Romantic Seaside Venue
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday June 2, 1998
AS FAR as wedding reception locations go, a lovely restaurant by the ocean is way up on anyone's list of preferences.
Add to that a first-class selection of seafood and traditional dishes, and you have just about everything you need.
The Lagoon Restaurant at North Wollongong can offer both aspects, with head chef Nick Manias and his staff having plenty of experience in planning for such special occasions.
``The range of seafood and non-seafood meals is very wide," Mr Manias said.
``We also cater for vegetarian meals, while our seafood platters and barramundi would be our house specialties.
``We have our own trawlers in the Northern Territory, and that guarantees that our catch is always fresh."
The Lagoon is ideal for functions both inside and out, with cocktail parties also a specialty.
``In summer, people can enjoy the outside dining areas that are also ideal for cocktail parties with finger food."
In his 13 years at The Lagoon, Mr Manias has seen many different weddings, but one really stands out for him.
``We once had a wedding at 4am with about 100 people," he said.
``It was a great idea, the wedding would be at sunrise and the guests would love it.
``But I originally thought the couple asked for 4pm, and it was not until (wedding celebrant) John Tease came in late the night before when I was just about to leave, that I found out.
``He said: `Where are you going, the wedding starts in a while,' and then I realised it was actually meant for 4am.
``I had to hurry up and get the stuff ready, but in the end everything went off well."
With the restaurant being divided into sections, it is ideal for smaller weddings.
``It is very popular for Sydney weddings," Mr Manias said.
``I get people from the eastern suburbs and Manly coming down for their weddings.
``With the lagoon, beach and parks in the background, it is a very romantic place.
``A lot of people come and get engaged here and then married at the same place, because they like it so much."
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury