Thelma and Louise, Hayes St, Neutral Bay

Thelma and Louise, Hayes St, Neutral Bay
Monday 25 September, 2006

No, it's not the movie but a real find in Neutral Bay. I had received several recommendations to try this place and am pleased to say I finally made it.

Nestled into a small group of shops at Neutral Bay Wharf and bus turning circle you will find this gorgeous site. It's tiny with a small balcony sitting over the water - be warned it can get chilly out there (even on a warn day).

We parked out the front (parking can easily be found in the surrounding streets but there is limited parking directly out front) and walked in at Monday lunchtime. The only table available was on the balcony. Not a problem, the balcony looks out over the bay and is very calming (until a ferry arrives).

The staff are laid back and happy to chat, even though they were busy. We kicked off with coffees (very, very good - I'd go back just for coffee) and reviewed the menus. I ordered the ham, bocconcini and artichoke panini and my lunch buddy ordered the seafood risotto. We also shared a pumpkin, feta, spinach leaves and tomato salad.

We enjoyed our coffees on the balcony and waited. We waited until I almost froze and we had to re-group inside on the bar stools over-looking Hayes Street. We continued to wait an hour for our lunch to be served. At certain intervals a staff member would swing by with an, 'it's on the way'. They were relaxed and didn't seem to notice how long we had been waiting. It's an open, small kitchen so you can also watch the food preparation.

The food arrived and was very good. Worth the wait? Yes and no. A small cafe can't afford to keep patrons waiting this long but then again, we were happy to chat and take in the atmosphere. The other patrons were a mix of business people, Mums & bubs and friends. A total mix.

We ordered way too much food and asked for it to be packed up so we could take it away. This wasn't a problem.

I'd happily return for coffee and would only dine there if I was prepared to have a long lunch....

Thelma and Louise - Shop 1/1, Hayes St, Neutral Bay - T: 9953 7754