Wollongong isn't the sort of town you'd expect to find yourself very often. I was here for a conference, so that's my excuse. Nonetheless like all diligent eaters, it didn't stop me from looking for somewhere reputable to eat. The town seems to be divided into two main sections for the visitor - the central area with cheaper eats and supermarkets, and the north complete with Novotel Hotel and more upper market food options.
My initial intention was to try Lagoon Seafood Restaurant but after seeing very average Urbanspoon ratings (amongst a few other reasons) I chose to stay away. My Pantry is opposite the Novotel and so seems to probably be the choice of place for those clientele priveleged enough to stay at this hotel on a casual getaway. That's probably why it rates #1 on Tripadvisor. The menu looked good, but I wasn't particularly up for $30-40 mains these evening.
Instead I tried Mango Tree to satiate the curry hunger I'd had since leaving London. I don't know if any will ever replace Needoo, but I'll eat around and try.
- mango lassi - thick very sweet and with strawberry syrup. I didn't like it;
- raita - sweet yogurt with only a hint of tang. It went ok with savoury curries but I didn't particularly like it;
- lamb biryani - beautifully saffron-tinged rice, cardamon and spice with tender lamb pieces;
- goat curry in northern curry - soft meat on the bone in a slightly salty sauce with a mild dry heat.
Good quality meat and curries. Better than expected. Serving sizes are quite large too - I have a full takeaway container of biryani still after eating my fill. Shame about the lassi because usually that's a highlight for me.
Next time I would order any lamb or goat dish. The salmon in banana leaves is supposedly good too (although I couldn't find it on the menu). Go with other people so you can actually finish a few things.
