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Café Novella: Mediterranean BYO by the sea in Byron When our family visits Byron, we are often in the area outside the Beach Hotel, and last weekend it was great to find that new Café Novella has lifted the standard for dining in the group of eateries opposite the surf club. New owners Rachel Sutherland, Dave and Paul have capitalised on the breezy, maritime feel and the beautiful wooden deck to create a stylish cafe serving excellent food with a Meditteranean, tapas feel, but with substantial servings (think battered whiting with patatas bravas, smokey aioli and lemon $15, or gluten-free calamari, paprika dusted and fried, with old bay sauce $12). My avocado and ricotta on rye, with lemon and market greens and soft-boiled egg, teamed with the interesting flavour of my long black (from Mecca coffee, a very popular Sydney roastery), highlighted to me the huge gap between my meal, that was obviously prepared with care and passion, and similarly priced meals prepared elsewhere in Byron from similar ingredients that are half as enjoyable. My wife’s gluten-free meal, my son’s buckwheat granola all had a similar zing to them. There’s a nice vibe happening here, with attentive, friendly staff, locals from the surf club popping in for a coffee, and the
Coasting at the Club Story and photos by Caz Parker
A welcome wind of change is breezing through Ocean Shores Country Club. Major renovations are underway and the re-branded restaurant Coast has a new chef, Carl Barnes, plating up a family-friendly menu. Carl’s had 26 years in the industry. He’s worked around Asia and UK, including Lon-
don’s infamous The Ivy, and been a personal chef to numerous Hollywood heavyweights. Carl has waved his wand over the new menu that sparkles beyond the billowing burgers, punchy pizzas, big salads, fillets off the chargrill, share platters, Asian tasting baskets and memorable desserts.
fun of running into another Byron Bay family instead of just staring at backpackers seeking a cheap eat. Café Novella has started opening at nights, with the day menu ‘taken up a notch’ for night-time dining. Expect fresh, Mediterranean-style favourites such as octopus salad, prawns and calamari, steamed black mussels, share plates, and new dishes on the menu all the time depending on what locally sourced food is available. Q Café Novella 1/14 Bay St, Byron Bay. BYO. Ph 6685 7348. Facebook: Novella Byron Bay @novellabyronbay
The Laksa has a superb blend of goopy mixed noodles with a dizzying abundance of Asian flavours topped by a plump leg of duck that melts off the bone. The candle-lit wooden tables, soft lighting, dramatic coastal photography on the walls and warm hospitality all combine to deliver an intimate mood. With acoustics that are gentle on the ears it’s a somewhat more refined atmosphere than normally found in club restaurants.
On a balmy night the outdoor back deck, with hinterland views to the Koonyum Ranges, beckons for cocktails and sunset dining. Meanwhile to celebrate Valentines Day comedian Ellen Briggs will be hosting a fun dinner at Coast for singles (over-30s). A singles mingle with a giggle, tucker with a tingle, courtesy bus (no bingle) and a chance to meet your Valentine… sounds too good to resist. Q Bookings Ph 6680 1008 Valentines Day 14 February. 3-course set menu $35 Weekly Specials are Monday nights: $15 Beer’n’Burger night, Tuesday nights: All pizzas $15, Wednesday nights: $10 Schnitzels
Apology Last week we published an incorrect contact phone number for chef Joe Griffin in our Good Life article in error. Please be advised that the correct contact number for Joe is 0429 647 588 Apologies for any inconvenience.
GUEST CHEF BRENDON HARIS-ANISE Presented at The Byronian $120 pp includes 4 WEDNESDAY 111 Jonson St Byron Bay sharing courses 24th FEBRUARY BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: & matching wines 6.30pm (bookings close ANDREW RICHARDS Fri 19th Feb) (SABROSO VINO) 0435 721 141 sabrosovino@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SabrosoVinoBoutiqueWine
Bangalow Dining Rooms
River St, Ballina Phone 6686 2544 www.ballinarsl.com.au Open 7 Days from 8am Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
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Bangalow Hotel Open 7 days Lunch: 12 – 3pm Dinner 5.30 – 9pm All day bistro menu
BYRON BAY
6687 1144
Valentines Day Lunch Sunday 14 February Spinnakers 3 Course Menu $55 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm & 1.30pm Entertainment by Brian Pampilon Complimentary drink on arrival Bookings Essential Enjoy our balcony restaurant, intimate dining room and generous bistro food in the pub. With reasonable prices our menu reflects the wonderful local and fresh produce of the region. SMH GOOD PUB Large groups welcome. FOOD GUIDE We also offer off-site catering. 2013 AND 2014 www.bangalowdining.com
Cafe Novella OPEN 7–4 Sun–Tues OPEN 7–LATE Wed–Sat BYO & TAKEAWAY Bay St opp Main Beach & Surf Club For bookings: 6685 7348
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
$2 MECCA coffee all week when ordered via the Heyyou App Locals specials Fresh Mediterranean inspired dishes Breakfast / lunch / dinner on the deck or TAKEAWAY
We love smoking up an American Barbeque storm on our wood-fired smoker all the way from Kansas, USA. Check out our website for our food menu Refuge, Grog & Barbeque www.thebolthole.com.au. 5pm–Midnight (Mon–Sat) Fancy just a drink? Our bar features 69 whiskeys, 5pm–11pm (Sun) 40 gins, craft cocktails, organic & biodynamic wines 9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay and craft beers in cans. Catch you soon! hello@thebolthole.com.au 6685 8410 PEACE : LOVE : GROG : BBQ
The Bolt Hole
Targa
Cafe • Restaurant • Bar 11 Marvell Street
Byron Bay 6680 9960 targabyronbay.com targabyronbay@gmail.com
Fishheads Open seven days 7:30am till late Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, functions and weddings. Fully licensed. 1 Jonson St, Byron Bay 6680 7632
Modern European
Breakfast/Lunch: 7 days from 7am Dinner: 7 nights from 5.30pm Bar: From 10am, with or without food Coffee: Genovese, all day Venue: available for events up to 60 guests
BYRON BAY CONTINUED
BALLINA
Ballina RSL Club
BANGALOW
Good Taste Eating Out Guide
* View our Valentines menu on website *
A range of menu packages for your SPECIAL EVENT Phone 6680 7632 functions@fishheadsbyron.com.au www.facebook.com/Fishheadsbyron.com www.fishheadsbyron.com.au
The Byron Shire Echo February 10, 2016 19