Issue 08

COASTIESMAG.COM.AU

DEC 21 | JAN 22

COASTIES THE LIFESTYLE MAG FOR THE CENTRAL COAST

INSIDE

, ON C’M E. M KE !

A T EE FR M I’

HAS GOSFORD'S MOMENT FINALLY ARRIVED? INSIDE THE NEW BRUNCH SPOT IN FORRIES

THE COAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS DAILY DOUGH CO TERRIGAL & WYONG

ISSUE 08

G’DAY Oh baby, we’ve made it. Christmas is here and 2021 is nearly over. And what a wild ride it has been. Lockdowns, social distancing, masks, home schooling, day drinking... the list goes on.

Inside this issue, our eighth, we share the very best ways to celebrate the end of the year, and how to experience the best of the festive season on the Coast.

If you’re looking for the most delicious oysters, head straight to page 15. Or you can discover the rising star suburb of Gosford over on page 22.

There’s also no better time than right now to celebrate the stars of the pandemic. And there are none who shine as brightly as Daily Dough Co founder Emma Peat.

True grit in the face of adversity is how Emma transformed her dream of creating a superior doughnut recipe into the Coast’s most successful local business.

We couldn’t think of a better cover star than her seriously pretty and outrageously delicious creations, shot by the always remarkable Oak Street Images.

Go and grab one and enjoy them this Christmas! And take the time to truly appreciate the good things in life – exquisite food, fantastic drinks and spending time with those dearest to you.

Have an incredible Christmas and new year, Amy x

CONTRIBUTORS OAK STREET IMAGES | DELICIA SMITH SARAH FORSTER | NIKKI TIEDEMAN

INSIDE EAT

LOCAL

12

INSIDE TOUKLEY’S BRAND NEW SPEAKEASY BAR

32

HOT NEW OPENINGS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

15

SEAFOOD AND EAT IT AT THESE TOP COAST SPOTS

34

THE STORY BEHIND DAILY DOUGH CO’S RISE TO THE TOP

EXPLORE

WELLNESS

22

GOSSY’S GOT IT GOING ON RIGHT NOW

39

A CUTTING-EDGE CLINIC OPENS ON THE COAST

29

BINDI & MINKA’S CHRISTMAS TRANSFORMATION

40

TIME TO TEST A PRP FACIAL IN FORRIES

CONTACT US Editor & Founder Amy Nelmes Bissett

For advertising or editorial opportunities, contact us at: hello@coastiesmag.com Suite 1/220 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250

Coasties is an independent publication. No part of this magazine may be used or

reproduced without permission. All information found in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing.

Coasties does not accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in information.

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LET’S GET SOCIAL

Lighthouse Festival Saturday 29 January Norah Head Lighthouse Oh, this is going to be a goodie!

Expect the likes of Missy Higgins, Didirri, Sam Windley, Elaskia and so many more performing at the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse.

Take a picnic, grab a patch of lawn and enjoy a stellar day out.

Tickets are $126 a pop and are worth every cent. (lighthousefest.com.au)

Avoca Beach Markets Twilight Edition Saturday 11 December Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca

One of our favourites every year!

This event runs from 5pm until 9pm, with food trucks arriving from all over NSW. It’s always the best market of the year, with live music, so many amazing stalls and a feel-good vibe. Great for lastminute presents, too. (fixxevents.com.au)

Central Coast Christmas Market Friday 17 December Gosford Showground, Gosford

Running from 5pm until 9pm, there’ll be rows upon rows of market stalls, food trucks and live music at this kid-friendly event.

Get set for all the Christmas feels. (amaeventmanagement.com.au)

The Central Coast Christmas Fair Sunday 5 December Mount Penang Gardens and Parklands, Kariong Back for its 14th year, the annual Christmas Fair at Mt Penang Gardens is set to be a fantastic day for all. There’ll be 180 stalls, live music, rides and a kids zone. But let’s be real, it’s the licensed bar that we’re hanging for. And Santa is also zipping by for photos with the kids. He’s good like that. (hartevents.com.au)

Return to Rio Friday 18-Sunday 20 February Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wisemans Ferry

If you want to dance like everyone is watching and seriously shake off the last 24 months, then get your tickets booked for this two-day festival dropping like it’s hot in February.

Outlandish outfits are absolutely compulsory. Book today. (events.humanitix.com/returnto-rio-halloween-special)

Gosford Waterfront Carnival 10 December - 26 January Gosford Waterfront

With fairground rides for all ages and plenty of carnival-style food, this summer festival is always plenty of fun. It’s free and fun and opens every night until the end of January. You’ll find it right opposite the Leagues Club playground, next to Brisbane Waters.

PSST. We love to see you out and about on the Central Coast, so tag us in @coastiesmag on both Insta and Facebook.

7

EAT

Set inside new eat, play and stay complex The Quarters in Forresters Beach, The Pantry is foodie heaven

BRUNCH

Food

The Pantry, Inside The Quarters 960 Central Coast Hwy Forresters Beach, NSW 2260 tqfb.com.au

In short, the eats here are out of this world. The Pantry is brought to you by the same team behind Motel Mezza in Wyong and Pinocchios in Gosford. There’s a casual breakfast and lunch menu, all created to a high standard. So you can order traditional breakfast pleasures like herby avocado on toast and fruitpacked açaí bowls. Or level up with the likes of the Balmain bug slider for a hearty lunch.

Drinks The Pantry is licensed. No, this is not a drill. And we are talking superior sips here. Refined cocktails and a lengthy wine list. But don’t overlook the coffee. It’s elbowing its way to best cup in the area.

The Other Stuff Kids are welcome here, and that makes it one of the few places on the Coast that is kid-friendly without skimping on the quality.

The interiors are swanky, with a beachy feel. There’s a spacious sunlit courtyard that is perfect at all times of the day. This spot really is a winner.

Images by the @_the_pantry and @hollyannecreative

Rating: Fantastic and family friendly Suitable for:

Kids

Dates

Friends

Incoming: A brand new speakeasy serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and all the drinks has arrived in Toukley.

And it’s oh-so fancy

LUNCH

Food

Hearts and Minds Social 5/243 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 (02) 4303 7706 heartsandminds.com.au

Towering burgers, pretty pancakes and freshly baked sweet treats. This new outpost of the epic Hearts and Minds barbers is a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But it’s so much more than that, it’s also delicious eats in a super-trendy setting. It’s great service with an eye on creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. Yes, the menu is mammoth, but really the food is only part of the winning equation.

Drinks Serving Marrickville coffee roasters ‘Fat Poppy specialty coffee’, you know it’s going to be a decent hit.

There’s also fresh juices to start the day and cocktails to complete it.

The Other Stuff Deep green velvet against a sexy red low light. We’re so into the vibe here. Who knew you could feel like a mega babe drinking a coffee in Toukley at eight in the morning? We’ll thank you for that Hearts and Minds Social.

All images supplied

Rating: Oh-so cool.

Suitable for:

Kids

Dates

Friends

SEA TO TABLE Summer has arrived and that means one thing - seafood.

Here’s where to find the freshest and best on the Coast

Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf

Big Boyz Oysters

The Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf has always been a hit with locals and tourist alike. Plus, the waterfront restaurant also offers a walk-in fish mongers where you can grab cold seafood platters for takeaway. It’s a mix and match set-up and you have the choice between fresh prawns, crabs, lobsters, oysters and sashimi.

Winner winner, seafood dinner.

(The Boulevarde, Woy Woy)

Pulled from the waters in Hardy’s Bay and sold from Empire Bay, Big Boyz Oysters are exactly that – ginormous oysters often the size of your hand. And they’re not only large in size, but also huge in flavour. They’re great value with a tray of 12 costing just $18. Or if you prefer them Kilpatrick, it’s $24. Pre-order is essential and it’s pick up only.

(18 Myrtle Rd, Empire Bay)

Avoca Beach Seafoods

Darrons Seafood

Justifiably award-winning, Avoca Beach Seafoods might be better known for its fish and chips but the team also offer a takeaway seafood platter, with two battered fish, four prawn cutlets, four calamari, chips for two and salad for $48. There’s also deep-fried NZ mussels which are outrageously delicious.

(1/85 Avoca Drive)

Darrons Seafood is undoubtedly a local favourite for takeaway fish and chips after a day at the beach.

But the owner, yep that’s Darron, also offers a huge range of fresh seafood to enjoy at home, including oysters and kilo bags of ready-to-eat prawns for just under $50.Fisherman's (6/666 The Entrance Woy Woy Wharf, Image supplied Rd, Wamberal)

Molly’s Local Seafood

Anthony’s

Variety is the spice of life at Molly’s Local Seafood and there’s a different special almost every day. It could be WA lobster tails with coriander and chilli pesto or perhaps a prawn-packed paella.

Each dish is ready to be heated and then served at home. There’s also fresh seafood available in the fridges each day.

(2/15 Tathra St, West Gosford)

Selling seafood on the Central Coast for over three decades, Anthony’s is a firm favourite for one reason: everything is super fresh. There’s often huge Tasmanian oysters, prawns and lobsters on offer but also highgrade sashimi, blue-eye cod and Japanese roe. Of course, there’s also takeaway fish and chips.

(37-41 Avoca Dr, Kincumber)

Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf.

Image supplied.

Ocean Blues Quality Seafood For almost three decades, Ocean Blues Quality Seafood has served up award-winning fish and chips to the masses. But the team are also pretty passionate about fresh seafood, especially if they can source it locally. They sell oysters, whole fish, fish fillets, lobsters, crabs, squid and well, anything seafood you can think of really.

(4/1 Ocean St, Budgewoi)

WatersEdge Seafood Restaurant A bit of a hidden gem, WatersEdge is best known as a sit-in restaurant, but the team also offer some of the most delicious takeaway seafood in the region. There’s a mix of cold seafood, like prawns and oysters, as well as hot salt and pepper squid, chips and scallops. And the team often post their latest offers and deals on their Facebook page.

(5/12 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance)

PSST.

Top, fish and chips. Stock image.

Bottom, WatersEdge Seafood Restaurant.

If you decide to visit any of these restaurants, why not tag us in on social?

@coastiesmag

#coastiesmag

EXPLORE

gossy has finally arrived It’s been a long time coming, but thanks to a brand new waterfront eatery, Gosford is having its moment If Gosford was a cake, its icing and the cherry on top had been missing for a while. It had all the basic ingredients to be a winning suburb, but it’s always been lacking a certain pizzazz. It needed something to pull it all together.

And that something has arrived.

In time for summer, Gosford saw the rejuvenation of Hotel Gosford.

And then the opening of the multimillion waterfront restaurant, Drifters Wharf. That right there was the icing, and that muchneeded cherry.

Today, Gosford is a smorgasbord of incredible places to visit on a night out. The long-running restaurant favourites include South End Social at one end of Mann St, and The Bon Pavilion at the other. Then there’s Pinocchios and At Baker Street neatly found in the middle. Each offering a superb experience.

Back in 2020 the fabulous and funky arrived in the form of Lyons Den. A cocktail bar with a courtyard that is packed every night of the week thanks to its winning combination of fizzing atmosphere, friendly staff, brilliant cocktails, and a truly unique South African tapas menu. It’s just across from South End Social.

Hotel Gosford unveiled its complete makeover in November, right after lockdown 2.0. Inside is now seriously slick. Think rich dark wood against deep brown leather and a classy menu that is far from its past life.

But the jewel in Gosford’s crown is the aforementioned Drifters Wharf - a waterfront heaven that opened early in December with a monster mega-party. It’s one way to let the Coast know you’re going to be so much more than your standard restaurant.

@drifterswharf

@thebonpavilion

@southendsocialgosford

By the same team behind Mumbo Jumbos in Terrigal and Shady Palms in Avoca, Drifters Wharf is set to follow the same formula. A fantastic spot to dine and wine, but also to dance your pants off as the sun goes down while the cocktails flow.

Gosford, it’s happened. You’ve finally beaten Terrigal as the front-running suburb for a fun night out on the Central Coast. We knew you had it in you. You just needed that icing, and a cherry.

@hotelgosford @lyonsdengosford

LITTLE COASTIES

Ruby’s Home Store is an eclectic mix of quirky homewares, statement décor, classic coastal living and best of British design.

Quality homewares online that you will LOVE.

www.rubyshomestore.com.au

Follow us on Instagram @rubys_homestore

Staycation YOU

THE

COTTAGE

SLEEPS

6

$970

NIGHT

A

PEARL

DON’T

HAVE

BEACH

TO

GO

FAR

TO

GET

AWAY

OK, we’ll admit it isn’t so kind on the hip pocket, but we want to hero this remarkable stay in Pearl Beach. It is one of the few places on the Central Coast that isn’t only stunning, but is also dogfriendly. Sleeping up to six people, this remarkable property is a dream for families wanting to get away from it all.

The cottage balances homely with luxury. There’s a brilliant pool area and also an entertainment space outside for BBQs and fun times. Plus, your pet pooch doesn’t have to miss out on this 5-star getaway. (airbnb)

Coasties Weekend Walk SOMERSBY

30

FALLS

MINUTES

BEGINNER

Incredible image courtesy of @twosometravellers

Bushwalking in summer has to end with a cooling swim in a body of water, right? That’s why Somersby Falls is perhaps one of the most popular spots in our region once the days start to sizzle. With three-tiers of falls, there are natural swimming holes of varying depths making it perfect for all ages, even toddlers.

From the carpark, there are plenty of grassy banks for picnics and BBQ stations. The entrance to the walk, which is largely stairs, is clearly signposted and easy to access.

Surrounded by beautiful bush, with red-tailed black cockatoos hanging from the trees above, this walk might be relatively short, but it offers a decent hit of nature.

It’s easy to get to the main waterfalls, which offer a calm and relatively deep water hole to swim in. The lower falls, at the end of the walk, has smaller swim holes for younger kids, with the cool waters splashing lightly off the rocks edge. Once you’ve cooled down head back up for a picnic in the shade. (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)

Bindi & Minka's doggy picks

Toowoon bay holiday park Well, they have been good doggies! Santa paid a visit to Coasties’ dog correspondents, the Insta-famous @bindi_and_minka, to grant them a Christmas wish of doggy treats and squeaky balls this festive period.

And, of course, the pair couldn’t leave without posing with the big man himself for a festive-themed photoshoot for Christmas 2021.

If you’re wanting to create some magic with your pet, Santa Haus has set up a little grotto in Tuggerah. It’s truly pawesome!

Santa Haus 5/5 Joule Place, Tuggerah santahaus.com.au

SHOP

new openings Four fab openings to add to your December festive-fun plans AMY NELMES BISSETT

Fedele’s East, East Gosford

Drifters Wharf, Gosford

Authentic Italian cuisine within a swanky restaurant? Yes, it’s finally arrived in East Gosford in the form of Fedele’s East. Get behind us, we’re first in line for the wood-fired pizza, creamy pasta dishes and the antipasto. (36-40 Victoria St)

Yes, we touched on this in our Gossy guide on page 22, but honestly, Drifters Wharf deserves a second shout out. Check out the new waterfront eatery and bar from 3 December.

(12a Dane Drive, Gosford)

Chica Chica, Ettalong Beach

Coastal Goddess, Saratoga

Another day, another fantastic restaurant opening in Ettalong Beach. If you like seafood share plates and fancy cocktails, then this is your place. Launching in early December, keep an eye on the website for opening night details. (chicachica.com.au)

For all you beauty-loving Coasties then this new cosmetic day spa is an absolute must-visit.

Water views, luxury interiors and mimosas while you wait. A bit of Botox with all the trimmings?

Yes please, sign us up.

(8 Mimosa Ave, Saratoga)

From left: Fedele’s East, Coastal Goddess.

Emma Peat. Image supplied

the doughnut empire

by Sarah Forster @sarahamyforster

From cooking doughnuts for neighbours in her home kitchen to running two of the most popular food joints on the Coast, Daily Dough Co founder Emma Peat has achieved huge business success – all before she has even reached her 21st birthday

When I spoke to Emma for the first time, we were coming out of the 2020 lockdown. After losing two retail jobs, the then 18-year-old had made the bold decision to turn her love of doughnuts into a fully-fledged business. It was the momentous moment Daily Dough Co was born.

“I just love doughnuts. They are my absolute favourite. So after two weeks of doing not a lot, I decided to keep trying to perfect my love of making doughnuts. I started posting them on Instagram and taking orders from supportive friends and family,” shares Emma.

It’s fair to say her creations were an instant hit. All of a sudden, this young entrepreneur went from making 24 doughnuts each day to 300. All from her kitchen at home. “I would prepare everything I could the night before, fold boxes, fill piping bags, make custard and glazes, then I would wake up and start the dough around 5am.

I managed to burn out three mixers,” Emma recalls.

It wasn’t long before it was time to find a bigger space. Emma opened her first shop front at the Wyong Milk Factory in July 2020, and the Central Coast caught doughnut fever. Within six months, the second Daily Dough Co store opened, in Terrigal.

The lockdown of 2021 presented a whole set of new challenges.

“It was super scary, stressful, challenging and rewarding all at once,” Emma explains. Not previously known for delivery, the Daily Dough Co instantly launched a free delivery service when the hard lockdown was enforced, and Emma designed what she calls the ‘Comfort Range’ of dessert boxes.

“The dessert box range really took off and we had orders coming in from all over the world, for delivery to loved ones on the Central Coast. It was incredible to see. And it also gave me the opportunity to hire more locals during a time when job opportunities were low.”

From those humble beginnings in her kitchen at home to owning a hugely successful business and employing around 40 people, Emma has always shared the spoils of her success with others. The Daily Dough Co regularly donates to local charities, including Coast Shelter, where Emma volunteered in the kitchen as a teenager.

“I’m so extremely grateful to be in this position in my life. I’m very honoured to be able to inspire others and show people that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can do what you love and show off your passion,” Emma says.

The Daily Dough Co (dailydoughco.com) @dailydoughco

s e t i r u o v a Loca l F

Amy Buckle moved from Sydney to the Central Coast in 2018. She works as a virtual assistant and lives in Wyoming with her husband Ian and their 3-year-old son Ethan.

Here are her local favourites…

Let’s Eat You can’t go past Tommy’s at the waterfront for a delicious brunch with great dog-patting potential.

Plus they reopened the kitchen to make me a smashed avo after I gave birth, so they hold a special place in my heart! We also love Three Trees for the eclectic atmosphere, Bouffant is our saviour for a sweet treat. And At Baker Street is a chameleon venue that’s just as perfect for a date night as it is for dinner with the crew.

Let’s Drink I’m obsessed with the sticky chai at Fahrenheit Cafe, and I can’t resist a cheeky loaded shake from The Good Bits Co – get there early, pull up a couch and make yourself at home.

Happy hour at Pinocchios is my happy place, the quaranthyme cocktail definitely sparks joy!

Let’s Play We love exploring all the outdoor spaces on the coast. The Narara Valley Precinct Playground is a hidden gem with so much potential for imaginative play, and the bike track at Centennial Gardens is perfect for little legs. Then if the weather turns, Mini Mania at Gosford RSL has your back with free soft play.

@coastiesmag Go on, give us a follow us on Facebook and Instagram for your daily inspo of awesome things to do on the Coast. Oh, and we’ll let you in on a secret: @coastiesmag always has epic giveaways

new

w e n new

There’s a new luxury wellness centre on the Central Coast where the focus is on achieving the best aesthetic results for you SARAH FORSTER

Found just off The Entrance Road is an eat, play and stay destination that’s one of the region’s top new openings. We’re talking about The Quarters in Forresters Beach. Set around a lagoon-style pool is a cafe, restaurant and conference space.

But its biggest drawcard? The standout wellness centre.

“I will talk patients out of treatments if I don’t think something is right for them,” says Dr Watts, who runs the clinic alongside her husband, Dr Peter McGimpsey. “It’s not all about making money, it’s about helping people through their aesthetic journey and achieving the best possible outcome,” she adds.

YOU by Dr Shauna Watts is incredibly chic and super luxurious.

We’re talking high-end marble, gold fittings and velvet furnishings. But it’s the cutting-edge cosmetic treatments from the clinical staff that are most impressive.

The duo are passionate about the physical and emotional change an aesthetic treatment can provide.

Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, plasma treatment, thread lifts and body contouring are available. (youbydrshaunawatts.com)

BEAUTY HONESTY BOX THE TREATMENT Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial.

Similar to the Vampire Facial made famous by Kim Kardashian.

WHAT IS IT? A type of natural skin rejuvenation treatment using your own blood to stimulate collagen production. A blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the growth factor rich platelets which are then injected into your skin.

WHO IS IT FOR? While Kim K made this type of treatment famous, it’s suitable for most. It can treat acne scarring, pigmentation and stretch marks anywhere on the body.

DOES IT HURT? Deep breath. We’re talking about close to 1000 tiny needles lightly punctuating the skin! But a numbing cream is applied ahead of the procedure to take the edge off.

DOES IT WORK? While some patients notice an improvement within the first week after treatment, the best results take a few months and three full treatments are recommended.

We experienced a PRP Facial at You by Dr Shauna Watts, The Quarters, Forresters Beach (youbydrshaunawatts.com)

Relax & Unwind With This Hidden Gem Right here in Terrigal

Come & join us...

With its modern & beautifully appointed Studios, one-bedroom twostorey lofts and two-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchenette, the Terrigal Pacific is a secret slice of peaceful paradise. You can relax poolside, BBQ on the newly-finished rooftop area, organise business meetings or even enjoy your honeymoon, or a special night away, in the stunning romance suite. This is dreamy resort living at its finest.

Contact us for great rates & specials: admin@terrigalpacific.net.au 02 4385 1555

@DAILYDOUGHCO

Issue 08 DEC 21 | JAN 22

Thank you to all the people that made this issue special.

coastiesmag.com.au

If you would like to be involved in future issues of Coasties contact us at: hello@coastiesmag.com @coastiesmag