Blue Water Cafe, South Steyne, Manly

Blue Water Cafe, South Steyne, Manly

Thursday 13 December, 2007

It's been years since I've taken a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and I'd seriously forgotten how big the waves are as you cross the heads - I'm not joking....these waves were huge and the ferry was being rocked back and forth like a small dingy.

We arrived safely at Manly Wharf and it was like the whole of Manly was on holidays - everyone was out and about and the standard outfit was boardshorts and thongs. It takes a while to adjust after coming from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Blue Water Cafe is located on the beachfront, so we walked from the ferry wharf through the shops and up the paved mall to South Steyne. The whole area has undergone a facelift and some of the beachfront cafes/ bars look great e.g. The Shore Club. The Blue Water Cafe spills out onto the sidewalk and has large feature walls inside and a long bar area.

Outside the decor is white chairs and tables and inside it is all wood with sideboards displaying huge vases of flowers. Our group of 20 were welcomed inside and shown to a table at the rear of the cafe directly in front of the kitchen. They had spilt us over 2 tables which was a little awkward however there was plenty of room.

The menu is varied with daily specials and I couldn't go past the Red snapper with chilli fries and tomato salad. My lunch buddies ordered the salt & pepper calamari, beef burger, prawn curry, nachos and beer battered fish & chips. The staff took the orders from each table at intervals which meant we were all eating at different times.

After enjoying a mix of herb & garlic bread our meals arrived. The servings were huge and my red snapper was presented as a thick cut slice on a bed of thin fries coated with chilli flakes with an enormous salad on the side. My lunch buddies were equally impressed with their meals and we all eyed of each other's meals with envy.

The wine flowed and we exchanged Kris Kringle gifts which resulted in lots of laughs. The dessert menus were placed on the table and there was no need to twist our arms.....the chocolate rocher cake with frangelico anglaise was the absolute highlight - it was truly extravagant, incredibly rich and very, very good.

We could have sat there for hours but moved onto the Manly Wharf Hotel instead.

Blue Water Cafe - 28 South Steyne, Manly - (02) 9976 2051