Dessert… just add Salt

02/06/201304/03/2015Leave a comment

Hervey Bay is a very relaxed, beach-side tourist location. I love the lifestyle, but it’s not particularly conducive to showing off my fabulous shoe collection. So when I was invited to the opening night of Salt Cafe‘s dinner service, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve enjoyed coffee and lunches at Salt before, so was looking forward to trying their new dinner menu coupled with a fantastic view – it wasn’t just about the shoes.

Arriving at the restaurant, I was greeted by my friends wrapped in cozy blankets that were kindly provided by the restaurant. It is winter here in Hervey Bay, and the 17 degrees at night feels cold (though I know my northern hemisphere readers will baulk at this idea). Ideally the restaurant also needs heaters, as while the blankets definitely helped, it was still a little on the cold side. I believe they were looking into this, and hope it has been implemented – no doubt they will be able to be utilised on the colder days as well, as the majority of seating is outside to catch the sea views (and the breezes are also welcome on warmer days).

I decided to forgo an entree to save room for dessert, but my friends choices looked absolutely delicious. With one friend a coeliac, Salt has a number of gluten-free options. I got to taste the gluten-free version of the oven-baked Ciabatta loaf with garlic confit in balsamic olive oil and chilli and it was delicious at $7 and enough to share.

Another friend enjoyed the roasted pumpkin, spinach and goats cheese mille-feuille served with a baby tomato, basil and garlic confit. I got a taste and it was absolutely delicious and a reasonable $14.00. It was somewhat enormous for a starter, albeit light, the goats cheese was absolutely divine – I was excited to find something this delicious and enquired where it came from, so was disappointed to discover it had been imported from Belgium, as I’m yet to discover anything quite so flavourful locally (though I’ll keep trying just in case). The star of the day had to be the famous Hervey Bay Scallops on cauliflower puree with crisp prosciutto and caper vinaigrette, stunning at $16.00.

Mains were slightly less successful though. Choices were split down the table, between the duck and the steak. The duck servings were small, especially considering the $27.00 price tag. It was cooked through, and both of us who chose the duck would have preferred it pink – we did suggest they ask diners how they would like it served, as they would with steak. While the menu stated it was a seared orange, honey and chilli duck breast, there was no discernible warmth from the chilli, and the more subtle orange and honey flavours were over-powered by the mild Thai citrus dressing over the mint, coriander and bean shoot salad (and in the current weather, hot vegetables would have been preferred).

The other diners chose the eye fillet wrapped in prosciutto with a wild mushroom and brandy cream sauce on seeded mustard smashed potato with blanched broccolini. The serving size was enormous by comparison with the duck, though it was $34.00. And though both diners ordered their steaks medium-rare, they both came out blue. Personally I would have had to send it back, but they were both happy to dine on.

My highlight was definitely dessert. I chose the tasting plate, and while I shared some spoonfuls with my companions, it was certainly an indulgence at $29.00 (though it was utterly delicious and I wouldn’t hesitate to get it again). The Chai Panna Cotta with a petite citrus salad and pistachio shard was eye opening. I don’t normally like panna cotta – it’s a texture thing – but this was delicious, and the citrus salad, flavoured with ginger powder and mint was a delightful balance to the creaminess. I normally find white chocolate a little sickly sweet, but in the mousse served at salt, it was divine, and I loved the mini toffee apples that came with it. My favourite was definitely the triple chocolate semifreddo with crushed praline which had a great balance of cocoa and an added dose of nostalgia with the coconut wafer served with it. I’m sure you’ll agree it was beautifully presented.

There was quite a delay before we were served all our courses – 45 minutes from ordering before our entrees arrived and about 20 minutes between entree and main, though it was a relaxed gap before dessert was served.

I expect most of our issues were due to the first night of a new menu being served, and I would certainly be willing to try the dinner menu at Salt again. With a couple of glasses of wine, a coffee and tip, my bill came to $80.00, so my main concern would be the prices, as I think at this level, there are other venues in the area that offer stiff competition on the flavour and style stakes.

Cheers, KangaRue 🙂

All views are my own.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay – how it all started

25/05/201304/03/20152 Comments

I met Jill Perry when I first moved to Hervey Bay and was entranced as she told me how she first came across these magnificent creatures about 25 years ago.

Recent legislative changes have put Hervey Bay whale watch operators at a disadvantage in comparison to those further south, and as part of an interview with the Fraser Coast Chronicle, Jill shares her first brush with our annual visitors.

Breakfasting in the borough

21/05/201304/03/2015Leave a comment

I’m almost certainly a social media addict. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not one of those people constantly attached to their phone and I am, quite frankly, horrified that people can go to Twitter jail*, but… I do tend to rely on social media on a daily basis.

When I lived in this State’s capital, Brisbane, I depended on a few different twitter accounts (SEQ Incidents and Qld Rail for example) for advice on traffic conditions and public transport hiccups. And when I moved back to the Fraser Coast I searched out all possible local Facebook and Twitter accounts to follow. Which is why last Thursday I put out a Facebook question about breakfast dining options in Maryborough.

Sadly suggestions were minimal but… during my day’s online trawling I came across reference to a Maryborough cafe which: 1. Opened early; and 2. Showed some social media savvy.

Cafe Cru is obviously a bit of a hidden gem as my mother (a long-term Maryborough resident) and a couple of other people I spoke to had no idea the place existed or where it could be found (near the Mary Poppins statue, incidentally!). But, after a call to check that gluten-free options were available it was the planned venue for Friday’s breakfast.

However… although the ambience is great (I loved the look and feel of the place including the eclectic furniture), the menu was more limited than I expected.

If you’re ~~extremely~~ a tad fussy like me you may struggle. Although GF bread was available none of the three or four bruschetta breakfast options tempted me. Mum was happy to have a ham and cheese croissant but, rather than ‘make do’, we decided (albeit reluctantly) to go elsewhere.

Having said that, Cafe Cru obviously attracts a lot of regulars, several customers being greeted by name as they picked up their morning coffee. Plus… some of the stuff on their menu (for non coeliacs) looked AMAZING! (‘Like’ the Cafe Cru Facebook page if you don’t already and you’ll see what I mean!)

Instead we ventured into Allikats on Kent. On arriving I confirmed GF options were available and was happy that they were easily able to run through my choices. Both mum and I settled on bacon and poached eggs on toast and enjoyed our respective breakfasts.

I noticed that Allikats also had gluten-free cupcakes and cake in their window – had I been there for a snack rather than brekkie.

I have to say I was surprised what a struggle it was to find something open (before 9am) in Maryborough for breakfast. My mother dines out fairly regularly (mostly lunches and morning/afternoon teas) and always asks after gluten-free options on my behalf. She knows I’ll groan if the only choice is the seemingly popular orange and poppy-seed cake which graces many-a-cafe-shelf.

So, while I’ve found a few faves in Hervey Bay, I’m going to have to keep investigating Maryborough cafes, coffee shops and restaurants to find my go-to options. *Sigh*… such a chore! 😉

I’m happy to receive suggestions in the interim!

* Sad, but true. You can only send a limited number of tweets a day. Apparently.

Definitely not the pits

15/05/201304/03/20151 Comment

I really need to start staying at home on weekends. Or… get into an exercise routine so I feel less shame, if I’m going to continue to visit sporting events around the Fraser Coast.

The Hervey Bay Triathlon was depressing enough: fit-as-a-fiddle lycra-clad athletes whizzing past on bikes or pounding the pavement, as I lolled about on my blanket wondering what I’d eat for brunch. But this past weekend my body-image issues returned as I attended the inaugural Fraser Coast Regional Beach VolleyBall Invitational in Hervey Bay.

While the weather and crowds disappointed a little on the Saturday, a steady stream of people did take advantage of the fact that talented and professional athletes were again on our doorstep, frolicking about in an incredibly large sandpit!

Olympians and those among the best in the State and country were on hand to show us exactly how one looks good in swimwear while throwing themselves onto the sand.

I’ve previously confessed my hatred of getting sandy, so the notion of being sweaty and diving into the sand (no matter how pristine) is like all of my nightmares come at once!

But, in addition to the amazing bodies (from a strength and fitness point of view, rather than sleazy pervy way. Of course!), there was some fantastic sporting prowess on display.

The usual beach volleyball pairs offered us some great athleticism but it was the fours that impressed me. All eight invitees (of either gender) on court at once resulted in some amazing rallies and closely fought tussles.

I’m stoked that it’s reported that the competition will return. From all accounts the players were impressed by the facilities and – as a spectator – I was impressed at the event’s organization: from the array of food on offer, to the activities for kids (jumping castles and face-painting) as well as the chance for spectators to rub shoulders with the pros on the practice court. As a social media fiend I was also impressed to see regular Facebook updates and some fabulous pics of the matches.

The lack of protection from the elements was a bit of a problem.

It was either too hot and sunny in the stands or those present got saturated by the pesky rain which hung about most of Saturday.

I’m not sure how undercover areas would be catered for, but a bit more shade would have been handy. Perhaps if the court was ‘moved’ a little there would be some shady spots under trees.

As for the ~~boring~~ important bits… Mike Watson and Will Mercer took out the men’s title from Dan Carey and Joshua Slack; while super-impressive Townsville gals, Natasha Chapman and Rebecca Matheson defeated the sisters’ Mowen (Jordan and Justine) for the women’s title.

It’s great to see national and world-class athletes on our doorsteps (roads, ocean and beaches) and I’m stoked to have had the chance to be privy to their awesomeness. It’s also worth thanking the sponsors, including The Hervey Bay Boat Club and the Queensland Volleyball Association. I’m already looking forward to next year!

Auraview – Last Band Standing Winners

12/05/201304/03/2015Leave a comment

I’m just home from a sensational night at the Last Band Standing (battle of the bands) at Hervey Bay RSL. The finalists were all superb, and I’m thrilled that one of my favourite bands of the night, Auraview, won!

The event was a great showcase of live music talent available in the area. Original songs, energetic and tight execution. Just brilliant.

Arcade Vandals put up tough competition. There will be another chance to see them at the Fraser Coast Music Fest. I’m hoping that Auraview will also be performing there (no confirmation yet, so fingers-crossed please). Unfortunately I missed most of Locus, as the venue was at capacity and I had to wait until enough people left before it was my turn to enter, but I heard good things from others in attendance.

I’m absolutely buzzing after a great night out. Big thanks to my Mummy for babysitting Pickle, so I could have a cracking night out.