Since Chris Polley and Won Choi combined their many talents to transform The Beach Terrace Café in early 2018, they’ve gone on to not only give Ocean Grovers consistently delicious food, but have been recognised for their efforts by winning this year’s Best Small Business in the local business awards.
For Chris, it was a return to a town where his parents holidayed for many years and now live. Chris spent 35 years’ travelling the world as a chef, often on board private yachts where each ‘port’ helped broaden his food knowledge. He named the Galapagos Islands as his favourite port – a good indicator of the diversity of cuisines Chris can tap into – while his major food influences have been Asian and Italian.
Won is the café’s whiz barista, whose Dimattina brews get regular rave reviews; as well, he’s the ‘interior designer’ who’s filled the café with greenery, hung an old sailing cloth from the ceiling, and placed quirky pieces for customers to enjoy (some of which have been gifts from appreciative customers).
But it’s the quality and generosity of the food that continues to win fans. During COVID restrictions, Chris and Won kept a cracking takeaway trade going, offering packages to take home and heat up.
Now, as restrictions lift, The Beach Terrace is welcoming back eat-in (and alfresco) diners – with all the safety protocols strictly adhered to. If you’re yet to discover this little gem, do it now and get the full café treatment, where the relaxed, fast, and ultra-friendly service from an amazing team of staff is consistently praised.
With just about everything made in-house, the menu (which is set to expand) is designed for broad appeal – beautifully done, unpretentious, comforting and generous.
The all-day brekkie includes all the favourites done well – think smashed avo and eggs Benedict with bacon or smoked salmon. The newly introduced North African shakshuka is also proving a hit: a pan-dish of spiced tomatoes with poached egg and cheese…oh so moreish.
Wraps, sandwiches, rolls, and numerous other dishes plated to perfection take the starring roles at lunchtime – the prawn and ginger dumplings deserve a special mention. Even the side salads are made with love and flair – check out photos on Facebook if any convincing is needed.
To go with Won’s coffee, there’s a selection of homemade cakes, muffins and slices which make morning and afternoon teas an absolute treat. There’s everything to love about this place.
The Beach Terrace Café, 1/85 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. Inquiries: 5255 3220 or Facebook.
