what seem to be chores, restoring ourselves and with what little time left to saviour the moments with loved ones.  Joining in a feast around a table, round, rectangular or square shaped,  we listen, partake and articulate.


So it was with a delight that I could join an extended family on a mid-week evening for a Middle Eastern feast, we all oblivious to the rain and wind outside on the coast south of the Big Smoke.    Dips make us use our hands  - we swipe, we carve up and we smear on to our breads.   The dining area was almost full at this branch of Samaras  - perhaps it was the coincidence with the first night of the Eid Festival, after a month of fasting and disciplined reflection for the Muslim community.  


By the end of the night, we had sang the traditional Happy Birthday song, sampled Italian cannoli (from Pasticceria Massimo Papa in Fairy Meadow)  and drunk the rather yummy passion fruit concoction.    Our tables were an relaxing mess, with the youngsters scattered all over.  I met young infant Emily for the first time and as always, shared a light bulb joke with ten year old Tom.   London and Bridget loved to dance and they did.  Jack and I shared our recent similar experiences.  It was always a pleasure to chat with the two sets of grand parents.  Gangling tall Adrian often made a point to converse with me and we did again.  Teenage Ben sampled the food, drank lots of water and displayed a maturity above his age.   Kim related about puppy George and Liz talked about her son James.


At Samaras, I always love the shish kebab, skewers of grilled meat, well marinated, packed on the stick and always rewarding on the palate.   My next fond dish is the Tauboli, fresh with an uplifting dressing, highlighting the parsley, lemon juice and fresh mint.   To round up the top three for me , it is the Lebanese spring rolls, which have texture on the bite, flavour in the fillings and bite size for snacking.


Lebanese breads may be the staple but I reckon it is the salads that are the star.  They do provide a contrast against all the char grilled meats and showcase the flavours of this cuisine.  The Woonona restaurant can also be considered for private functions as it is neither too large nor too small and sits on its own private level above the street.






Samaras visited is located at  417 Princes Highway, Woonona NSW, opposite the BP petrol station and it has vehicle parking both outdoor and indoor.

Opening hours are from 11am to 930pm  every day.
Contact   +  61 2 4284 9422
There is also another outlet of Samaras in Wollongong city centre NSW.
Samaras also participates at the Foragers Markets in Bulli every Sunday morning.


My impressions of Samaras at Woonona NSW:
Ambiance:  3.5 out of 5

Customer Engagement: 3.5 out of 5
Culinary Delight: 3.5  out of 5
X Factor:   2.5 out out of 5
Overall:     13/ 4  out of 5




My recommended dishes from the menu are:

Kible Mikliyeh  - a crushed wheat crispy shell containing tender lamb, herbs, caramelised onions and pine nuts.
Kafta wraps, with lamb, chickpea based Hummus and Tabouli.
Fatoush - crispy Lebanese bread laden with shallots, cucumber, tomato, fresh herbs and lettuce before being drizzled with olive oil and dressing.
Shish Tawook with grilled marinated chicken.
Spring rolls
Shish Kebab with grilled marinated lamb.

Harbour Street Wollongong NSW

Grilled Holloumi with tomatoes, lemon juice and drizzled honey.

It looked like it was going to be an evening of Kafta grills, Spinach pastry and  Hummus dips (blended chickpeas with Tahini and lemon juice).

 Here A and I were trying out Harbour Street at Wollongong Harbour.  We chose to sit outside,  even if it was an unusual coolish evening this time around in a rather warm May.  Perfect!  I anticipated a warm cooked dinner with Mediterranean cuisine  -  and it suited me well that the air was slightly nippy.

The lady who welcomed us assured us of the outdoor vertical heater near by our table.  I wondered what can be different here from the other three restaurants in Wollongong providing this cuisine.  Harbour Street has funky coloured mural walls inside and has a wide facade along the southern end of WIN Stadium.   It did not look like a traditional restaurant.  Its site is a logical place for outdoor dining and drinks, especially with events happening nearby with live shows and sports games.

My serve of Mansaf  lamb, providing contrasts in bite, taste and nutrition.

Sweet potato fries and crispy fried garlic chicken wings look like an easy route to take, especially with beer for the weekend.   However we wanted something more authentic  to start with. 

Falefal was on the menu  - the Fava beans and chickpeas sprinkled with sesame seeds and special spices, drizzled with Tahini sauce and garnished  with fresh coriander.   Maybe not tonight, as this was readily available across the Australian landscape for Lebanese cuisine.

I am usually not a fan of Halloumi but I would go back to what Mustafa recommended for us - al dente grilled Halloumi pieces sitting on a plate with attractive cherry tomatoes, drizzled with honey and sitting on a  small serve of Tabouleh chopped green veg.   No meats, uplifting in taste and beautifully presented - this entree is not just one for the female company.   I readily took the Halloumi  in quick fashion - it may look like elegant French toast, but it was more yummy than that, with a light but tasty bite.

Lamb Shish Kebab.

In Sharwarma cooking, meat is usually put on a vertical spit turning on an axis - it reminds me of the Greek Gyros and Turkish Doner Kebab.     I find it fascinating that stacks of fat and seasoned meat are placed in layers up this spit.   The preparation thereby can roast in its own fats.

To off set the warm nature of such meat, toppings  when served include pickled turnips, cucumber, Amba, Hummus, tomato and Tahini to balance the palate.    Fattoush, Tabbouleh and breads are popular accompaniements as well.    

Fattoush is a Levantine bread salad, in that fried or toasted pieces of Pita are served with  mixed greens and tomatoes.

Tabbouleh has finely chopped ingredients  of tomatoes, mint, Bulgur, Cous Cous, onions, parsley  - this totally vegetarian dish is seasoned with salt, lemon juice and olive oil.

Amba is akin to the more oily Acar found in south-east Asia, essentially pickled mango chutney, made with Fenugreek, chilli, tumeric, mustard. salt and  vinegar - and is comfort food in both Israel and Iraq.

A did find the Sharwarma lamb a tad salty that evening but Mustafa, with a beaming smile and yet concern, immediately replaced with a plate of a choice of lamb Shish Kebab.  The latter was sheer happiness, so juicy flavours just melting away in the mouth and leaving a wholesomeness by itself.  It was also the marinade, the texture and the bite.

I had no issues with my Mansaf, slow cooked lamb heaped on Pilaf rice, garnished by toasted almonds and yoghurt cucumber.    Initially I reckoned the rice looked drier than I wanted, but it sort of nicely contrasted with the meat once I got into it.   I found this dish appetising, had several ingredients and was not spicy at all.


Chicken on offer is cooked with onion, lemon, garlic, parsley and other spices - white meat as opposed to the heavier lamb -  and which poses its own challenges in preparation.   Unlike lamb, the chicken has to be ensured marinated in a different manner.

We both loved the darker brown thin breads!

I noticed the Potato Coriander offering, an interesting double fried diced potato mix with lemon on the side, fresh garlic and coriander. There are also purely veg salads on its own, like the Harbour Street combo, with walnuts, Spanish onions, Shanklish aged cheese, rocket and grilled egg plant , all with a dressing of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.

Variety can also be found in the shared platters, either vegetarian or with the iconic meats and accompanied by garlic flavoured dips.   There are also banquet alternatives for a minimum four persons dining per table.

To close up the evening, we had a most unusual dessert, light, uplifting and an eye opener in presentation.   Mustafa said it was simply called Rosewater.  On reflection, the name emphasised the scent and delicateness of it all in this offering.  Rosewater relates to the distillate of the rose flower and is a popular ingredient in much of the Middle East and Indian sub-continent, mostly in cosmetics, drinks, rose oil, food flavouring and in making Marzipan.   Served with hazelnut and coconut, it was another suggestion from Mustafa.

Mustafa always approached us with a ready smile and alternative options.   When making recommendations, we could sense he had something of a delightful surprise up his sleeve....and then he delivered.

Rosewater dessert, with hazelnuts and coconut.

The Harbour Street proclaims that it is redefining street food.   I do find they do have certain menu items not found elsewhere, plus having touches of other Mediterranean influences apart from just Lebanese.   Their menu is not over crowded but purposeful, with enough items to build up a banquet or meal.   Some of their dishes have a finesse beyond what is called street food.   Although popular stuff like lemon juice, garlic dips, olive oil and tomatoes are utilised, Harbour Street also throws in a delightful spanner in the works to recreate specific dishes that stand out.  Maybe it is also due to their "special sauces".


Both of us were so full up and so satisfied by evening's close that we did not try some Baklava or  the Mhalabhye, a milk pudding with orange blossom and vanilla,  to wind up the night....next time then!




My impressions of the Harbour Street Wollongong:
Ambiance:  3.5 out of 5
Customer Engagement: 4 out of 5
Culinary Delight: 3.75 out of 5
X Factor:  3 out of 5
Overall:   14.25 /4 out of 5


Recommended menu choices:
Lamb, chicken and Kafta skewers
Meat Sambousik, golden puffs filled with pine nuts, onions and meat.
Ferri or char grilled quail marinated with lemon juice, garlic and special sauces.
Shanklish Bruschetta, serving aged cheese, parsley, onions and tomato with a drizzle of olive oil and Balsamic glaze.
Halloumi, grilled, served with Tabbouleh green veg, cherry tomatoes  and honey drizzle.
Salt and pepper Calamari, garlic prawns and Lebanese spiced fish
Rosewater dessert

The Harbour Street is located at  49 Harbour Street, Wollongong NSW at the WIN Stadium.
Opening hours are from 530pm to 11pm from Tuesdays to Fridays and noon to 11pm on weekends.
Contact 1300 000 4664
Licensed and catering available.

KIndly Yours visited harbour street wollongong partly faciltated by zomato.

Garrele Street Kitchen - Cronulla NSW

My poached tiger prawns, with fennel, citrus, avocado, shallots and chilli.

A refreshing clean look with pastel coloured floor boards. Sited at a buzzing foodie hub in South Cronulla Beach, the Gerrale Street Kitchen comes up with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.   Greeted at the entrance,  customers are led to their seats, which can be in an inner chamber for groups, bar like tables for four and along the long but well designed counter for independent on the run singles. 

The restaurant runs deep inside, reminds me of a summery locale and the beach was within walking distance.   The menu has touches of California, Mediterranean, modern Australian.   The place was abuzz with yummy Mummies, day trippers and youngsters that moment.  

Favourites of mine that jumped out of the menu were Zucchini and corn fritters for breakfast; the French Canadian toast with pecan crumble (!!!!), smoked bacon, banana slices, maple syrup and Mascarpone, all carefully balanced on a Brioche French toast; the fig and goats Feta salad, adorned with orange, pomegranate and pistachio; the flamed corn fed chicken thighs for lunch, accompanied by Miso infused Vinaigrette, coriander, charred corn and smoked almonds on a salad base of brown rice.

And yes, there are pizzas - with seven clear choices that celebrate iconic Italian stuff like Mozarella cheese, Prosciutto, San Marzano tomatoes, anchovies, basil, hot or mild Salami sausage rinds and olive oil flavours.

Waffles, fritters and pancakes are what  the gentler gender loves here.  Carefully chosen ingredients like Yuzu, curd, Goji berries and quinoa add to enhance taste and presentation. 

Honey roasted sweet potatoes are my weakness, to me they are better than wedges. Influenced by Greek cooking preferences, they are warm and  assuring on a  cool winter's evening.   

I absolutely was blown over by my poached tiger prawns with avocado smash. They were delicately designed into an elegant horizontal row, standing out with a fresh and yummy countenance.  One bite and I knew this was the light meal I wanted that moment.  The flavours combined well, I figured this was fine dining and the texture of seafood against the contrast of healthy green mush was superb. The sensations of light chilli, citrus juice and fennel remained embedded in the prawns as you bite into them.

Above photo, I noticed the preparation of a chicken salad, it was pretty and yummy looking, although meant for another table.  The individual parts that made the whole were seriously placed and arranged, with gusto by the preparer.  

Blokes should take up the three cut beef burger, with Provolone cheese from near Naples, bacon, hand cut potato chips, the compulsory lettuce and tomato slices garnished with onions and pickled cucumber.   All drizzled with Mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.  Heavenly !

And as you go out, satisfied after the meal, the staff with a smile ask if you were happy with the meal. 

My impressions of the Gerrele Street Kitchen:
Ambiance: 3 out of 5
Customer Engagement: 4 out of 5
Culinary Delight: 4 out of 5
X Factor:  3 out of 5
Overall:  3.5 out of 5


Recommended menu choices:
Corn fed chicken thighs;
French Canadian toast;
Three cut beef burger and 
Poached tiger prawns.





The Garrele Street Kitchen is located at 19-21 Gerrale Street, Cronulla NSW.
Opening hours are from 7am to midnight every day.
Contact +61 2 9523 4111

 

HAM - Cronulla NSW

Jamon baked eggs with avocado and toast.

With a two shop space, brothers Harry and Mario's deli cafe - HAM - feels like walking into your friendly regular for a cuppa and more.  There are baked stuff on display,  outstanding coffee blends and meals with a definite Mediterranean flavour and inspiration.  There is a homey feel with indoor plants, a rustic yet modern feel and seating of various kinds to suit your mood and preference.

To start the day, there are two breakfast plates available, one with Jamon Serrano and the other emphasising smoked salmon.   The Jamon or dry-cured Spanish ham from the sierras or mountains has a distinctive taste and bite on the palate when compared with softer ham varieties.

The most attractive of the HAM breakfast menu to me is in their wide choice in fibre grains, including Acai, Quinoa, smoothies, Granola and Chia versions.

A deconstructed Yeros for lunch time has a lamb shoulder lovingly cooked for twelve hours and then served with a quinoa Tauboli and Tzatziki dip on rosemary scented pita bread, garnished with tomatoes and garlic for an uplifting experience.  In contrast, there is a Persian herb Fritata  for light eaters, served with Tzatziki.  

For takeaway, there are home made loaf options in pear, banana with raspberry and apple with rhubarb.

The staff remain smiling and friendly despite a busy morning.  Service is fast and one is not kept waiting.

Maybe more people prefer to sit on the pavements ala Sydney style, but it is enjoyable sitting inside as well, watching two main counters and their activities.   The coffee blend of the day is written on a chalk board and mine was Ethiopian in origin - strong and flavourful.  The barista said, "Yes, I can do that for you", which underlined their customer engagement.   The lady staff taking care of the tables asked if there was anything else she could bring  - instead of just clearing the finished stuff. 

Pastizzi, which is the national baked icon of Malta, is found here with chicken, spinach and ricotta or chili con carne options , all accompanied by chutney.  This is not to be confused with the Pastitisio, a Greek lasagne creation - this has ingredients like shredded Parmesan cheese; tomato based Passata; beef mince; Penne Rigata pasta; bread crumbs; crushed garlic cloves; coarsely chopped onion and ground cinnamon.

For those on the run, toasties come with pork, turkey, ham, veg, salami and tuna, amongst others.  I am eyeing the ham hock with a fried egg roll and Cheddar sauce for my next visit!  I am curious about the Portuguese toast with a berry compote for breakky - is this a southern Euro version of the French toast?  I understand that yesterday's breads are buttered and then put butter side down on a pan to become golden brown before serving.

Cheese, dips, croissants and cured meats.  Wraps, Feta, salads, Ricotta and breads in the Mediterranean tradition.  The bay is not far away, walkable across the road and park.  The cafe and deli is sited within a fashionable hub that has access to Cronulla Mall with all its shopping, surfer lifestyle and village atmosphere.   Now I begin to understand why even Sydney siders holiday here, with so many things to do, from snacking on good old Aussie pies to savouring Greek and Italian culinary offerings.

Two illustrative offerings illustrate the expanse of the HAM menu.  Chicken pies, filled with mushrooms, herbs and roasted veg, recall visiting an aunt's home but wiht a Hellenic twist.  More complex is the Antipasto Platter from HAM, lavished with Burrata d'Buffalo ( fresh mix of Mozzarela cheese and cream), Jamon Serrano, olives, mixed marinated vegetables,  pistachio Pesto and Nduja spread on sourdough.  Nduja is of Italian inspiration in the world of charcuterie, it is just a spicy spreadable salami and used on sandwiches and even pizzas.

There is also a Breakky Panini stuffed with proscuitto, baby spinach, lemon Aioli and egg on the panini.  Do not mind the probable exoticness here - there is Worchestershire sauce on the lamb wrap! Plus you can have your Biercher Muesli as well.




HAM is located at Shop 3/17 Gerrale Street, Cronulla Beach -  a 45 minute drive from Sydney city centre.
Opening hours are from 7am to 6pm every day.
Contact +61 8521 7219
HAM also provides catering.



 

Watergrill, Kirribilli Club Sydney

Enough said - the Watergrill at the Kirribilli Club is upstairs and so commands a captivating panoramic view of water, bush and sky at the northern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.   Add to this a perfect winter's day where the sun shines intently, the air is coolish but guests were all tucked inside behind glass windows.  This is another outlet of a chain that operates in Girraween and Cronulla as well in greater Sydney.  Here you can sample not only the food, but a portion of lower north shore residents, visitors and tourists, families and other groups, having a good day in!

Vehicle parking can be a challenge in this petite suburb of Lavender Bay with its narrow and sloping roads and almost all metered parking requirements by Council.  There are only 65 vehicle parking spaces provided by the Club with a FIFO policy and no reservations allowed - parking tickets need to be validated at the Club's reception and paid on leaving.

Strong on seafood, emphatic on the Aussieness of grilling, celebrating both the produce of the garden and paddock, the Watergrill menu is extensive, generous and pays attention to ingredient and cooking styles.   Asian choices have crept in - oh I see Penang curry chicken and Sichuan flavoured ones, plus tofu served with Enoki mushroom slices on steaming rice!   The tapas plate, at around 25 dollars, caught my eye - breaming with five spice powder flavoured pork belly cuts, crumbed fried Brie with relish of cranberry and duck meat spring rolls accompanied with Hoisin sauce.

Of course, the hot or cold seafood platters are inevitably available, reflecting the origin of Watergrill from the Shire in southern Sydney.   There is an interesting salad offering that throws in balsamic cabbage, rocket, feta cheese, pearl cous cous and pulled pork - perhaps a rather optimal lighter choice.

A room with a view.

Coffee can be pretty standard as this is part of a club but I reckon people love to come here to gather the clan, to savour special occasions and to see what can be achieved with good old produce from both the Aussie heartland and multicultural inspirations. Barramundi is grilled to be served with Kalamata olives, sundries tomatoes, Kipler potatoes and wilted spinach.    There is a gourmet salmon and prawn pasta selection heaped with capers, fresh Dill, garlic and Spanish onions.   Your mate can have the Souklavi skewers with Tzatziki, whilst you can still have your 300 grams of pork cutlets, Scotch fillets or surf and turf combos.

I noted the beef Fajita that comes with avocado Guacamole , caramelised onions, sour cream and tortillas.  Prices of mains are from mid to high 20s.   Service was not to complain of on  rather busy Sunday afternoon.  The logistics that day inside the kitchen must have been over whelming. And id fellow lunchers still have room to spare, there are the usual bright gems from the dessert menu - chocolate fondant, cream brûlée, cheese plates and sticky date pudding!

A limited menu is available away from the rush eating hours, after 230pm and before dinner time.
There are separate winter and summer menus, a couple of us visited in early winter.  Kids would love the ambiance here as there is space for them to wander.  I had no issues with my mains, delightfully garnished with thoughtful sides.



The Watergrill Restaurant is located at the Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent at Lavender Bay.
There is a distinct cafe area separate from the dining area - window seats are better secured in this cafe spot on busy days and nights.
Gluten free or vegetarian selections are indicated in the menu.
Telephone: 612 9945 2245

The Blank Canvas Restaurant - Batemans Bay, South Coast NSW

My first encounter with the veg burger at the Blank Canvas - underpinned by Mediterranean headiness, strong flavours and beautiful avocado.

Along the Murra Murra Mia Walk, beside a calming Clyde River, I find an iconic encapsulation of what it feels to be like in Batemans Bay.  It is mid-January and the cares of the world float up and seep away in the quietness of the gentle waters.  Then I notice a chalk written board,  placed outside a corner restaurant inviting any passers-by to divert and take a rest.  Why is it called the Blank Canvas, I wonder. Is this a casual place, or one that offers more than just a holiday version of modern Australian, or one where a guest is accepted with care, whether one is dressed down or up?

The interiors are inviting, with cool wood and shaded tones, especially in the evenings, when candle light suggests a different and even more inviting ambiance.  There are Mediterranean influences in the gourmet options and yet at the same time guests can have their burgers and steak too.  It is open from 830am, usually from Wednesdays to Sundays in the winter season but have food available till late evenings even on Mondays and Tuesdays in the height of summer.  Staff are attentive and engaging - and there is nothing like having  a chat with them and noticing a different and more positive atmosphere when compared with some capital city operations.  The men behind the kitchen counter are cocooned inside, but the staff on the front line, including Tammie, the female half of the couple owners, talk to you as if they are your friendly neighbours.

Tuesday evening at a cosy place with an innovative menu and vibrant choices.

Twilight on a January visit, just outside the restaurant, looking over the mouth of the Clyde River meeting the open ocean.

Use with careful thought of ingredients feature in the menu options. Add touches like sweet potato crisps, fresh salads and Bearnise sauce. The selection of seafood reflects the local produce.  There is  a range of pastas and risotto.   You can have a simple preference or try some of the more creative combinations and all are crafted under the direction of Chef Chrischen.  Our lunchtime meal was graced by the out going personality of Josh that day.   The relative spaciousness of placed tables and an option to wait on a sofa inside added to a bonus.

Crunchiness and freshness - a lunch idea with bite, flavour and mix.

Seating is provided outside for guests to watch the world go by, including the pleasure or fishing boats first anchored close to shore in the dawn hours and later chugging back in the sunset.  Evening time sees the restaurant transformed with a clever combination of low lighting and a choice of cocktails.   The Blank Canvas can also be accessed from the inner Orient Street and has an address at the Annetts Arcade.   A hidden delight to me is the Golden Bean Rainforest Alliance blend of Numero Uno coffee that they serve with pride from mornings onwards.   If you go for a run or cycle ride along the foreshores of the Clyde River, this is a recommended stop afterwards. The Blank Canvas can stand out against the variety of fast foods and sandwich cafes that dot the town centre hub of Batemans Bay in this respect.  The Canvas take more care with their food, customer engagement and seating choices.  My own experience there did not encounter delays in having my chosen dishes and orders come to the table.  As it is located only with a ground floor, the place is easily accessible.

My morning cuppa of cappuccino at the Blank Canvas.

Sunrise at the pier jutting out river side, captured whilst walking to the Blank Canvas for an early breakky.

Efficient and friendly Josh made  a suggestion for me to try another cocktail after the Midori.

Spring rolls with a twist as to the inside - an illustration of fusion creativity, utilising goat's curd inside and fresh rocket as a backdrop in presentation.

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce and a well done plus juicy grilled tomato.

Perhaps akin to the scenery outside, the Blank Canvas allows you to paint and compose the kind of experience you want to have at different times of the day or night.  A few of us from work had a casual lunch within sight of its peppercorn tree and a kaffir lime bush.  Breakfast opens up all the senses as gently as the light shining through over the Bay.  Evening time can be elegant, private or group based as you prefer.  I find it is also a good place to chat, with an unobtrusive feel and something to consider visiting even if you are residing further up or down the coast, or coming form Canberra.  There are few seagulls, if any, on my visit there recently, to disrupt your meal when seated outdoors.

Flavours on Crown - Wollongong CBD

The omelette above turned out better than I anticipated, with tasty bites of several ingredients embedded in the rewarding fresh egg mix. There was a hint of spice, a bit of Italian, generous servings of tomatoes, snippets of mushroom and flavourful ham bites.  The accompanying buttered bread cuts may seem simple but did provide a contrasting lightness.

There can be some drama on the walls but I must say the service is very good and friendly. Whilst waiting for three friends, the staff came to engage in naturally warm chat, something which perhaps some Sydney based cafes have forgotten or intentionally avoid.  Family groups, couples and mates can be seen inside or outside, seated beside the pavement tables, at this cafe, which neighbours the Sugar Cube along lower Crown Street in Wollongong CBD.  The location is also good for shopping, the beach is not far away and is worth considering if you are also catching a show at the WIN Entertainment Centre or a game at the WIN Stadium.

At breakfast time on a Saturday morning, initially I could not decide on a breakfast stack, an Eggs Benedict and a Mediterranean omelette.  There is a choice of modern Aussie with bacon, beef burgers and toasts and Mediterranean influenced flavours with ingredients like chorizo, fetta and pitta breads.  I have not tried the dinners here - there is a restaurant  upstairs.