Met up with friends to enjoy morning tea at the new Euro Patisserie. Will never go back there. Place is nicely decorated and nice staff, but ridiculously overpriced. Ordered a mocha in a mug and a macaroon - $9.10 and as for taste, well we probably would've been better off with McCafe. Coffee was bitter and macaroon was too chewy. Will stick with The Grind or Sweet Poison

A great place for salads. The satay salad is delish and made from chicken, potato, sweet potato and pumpkin in a thick satay sauce. Also love the chicken and avocado salad with honey mustard dressing. The salads are fresh and a medium size is about $8.90. If you've got a sweet tooth you can' go past the yoghurt either.

Approximate cost: $8.90 medium tub of salad

A must for breakfast. They offer all day breakfast on Sunday's, not sure about the rest of the week. A great price for a full size meal - one of the better priced places for breakfast in Newcastle. They have great coffee as well. My family and I all agree that we will go back again.

Quackers Restaurant is part of the Ducks Crossing resort. Very cosy on a cold, rainy winter afternoon. Staff were friendly and attentive. Didn't have to wait too long to have our orders taken and staff knew who ordered what so they weren't rushing around the table. The meals were great, full of flavour but a two course lunch for $45 is a little expensive plus drinks. I would be keen to go there again and try breakfast or dinner.

Approximate cost: $45 for two courses for lunch.

Cafe Avanti is hidden off the main strip down the alley way near Kiwi Ice Cream. They make a great coffee and the display case of treats is too hard to resist. The range changes, but the cakes are yum. They also offer sandwiches and unlike most cafes you can ask for gluten free bread.

Went here for breakfast. Had the french toast and it was lovely. Nicely cooked, not soggy like I've had at another place. Hubby had an omelette and was just as impressed. Took a while to get our order taken though. It's a great spot to sit outside on a nice day and watch the harbour. Will have to try again for lunch.

Great little salon. Natasha listened to my likes and dislikes about cuts and colours and then gave me some ideas on what would work. There was no pushing to buy extra products. A comfortable place to go and the cut and colour looked great.

Got a voucher for a 1 hour Full Body and Mind massage. It was heaven. The day spa is very clean and light. The rooms are private with dim lighting and relaxing music playing. The treatment included a foot soak and scrub, body brush, full body massage and moisturise finishing with a herbal tea. Will definitely be going again. Staff are friendly. The day spa is hidden in the Mantra resort off the beaten track out of Wyong so you could make a weekend of it and stay over and play golf.

Approximate cost: $110

I was looking around the Newcastle stores for a wedding gown and was not happy with the service I was receiving. Went out to have a look at Shazzam and as soon as I walked in the door I was given help. The staff offered suggestions on what to do with the dress, but I wasn't pushed into anything.

Great for a midnight dash as they are open late. They sell the gourmet pies from Red Neds in Nelson Bay, but only some of the range. The pies are fantastic. Can definitely recommend the chunky mango and chicken and the thai green curry.