Published in Weekender, Newcastle Herald (Saturday, June 29, 2013)
With great views and boatside service, Tinto Espresso has pulling power, writes TANYA McGOVERN.
THE view of Lake Macquarie from Toronto’s foreshore is one of the best.
Place a café as close as possible to the glittering lake and it becomes something really special. Welcome to Tinto Espresso Bar.
Located on the Regatta Walk Foreshore Reserve at Toronto, Tinto Espresso Bar is the closet café to the lake.
The whisper around the Westlakes area is about the quality of the cafe’s freshly roasted coffee and the popular takeaway service for boaties.
The simple, light, modern Australia menu includes an all-day breakfast menu and a range of cakes, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and seafood dishes, including fish and chips, salt and pepper prawns, and salt and pepper squid salad.
This little box-shaped gem is owned by Lake Macquarie City Council.
Charlestown couple Adam and Natasha McKenzie began managing its operation in early March.
Adam is the cafe’s head chef.
He previously worked for eight years as head chef at the Clarendon Hotel in Newcastle.
In the three months they’ve operated it, Adam has been surprised by its popularity, something he puts down to the atmosphere.
‘‘People can sit back and chat,’’ Adam says, ‘‘It’s a nice, relaxed, casual atmosphere.’’
A stand-out is its takeaway service, a favourite with boaties.
Staff will deliver the order to your boat.
Tinto Espresso Bar is located at Regatta Walk Foreshore Reserve, Victory Parade, Toronto, and is open 8.30am to 3pm (weather permitting). Phone 0457359920 for orders.
Tanya McGovern 