Where to eat out on the NSW Central Coast: Chef Cameron Cansdell

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This was published 7 years ago

Where to eat out on the NSW Central Coast: Chef Cameron Cansdell

By Julietta Jameson
Cameron Cansdell

Cameron Cansdell

Cameron Cansdell began his career as apprentice to Stefano and Franca Manfredi at Bel Mondo in The Rocks before stints at Sydney's Bistro Moncur and Est.. He was head chef at the De Bortoli winery restaurant in the Yarra Valley, before joining Stefano Manfredi again at Bells at Killcare. With his wife, Hayley, he opened Bombini at Avoca Beach in October 2014. He is the 2016 Electrolux Restaurateur of the Year. See bombini.com.au.

FAVOURITE TABLE

Hardys Bay is one of my favourite places on the Central Coast; a peaceful community on Brisbane Water with magical views. A great spot in the afternoon is Yum Yum Eatery – order the freshly shucked rock oysters and a bottle of chablis, and you've got the perfect spot alongside the marina to watch sunset over the Rip Bridge and Bouddi coastline. See yumyumeatery.com.au.

LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY

SeaCoast – a fish co-op at Kincumber on the way out to Macmasters Beach. It's a "knock on the door" sort of place, open from Thursday to Saturday, where you can buy fish and crayfish straight from the ocean. (No website, 20 Patanga Street.)

BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET

Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf is a must. Think of your quintessential fisherman's shack perched over the water – they pride themselves on their seafood, and prepare it beautifully. Or, try the modern take on BYO – you can buy a whole local fish from their fishmonger and then get their takeaway fish and chips shop to fry it for you in their light batter. A great lunch on my day off, with a glass of cold beer. See woywoyfishermenswharf.com.au.

MUST-TRY DISH

The incredible whole Szechuan salt and pepper snapper at Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf.

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FAVOURITE INDULGENCE

Bells at Killcare. I live across the road from this beautiful resort, and the food here is simple and elegant, which is exactly what I look for. The produce they source is some of the best in Australia. I love starting a meal there with oysters, followed by their freshly made pasta dishes, and the vanilla cassata for dessert. See bellsatkillcare.com.au.

A BIG NIGHT OUT

Pocket Bar in Terrigal. They make the best cocktails on the Central Coast, though it's no secret – get there early, and grab your spot for bigger nights out. See pocketterrigal.com.au.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year around. In winter, the Central Coast is a peaceful destination – I start the morning with a bushwalk in the Bouddi National Park, and end with a winter comfort meal in a good restaurant overlooking the waterways. In summer, you can take advantage of the many beautiful beaches – buy the freshest Brisbane Water oysters, grill your own fresh catch at an outdoor or BYO barbecue, and eat by the beach sharing a bottle of cold wine.

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