DINGY fish'n'chips shops at Cronulla?
After the latest Lonely Planet East Coast Australia guidebook scathingly described Cronulla fish'n'chips shops this way, the Leader set about finding out the truth.
The newspaper found its way to an eatery acclaimed as a 2007 Business of the Year and with metropolitan newspaper tributes lining its walls.
South Beach Seafood looked anything but dingy with its clear plastic, roll-down blinds around the tables.
Owner Peter Andrews was keen to promote "fresh and quality" produce.
Mr Andrews said he could not understand the travel book's description.
"People come from all over Sydney to eat here," he said.
In summer, there are queues to eat the seafood and its accompaniments.
‘‘Cronulla is a beach suburb south of Botany Bay, its long surf beach stretching beyond the dunes to the Botany Bay refineries. It can be an edgy place (captured brilliantly in the 1970s cult novel Puberty Blues), with dingy fish-and-chip shops, insomnious teens and a ragged sense of impending ‘‘something’’ which in 2005 erupted into racial violence. That said, the beach is beautiful and the surf excellent and it’s the only ocean beach that’s easy to reach by train’’.
- Lonely Planet East Coast Australia edition
Nearby business owner Harold Adamou, of Cronulla Park Ice Creamery, testified to the success of Mr Andrews' business.
A few blocks away Notaras Fish Markets on the Kingsway is another business with a high profile and good reputation.
Co-owner Peter Notaras said people came from all over Sydney to have his fish'n'chips and other seafood.
The guide book was "rude" in its description, Mr Notaras said.
"Obviously, whoever wrote that comment did not come down here," he said.
Like South Beach Seafood, his establishment has indoor and outdoor seating and provides a light-filled atmosphere for customers.
Three Fish Seafood Grill in Gerrale Street serves fish in a more formal setting.
Cronulla Chamber of Commerce president Mark Aprilovic said he had no idea why the travel guide made such derogatory remarks about Cronulla's fish'n'chip stores.
"It is not flattering, I'm not impressed," he said. "Cronulla has some fine restaurants."
KINDER COMMENTS
The state tourism body Destination NSW has reported there were more than 1million visitors to Sutherland Shire last year and the region is popular for its buzzing food culture, secluded swimming spots and uninterrupted city views.
TripAdvisor notes that North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda beaches are popular with surfers, with beachfront parks at South Cronulla, Shelly beach, Oak Park and Gunnamatta Park providing respite from the sun. All the other ingredients for a top day out can be found at Cronulla — fish‘n’chips, ice-cream and gelato, surf shops, fine dining and accommodation.
The Visit the Shire guide features the ‘‘tastes of Cronulla’’.
‘‘There is no doubt that Cronulla’s growing reputation for good food and its wonderful location is attracting people from all over Sydney,’’ it says. ‘‘With a refreshing mix of international influences, decadent delicacies and panoramic water views with a relaxed ambience, there’s plenty on the menu.’’
What do you think about the guide book remarks on Cronulla? Tell us which is your favourite fish'n'chip shop or restaurant?