Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

PORT STEPHENS: DOLPHIN- & WHALE-WATCHING 185
WHERE TO DINE
IN CESSNOCK
Amicos MEXICAN/ITALIAN PIZZERIA You can’t mistake the Mexican
influence in the decor, with bunches of chile peppers, cow skulls, ponchos,
masks, and frescoes, but the Mediterranean/Italian connection is more evident
in the menu. Mexican dishes include the usual nachos, enchiladas, burritos, barbecued
chicken, and the like, while there are a few pastas and Mediterranean
dishes, such as crumbed lamb brains. The pizzas are pretty good, and one could
just about serve four people. They will deliver, too.
138 Wollombi Rd., Cessnock. & 02/4991 1995. Fax 02/4990 9302. Reservations recommended. Main
courses A$12–A$20 (US$7.80–$13); pizzas A$14–A$18 (US$9.10–$12). MC, V. Daily 6–10pm.
IN POKOLBIN
Blaxland’s Restaurant MODERN INTERNATIONAL This very
atmospheric restaurant revolves around a winery theme, with pictures of vineyards
on the walls, one of the most comprehensive Hunter wine lists in the area,
and even the owner’s homemade vintages on the menu. Parts of the building
date from 1829, with wooden trusses holding up the ceiling and exposed sandstone
block walls. Popular here is the roast spatchcock (a spring chicken) and the
steamed black mussels. A large open fire brings a glow to the white tablecloths
in winter.
Broke Rd., Pokolbin. & 02/4998 7550. Fax 02/4998 7802. www.blaxlandsrestaurant.com.au. Reservations
recommended. Main courses A$20–A$26 (US$13–US$17). A$3 (US$1.40) per person surcharge weekends
and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11am–late.
Café Enzo MODERN AUSTRALIAN This charming little cafe offers a nice
ambience and good cuisine. Pastas, pizzettas, antipasti, and steaks dominate the
menu. The pizzetta with chargrilled baby octopus, squid, and king prawns,
Kalamata olives, fresh chile and onion, and freshly shaved Parmesan is particularly
nice. Cakes and cheese plates are a specialty.
At the corner of Broke and Ekerts rds. (adjacent to Peppers Creek Antiques, near Peppers Guest House), Pokolbin.
& 02/4998 7233. Main courses A$10–A$18 (US$6.50–US$12). Devonshire tea A$7.50 (US$4.90).
AE, DC, MC, V. Wed–Sun 10am–5pm (until 10pm Sat).
Casuarina Restaurant MODERN AUSTRALIAN This superb restaurant
has taken a slew of awards for its cooking in recent years. The surroundings
are elegant, with lots of antiques below the very high wooden ceilings. Flambés
are the signature meal here, the most popular being a flambé of chili lobster and
prawn for two. Other meals to write home about are the Thai-style chicken
curry and the Caesar salad.
Hermitage Rd., Pokolbin. & 02/4998 7888. Fax 02/4998 7692. www.casuarina.com. Reservations recommended.
Main courses A$27–A$34 (US$18–US$22). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7–11pm.
3 Port Stephens: Dolphin- & Whale-Watching
209km (136 miles) N of Sydney
Port Stephens, just 2 1 ⁄2 hours north of Sydney, should be at the top of any New
South Wales itinerary. It’s a perfect add-on to a trip to the Hunter Valley (see
above). Though you can come up from Sydney for the day, I recommend staying
in the general area for at least 1 night. The sheltered Port Stephens bay itself
is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, and is as clean as a newly poured
bath. The sea literally jumps with fish, and the creamy islands and surrounding