The Naked Turtle
The name of this delightful eatery conjures up images of surf and sea and the view from the breezy outside patio does not disappoint. Situated directly opposite Kings Beach at Caloundra, the Naked Turtle offers an enjoyable balance of mouth-watering flavours, ambiance and an attentive and caring staff who will look after your every need.
Owned and run by a close-knit family originally from Geelong, they and their friendly staff strive to uphold the highest standards in customer service and great food.
Speaking of great food, I started with the garlic prawns entree. Set on a springy bed of seaweed and sprouts, dressed in a creamy, piquant sauce hinting of fresh coconut and lime, this dish was a swirl of complimentary flavours that simply melted in my mouth and between my wife and me, disappeared quickly!
For our mains, the generously sized grilled salmon came served on a bed of crisply steamed baby asparagus and velvety potato rostie, drizzled with a lemony-luscious hollandaise sauce which got our mouths watering. The fish was moist and flaky and the blend of flavours created perfection on a plate.
Not to be outdone, the Filet Mignon with portabello mushrooms was tender, sweet and juicy and perfectly seared to my request of medium-rare, accompanied with a full bodied glass of Scotsman’s Hill red.
Last but not least, we shared a serving of the Naked Turtle’s award-winning sorbet, strawberry in our case, which between the two of us melted quickly in our mouths.
We chatted with the Naked Turtle’s proprietor, Simon Krefts, after our meal. “Customer service is our highest priority”, he told us. “People have a lot of choices when it comes to eating out. We want to ensure that not only do people truly have a great experience eating with us but that they will want to come back.”
Judging by the many tables filled with smiling customers that evening, the sounds of their happy chatter mingling with the candlelight and cool night air, I think the Naked Turtle team is hitting the mark.
We walked away from our experience at the Naked Turtle not only full and satisfied but with a sense of having been completely nurtured. My Rating: four out of five forks.
Shearwater Holiday Resort
The stylish 4.5-Star Shearwater Holiday Resort was the perfect place to stay at Caloundra. With a bird eye’s view of King’s Beach, it is not only a place to relax and let your hair down but is conveniently located to the many attractions nearby, including a plethora of restaurants, pubs and the well designed foreshore water feature, pool, park and entertainment stage.
Our self-contained apartment was appointed with tasteful, modern and clean furnishings, which made us feel right at home as soon as we stepped in the door. The kitchen featured a spacious marble countertop and was stocked with an abundance of cookware and dishes, allowing us to cook our own meals.
The view from our balcony in the morning was stunning, as we gazed at the shimmering blue waters of King’s Beach, the sound of children playing in the surf drifting to our ears as we lazily sipped our morning coffee. What better way to start one’s day?
The Shearwater also features recreational facilities including a heated pool, spa, children’s wading pool, gymnasium and games room and a well designed conference and function centre, all just a 50 meter stroll from the patrolled surf beach.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Shearwater Resort. It is a home away from home when staying on the Sunshine Coast and will leave you with a feeling of true relaxation. Well suited for a romantic get-away or to bring the whole family for a good dose of R & R. My Rating: four out of five pillows.
For more details on these great spots, log onto http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Naked-Turtle/150813044935024 or www.ShearwaterResort.com.au
Reviewed and written by Erik Bigalk http://www.erikbigalk.com/

The Naked Turtle

Shearwater Holiday Resort