CHEF’S SPECIALS AND COOL COCKTAILS AT DRIFTERS WHARF

DRIFT INTO Summer

Soak up stunning water views as you sip on Drifters’ signature cocktails and sample the superb new summer menu created by head chef Dan Clynes and international food guru Phil Davenport.

WORDS JESS VERRENDER

Who doesn’t want to try a menu designed by an international food guru? Gosford’s Drifters Wharf has appointed top Australian chef Phil Davenport to put his twist on the summer menu, and it’s a winner. Take the Three Kings of the Sea, one of the venue's hero dishes. A light, bright summery seafood dish, it features high-quality sashimi grade yellowtail kingfish (Hiramasa) crudo, vodka-cured trout and scorched tuna, accompanied by watermelon, rye croute and puff rice wafers. Then there’s a fragrant Thai green papaya salad served with soft-shell crab or salt and pepper tofu, and for a dreamy sunset dinner, share the Indonesian whole grilled snapper served with lemongrass, shallot salsa, chilli sambal sauce, lemon balm, cos lettuce and pickles. If it is a beer and quick bite with mates before a gig that gets you going, Drifters has created tempting new spins on some favourite pub classics. The barramundi schnitzel with nut brown butter, capers and French slaw will knock your socks off and the sesame-crusted chicken katsu sandwich is something you will not want to share!

MEET THE CHEFS

With Phil Davenport and Dan Clynes running the kitchen at Drifters, you can be sure of sampling some of the best food on the Coast. Dan trained under Neil Perry and the Rockpool group, working both around the country and internationally with renowned chefs Heston Blumenthal (The Fat Duck – three Michelin stars), Thomas Keller (The French Laundry – three Michelin stars) and Tetusya Wakuda (Tetsuya’s – two chef’s hats). Returning home to the Central Coast, Dan prides himself on working with local suppliers to help grow the Coast’s dining scene. Phil Davenport, host of SBS On Demand’s Eating Inn and a noted food consultant, has been working with Dan to create the summer menu. Phil has an extensive background in designing menus and developing restaurant teams to reach their full potential.

As well as all the exciting new food options, Joel Konza – beverage manager and winner of the Asia Pacific Bartender of the Year 2022 award – and his talented team have added five new Drifters signature cocktails to the menu: • The Play Buoy, a colourful individual created from fresh raspberries, vodka and apricots. • Iggy Joe, a concoction of passionfruit, mint, rum and lime, topped with soda. Made with Caribbean love! • The Tipsy Mariner, made with vodka, vanilla, orange and lemon – a fan favourite. • The Final Course, for those who love it sour, is an intoxicating mix of rum, limoncello, passionfruit and lemon. • El Capitano, featuring Mexican-inspired flavours that will see you sailing into the night. The mix-up is Herradura tequila, mango, pineapple, and a little bit of spice.