ro·man·tic
Inclined towards or suggestive of the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.Last week, Gong Girl asked the good people of Wollongong to vote on their most romantic dinner destinations in Wollongong.
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The polling was intense and it was a very close competition. I must say I was a bit surprised at some of the most popular choices. Not because they are not fine eateries in their own right, but because I had never looked at them as possible romantic dinner destinations for me and my better half. I basically go there to chow down.
So, I had no choice but to check them out again, hence the delay in posting, and drag my (very unromantic) other half along to revisit these places with our romantic goggles firmly on.
And now I get it.
It seems the good people of Wollongong are an extremely romantic lot who value food, ambience, and unique settings for their interludes with a loved one. You could say they really do abide by the definition of "romantic" and prefer places that do have a little mystery and excitement.
What is really good about the results of this poll is that it didn't result in 5 cookie cutter "romantic" restaurants. How boring that would have been.
Each place is very different from the next, in style, budget, cuisine and setting. All that means is that you can enjoy a romantic dinner at each one of these places and have a completely different and still romantic experience each time.
So here are the swoon worthy choices of my readers in alphabetical order
Amigos: 116 Keira St Wollongong
Amigos has an impressive presence on Keira Street, spanning two, or three traditional terrace shopfronts. Rumour has it that the upstairs of Amigos has a dark and mysterious past. My first impressions, is that it is quirky: to say the least, in it's distinctively Mexican/ skull decor. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a labyrinth of cosy little sections - peppered with bright red mexican glass chandeliers. It's funky romantic. Each sanctuary is screened off from prying eyes. The bright decor elements contrasted against dark walls makes for an exotic rendevous - like some little cantina within the steamy jungles of "Mehico"
Start your evening in the gorgeous bar, with an agave tequila (lookout its 100%!!) or a margarita. Of course there is also the sangria and cervezas ( Mexican beer)
Head chef Cinthia Flores ( Mexico, Argentina, North America) has developed an extensive menu with traditional Mexican food: fajitas, mole, carnitas ( porked soaked and cooked in Coca Cola) and filled corned tortillas. There is also Tex-mex to suit the less intrepid Gringos.
The Tapas Plate is lovely to share with your loved one with too-good-to-miss empanadas, alambres ( skewers), buffalo wings & albondigas ( sumptuous little meatballs).
But this time, my "love food" of choice was mustard and lime chicken tenderloin fajitas (I'm a sucker for the floury flatbreads). Out came a sizzling hot griddle of tenderloins and the rest of the cold ingredients for me to construct on a long skinny breadboard : guacamole, pineapple, fresh tomato salsa, salad, jalapenos and sour cream. It was gorgeous. There is something very sexy about being hands on with really good, fresh food.
We chose to sit outside- and I'm glad we did. The garden is shady and lush. Each little bedecked, undercover spot is obscured by a large central garden of vines and ferns.
So is it romantic?
- mysterious - Tick
- exciting - Tick
- cocktails - Tick Tick Tick
Three hearts from me. Next Stop: Caveau
Amigos Website
Caveau : 122-124 Keira Street Wollongong
Right next door to Amigos and you could be mistaken for thinking that you have just boarded the Orient Express for London.
Every Gong Girl, needs to feel like royalty every now and then.
Ah Caveau has it all. Fine dining, gloved service, polished glassware, romantic lighting, soft music. The epitome of traditional romance and understated elegance.
In the last 6 years, British expat and Head Chef, Peter Sheppard, has not once missed out on being awarded the coveted "hat" by SMH Good Food Guide.
The degustation menu reflects what's best about the season and changes regularly. The wine pairing on offer is top notch and delectable.
Right now, my mouth is still watering for local kingfish tartare ponzu, laced with tapioca pearls, a verdent and sweet wakame and a gorgeous citrus chantilly.
But wait there's more.... like the seared scallops and crisp chicken wings with chestnut mushrooms, jerusalem artichoke, and truffle jus.
Not to be outdone, the desserts also hold their own: lime creme brulee with raspberries, a lychee sorbet and white chocolate, paired with a lovely glass of cool Margaret River dessert riesling from the Juniper Estate.
A lovely finish to a very traditionally romantic evening don't you think?
Caveau has two upper, private, dining rooms for those special romantic announcements with family and friends as well. (hint hint)
The nicest surprise given all the finery - is the price. The three course menu (available Tuesday-Thursday) is only $79 per person. The recommended seven course degustation is outstanding at $95 and $140 per person if paired with Caveau's suggested wines.
Caveau Website On to: Gigi's Restaurant and Bar
Gigi's was also featured in my recent blog on Top Coffee Spots in the Gong.
Gigi's simply cannot be ignored as a romantic dinner destination in Wollongong, as is evidenced by the extremely strong polling support it received.
Gigi's is like a big, brash Italian, abbraccio (latin for "beara hugga"). Hospitality at its best.
The city of Milano, like a jilted lover, must be smarting over the loss of chef Paolo De Luca.
The nicest surprise given all the finery - is the price. The three course menu (available Tuesday-Thursday) is only $79 per person. The recommended seven course degustation is outstanding at $95 and $140 per person if paired with Caveau's suggested wines.
Gigi's Restaurant and Bar: 22 Market Street Wollongong
Gigi's was also featured in my recent blog on Top Coffee Spots in the Gong.
Gigi's simply cannot be ignored as a romantic dinner destination in Wollongong, as is evidenced by the extremely strong polling support it received.
Gigi's is like a big, brash Italian, abbraccio (latin for "beara hugga"). Hospitality at its best.
The city of Milano, like a jilted lover, must be smarting over the loss of chef Paolo De Luca.
Stare dreamily into your partners eyes as you tuck into Gigi's pumpkin risotto dressed with rosemary, chilli, pancetta & pine nuts, and finished with shaved parmesan cheese or perhaps the" Farfalle (butterfly pasta) alla Norma" with eggplant, fresh roma tomato salsa e basil, finished to perfection with fresh creamy ricotta.
But the night is still young, right? How about "Pesca al Forno" (Wow - that even sounds hot!) - plump, soft, oven baked peaches in white wine finished with a lemon pastry cream, and topped with amaretto biscuit
With handcrafted fresh signature pastas from the owners' talented, and very Italian, Aunty Gina, a glistening backdrop, attentive service, and a smattering of couples leaning in to share the home made tiramisu off a single spoon, this place exudes passion. Just cue an Elton John song, because I really can feel the love tonight.
But the night is still young, right? How about "Pesca al Forno" (Wow - that even sounds hot!) - plump, soft, oven baked peaches in white wine finished with a lemon pastry cream, and topped with amaretto biscuit
With handcrafted fresh signature pastas from the owners' talented, and very Italian, Aunty Gina, a glistening backdrop, attentive service, and a smattering of couples leaning in to share the home made tiramisu off a single spoon, this place exudes passion. Just cue an Elton John song, because I really can feel the love tonight.
Take an arm-in-arm stroll down the "eat strip" to Gigi's, I thoroughly recommend it.
They say the way to a man's heart is through his belly. Don't worry girls, Gigi's has got you both covered.
Gigi's website Up next: Samuels at Thirroul.
This is a chic little place tucked into a little corner on the quiet side of Thirroul. It reminds me of an upmarket French Grocer. The simple black and white decor inside and out is stunning. The interior features white chairs and linens, a little sparkle here and there and is flanked by large blackboards, tantalising you with what's in store.
The menu changes regularly, hence the truly functional (not just artistic) blackboards and there is also a degustation menu with wine pairing available.
My favourite that I can never pass up is the slow roasted pork belly with the crackling to die for. This is a sumptuous starter - that pops up on the menu from time to time. When it's on: I jump for joy - literally.
Recommendations by others would be to try the lime and coconut prawns or the pumpkin agnolotti.
Its the attention to the small things that sets Samuels apart, right down to the simple shelves of wine bottles, the soft touches of greenery, (sometimes the produce,) the palm tree through the middle of the alftesco area cocooned in fairy lights and even the votives in the restrooms.
They say the way to a man's heart is through his belly. Don't worry girls, Gigi's has got you both covered.
Gigi's website Up next: Samuels at Thirroul.
Samuels at Thirroul: 382 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
This is a chic little place tucked into a little corner on the quiet side of Thirroul. It reminds me of an upmarket French Grocer. The simple black and white decor inside and out is stunning. The interior features white chairs and linens, a little sparkle here and there and is flanked by large blackboards, tantalising you with what's in store.
The menu changes regularly, hence the truly functional (not just artistic) blackboards and there is also a degustation menu with wine pairing available.
My favourite that I can never pass up is the slow roasted pork belly with the crackling to die for. This is a sumptuous starter - that pops up on the menu from time to time. When it's on: I jump for joy - literally.
Recommendations by others would be to try the lime and coconut prawns or the pumpkin agnolotti.
Its the attention to the small things that sets Samuels apart, right down to the simple shelves of wine bottles, the soft touches of greenery, (sometimes the produce,) the palm tree through the middle of the alftesco area cocooned in fairy lights and even the votives in the restrooms.
Soften up your love with pre dinner drinks with regular happy hours from 5pm on a Friday night. Take your time savouring the fare at Samuels. The kitchen is open until 11pm.
Samuels is open every day apart from Monday and Tuesdays
I also suggest an earlier dinner on Sundays for some laid back live Jazz to dial-up the mood for romance to "just perfect".
Samuels for me is about simplicity, great food and good service. The wine list is really good. The place is lovely without being too pretentious.
Samuels at Thirroul is on Facebook To the finish line: The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.
A Wollongong favourite for romance with a capital "R". The name says it all. Perched on the Lagoon within Stuart Park, North Wollongong, the setting is absolutely stunning no matter where you are seated.
In 2012 The Lagoon won Australia’s Favourite Modern Australian Restaurant Award.
Renowned for it seafood such as Sydney rock oysters, bugs, scampi, king prawns and local fish, there is also an extensive choice of non seafood dishes on offer.
If you are up to it try heating up the evening with oysters with wasabi and white horseradish drizzled with citrus soy sauce for starters, followed by the yabby & homemade prawn ravioli with beurre noir, baby rocket & pine nuts.
For the main I thoroughly recommend the seafood platter for 2.
But, if you prefer ordering a la carte how about the "Barramundi Nick" - a wild barramundi fillet marinated with coconut milk, lime & ginger pan roasted and topped with The Lagoon's famous "Nick" sauce or maybe the "Saganaki Snapper" sizzled in a cast iron dish and dosed in garlic olive oil, spring onion, tomato, feta and kalamata olives.
My favourite dining option is out on the terrace overlooking the sand and water on one of those mild blue and pink evenings. Think of a Grace Kelly and Cary Grant kind of sunset.
Perfection.
Popping the question? The Lagoon is happy to help arrange whatever fabulous way you have dreamed up, just call them.
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
Whether its exotic rustic Mexican, one hatted fine dining, warm and hearty Italian, delectably chic Australian, or award winning beachfront seafood, it looks as though you can have something a little different each time and a healthy serving of romance too!
What's your idea of a romantic dinner destination? Leave your comment below.
Gong Girl is on Facebook
Samuels is open every day apart from Monday and Tuesdays
I also suggest an earlier dinner on Sundays for some laid back live Jazz to dial-up the mood for romance to "just perfect".
Samuels for me is about simplicity, great food and good service. The wine list is really good. The place is lovely without being too pretentious.
Samuels at Thirroul is on Facebook To the finish line: The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant : Stuart Park, North Wollongong
A Wollongong favourite for romance with a capital "R". The name says it all. Perched on the Lagoon within Stuart Park, North Wollongong, the setting is absolutely stunning no matter where you are seated.
In 2012 The Lagoon won Australia’s Favourite Modern Australian Restaurant Award.
Renowned for it seafood such as Sydney rock oysters, bugs, scampi, king prawns and local fish, there is also an extensive choice of non seafood dishes on offer.
If you are up to it try heating up the evening with oysters with wasabi and white horseradish drizzled with citrus soy sauce for starters, followed by the yabby & homemade prawn ravioli with beurre noir, baby rocket & pine nuts.
For the main I thoroughly recommend the seafood platter for 2.
But, if you prefer ordering a la carte how about the "Barramundi Nick" - a wild barramundi fillet marinated with coconut milk, lime & ginger pan roasted and topped with The Lagoon's famous "Nick" sauce or maybe the "Saganaki Snapper" sizzled in a cast iron dish and dosed in garlic olive oil, spring onion, tomato, feta and kalamata olives.
My favourite dining option is out on the terrace overlooking the sand and water on one of those mild blue and pink evenings. Think of a Grace Kelly and Cary Grant kind of sunset.
Perfection.
Popping the question? The Lagoon is happy to help arrange whatever fabulous way you have dreamed up, just call them.
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
Which one would you choose for your next romantic evening out?
Whether its exotic rustic Mexican, one hatted fine dining, warm and hearty Italian, delectably chic Australian, or award winning beachfront seafood, it looks as though you can have something a little different each time and a healthy serving of romance too!
And you know what they say..... variety is the spice of life!
What's your idea of a romantic dinner destination? Leave your comment below.
Gong Girl is on Facebook
