LOCATIONAt the entrance to Cullen Bay slipway.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIATwin drawcards for Buzz Cafe are its gorgeous waterside location at Cullen Bay marina and its impressive crescent-shaped fully-stocked bar complete with volcanic lava countertop. And Buzz claims to have launched the “funny dunny” tradition with quirky restrooms featuring redback toilet seats and one-way glass. Cuisine is modern Australian, not cheap, but generally excellent. Dine alfresco or indoors (to make the most of the air-con). Evenings see flame burners lining up along the balustrade and reflecting in the water below.
Crispy kumera chips dusted with sea salt make a tasty but light starter. Steaming hot house-made olive bread with olive oil and dukkah is also delicious. Sip on a mango daiquiri or cool off with a frozen margarita as the sun goes down. Then select from the oyster menu – mix ‘n’ match natural lemon with chilli and ginger perhaps or spinach Mornay. Buzz sources its oysters from Coffin Bay in South Australia. Local wild-caught seafoods from the Arafura Sea include chilli mud crab, when available, and (of course) barramundi. Mains also feature salads, burgers, daily specials and a couple of Territorian favourites: crocodile Thai green curry and leaping prawn pie. Fancy a hearty sirloin or char-grilled roo? It’s all there, along with a wine list to keep you busy long into the night. Finish off with the deadly chocolate nemesis cake or a Toblerone liquid dessert – a smooth blend of Frangelico, Baileys, Kaluha, cream and honey.
Merridy Anne Pugh