Whilst the NSW Central Coast is known for its Beaches, Hinterland, Surf, Sand and accommodation, it is also home to a wide array of native Australian wildlife.

If you are interested in conservation and habitat or just possibly want to check out the local flora and fauna, there are plenty of chances to do this in the NSW Central Coast area.

Australian Reptile Park

An exciting, hands-on zoo for all the family, the Australian Reptile Park is legendary for its animal interaction. Have your photo taken with a python, take a walk with Hugo the Giant Galapagos Tortoise or observe Australia’s biggest crocodile being fed. With its regular Kids 2 Keeper events, your kids can even experience a day in the life of an Australian Zoo Keeper – feeding the animals, meeting all kinds of interesting creatures and even watch a snake being milked for its venom. The Australian Reptile Park comes highly recommended for a fun, family day out.

Australia Walkabout Park

At the Australia Walkabout Park, you can encounter some of Australia’s most well-known wild animals in their natural habit and even learn the lay of the land. Whether it’s wild emu and kangaroo feeding or learning how to throw a boomerang, the Ranger-led activities will have you learning all about the bush wildlife and habitat. You can even learn more about the aboriginal way of life from Bush Tucker to Bush Medicine. And if it takes your fancy, you can even have a go at the old didgeridoo.

But if zoos and animal enclosures are not really your thing and you’d rather get out there and meet the real day to day wildlife of the Central Coast, there are a number of absorbing animals to look out for – particularly in the Gosford Hinterland Area.

Threatened Species of the Central Coast

Unfortunately, there are a number of species that are indigenous to the Central Coast area which are now threatened with declining numbers or degenerating habitat. Here are some of the most strange to look out for:

The Bush Stone-Curlew – Found around Brisbane Water in the Saratoga, Davistown, South Kincumber, Bensville, Empire Bay, St Hubert’s Island and Woy Woy areas, the Central Coast is a key population area for this bird. Despite this, there remains less than 20 birds of this species and the Bush Stone-Curlew is listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This means that their numbers have been reduced to such a critical level that the species is in current danger of becoming extinct in the New South Wales area. The Bush Stone-Curlew is especially well camouflaged in woodland vegetation (particularly among fallen timber) and holds a statue-like pose to avoid discovery. They can be heard around the Brisbane Water area at night with their distinctive eerie wailing or ‘weer-lo’ call.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog – Despite once being widespread in the Central Coast area, the Green and Golden Bell Frog is now listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. It is a large frog with distinctive green and gold markings which can range from being almost entirely green with small golden flecks, to being almost entirely golden. During colder weather however, the frogs colouration can darken to become almost black. The most different aspect of this species is it is purple-blue markings on the inner thigh/groin area and it’s call is characterized as a long croak, followed by a medium one and two smaller – ‘Brrrrrrrrrrk Brrrrrk Brrk-Brrk’. If you spot this this frog on your travels, please report your sighting right away but do not handle it – a disease known as Chytrid Fungus has been blamed for the death of these frogs in some areas.

Whale Watching

Whilst some visitors are more keen on the luxury on board an Australasia cruise, there’s no better way to watch the local marine life than with a whale watching boat trip. Fantasea at Palm Beach offer a 3 to 4 hour cruise departing from either Palm Beach or Ettalong beach, where you can encounter whales up close in their natural habitat. These trips are highly seasonal however, operating during June and July (whilst the whales head North to warmer water) as well as throughout October and November (when the whales head back South). Of course, whale sightings are not guaranteed but by taking you out during these months, Fantasea maximizes the chance that you’ll see numerous whales during their migratory periods.

For all your central coast accommodation needs, check out BookCentralCoast.com.au

Tags: Australian Reptile Park, central coast accommodation, Threatened Species of the Central Coast, Whale Watching

Mothers Day is on Sunday 13th May 2012

Many Australians celebrate Mother’s Day by showing their appreciation for the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures. It is annually observed on the second Sunday of May.

Below is a list of special Mother’s Day events around the Central Coast, for Sunday 13 May:

Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Lord Ashley Lounge
Mother’s Day Breakfast, 7am-8.30am and 8.45am-10.30am.
Price: $40 per adult, $20 per child (13-16yrs), $12 per child (6-12yrs), children 5 and under are free.
Bookings essential: 4384 9133, full payment is required at time of booking. No refunds on cancellations.
Detailswww.seasaltrestaurant.com.au

Mingara Recreation Club
Indigo – Eats, Treats & Bar
Lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm.
Price:  Tickets $44 members, $49 non-members. Children’s menu also available $17. Tickets available from welcome desk.
Bookings: 4349 7799
www.mingara.com.au

Club Toukley RSL
Lakeview Room
Mother’s Day luncheon, doors open at 11.30am. Entertainment by Phil Tweed.
Price: $29 per adult, $14 per child under 12
Bookings Essential: 4396 4855
www.toukleyrsl.com.au

Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast
Karinya’s Restaurant and Wine Bar
Full buffet breakfast for $28 per person From 7am – 9am
Two course lunch – Includes breads for the table and tea and coffee from 12pm
Price: $55.00 per person.
Bookings essential: 4355 5723 or amanda.shannon@kooindahwaters.com.au
www.kooindahwaters.com.au

 

Kincumber Hotel 
Mother’s day lunch and dinner, all mums receive a gift.
Price: $35 per person. $10 for kids meal – ages 12 and under.
Bookings essential: 4369 2166.
http://www.kincumberpub.com.au

The Sanctuary Cafe – Erina Heights
Mother’s day luncheon, 2 courses and glass of champagne and tea or coffee. 12pm-3pm
Price: $55 per adult, $8.50 per child.
Bookings essential: 4365 6955
www.thesanctuarycafe.com.au

 

Reef Restaurant – Terrigal
Mother’s Day lunch 12pm-3pm, 3 courses and a free gift for mum.
Price: $85 per adult, $25 children.
Bookings essential: 4385 3222, full payment at time of booking.
www.reefrestaurant.com.au

 

Australis Retreat at Wisemans
Mother’s Day Overnighter 1 night’s accommodation- Breakfast the following morning- A 3 course dinner, and- A glass of bubbly in restaurant on arrival
Prices: from $132.50 per person twin share*
Mother’s Day Weekender 2 nights’ accommodation- Breakfast each morning- A 3 course dinner on one evening of your stay, and- A glass of bubbly in restaurant on arrival
Prices: from $217.50 per person twin share*
Bookings: 4566 4422
www.wisemans.com.au

Australis Retreat at Wisemans
Riverbend Restaurant
A 3 Course meal including glass of bubbly on arrival Saturday evening from 6pm, Sunday lunch from 12noon, Sunday evening from 6pm.
Price: $49 per adult, For 13 – 17 year olds – 2 courses (Main & Dessert) for $29 per person, 12 and under – a special Children’s menu is available for $15 per child
Bookings Essential: (02) 4566 4422. Cancellation fees apply.
www.wisemans.com.au

Lizottes Restaurant
Mothers Day Lunch with Katrina Burgoyne
Treat Mum to a relaxed lunch and choose from a delicious Ala carte menu with all the Lizottes favourites
Price: Show ticket only with a a-la-carte menu available  $19.00 or Show only bar chair seating (a-la-carte menu available)  $19.00
Bookings essential: 4368 2017
www.lizottes.com.au/live

 

diggers @ the entrance
Mother’s Day dinner – Seafood Platter for 2. 5.45pm-8pm.
Price: $49.50 for two persons (member price), $59.50 for two persons (non-members)
Bookings preferred: 4332 3399
www.diggersattheentrance.com.au

 

Gosford RSL Club
Mother’s Day High Tea: Platters of freshly baked cakes, finger sandwiches, tea, coffee and a glass of champagne on arrival, from 2pm. Entertainment from 2 – 4pm with Girls Talk Duo.
Price: $25.00 (members) $27.50 (visitors) Children platters available (5-12yrs) $12 members, $13.20 visitors (Fairy bread, mini muffins, mini chocs and a popper)
Bookings essential: 4323 2311
www.grsl.com.au

Quay West Resort Magenta Shores
Barrett’s Restaurant
Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day with a sumptuous lunch at Barrett’s Restaurant from 12pm – 3 pm, Sunday 13 May. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious contemporary dining at Quay West Resort Magenta Shores
Price: $69* per adult, $15* per child (12 years and under),10% member discount .
Bookings Essential: 4352 8103
www.mirvachotels.com/quay-west-resort-magenta-shores/barretts-restaurant

 

Shelly Beach Golf Club 
Mothers Day Roast & Seafood Carvery, Sunday 13th May, 2 seating times: 11:30am & 2pm. Traditional roast carvery with vegetables, assorted salads, king prawn buffet, dessert plus tea & coffee. Entertainment by Chris Byrnes between 12pm – 4pm.
Price: Adults – $35        Children – $20
Bookings: Through Seaspray Restaurant: 4332 3400
www.sbgc.com.au

The Greens, The Entrance
Star Buffet Restaurant
All you can eat lunch, wide range of seafood, Asian cuisine, carvery, salad and desserts. 11.15am-1pm and 1.15pm-3pm.
Price: $28.80 per adult, children’s pricing is the child’s age times 2.
Booking essential: 4334 7636
www.thegreenstheentrance.com.au

Central Coast Leagues Club
Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Bistro Specials.
Price: $28.80 per adult, children’s pricing is the child’s age time 2.
Bookings recommended: 4325 9888
www.cclc.com.au

Ettalong Beach Club
Relax and enjoy the spectacular view with Mother’s Day at the Half Tide Brasserie, a la carte or buffet breakfast from 7.30am lunch from 12pm. Purchase a meal from the daily specials and receive a complimentary beverage. Mothers receive a beautifully presented flower, face painting and balloon sculpture for the kids. Live entertainment from 12pm.
Price: prices vary.
Bookings recommended: 4343 0111
www.ettalongbeachclub.com.au

 

Caroline Bay Brasserie
Mother’s day Breakfast Buffet – 8.30am-10am, includes fruit, cereals, baked goods, hot foods, tea & coffee.
Price: $26 per adult, children (2-12yrs) $13.
Mother’s Day Lunch – 12pm, three course meal with tea & coffee and hand made chocolates. Canapés on arrival. Vegetarian and Children’s menu also available.
Price: $65 per person.
Bookings essential: 4324 8099
www.carolinebayfunctions.com.au

Breakers Country Club
Mother’s Day Lunch, 11.30am-2.30pm. Mother’s Day Dinner, from 5.30pm. Mother’s Day Raffle, tickets on sale at 12pm, draws at 1pm. Live entertainment from 11.30am with Kym Campbell.
Price: Prices vary between meals and start at $25.50 for members and $27.90 for non-members.
Bookings: 4384 2661
www.breakerscc.com

 

Skydive the Central Coast
Mother’s Day Special Offer!
Book your mum in for a 14,000ft tandem skydive with Skydive the Central Coast this Mother’s Day weekend, and not only will you receive $30 off her tandem, but get $30 off your jump as well! That’s a massive $60 saving if you take the leap with mum this Mother’s Day weekend. Book now and ask for the Mother’s Day special offer!
T & C’s: Must ask for Mother’s Day special offer upon booking; Only valid for the weekend of Mother’s Day, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May 2012; Can not be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer.
Bookings: 1300 796 634
www.skydivethecentralcoast.com

Disclaimer: all care is taken to ensure the information above is correct, however Central Coast Tourism recommends you check with the operator before proceeding with a booking.

Prepared by Central Coast Tourism volunteers and staff on 20 April 2012. Central Coast Tourism thanks each restaurant and club for sharing their Mothers Day information.

For all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs, check out BookCentralCoast.com.au

Tags: accommodation the entrance, Australis Retreat at Wisemans, bookcentralcoast.com.au, central coast accommodation, Club Toukley RSL, Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Gosford RSL Club, Kincumber Hotel, Lizottes Restaurant, Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast, Mingara, mothers day, NSW Central Coast accommodation, Recreation Club, Reef Restaurant - Terrigal, Shelly Beach Golf Club, The Sanctuary Cafe - Erina Heights

More than 200 young dancers from around Australia are set to descend on the New South Wales Central Coast City of Gosford for the Australian Youth Dance Festival (AYDF) week, 8 – 14 April.

The AYDF will not only deliver a smorgasbord of opportunity for young dancers and local and visiting teachers, but also provide a massive boost for the local economy.

Commencing Easter Sunday, Ausdance NSW will present the AYDF 2012 at NAISDA Dance College.  AYDF is an inspiring week of intensive dance for young people to engage with leading choreographers, exchange cultural dance and diverse styles, explore choreographic mediums and entertain on an international stage.

Internationally renowned Artistic Director Rowan Marchingo will collaborate with celebrated composer Bob Scott to create Shades Of Us, a site-specific dance work that brings the Mt Penang Gardens to life through dance and feature the work of 7 choreographers and over 200 young dancers.

Don’t miss an evening of spirited performance at Laycock Street Theatre, Dance to Discover, showcasing ten youth dance companies and groups from across Australia with a breathtaking mix of hip hop, contemporary, Indigenous dance and physical theatre.

“The Australian Youth Dance Festival is a fantastic opportunity for young people to engage with professional choreographers over five days of intensive training, creative development and performance. One of the principal aims of the festival is to broaden the experience and knowledge of dance and choreographic practice for young dancers”, Mr Marchingo says.

For further festival information www.ausdancensw.com.au or projects@dance.net.au or phone 02 9256 4803

For all accommodation enquiries, see BookCentralCoast.com.au

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Mt Penang Gardens - Shades of Us, 14 April 5pm, All tickets $10

Laycock Street Theatre -Dance to Discover, 11 April 7.30pm

Adult $35 Conc. $28 Groups 10+ $25Festival Package (Both performances) Adult $40 Conc. $32

For all accommodation enquiries, see BookCentralCoast.com.au

Tags: accommodation the entrance, Australian Youth Dance Festival, avoca accommodation, avoca beach accommodation, bookcentralcoast.com.au, central coast accommodation, NSW Central Coast accommodation, The Entrance accommodation

CENTRAL Coast councillors, businesses and tourism operators have joined surf clubs in welcoming news that the coast will host the state lifesaving championships for two years’ running.

Business will be booming when the NSW Lifesaving Championships roll into Umina Beach next year.

Gosford Mayor Laurie Maher said hosting the championships will provide a great boost for tourism and small businesses in Umina Beach.

“With an influx of visitors before, during and after the competition period, businesses in the area will benefit from a major increase in customers.”

Some local holiday parks are already getting booked up for the event.

At Ocean Beach Holiday Park, manager Vanessa Fordyce said all 100 cabins are already fully booked for the championships and caravan and camping sites are filling up fast.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales president Tony Haven said Umina Beach and Ocean Beach will provide a world-class venue for the state’s premier surf sports event. “The location is ideal – close to the majority of competitors, with great accommodation options and easy access and plenty of parking,” Mr Haven said.

In partnership with Central Coast Tourism, NSW and Central Coast Surf Life Saving, Gosford Council will be providing a number of beach vehicles, fencing, lighting and access services for the event, with Central Coast Tourism providing assistance to spectators and competitors in securing accommodation and other essential services.

For NSW Central Coast Accommodation, check out BookCentralCoast.com.au

From: http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/surf-titles-to-be-huge-opportunity-for-central-coast/

Tags: avoca accommodation, bookcentralcoast.com.au, central coast accommodation, NSW Lifesaving Championships, surf titles, The Entrance accommodation, Umina accommodation, umina beach accommodation

Terrigal Hinterland Bed and Breakfast

Terrigal Hinterland Bed and Breakfast

With its five-star facilities, the bed-and-breakfast tag drastically undersells the Terrigal Hinterland, writes Anna Anderson.

THE best thing about Terrigal Hinterland Bed & Breakfast is that it’s not in Terrigal. And the second best thing is that it’s not really a bed and breakfast.

The idea of Easter Show-like crowds thronging the popular beachfront and restaurant strip of Terrigal keep our expectations low.

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Instead, we find ourselves 10 minutes away in a manicured, peaceful acreage above Wamberal. Not a stroller, skateboard or tattoo in sight – just a long curved driveway bordered by agapanthus and rolling lawn and one of the owners, Nevil Bracken, on hand to welcome us.

Nevil does the honours of showing us through our suite while cracking some very funny jokes and then disappears. This is when we first suspect the term “bed and breakfast” drastically undersells this pristine accommodation. It takes my ex-hotelier partner two minutes before he declares that “Serenity” (the other suite is “Joy”) is more akin to a sleek five-star hotel than a B&B.

All the fittings and fixtures are top-notch, the room and entire property spick and span and the ambience very agreeable. We decide “retreat” is a better description.

Both suites have enormous and first-class en suites, sheltered terraces and a view over the lawns and across the hinterland.

We loll on our terrace before I’m drawn to the 15-metre pool and a sunbed snooze.

Had we been more prepared, we’d have used the complimentary pick-up, drop-off service offered by The Cowrie and Onda restaurants or even used the barbecue facilities on-site. Instead, we head to Terrigal and find every cuisine on offer. We opt for pizza at My Favourite Italian and dine al fresco. The pizzas are good, the people-watching is better.

Back at the retreat, we can’t decide between an excellent selection of DVDs so draw the blackout blinds and drapes and sleep like babes.

Mornings at Terrigal Hinterland are a treat. Firstly you have the view, the birdsong and a heated pool long enough for some easy laps. But it’s breakfast here that really counts.

A glass-sided lounge and dining area separates the suites from the owners’ residence. That’s part of the secret of success here; Terrigal Hinterland was purpose-designed as a bed and breakfast so there’s a clear delineation between guest and hosts’ quarters. It’s in this light-filled dining room, overlooking the pool, that we meet Joan Bracken, the other half of our dynamic duo hosts. The Brackens’ travels began decades ago and they’ve seen their fair share of top hotels, gleaning the best aspects for their own enterprise. A word of warning: don’t fill up on the excellent fruit platter, juice, cereal or toast because the eggs are great.

With tips from Nevil and Joan, we head off to explore the beaches but once we find pretty Bateau Bay, we stay put. Later, we stop by Toowoon Bay and at Shelly Beach we find the classic beachside hamburger-with-the-lot at the Muchas Cafe. That burger alone is worth a day-trip from Sydney. A drink on the terrace with our hosts makes for a convivial evening.

We learn that most of their guests, many return customers, are couples needing some quiet time away while a few, like the doctor chilling out in the “Joy” suite, come to Terrigal Hinterland solo to unwind. Massage and beauty treatments in your suite can be prearranged and celebrations can also be catered for on-site.

We skip dinner and take a moonlit dip followed by a deep bubble bath in the spa. Then, wrapped in our robes, we watch the moon rise.

The writer was a guest of Destinations NSW and Terrigal Hinterland.

Trip notes

Where Terrigal Hinterland Bed & Breakfast, 2/31 Lea Avenue, Wamberal. (02) 4385 5354, terrigalhinterland.com.au.

Getting there Wamberal is about an hour from Wahroonga where you join the F3 Freeway and take the Central Coast Highway exit State Route 83. Continue to The Entrance Rd. At the roundabout take the Tumbi Road exit and then turn left onto Lea Avenue.

How much High season: Serenity Suite $280 a night (minimum two nights). Low season: $260 a night (minimum two nights). One night, $330.

Style statement An elegant retreat with a five-star hotel feel but far more intimate. Perfect for tending to jangled nerves and sleep deprivation.

Don’t forget Swimmers and goggles and call ahead to book some pampering treatments.

Kudos Wheelchair friendly, including a ramp into the pool.

Shame about That spiky plant beside our terrace — ouch! It just needs pruning.

Take the kids Absolutely not — this is a grown-ups’ getaway.

For bookings, see http://www.bookcentralcoast.com.au/go/site/central-coast/terrigal/terrigal-hinterland-bed-and-breakfast

 

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/travel/above-and-beyond-basic-bb-20120315-1v7tz.html#ixzz1pPrXw6fY

Tags: bookcentralcoast.com.au, central coast accommodation, central coast accomodatrion, NSW Central Coast accommodation, Terrigal accommodation, Terrigal Hinterland Bed and Breakfast

A push has begun to resurrect Old Sydney Town at Somersby.

In its heyday it attracted more than 50,000 people to the Central Coast each year.

A movement to see the theme park reopened is growing, with bush tucker man Jake Cassar at the helm.
“I am involved in a group on Facebook called Bring Back Old Sydney Town and it’s becoming very popular, very quickly,’’ Mr Cassar said.

“I really think it’s important to not only the Central Coast, but to our country. I believe the arts, culture and entertainment are key to bringing Central Coast tourism to life.’‘

With more than 700 members, the Facebook group is gaining in popularity.

Mr Cassar said a new theme park with convict themed rides, a waterslide, a convict ship, a convict ghost train, a cultural centre and an Australian museum would be just the thing to revitalise the Old Sydney Town site, which has lain unused since closing to the public nine years ago.

LET OUR JEWEL SHINE AGAIN
JAKE Cassar said he intended to make the revitalisation of Old Sydney Town a major issue at next year’s federal election, at which he intends to run as an independent.

“I would like to bring the right people together to talk about the prospects of revitalising and reopening this iconic park,’’ he said.

“I would hope that if the park were to reopen, it would provide a strong representation from an indigenous perspective, and in full consultation with the Aboriginal community.

“If planned properly, this would create around 400 local jobs directly, while bringing business to other local tourist attractions, venues and businesses.

“If you throw in some reasonably priced accommodation and some nightly ghost tours and historical yarns around the campfire, I believe our old jewel would be back.’’ he said

HOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
For details of the campaign, search for Bring Back Old Sydney Town search for Bring Back Old Sydney Town on facebook or email jakecassar@mail.com.

From: http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au/news/story/bid-to-revive-old-sydney-town-theme-park-at-somersby/

Tags: avoca accommodation, central coast accommodation, NSW Central Coast accommodation, old sydney town, Somersby

Easter is one of the best times to spend with the whole family and one of the best places to spend Easter is no other than Avoca Beach. Not only does Avoca Beach boast one of the best surfs around, there are also tons of great reasons why you should spend your family holiday here.

Fantastic Location

Definitely one of the best reasons why Avoca Beach is famous as a prime family holiday spot is its fantastic location. It’s so close to Sydney that all you need to do is to hop into the family car and drive yourselves to paradise. Aside from that, there are also tons of other great places that you can go to in Central Coast from Avoca Beach. Beach hopping, anyone?

Relaxing Environment

Tired of the busy life in the city? Want to spend some quiet family time with the whole family? The Avoca Beach is the place to go for your family holiday if you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your family holiday. There’s no heavy traffic going through Avoca Beach, for example. And you can spend the whole of your family holiday outdoors in the beach or inside your hotel or apartment. The decision on how to spend your family holiday is definitely yours.

Family Activities

The reason why you’re having a family holiday is to do stuff with the whole family and you can do exactly that in Avoca Beach. You can go fishing, visit the Avoca Beach Side Markets (great food, art and song being offered here), go biking around the area, go to picnics (there are tons of great locations that provide picnic areas), or catch a movie and make some memories at the 60 year old Avoca Picture Theater (it’s the place where the locals have made some of their best memories). You can even learn to surf together; and the next thing you know, you’ll be a family of surfers. There are definitely a lot of things that your family will enjoy doing in Avoca Beach.

Family Friendly

All in all, the community at Avoca Beach has made sure that there is fun for the whole family available the whole year round. It’s the perfect place to relax and catch up with the rest of the family during the Easter holidays. In fact, the Avoca Beach community is one big happy family, and they are more than willing to welcome you into the family during your family holiday here.

So if you are planning to do some travelling this Easter why not drive to nearby Avoca Beach instead and spend a great fun filled holiday vacation with the whole family? You definitely won’t regret it, and your family will surely love it.

 

From Avoca Palms Resort Blog - http://www.avocapalmsresort.com.au/attractions/avoca-beach-easter/

Click here to make a booking at Avoca Palms Resort for Easter 2012,

 

 

 

Tags: avoca accommodation, avoca beach accommodation, Avoca Palms Resort Apartments, bookcentralcoast.com.au, central coast accommodation, Easter accommodation, NSW Central Coast accommodation

The culinary world is always changing. With 2012 unfolding before us, Four Seasons has peered into the future of all things delicious by tapping into the wealth of epicurean expertise at its fingertips. Here are key predictions for the gourmet realm in the year ahead from star chefs around the world.

• Emerging cuisines from emerging markets:  The varied regions of China, Brazil and India are having an increasing influence over restaurant concepts and menus. —Executive Chef Thierry Papillier of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Keep an eye out for interesting flavours coming out of Le Marche region of Italy. —Chef Victor Casanova of Culina, Modern Italian at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

• Bites that transport: Street food is here to stay. The trend that started in 2011 will only further develop in 2012 as guests continue to crave authentic bites that transport them to the dish’s country of origin. Diners at Windows Lounge can peruse the StrEAT menu for a refined approach to this distinct cuisine, resulting in items such as chicken chipotle cilantro dog, brik a l’oeuf, and eggplant coconut curry. —Executive Chef Ashley James of Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

• “Dressed up” comfort food: That’s the “tuxedo version” of comfort food dishes, as I like to call it, which is taking classic dishes that we all love and adding adventure and exceptional quality to them with unique flavour profiles and local ingredients. —Executive Chef Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons Hotel Boston

• Back to roots:  Distinctive ethnic dishes continue to grow in popularity. Dishes from different cultures have been mixed and matched for so long now that people are craving wholesome, soulful, robust food with definitive roots. —Chef Victor Casanova of Culina, Modern Italian at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

We cannot forget our roots. Food is culture, and traditional cuisine is the taste of the grandmas. —Executive Chef Alex Gares of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

• Farm to table: Here to stay, the importance of continuing the movement for fresh, local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. At Four Seasons, a worldwide emphasis for 2012 will be put on utilising produce, meats, fish and other items found in and around properties’ home destinations.

Edge, Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, which opened this past November, has key relationships with local fishermen to ensure the steakhouse menu is also filled with the seasons’ best line-caught local snapper, cobia and, of course, stone crabs. —Executive Chef Aaron Brooks of Four Seasons Hotel Miami

• Artisanal canning on the rise: Chefs are making and canning their own signature olives, pickles, salsas, sauces and the list goes on. Chefs can put their own stamp on products while also guaranteeing quality ingredients. —Executive Chef Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons Hotel Boston

• Upscale bar snacks: Traditional bar fare will be adapted in favour of more adventurous recipes—think buffalo Brussels sprouts and avocado fries. —Executive Chef Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons Hotel Boston

• Expired: Out with molecular gastronomy, Sous Vide cooking, meatballs and the overuse of truffle oil. (We all love truffle oil but a little goes a long way!) I think we’ll see cupcakes fizzle, too, and be replaced by a new “it” dessert item. My daughter thinks it should be sticky buns . . . I agree! —Executive Chef Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons Hotel Boston

(Four Seasons Magazine Contributor John Mariani agrees regarding at least one fading trend: “So-called modernist or molecular cuisine—always more hype than actual influence—will fade or disappear as restaurateurs realise very few people want to spend four hours and US$250 eating 30 very strange and exotic, chemically induced dishes.”)

• In the end, it all comes back to travel: It is the well-travelled chefs who are leading the charge in food trends in general—the chefs who are arriving in the country’s top food cities after training around the globe. By introducing new methods into our kitchens, they help us take our cuisine to the next level. Four Seasons Hotel Miami is a great example of this, with Executive Chef Aaron Brooks recently opening Edge, Steak and Bar, with his breadth of experience from Australia, British Columbia and the Northeast. Those cultures harmonise and add to the richness and flavour of his dishes. —Executive Chef Brooke Vosika of Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Tags: Food, Travel Trends 2012

• Going to extremes: Contrast therapy—moving from hot to cold and back again—is gaining in popularity. It does wonders for sore muscles, and it’s a good alternative to the more traditional spa offerings like massages and facials for those who aren’t fans of those hands-on treatments. —Haley Shapley

• The invigorating is what’s relaxing: Eucalyptus steam baths, frigid waterfalls, solariums, cold plunge pools. Austrian spa designer Thermarium will be taking cold showers up a notch this year with their Snow Shower, which offers everything from a light dusting of snowflakes to a full-on blizzard. Look for these trends to start falling into spas early this year. —Haley Shapley

• Less transformation anticipation: Spas are increasingly forgoing the fluff for the serious, and that’s manifesting itself in several ways. You’ll see more spas trying to engineer transformative experiences that take shorter amounts of time. For example, you might find more resort spas putting together one- to four-day weight-loss programmes—something previously and exclusively the business of the destination spa. Or you might be able to enjoy a multi-day couples workshop while having fun in the sun on the beach. You can even attend workshops and consult with professionals on ways you can improve your sleep while on vacation. One of the greatest luxuries for people now is time, and hotels are realizing that they have to offer some sort of extra incentive to lure guests. —Elizabeth Woodson

• Authentic healing: Spas are looking to tap their visitors into the healing traditions of the destination in which they are located in a very authentic way. More spas look to bring actual healing modalities, such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and Polynesian healing, into their treatment rooms in as pure a form as possible by employing traditional healers or consulting with them as they work to offer these services in an authentic way. And you’ll see more and more spas backing up the effectiveness of their treatments with scientific research. Spas are very interested in ways that they can improve the overall wellness and well-being of their clients—not just make them feel good for 60 minutes. —Elizabeth Woodson

Tags: Spa and Wellness, Travel Trends 2012

• Multigenerational happenings: Families are looking for authentic experiences and adventures to share, from American National Parks to Asia. And increasingly, that means three generations. Grandparents are taking their children and grandchildren on their bucket-list trip to the Galapagos Islands or Africa. Parents are following their college students abroad, touring where they are studying. —Eileen Ogintz; also a Have Family Will Travel blogger

• Value is in the experience: Wherever families go, they recognize that value stretches beyond the trip’s cost. Families are likely to spend more to get the experience they want, including opportunities to give back to the communities they visit. —Eileen Ogintz

• Fizzle staycations! People want to get away from home. —Eileen Ogintz

• Step aside, chicken tenders: Chefs are taking note of parental demands for healthier children’s offerings on their menus, all geared towards more sophisticated but still young palates. —Eileen Ogintz

• Convenient diversions: More and more. horseback riding, scuba diving and location-specific sports are available right from your hotel. Also, not only adult business facilities but teenage rooms allowing computer access, gaming rooms and even small cinema theatres are the trend. —Neale Haynes photographer and Have Family Will Travel blogger

• More opportunities than ever: More direct flights, such as from London to places like the Maldives are on the rise. These new flight patterns are creating new travel opportunities for families that would not normally have travelled to a place requiring inconvenient plane changes. —Neale Haynes

Tags: Family Travel, Travel Trends 2012

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