China Beach ...

On Monday evening, Mum and I headed out for a 'splurge' meal at China Beach, an Asian fusion restaurant right next to Manly Beach.  I'd heard great things about the restaurant and was unable to get in last time I tried because, for most nights, you need to make a reservation.  Although I'd booked a window table for Monday evening (it was a wet and chilly night so not suitable for sitting outside), the restaurant was not full, so was a little quieter which was great since that seems to have been the only complaint about the restaurant.  The staff were outstanding and helped us to select dishes (and portion sizes) to accompany our chosen wine  (a Hunter Valley white that we'd tried the day before) and even giving us an extra starter which would apparently go superbly with the wine.  The food was amazing - fresh, delicious and beautifully presented.  The whole evening was a perfect splurge experience, with great food and wine in an amazing location and with an amazing person, my Mum!

Betel leaf with house smoked trout, grilled eggplant & green chilli Nam Jim

Lab Kai, Chicken with Kaffir lime, lemongrass, mint & a chilli, lime dressing

Steamed scallops with ginger, lemongrass & soy sauce

Pork belly special with green snake beans

Stir fried Sichuan eggplant, tofu, cashew nut & snow pea

Ice cream and sorbet - guava and raspberry sorbet, rum raison ice cream

Wine and view