Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama -- NSW Australia

People are often asking me, 'What does Illawarra mean?"
Illawarra is a region of New South Wales, Australia just an
hour's drive from Sydney. It encompasses the cities of
Wollongong (known for being a Steel City and City of Innovation),
as well as Shellharbour City and Kiama. It also loosely includes
the area north of of Wollongong City and south to Shoalhaven.

A beautiful part of the world and one that I am proud to live in.
If you have ever seen images of the Sea Scape Bridge or the
view from Bulli Pass from Sydney then you have had a sneak
peak at some of the stunning coastal villages the Illawarra is
famous for.

Catch a train from Sydney down to Wollongong and take the time
to explore some of the best restaurants and cafes in Australia.

The video below was made by a local who made it for a friend in
San Francisco. The next time you hear 'Wollongong' and think
"Steel Works' remind yourself that there is much more to the Illawarra
than meets the eye. It took my leaving the Illawarra and moving to
Tasmania, and then back again, to really appreciate its beauty.

Enjoy :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5clnqnWtw

Illawarra Food and Restaurant Reviews http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

My favourite dining experiences in the Illawarra

On signing up for myTaste.com.au (a food and restaurant review site) I was asked to list my top 5 dining experiences. I have decided to share them here with some illustration as to why I rate them so highly.

Top 5 dining experiences in the Illawarra

1. Ocean Beach Hotel, Shellharbour Village
   
   
   
   I love this restaurant so much that I hired the venue as my wedding venue in December 1996. I have returned countless times for their seafood platters, oyster medley, steaks, pork belly, mushroom entree - all delicious! The childrens meals have been very popular with friends and family, especially since kids eat free!
   
   
   
   The view is of Shellharbour village boat harbour and Little Park and the atmosphere is always one where you can relax and enjoy a great meal with a view. Wonderful service and reasonable prices.
   
   
2. Emeralds Restaurant, Warilla Bowling Club
   
   
   
   The restaurant is upstairs in the Warilla Bowling Club, one of the largest bowling clubs in New South Wales and one of the best restaurants in the Illawarra. We have dined at Emeralds more time than I can count and it is always a hit with friends and families visiting from interstate. I have tasted most of the items on the menu and I can honestly say that there is something to please everyone on their menu.
   
   
   
   
3. Fujiyama Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant
   
   One of the best dining experiences in my life was my first visit to Fujiyama. We payed for a banquet which consisted of several courses including salad, fried rice, wagu beef, teriyaki chicken, grilled fish and some fruit and saki. Absolutely delicious! It was long before I started my food blog and taking photos of food, around the time I was married. I have been back again several times since with friends and family and everyone loves the novelty of catching the raw egg in a bowl from a distance from the experienced japanese chef, then catching the bowl of cooked fried rice as it hurls through the air at you from across the room. A definite party environment and I remember being racked with waves of laughter as my husband had egg on his face - literally. Don't go in your best clothes unless you are agile. The food is amazingly delicious and the decor makes you feel as if you have boarded a plane for Japan but only a few minutes from North Wollongong station and the heart of Wollongong. I don't have any photos of Fujiyama Teppanyaki but the image below is from Shinju Teppanyaki in Sydney to give you an idea of the teppanyaki experience. Your chef cooks your entire meal in front of you on a BBQ and you get to watch the action as he spins the salt and pepper grinders in the air, dices and slices the ingredients with expertise, then marinates and cooks your meal as you sit mesmerised, hunger intensified with the smells and sights as watch the display.
   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Beachouse Seafood Restaurant, Wollongong
   
   My visit visit was the result of winning a competition on Wavefm radio station answering the question 'what's the most unusual or disgusting food you've ever eaten'. My reply was 'ding ding mukh muhd' which is a Middle Eastern delicacy known commonly as 'pig snouts with avocado sauce'. Yuck! A 'friend' made it for me in 1995 and I could not get over my aversion to seeing hair on the pig snouts and the chewy texture somewhat like pork rind that hasn't crackled properly. For my troubles I won a $100 voucher to Beachouse Restaurant on Cliff Road, opposite North Wollongong harbour. It was an amazing dining experience with a seaood platter for two and toasting each other with a bottle of sparkling wine. Divine! We returned to Beachouse in 2007 for the 'blood moon' lunar eclipse for some oysters and a small seafood platter.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. La Marina Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Wollongong (previously located in Shelharbour)
   
   A little piece of Spain in Wollongong. My favourite restaurant for Spanish food in New South Wales with a great menu, unbelievably great prices - especially for their tapas which are $10 each including seafood such as Tasmanian scallops or pippies. We first visited for a birthday party but I am sure we will be visiting them at their new location in Wollongong. The great food and sangria make you want to shout 'Ole!'
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Other restaurants I would recommend:

1.  Harbour Front Restaurant, Wollongong Harbour
   
   I haven't visited in the last few years but on every dining experience I have had in the past I have been nothing but truly satisfied. When I lived in Corrimal I used to travel out to the restaurant for their buffet lunch which included oysters, seafood and a range of dishes and desserts. The view of Wollongong harbour an added bonus and customer service second to none. I'd love to go back and take some photos and sample their new menu and wine list.
   
   
2. Five Islands Brewery, Wollongong Harbour
   
   A wonderful micro brewery with an amazing restaurant. Their delicious mezze platter is responsible for my love of Avocado and Kalamata olives. Previous reviews have been birthday celebrations and there is a great party vibe with all the specialty beers flowing. 
   
   
3. Crooked River Winery Cafe, Gerringong
   
   
   
   
   I have only visited Crooked River Winery Cafe once on a winery tour of the South Coast (Gerringong, Berry, Coolangatta) but it is definitely in my top 5 dining experiences. There was a set menu for our tour but everything the people at my table at looked divine.
   
   The view was breathtaking. I could have stayed there all day.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4.  Harbour View Thai, Shellharbour
   
   
   Amazing Thai food with a harbour view. The food is fresh, full of flavour and the staff were friendly and very helpful. I love Thai food so I was so glad to find one within a short walk from Shellharbour beach, one of my favourite spots to relax.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Tandoori Junction, (Indian) Shellharbour Village
   
   As seen on 'the chopping block', this restaurant is the best Indian food I have tasted since I left Corrimal and the amazing Indian restaurants Aamaru and Manjits located there. Located on Addison St, Shellharbour you can enjoy a water view if you sit on the balcony and enjoy some of the sea air and wonderful decor with great food at wonderful prices. I heartily recommend the Tandoori Chicken and their famous 'Junction platter' which is great for people new to Indian food as it gives a sample of some of their favourite dishes. For those with milder tastes, try the Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan.  
   
   
6. Addisons Seafood Restaurant
   
   
   
   I have to be honest and say that Addisons nearly didn't enter this list due to the great 'rubber lobster' incident of 2007 but on previous visits it has been a dining highlight. I took my Mother for dinner at Addisons Seafood Restaurant for her birthday and the only thing she really felt like was Lobster Mornay. I chose a Seafood Platter for One ($40) and was very happy with the contents which my Mum shared with me after disliking the lobster which was rubbery and tasted like it was cooked from frozen which was disputed by the waiter who asserted that it had been caught fresh that day. My Mum is an expert cook of seafood and had worked in a fresh seafood business when I was five and there is nothing in the world she loves more than a perfectly cooked lobster. I hope that one day she will return to Addisons and experience that. This restaurant has a reputation for good food and fresh ingredients. We may have just been unlucky on the day.  
   

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for Illawarra Food Reviews

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Crust Gourmet Pizza opening in Wollongong

I have just heard the news that Crust Pizza is opening a branch in Wollongong!

Here are a few of my favourites but take a moment to view their full menu

Tandoori

Chicken Breast Fillets Marinated in Tandoori Spices with
Shallots & crushed Cashews, topped with Mint Yoghurt

Medium $16.00 Large $20.00

Satay Chicken Breast Fillets & Spanish Onions,
garnished with Snow Pea Sprouts, Sesame Seeds & a drizzle of Honey

Medium $16.00

Large $20.00

Philly Steak

Black Angus Roast Beef, Roasted Capsicum, Fresh Capsicum, Caramelised Onions, Mushrooms, Double Mozzarella, topped with Dijon Mustard & Wild Rocket

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars provide a choice of gluten free take-away options. Using gluten free pizza bases manufactured off-site in a dedicated gluten free environment, there is an extensive range of gluten free pizza varieties to choose from. We also have starter pizzas that can be made gluten free, as well as a selection of salads.

Gluten free pizzas are available in a medium size, and are charged at large pizza rates. When placing an order, please mention your gluten free requirements to the Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar staff, and they will be happy to discuss your gluten free options.

Crust Pizza Store.
Wollongong Store Details

Shop 105, 53 – 61 Crown Street
Wollongong, NSW 2500
02 4226 4479
02 4226 4473
wollongong@crust.com.au
Opening night Thursday October 15th at 6pm

Easy Way Tea Indulgence now in Wollongong

First launched in Taiwan in 1992, Easy Way Tea is an international, multi-award winning franchise specializing in tea, with an extensive range of unique tea related beverages.The EasyWay Tea beverage range includes:
- Milk Tea
- Relish Tea
- Blended Ice
- Soy Punch
- Hot drinks (in winter months)

All of which you can add your favourite flavours and toppings in to make your EasyWay beverage unique and special."


Location

Shop 2, Ground Floor,
166 Keira Street
Wollongong, NSW, 2500
02 42442088



Trading Hours
Monday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Caveau in Wollongong takes part in three fantastic October events for Sydney International Food Festival

You don't have to go to Sydney to be part of the Sydney International Food Festival. 

As the NSW South Coast's ONLY hat-awarded restaurant, Caveau has been invited to host Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF) events. The newly renovated Caveau has chosen two events: Hats Off and Sunday Family Lunch. Please find details of these, plus the Eldridge Estate Wine Maker's Dinner below. 

Hats Off is on Tuesday 6th October and this year's theme is: Very Nearly Vegetarian.

Menu ($160pp)

The price is set by the SIFF but it does give us the opportunity to use premium ingredients such as real caviar, chanterelles, cepes, truffle

Warm salad of new season potatoes
with sea urchin butter and superior oscietra sturgeon caviar

Heirloom tomato and aubergine terrine with pea mousseline
and sauteed yabbie tails

Tarago triple cream souffle

Jerusalem Artichoke pithivier with asparagus
and suckling pig

Fricasse of chanterelles, leeks and potatoes
with rabbit and calf sweetbread

Gratin of fresh cepes with sauteed white asparagus, potato gnocchi, truffle hollandaise
and beef fillet

Cheese with accompaniment

A show of fruit and berries

(vegetarians & vegans catered for with advance notice)

What is Sunday Family Lunch?
Set price $50 adults, $25 children under 15.

This is an opportunity to bring the whole family (yes even small children) to Caveau on Sunday 25th October.  Adults will choose from a choice of two entrees, followed by the roast lunch.  Desserts will be available to order from our a'la carte menu. Children under 15 will be served an entree of soup & bread, followed by a traditional Sunday Roast.  For children under 5 icecream for dessert is included.

In order to cater for whole families, we are holding two sittings: 12-1.30 and 2pm. People with young children are encouraged to choose the earlier sitting.

Menu

Fresh QLD prawns with pea mousseline, new potato salad and crisp pancetta OR
Duck terrine with celeriac remoulade, pomegranate and walnuts

Roast rack of pork with traditional trimmings
(Roast beef available by prior arrangement)

Eldridge Estate Wine Maker's Dinner
We are privileged to welcome David Lloyd from Eldridge Estate to Caveau on Monday 19th October.  The dinner will feature canapes and five courses matched to tastings of ten wines. It starts at 6.30 for 7pm and costs $140.

Menu

Canapes
Pf Sparkling 2007 (a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, disgorged in August 2009)

Fresh QLD prawns with pea mousseline, new potato salad, crisp pancetta and chardonnay vinaigrette
2007 Chardonnay and a special wine from 2008, Clone 96 Chardonnay

Quail boudin with sauteed kipflers, quail egg and sauce perigeux
Gamay from different vintages, 2008 and 2006

Roasted Barramundi with braised ox cheek and celeriac puree
Pinot Noir: The new releases of 2007 (a blend of 5 clones and a blend of 2 clones)

Fillet of beef with potato puree and sauce bordelaise
Euroa Creeks RESERVE Shiraz 2006 and 2005

Creme brulee with macerated prunes
Fortified Shiraz

Eldridge Estate is located 90 minutes south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula and James Halliday lists it as a Five Star winery.  Delicious Magazine rates Eldridge Estate Gamay as "probably Australia's finest", and among a region of outstanding Pinots, Huon Hooke thinks that the Eldridge Pinot is one of Mornington's best. Come and see for yourself!

Attend all three events...
and to thank you for your support we will send you a bottle of Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blanc. 

More information on the Sydney International Food Festival, presented by Citi, can be found at www.siff.com.au.

We don't wish to send unsolicited mail. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list please send us an email with unsubscribe in the subject field.

Caveau

www.caveau.com.au

122-124 Keira St
Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
+61 2 4226 4855
Get directions

Open Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm

Cheap eats in the Illawarra

Strapped for cash? You can get a great meal from the following locations listed in the Food Fairness Low Cost & Free Meals directory with some I have added (look for the *) and can recommend.
If you know of a low cost or free meal that isn't added, please let me know!

Can you believe this large piece of rump steak only cost $7?

Alternatively, you could try the Rump Steak with salad.



Thursday and Friday night specials, $7 Steak with sides from Warilla Sports Club

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Albion Park RSL Memorial Club
Corner Hamilton Road and Tongarra Street,
Albion Park
Monday to Friday
11.30am - 2.00pm
Lunches: members $5.50 and non-members $6.50
Ph: 4256 1200

Berkeley Sports Club
Wilkinson Street, Berkeley
Monday to Friday
12.00noon - 2.00pm
Lunches: $6.50
5.30pm til 8.30pm
Dinners: blackboard specials
Ph: 4260 7000

Bulli Workers Club
313 Princes Highway, Bulli
Monday to Saturday
12.00noon - 2.00pm
Lunches: $5.50
Sunday Roast and Dessert $6.50
Ph: 4284 3379

Collegians Rugby League Football Club
Corner Charlotte and Flinders Street, Wollongong
Monday and Wednesday to Saturday
12pm - 2pm
Lunches: $5.50
Tuesday 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Dinners: $3.00
Ph: 4229 7711

Dandaloo Hotel
Kanahooka Road, Dapto
Monday to Sunday
11.30am - 2.30pm
Lunches: $5.50
Monday to Sunday
5.00pm - 8.30pm
Dinners: $5.50
Ph: 4261 1122

Dapto Leagues Club
Bong Bong Road, Dapto
(Close to train station)
Monday to Friday
11.30am - 2.00pm
Lunches: $5.00
Ph: 4261 1333

Fraternity Bowling Club
11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Monday to Friday
Pasta dinners $5.00
Ph: 4283 3333

Gerringong Bowling and Recreation Club
Pacifi c Avenue, Werri Point
Monday to Sunday
Lunches: $7.00
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday
Dinners: $7.00
Ph: 4234 1414

House of Hope Food Barn
Shop 5 Winnima Way, Berkeley
Thursday and Friday
10.00am - 4.00pm
Budget food (conditions apply)

Illawarra Master Builders Club
Church Street, Wollongong
Monday to Sunday
Provide half roast meal at lunch
and dinner for $6.50
Ph: 4229 6466

Illawarra Leagues Club ‘The Café’
97-99 Church Street, Wollongong
Provides several options at lunch and dinner
for a cost of between $5 and $7.50
Ph: 4229 4611

Illawarra Yacht Club
1 Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong
Monday to Friday
Lunches: $4.50 for members
Membership: $7.00 per year or $2.00 for pensioners
Ph: 4276 4778

Kiama Bowling Club
100 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Wednesday to Sunday
Lunches: 12noon - 2.00pm $6.50
Tuesday to Sunday
Dinner: 6.00pm - 8.00pm $6.50
Ph: 4232 1176

Kiama Golf Club Bistro
Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs
Monday to Friday
Lunches: 10.30am - 2.00pm $7.00
Ph: 4237 7300 or 4237 8495 option 4

Seasons Brassiere at the Steelers Club
Corner of Burelli and Harbour streets, Wollongong
Monday to Friday
12.00noon - 2.00pm
Lunches: $7.50
Ph: 4227 2255

Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club LTD
Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Tuesday only
Lunch: a two course meal, tea and coffee in the
bistro for $7.00
Thursday night - Kids U/12 Eat Free*

Warilla Sports Club *
54 McGregor Avenue Barrack Heights
Lunch: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Lunch $5.00
Menu varies from day to day. Regular favourites include Roasts, crumbed fish, schnitzel, Lambs fry & bacon, pasta.
Dinner: Thursday and Friday Night $8 steak and $8 snitzel night
Ph: 42963000

Windang Bowling Club *
Judbooley Pde, Windang 2528
Blackboard Specials
Thursday nights $8 meal special
$6 Lunch Monday - Friday
$8 Lunch Saturday and Sunday
Phone: (02) 4296 4044 Fax (02) 42964920
info@windangbowlsclub.com.auinfo@windangbowlsclub.com.au

Woonona Bulli RSL Club
455 Princes Highway, Woonona
Monday to Sunday
12.00noon - 2.30pm
Lunches: $6.00 - $7.50
5.30pm - 8.30pm
Dinners: $6.00 - $7.50
Ph: 4284 1577

Wollongong RSL Bowling Club
120 The Avenue, Figtree
Monday to Friday
11.45am - 2.30pm
Lunches: $5.00
Ph: 4227 1888



Resources:
Wollongong: Food Fairness
http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/documents/Food_Fairness_Directory.pdf

Sweet treats of the Illawarra

A guide to sweet treats found in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama cities.

Queen Street Bakery, Warilla

One of the best kept secrets of the Illawarra and they keep winning awards for their quality cakes, pastries, breads and other delectable treats. Make sure you try their pecan pie, individual lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and their cupcakes with attitude.



                                     

Delicious cupcakes   

Individual Cheesecakes

 Birthday cake decorated with lollies

Shortbread hearts and chocolate cookies

from mixed goods store next door

Jumbo size Wagon Wheel from Queen Street Bakery has to be tried to be believed. Only $2
Sure to bring out the inner child in adults and a great experience for kids who may never have tried a Wagon Wheel before.

Contact Details:
24 Queen St Warilla
NSW, 2528 Australia
Ph: (02) 4296 7133

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Tonitto Continental Cakes, Port Kembla

I have been a fan of Tonitto Continental Cakes since my first visit as a young girl. My Uncle Rocco owned an Italian Restaurant (The Capri) nearby and my cousin Marina and I would visit Tonitto's and by some of the amazing canoncini (cones filled with custard or chocolate) or connoli.




When I grew up I became very fold of the Rum baba.

Rum Baba that will make you cry 'mama' they are so good!




And you can't visit Tonittos without a Zabaglione.


In 1996 I had my wedding cake made at Tonitto's. They make an amazing tiramisu cake with icing and fresh flowers. Everyone loved the cake, especially those who do not like traditional wedding cake.

Photos © 2009 Tonitto Continental Cakes
Email: info@tonittocakes.com.au
169 Wentworth St Port Kembla NSW 2505
Phone: +61 (02) 42751977

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Zweefers Divine Cakes

When living in Corrimal for a few years I would visit the Gourmet Platter in what used to be Corrimal Shopping World and drool over the Zweefers Divine Cakes in their cake display cabinet. Then I found out that they had a store within the same complex and was amazed at the range of products and the fresh tastes. Since then they have moved to Fairy Meadow and have a large store where you can dine in or take away these delectable offerings which are sure to tempt. Don't go there on an empty stomach! 

43 - 45 Princes Highway,
Fairy Meadow, NSW 2519

Phone (02) 4285 4155

http://www.zweefers.com.au/

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