Coastal Trip and Christmas

I had to go to the coast for work, so I decided to take an extra day and Him Outdoors. We left on Wednesday afternoon and arrived in the early evening for our stay in Berry. Our first stop was to Indika, the local curry house. Although we arrived late and were the last to leave, the service was friendly and the food was delicious. 

Chicken Tikka Hyderabadi

Methi Chicken, Lamb Saag and Saffron Zeera Rice

Lachedar Paratha

The next morning before work we went for a walk along Seven Mile Beach, where industrious people had been busy building driftwood sculptures. The sun was trying to emerge from the clouds and it cast an odd light, as though it were the moon.  

I got to get my feet in the waves, which always makes me feel happy and invigorated.

I love a liminal space

I'm in my happy place

After work we went to a excellent little bar, The Rutledge, which is apparently the newest bar in Berry. The basic wood and tin exterior belies the decent food and ambiance inside. We shared chicken soft tacos and loaded fries, delightfully served on surf-board-shaped platters.

Later we went for a short stroll through the small town, admiring the soft summer evening light and enjoyed a glass of Shiraz at The Berry Hotel.

Creative Christmas keg construction

Destination anywhere

On the next day I had a meeting at Woolongong, so we drove there and I managed to catch a few snaps of the harbour and, of course, the lighthouse

A local recommended the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant and, as it was his birthday, I decided to treat Him Outdoors to lunch. The location was perfect and the food was fine, but the service was appalling. None of the wait-staff knew anything about the wine list and it took an hour between being served our entree and mains. I know it was busy (2 days before Christmas) but while we were waiting nine other tables arrived, were served and left. And they charged $8 for water!

Sydney rock oysters with lime, chilli and citrus dressing

For main course I had Barramundi Nick, which is 'wild barramundi filet marinated with coconut milk, lime & ginger pan roasted & topped with our famous Nick sauce'. I don't know who Nick is, or who declares him and his sauce to be famous, but it was perfectly adequate. Him Outdoors bravely had brown crab, so he was supplied with implements! He claims, however, that even despite the nutcrackers and the stabby stick, there was insufficient meat to make up for the effort required. Eating shouldn't be this difficult or strenuous. 

Later we returned to Seven Mile Beach where we went for a walk on the sand and a swim in the sea, which left us suitably refreshed. 

Him Outdoors standing on the beach

...and disappearing into the distance

I was particularly proud of this collage of clouds in the sea and waves in the sky.

In the evening we had a glass of bubbles on the verandah of the Southern Hotel in Berry's main street, before a delicious dinner at The Post House of Berry. My Wok Fried Wasabi Beef was exquisite. Described as 'Beef Striploin. King Oyster Mushroom, Asparagus, Wasabi Crumble and Yuzu Juice', it was, despite the overuse of capital letters, one of the best meals I have eaten in ages, and more than made up for the disappointing lunch earlier in the day. The wasabi crumble retained all the flavour and taste of the plant but without the eye-watering kick of the paste. I even decided to have a dessert, which is unusual for me - I don't usually like Panna cotta as I feel it's just a pretentious blancmange, but the crunchy coconut and fresh berries added welcome texture. 

Cheers!

Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Chicken Curry Puffs with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Chicken Panang Curry with Asparagus and Dutch Carrot

Wok Fried Wasabi Beef

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries

Because this trip seems to be all about food, the next morning I paid a visit to the World Famous Donut Van. Now, I'm as sceptical as the next person about these self-made claims to global popularity, but I must admit that the freshly-made (on the premises) cinnamon nutella doughnut and the coffee I had for breakfast were pretty damned tasty.

And then it was bye bye Berry and hello Huskisson, where we went for a walk along the coast, admired the beaches and rocky inlets, did a spot of shopping and had an ice-cream.

 

Back home we had belated birthday/ Christmas Eve drinks with friends in the back garden, including the Cantillon Gueuze that Him Outdoors had bought himself as a birthday present from the bottle shop in Berry. He was pleased with his purchase, as you can see.

Later that evening I had a Christmas catch-up with the family over Zoom. It was lovely to see them all briefly and connect with parents, siblings, cousin and nieblings on the other side of the world. 

Christmas Day breakfast was bagels with cream cheese and smoked trout (for me) and prosciutto (for him), with fresh coffee and sparkling wine. 

We then went for a walk up Mt Painter, ostensibly before it got too hot (although it was already very warm indeed by mid-morning), and there was not a cloud in the sky.

And here are the concessions to eating Christmas dinner in Australia:

1. Dinner al fresco (preferably in the shade)
2. Roast lamb (have you seen the price of turkey? And Him Outdoors doesn't even really like it)
3. Salad - I know it's controversial but it's very hot out here!
4. Sparkling Shiraz (don't knock it till you've tried it, and it goes very well with roast meat)
5. Fresh asparagus (did I mention it's summer time?)

Merry Christmas!