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Coogee Pavilion Has the Perfect Venue for Long Lunches at Mimi’s

“Let’s do lunch,” might have changed in recent times due to the looming public health crisis but Mimi’s, Coogee Pavillion’s new high-end seafood fine dining restaurant, has been holding it out as the perfect venue for long lunches despite opening during a pandemic.

Merivale did not scrimp on its multimillion investment on Mimi’s. It’s beautiful interiors, soft leather seats and large windows with the fantastic panoramic view of the Coogee beach convey luxury and extravagance.

Guests will spare no expense as well when they come to this opulent restaurant. Most diners will say that Mimi’s menu is quite expensive, with the mains priced at $40 and above.

But with carefully curated quality ingredients, creative presentation and attention to detail, a long lunch at this restaurant could be an excellent dining experience, especially if diners ask about the caviar trolley.

Executive chef Jordan Toft changes the menu frequently as well, giving diners more options to come back and try what’s new.

Drawing from his Mediterranean roots, Chef Jordan always infuses his ideas to appeal to the local diners, who won’t hesitate to pay for first-rate food.

Nearly a year in and Mimi’s has emerged as the newest cool hangout for many of Sydney’s social elite and a fresh crowd of Instagramming diners, whilst others have embraced the spot for its special celebrations and the occasional long lunches.

For booking and enquiries, phone Mimi’s at +61 2 9114 7324.

“First dinner out since lockdown! Lovely room in the Coogee Palace. The food was amazing and contrary to some other reviews there was plenty of it! Octopus for starters and excellent fish for main course. All washed down with excellent Chablis suggested by the Polish sommelier who we knew from before in his time at Est. Fine dining ain’t dead, it has just moved to Coogee!”
StephenT, TripAdvisor

“Most amazing service and atmosphere particularly by our sommelier and our gorgeous hostess Dominique…the menu was delicious, we ordered the lobster and caviar (we couldn’t get enough of those amazing potato dauphines, we ordered them twice) and not mention the piece de resistance the apple tatin. We definitely look forward to dining back at Mimi’s and seeing all the friendly staff and there outstanding customer service, it really made them stand apart, and importantly they really made our day enjoyable and memorable…Thank you.”
Heba Gattea, Facebook

“Beautiful dining experience. The venue has a relaxed elegance about it and the food is delicious, nothing fancy but just great quality ingredients and clean flavours. As usual with Merivale, staff are charismatic and exhibit the right amount of attentiveness. Yes it is expensive so save it for special occasions and catch ups!”
DM, Google Reviews

3 Facts You Might Not Know About Wedding Cake Island in Coogee

Wedding Cake Island is more of a rock platform than an actual island, located about one kilometre southeast of Coogee Beach. The rocks serve as the beach area’s natural protection from swells.

Twice a year, in April and November, the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club holds a 2.4-km swim event from Coogee Beach which circumnavigates the island. The Coogee Island Challenge has been running for more than 20 years, attracting thousands of swimmers every year.

Locals also frequent the island each year, on ANZAC Day. Surfers honour local war heroes with a pilgrimage on the island. From early morning until late afternoon, Wedding Cake Island would be filled with surfers paddling to and from Coogee Beach to the rocky spot to pay tribute to the memory of Australia’s fallen heroes.

Although the area has been a prominent spot in the Coogee seascape for quite some time, here are some facts you might not know about Wedding Cake Island.

1. No one really knows why it’s called Wedding Cake Island.

Many locals will say that the island was named Wedding Cake Island because the white caps frequently adorning the rock formation when the surf breaks look like icing on a wedding cake from a distance. Some also say that bird droppings on the island resemble icing on a cake.

Wedding Cake Island is apparently known as Bridal Rook and Lemo’s Island to some of the older folks. Although the area was never really formally referred to by those names in existing historical records, the fanciful names became part of local folklore but the more romantic “Wedding Cake Island” became the most enduring moniker for the spot.

The island was only officially named “Wedding Cake Island” in 1977 by the Geographical Names Board of NSW. Newspaper accounts from the early part of the 20th century show, however, that the name may have been in use as early as the 1920s, half a century before the official naming ceremony of the island.

2. The iconic ’80s instrumental music dedicated to the island actually had lyrics.

In the 1980s, Australian band Midnight Oil released instrumental music immortalizing the Coogee rock spot which quickly became the unofficial surfers’ anthem for the place. Interestingly, both Peter Garrett and Martin Rotsey spent part of their lives in Coogee, a detail that’s thought to have served as inspiration for the piece.

Did you know that Midnight Oil’s music originally had lyrics?

Lyricist Peter Garrett originally penned words for the Wedding Cake Island music but the version with lyrics never made it past the final cut at the studio. Musician Rob Hirst, one of Midnight Oil’s founding members, claims that he is the only person who has a copy of the music+lyrics version.

These are, allegedly, the lyrics to Wedding Cake Island by Midnight Oil:

The raising of children, the rearing of young
Used to be simple but look what it’s become
The choice of career, the proper vocation
Out of your hands, all for the needs of the nation
No inhibitions with the modern child
Wasted lessons or pleasure or pain
Easy to follow your natural instinct
Easy to follow, much too hard to learn
Useless expressions and sporting aggression
Don’t waste my time, I can’t wait for the end of the session
What opportunity, the modern child?
Waste passion and wasted mind
Some kids got no time for playtime
Some kids got no time for games
Some kids got no time for playtime
Some kids got no time for games

3. Someone planned a fairy tale proposal on Wedding Cake Island that became a “titanic nightmare.”

It took a full year for Hilton Robinson to prepare his wedding proposal for Talia Mayerovitch on Wedding Cake Island. After meticulous coordination with family, friends and some island residents, the big day finally came. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite the fairy tale moment he had hoped for.

First, their boat ran out of petrol and Hilton and Talia were stranded and had to be rescued by Coogee Beach lifeguards. A second attempt to head out to sea ended in another rescue when a sudden squall came and big waves threatened to capsize their boat.

Things still ended on a high note despite the low points of the day, however, when Talia said yes to marrying Hilton. Interestingly, the couple managed to capture most of it on film. Today, Hilton and Talia are parents to two adorable children who will one day get to see (if they haven’t already) the adventure that their parents’ engagement day turned out to be.

Rainbow Walkway Installation Planned on Coogee Beach

The Randwick City Council has proposed to install a temporary 50-metre rainbow walkway at the Coogee Beach promenade to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and equality.

As part of the Council’s partnership with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, which will take place on 6 March 2021, the rainbow walkway is expected to be ready by February 2021. It will be in place on the promenade for months.

Following the Council meeting on 8 Dec 2020, Randwick Mayor Danny Said that the walkway will deliver a strong statement of support for the LGBT community in Sydney.

“For many years, Council has raised the rainbow flag at Randwick Town Hall as part of our ongoing support for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This proposal enhances that tradition and makes a strong public statement of support for our wonderfully diverse local community,” the mayor said. “The rainbow walkway will follow the existing shape of the lower promenade at the bottom of the Coogee Beach steps forming a natural rainbow shape.”

Randwick City Council is also looking at options for materials to use for the installation, including pavement paint or a non-slip outdoor vinyl shaped like a rainbow.

Locals Complain Coogee SLSC Building Redevelopment ‘Looks Like a Microwave’

The redevelopment of the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (Coogee SLSC) headquarters has received complaints from residents who think that the building’s new design “looks like a microwave.”

A petition has been lodged asking for the restoration of the historic iconic building to its original Art Deco yellow exterior, which was built in the 1950s. So far, the petition has received 300 signatures.

“As a Coogee local, I am horrified at this atrocity purporting to be an improvement on the original surf club. It is hideous and immediately clashes with its surrounds,” Marian McIntosh wrote in the petition.

“It’s sharp edges and grey tones are cheap and lack the charm and grace of the original building. That my family were pioneers of the original building makes this even worse to witness. I call for a return to the original features of the building including the golden facade that captured the light at the start and the end of the day, in an iconic beachside way.”

The new futuristic design retained the old fashion clock face but locals say it fits oddly with the modern and rectangular building structure.

New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said that he regrets providing funding for the surf club’s upgrade and described the modern building as an “eyesore.”

But a spokesperson for the Randwick City Council said the design did not go into a public consultation because Coogee SLSC consulted with an architect in 2017. The Council got on board the project in 2019.

Coogee SLSC president Todd Mison defended the new appearance and noted that, while a grateful surprise, they did not ask for the grant from the treasure’s office.

“Despite a couple of “knockers”, the response to our new clubhouse has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Mison wrote in the club’s weekly newsletter.

Coogee SLSC will officially re-open on Sunday, 13 Dec 2020, at 9:00 a.m. This is an invite-only event.

Why the Allure of McIver’s Bath as a ‘Women’s Only’ Site Stays On

Did you know that McIver’s Bath, also known as McIver’s Ladies Bath or the Coogee Ladies Bath, remains the only women’s public bath in all of Australia? Under the Anti-Discrimination Act, the women-only designation was supposed to expire this year, or 25 years after it was granted. In 2018 however, the local community petitioned to extend this “indefinitely.”

The secure, private and natural tidal spot has been a part of Sydney culture since the 1820s or earlier.

History experts said that Aboriginal women used this spot long before it had a name, to bathe, fish and even give birth. For the thousands of women who have been to this site on Beach Street, McIver’s Bath is a sacred safe space.

Officially built in its current form and recognized in 1876, McIver’s Bath was developed and managed by Robert and Rose McIver.

Rose was one of the pioneers of the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Amateur Swimming Club, alongside Australia’s first female swimming champion Mina Wylie. By 1922, the club took over the lease of the property and continues to manage the baths today.

Challenges to the Women’s Only Restriction

For the most part, there have been little complaints about the exclusivity of McIver’s Bath. There have only been two instances where questions and challenges arose over its women’s only restriction.

In 1946, the Council attempted to open the public site to men but a Randwick Brigidine convent Mother Superior wrote a letter to defend the site. The nuns and boarders at the convent will have nowhere else to swim if McIver’s Bath becomes an all-inclusive swimming spot. Her point was heard loud and clear.

In 1992, a Coogee local took his challenge in court on the grounds that the women’s only bath violated the Anti-Discrimination Act. The legal battle languished for three years. In 1995, the court favored Mc Iver’s Bath, granting its exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Act.

McIver’s Bath: the Safe Space

Early mornings at McIver’s Bath is usually filled with a group of elderly women who do their fitness routines at the cliff-side pool. On weekends, young ladies from the university come in groups as they take a break from schoolwork.

Mothers with little kids visit this place frequently for recreation. There are books to borrow at the small clubhouse for people who like to read, lying down on the small patches of grass by the cliff.

Some come to practice their laps in peace whilst others set their towels by the rocks to work on their tan. Fences were installed and bushes were planted on the top side of the site to fend off peeping toms.

Photo Credit: McIver’s Ladies Bath/Facebook

Once in a while, there is a drone that flies by but the site is generally free of creepy and suspicious people. The attendants are attentive, helpful and friendly.

McIver’s Bath is a lot busier during summer afternoons. Women, in all shapes and sizes, have tons of freedom in this place and that freedom is slowly returning to normalcy amidst the COVID-19 restrictions.

“Lovely to swim here, late in the afternoon, in the Summer. The view is amazing. You will see fish, interesting rocks, various algae and lot of birds flying over to roost. The nicest part is the cool of the water after a hot day and the beautiful colours of the sky from the setting sun. Lots regular swimmers go here so you tend to get to know some of the people.”
Linda of Coogee, TripAdvisor

“What a beautiful, safe space! I sat topless eating a burrito. Made me feel the safest I’ve ever felt in a public space. Sad there aren’t more places like this.”
Clara Riordan, Google Reviews

“I went for the first time by myself. I was highly nervous because I didn’t know anybody and I didn’t know the place or rules. It took me half an hour to work up the courage to get comfortable. All for nothing. It’s an amazing environment. The people are wonderful and it’s just heaven on Earth. I wish I lived closer so I could go every day.”
Tag, TripAdvisor

Chargrill Charlie’s Comes Home to Coogee With 1989 Prices

Did you know that Chargrill Charlie’s opened its first roast chicken chain at the golden beaches of Coogee more than 30 years ago? The family business has since taken off with shops all over Sydney and a few in Melbourne but it will be turning back the clock on Saturday, 28 Nov 2020 when the chain reopens a new Coogee store.

Chargrill Charlie’s is serving chooks full of irresistible offers during its return. To celebrate this fantastic homecoming, the Coogee outlet, located on Coogee Bay Road, will serve a throwback menu with prices from 1989!

These deals will be good for two days only:

Chargrill Charlie’s Famous Extra Large Seasoned Chicken ($10.90)

Half Seasoned Chicken ($5.90)

Quarter Season Chicken ($3.90)

Half Chicken and Chips ($9.90)

Quarter Chicken and Chips ($5.90)

To amplify the ’80s vibe, DJs will be invited to play the best songs from that decade and the management will be giving away some cool retro-inspired prizes to a select number of customers.

“I still remember the day my parents opened the doors to our first shop all those years ago, so it feels really special to open our new store in Coogee,” co-owner Ryan Sher said. “We really wanted to tap into all those magical memories to launch the store, and celebrate the era that helped build Chargrill Charlie’s into what it is today.”

Chargrill Charlie in Coogee will also introduce a chain-store first — The Salad Cube — where customers may watch the staff prepare their salads with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

This is the second Sydney Eastern Suburb store to open this year, after the Randwick outlet. A shop in Bondi will begin trading in December.

NBN Deadline: Holidays to Impact Switch, Public Told Not to Delay Transition

Did you know that the NBN deadline to switch is on 15 Jan 2021? Australian residents who still haven’t processed their transition, including those who live in Coogee, are advised not to delay as the holiday breaks and shutdowns could impact services earlier than anticipated.

At least 400 suburbs across Australia are expected to make the switch before the NBN deadline but several internet service providers are planning to pause for the holidays by the middle of December. This means a pause for NBN installations as well.

News Corp reportedly sent letters to users of ADSL to inform them of no activity from 14 Dec 2020 until the middle of January next year.

Some areas will not just lose their internet connection but also crucial fire, security and emergency systems that are connected to ADSL or HFC facilities, as well as landline services and cable internet connections.

NBN’s media relations executive manager Jane McNamara, however, said that they will have installation and connection teams at work during the Christmas holidays. However, Ms McNamara suggested for users to place their orders soon and avoid the holiday rush.

NBN directly works with internet service providers and not the public. Residents will still need to contact their preferred telecommunications company for the switch.

Telecommunications analysts said that NBN will no longer grant an extension since its broadband project completion has passed.

The standard transition time from a household’s current broadband to NBN is within 18 months following the confirmation of network availability. The actual transition process averagely takes 10 business days.

Coogee residents may check for availability via the NBN official site. NBN said that at least four million homes and businesses have yet to make the switch despite the announcement that their suburbs are ready.

In the absence of a broadband connection, users may switch to mobile internet. However, experts said this will not be sustainable for many users in the longterm.

For more information about the NBN switch, check out the Consumer Commission’s official site.

Marrah at Coogee Hotel Takes the Seaside Restaurant Vibe to a New Level

As soon as you enter Marrah, the new eatery at the Coogee Bay Hotel, every preconceived notion you have about dining at a seaside restaurant will be washed away. There’s hardly any nautical blue and white designs at this place but you will likely gawk at the gorgeous seascape mural and the enthralling arched ceiling that mimics the waves of the ocean.

Earthy tones, deep jades and forest hues with a burst of orange dominate Marrah’s colour palette to reflect land and sea. The result is a dining paradise that looks relaxing, intimate and tantalising to the sight.

The creative ambience at Marrah is matched by the food, which has been carefully planned out by Chef Nathan Tillott. To complement the 140-year-old hotel’s beachside setting, the restaurant serves fresh, unique and locally produced seafood dishes.

Among the standouts from the menu are the char-grilled Fremantle octopus, roast scallops with pumpkin puree, Queensland snapper crab with angel-hair pasta and the buttered lobster. The bar’s wine and cocktail list includes a showcase of the best Australian wines next to the European drinks and the exciting cocktail concoctions.

This November, Marrah will also be bringing in a restored French rotisserie to cook heaps of meat, including whole fish.

Coogee’s new culinary marvel at the oldest beachfront landmark is an upgrade of the Beach Bar.

“Marrah” comes from the Aboriginal term for “fish” and was so named to honor the Gadigal and Bidjigal coastal dwellers that fished their food on the Coogee coast.

To view the Mediterranean-inspired menu or make a booking, visit Marrah’s online site. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“The recently created Marrah has provided a sensational dining experience. The ambience,service and food were fabulous. The feel was very Mediterranean with an array of fresh produce from field and ocean beautifully presented on the plate. The flavours blended deliciously and the array of choice on the menu was perfect. The staff were very attentive and seamlessly looked after our needs. The cocktails were innovative and all wine varietals were featured on a comprehensive wine list. Marrah excels in every way!”
Simmone Lindstrom

“A first, but definitely not last, time at Marrah for dinner last night. On a rainy, cold evening, Marrah was warm and inviting. This is a much welcomed upmarket, dining experience in Coogee with an extensive wine selection, delicious food (the swordfish was so sublime I forgot to take photos for this review) and the ambience was divine. The service was excellent and we loved the decor reminiscent of Riley Street Garage and the Centennial. Perfect for date night but also medium and large groups. Something for everyone and provides a great alternative to the Coogee Pavilion. Will definitely be back as would love to see what it’s like for lunch.”
Linda Robson

“Stunning decor, truly amazing service, and the food was GREAT. The burrata with olive jam was especially yum. Perfectly cooked swordfish too, well accompanied by the crunchy green salad. Oysters and negroni also a stand out!”
Sarah O

‘Wonderland’ Building on Baden Street to be Demolished for New Residential Flat

Did you use to watch this Channel 10 Gen-Y TV series, which filmed in Coogee from 2013 to 2015? The show, titled Wonderland, was set in a beachside apartment on Baden Street. The famous building, however, might soon be demolished if Randwick City Council approves the development application.

Lodged on 2 Oct 2020, DA/523/2020 will entail knocking down the existing structures, which will be replaced with a 4-storey residential flat and basement car parking.

Residents, however, are objecting to the demolition, with some locals suggesting to save the Wonderland building by turning it into heritage-listed.

“What a dreadful shame it would be to lose this magnificent building with all of its unique character and charm. Coogee is already crowded with non-descript concrete boxes, making these extraordinary gems even more critical to preserving the history and integrity of our lovely beachside suburb. Coogee’s recent transformation is not sensitive to its village vibe. Please do not demolish this building,” one local said.

The Wonderland building was built in 1922 for the family of garage operator William Duncan McLeod. Featured with the gorgeous view of the Coogee beach, this house is easily recognizable and can be spotted from the water for its blue and white bay windows. It also has two distinctive sandstone pillars on the front door.

This apartment was originally called the Dunvegan Flats after the Scotland castle of the Clan MacLeod (no relation to the McLeods).

By the 1940s, however, the property became a five-apartment site owned by the Whiteman family. In 1980, the Whitemans sold the house to the Newton family but they remained in the penthouse flat until 1989.

In 2013, Channel 10 rented the house for their Gen-Y dramedy. When the show ended, the Wonderland apartment became a tourist attraction and a site for selfies.

“Having lived on Baden St for 11 years, I would hate to see this classic building disappear. It really helps add colour and vibrance to Coogee, something we don’t get with the modern concrete constructs, and Coogee would be poorer if it were to go,” another resident said in a message to the planning authority.

Meanwhile, a design panel review will submit its assessment on the planned demolition and development on 9 Nov 2020 whilst a public notification was provided and opened for 14 days.

Council Scraps Popular Coogee Sparkles NYE Fireworks Amidst COVID-19

The annual Coogee Sparkles New Year’s Eve Fireworks will not go as planned as Randwick Council canceled the event amidst health and safety concerns due to COVID-19. The Coogee Carols has been scrapped as well following a difficult decision to forego the traditional activities for the sake of the wellbeing of the community.

In a meeting on 27 Oct 2020, the Council resolved to have different Christmas activities spread out at beaches and town centres on different dates. The plan is to prevent events that will attract thousands of people to one site.

“We’re very disappointed to have to make this decision, but I hope people will understand the reason for it. Our enhanced program of Christmas activations will bring a bit of a joy and fun in what’s been a tough year and encourage people to stay local and shop local this festive season,” the mayor said in a statement.

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council/Facebook

Replacing the Coogee Sparkles, Coogee Carols, Seniors Christmas Concerts and Kingsford Noodle Market are the following:

A Christmas lights trail showcasing the best lights and decorated homes;
Christmas elves encouraging shopping locally in our town centres;
A Christmas card competition for local children;
Buskers and carol singers;
Christmas chalk artwork;
Public Christmas decorations such as Christmas trees, window displays, lighting in trees, street banners, giant ice creams and candy canes, photo set ups and decorative tree wrappings.

“Councillors unanimously resolved not to proceed with the iconic events this year as we cannot guarantee large crowds could gather safely given the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and Health Order restrictions,” the Council posted on Facebook.