I was planning to go to Wyee recently by train, but got stuck at Warnervale due to an accident on the rails. While waiting for the buses to show up, I checked out Warnies Café, immediately adjacent to the station, It is a local institution, occupying an historic old building with lots of charm and atmosphere, in a rapidly growing part of the Central Coast. The cafe was also quite busy for a Friday morning, with a lot of people ordering coffee and the all-day breakfasts. I drank a Café Mocha, which was all right, not too expensive. I noticed that alcohol goes on sale after lunch. I saw a Mexican platter for sale for $43.

Approximate cost: $5

While staying for a few nights in Budgewoi, I made this place my day hangout. It is a quaint, homely café with old magazines lying around, quirky furniture, and a great atmosphere. The breakfast menu features dishes such as Eggs Benedict for $12.50. I opted instead for the Spanish Eggs with spicy chorizo, and a bottle of pineapple juice, for $19.50. The next morning, when I popped in for a coffee, the café was packed with clientele. It seems to be the place to be.

Approximate cost: $15

I stayed here for two nights in May 2018. I was pleasantly surprised by not only by the price (which I managed to get down to $80 per night, thanks to various deductions), but also the size and amenity of my room. My room was as big as an apartment, with three beds, kitchenette, and bathroom. Better still, the wifi was lightning fast (15Mbps for download, 3Mbps for upload.) Although the décor was dated, everything seemed to be clean and in working condition. If I stayed again I would try to get a waterfront room, as I only had views of the carpark. It wasn't as noisy as many other motels that I have stayed at, which is a plus.

Approximate cost: $80

This seems to be a popular place, especially at lunchtime or in the early afternoon. There is a sign which says the business has been running for 20 years. The menu is wide and includes kebabs, sandwiches and hamburgers. I ordered a cheesy hot dog for $5.50 with a sweet chilli sauce. The dog was fairly simply, basically just a frankfurter in a bun with grated cheese over the top. However, it was long, which is something. While I wouldn't hurry back here, the staff seem friendly.

Approximate cost: $7

I ordered takeaway from Bollywood Indian Cuisine on Menulog the other night. I was interested in their signature dish, Kadhai Ghost, which I ordered with lamb meat. I also ordered Lahori chicken tikka and Kashmiri sweet rice, which contained raisins and small pieces of fruit. It was a sensational combination, the sweetness of the rice contrasting nicely with the heat of the curry. I am sure I will be ordering from Bollywood again!

Approximate cost: $35

This restaurant in the food court at Tuggerah Westfield seems a bit strange at first, because there are two counters at an angle to each other, one serving "South American street food", the other one typical Indian mall food. The first time I ate here, a month or two ago, I went Indian and got a lunch special combination of potatoes and Rogan Josh. It was okay, but nothing spectacular... and the sauce wasn't as spicy as I might have hoped. Today I managed to return to the food court and this time I hit up the South American counter. I ordered a burrito for around $13, and it completely surpassed my expectations. I never knew burritos could be so big... this one was stuffed full of tender beef cuts, rice, black beans, and a chilli sauce. What a bomb! I have had a smile on my face all day long. I will definitely be back for more.

Approximate cost: $12

I ordered home delivery from DJ's several months ago, choosing paneer pakora as an entrée, lamb pasanda, and cheese naan. The delivery came on time, but I was a little disappointed by the taste. The pasanda was somewhat tasteless, as were the other items that I ordered. It was hard to know if the pasanda was really lamb, or actually chicken. The naan had a vaguely pancake like taste, which wasn't what I was after. Still, at least the delivery was prompt!

Approximate cost: $35

We sometimes stop here on the way home and pick up something. I used to come here when it was a fish and chips shop in the 1990s. The ownership has changed, but the décor hasn't evolved much in 20 years. These days, they serve a range of Chinese, Malaysian and Thai dishes. I recently ordered a beef Pad Thai for $14.50, which was hearty and good, but not particularly Thai. I guess it is best to keep things simple when ordering at this kind of place.

Approximate cost: $15

Due to the grand and sunny exterior, I have long been interested in drinking at this establishment. Last year I got the chance to spend a few hours here, and savour the atmosphere. Well, the atmosphere was okay, although the facilities and décor seemed a little rough around the edges inside. I had trouble getting a phone signal (I am with Optus), though eventually I found a sweet spot sitting out in one of the wings. It was the middle of the afternoon, and I was exhausted from a long walk along the beach. I got a schooner of VB, and a packet of cheese and onion chips for $9.20. There were a number of patrons eating at the Olive Tree bistro, although I didn't try anything here (items included toasted damper, for $7.50). Monday night is apparently steak night ($12 for a steak.) I think they might do schnitzels on Tuesday night. Wednesday night is seafood night and attracts lots of locals. On a later visit, I ordered red lamb curry for $19.50 which was okay, nothing special though.

Approximate cost: $20

When I told my brother I was planning to stay at this motel, on the old highway in Wyong North, he seemed a little concerned. "I heard that's a rough neighbourhood," he said. True, there do seem to be plenty of Housing Commission properties in this neck of the woods. That said, I enjoyed my stay at the Central Coast Motel. The owners are friendly and kind. My room was quite spacious and clean. Free wifi was available but clocked in at about 250Kbps. Perhaps it is faster in the daytime.

Approximate cost: $120