Tathra Beach Cafe, Tathra NSW

Tathra Beach Cafe

http://www.tathra-beach.com.au/beachcafe/

Food: 2.5/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Service: 3/5

Tathra Beach Cafe boasts a beautiful view of the ocean and the location couldn't be better......although I wish I could say the same about their food. I remember breakfasts here being a decent serving, well known for their healthy, creative menu. Unfortunately, during my last visit the meals we ordered did not live up to what I remember as a few years ago.

I had noticed recently that Tathra Beach Cafe had been through some renovations just before their opening at the beginning of the 2011 summer season, but for the better or worse? It's hard to say. The addition of a (very, very) small licenced bar area just hasn't made the cafe any more appealing. This is particularly true if you actually enjoy an ocean view whilst sipping on a summer cocktail or wine, or throwing back a relaxed beer. If you prefer being jammed into a tiny boxed area with a view of no less than three walls, and an extremely limited number of tables and stools (try two tables) then this is the place for you.

The decor was drab and lifeless, reminding me of some of the classrooms I have taught in during the past - a little too white and ghostly for me. I can safely assume that the establishment has recently changed hands yet again - and I can hope that during the next change of hands, someone can turn this cafe around into the full potential that it could be. Sadly, I believe the photos on their website are proof of better days.

Standard skinny flat white

The (only) interesting item of decor.

  

Free range eggs - two scrambled eggs with toast  $9.50

Green eggs with feta - three eggs scrambled with feta, rocket, basil and shallots served toasted turkish bread. This breakfast was refreshing and light, definitely one of the only things I would come back for.  $16.50

We can all relate to this.....

Waterfront Cafe, Merimbula NSW

Water front Cafe, Merimbula

http://thewaterfrontcafe.net.au/


Food: 2.5/5
Atmosphere: 3/5
Service: 3.5/5

I might offend a few Victorians here, but I don't see what all the fuss is about the Waterfront Cafe. This is my first visit to this establishment and I wasn't overly impressed.

Don't get me wrong, the scenery from the boardwalk is fantastic, and as far as positioning goes, the location is perfect for a cafe / restaurant, right in the heart of Merimbula. I guess this is one of the reasons why this place always seems to be packed whenever I walk or drive past on the odd occasion, no matter what time of day or season. To be completely honest, I've never seen any of the locals eating here - there seems to be a lot more of the tourist crowd than anyone else. (Let me know if I am mistaken).

To put it simply, the food didn't have that 'wow' factor that I thought might be the reason for the attraction of the masses during tourist seasons. I felt that the meals were over-priced for the serving size, however the seafood was very fresh. Unfortunately, I didn't come away from this lunch feeling satisfied, and probably wouldn't try this place again. I would suggest taking a quick stroll further up the boardwalk to Pier One, anytime.

Chimichurri Oysters

 

Salt and pepper squid with salad and garlic aioli.

Lido Cafe & Bar, Belconnen ACT

Lido Cafe & Bar

Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5

Since my days as a Uni student, Lido still exists as the one cafe in the Belconnen Mall that has stood the test of time. It claims to be an Italian Restaurant, but my judgement consists of modern Australiancuisine with an Asian influence. What more could I ask for....?

Food establishments have come and gone over the last decade or so, and Lido still remains as I remember it.

The mall itself has been through some changes and extensions recently, with the addition of a second Food Court on Level 2. Yet even with this temptation, Lido Cafe is the place to eat if you want great value for money and fantastic, fresh meals in a relaxed environment, away from the bustling food courts.

Specials Board...literally.

Digital menu display.

 Skinny cappucino in a mug  $3.90

Penne Cajun Chicken - Chicken strips, sundried tomato, capsicum and onion mixed in Cajun cream, topped with shallots and Parmesan cheese  $18.90

Cajun Calamari Salad - Calamari dusted in Cajun spices (it wasn't dusted...it was battered) through a garden salad with a drizzle of lemon-sweet chilli dressing  $17.90

Grilled Chicken Salad  - Grilled chicken pieces served on a garden salad with honey and seeded mustard dressing  $17.90

Service area.

 Notice the origami?

Culinary Comments: Best Of 2011

My fav's from 2011.....

1. Pulp Kitchen, Ainslie ACT

2. Pier One Bar & Grill, Merimbula NSW

3. Wheeler's Oyster Farm & Restaurant, Merimbula NSW



4. Turkish Halal Pide House, Yarralumla ACT

5. Cafe Evolve, Bega NSW

What were some of your favourite dining establishments during 2011?

Merimbula Lakeview Hotel, NSW: A Pictorial

Lakeview, Merimbula

http://www.merimbulalakeview.com.au/

Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 3.5/5

A pictorial of my second visit.

Bread: Tom Yum butter topped with cheese  $5.50

For two small pieces of bread?!?! It was lucky that we had ordered to servings of bread as starters.

Garlic and Parsely Bread  $4.40.

Three pieces of bread, cheaper than the Tom Yum Butter bread. I don't understand it.....

Oyster Shot - cranberry juice, chambord and lime  $3.80

The oyster was plump, lucsious and fresh but unfortunately was overpowered by the cordial-like cranberry juice.

Great presentation though...

Spicy Curry Beef  $10 Lunch Special

We found out why it was on special.....for $10 you got lack of presentation and flavour. The excess oil was not a good look either.

Spicy Salt & Pepper Squid with Salad  $24.20

Definitely the dish of the day. Large portion of calamari and decent presentation.

Linguine with Roasted Tomato, Chilli, Garlic and Parmesan  $17.00

Well presented as a large serve, however lacked flavour.

 Linguine with Prawn, Goat's Cheese, Sage, Burnt Butter, Chilli and Shaved Parmesan $29.70

There was certainly a pattern forming...this dish also lacked in flavour, yet the prawns were nice and fresh.

The great view certainly adds to the atmosphere...