The Nuns’ Pool
I’m not going to lie to you: in hot weather my dining priorities change. Proximity to water becomes a venue’s biggest selling point. In the looks department, I’m all about open and airy; while in the eats, light and somewhat healthy (this is the food reviewing ‘off-season’). So that’s how I found myself outside my regular dining district in this modern, white, open-air setting, eyeballing picturesque family picnic spot Shelly Park and neighbouring South Beach. While I dutifully ordered a Rare Beef Salad ($26) boasting wasabi greens, barley, beetroot, asparagus and roasted onions, my dining companion wrapped his laughing gear around a 200g Black Angus Burger ($19). The mere aroma of which completely undid my fledgling dedication to salad. Its winning formula was a modest array of well-chosen toppings – namely cheddar, onion relish, pickled cucumber and mayo. They also boast a more interesting wine list than most cafes, with nearly all options – from Spanish Cava to a lovely 2009 Freycinet Chardonnay ($48/bottle) – coming to you for fewer than fifty bucks. Inexpensive tapas style plates from Two Dips ($8) to Zucchini and Haloumi Fritters ($7) to a colourful salad of Shaved Red Cabbage, Feta, Raisins and Hazelnuts ($7) might even incline you to stay and drink a while…
The Nuns’ Pool
103 Ewos Parade, Cronulla
Ph: (02) 9523 3395 www.thenunspool.com
Café $$-$$$
