By Hayden Quinn
The Northern Beaches is where I grew up, and I find it an endlessly inspiring and refreshing place to live and call home.
Where to stay
A unique stay that offers history, outdoor activities and relaxation all in one place, Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park is only 30 minutes from the CBD and five minutes from Manly. Choose your room from a mix of historic buildings, then book yourself in for some kayaking, a ghost tour or a history and wildlife tour. Or just enjoy this beautiful spot on the harbour with a nature walk around the park.
Stay close to the Manly action at The Sebel Manly Beach. It’s at the southern end of Manly, so you can enjoy awesome views from your room, or look out over the beach while you enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast at the onsite restaurant, Manly Wine.
Keen for some family adventures? NRMA Sydney Lakeside Hotel Park is perfect for you! It has a range of cabins and villas to choose from, as well as plenty of on-site family fun, including a waterpark, playgrounds, go-karts and more. All situated in a waterfront location close to North Narrabeen surfing beach and Narrabeen Lake.
Wot to do
Some of Sydney’s best surfing is on the Northern Beaches, of course, and a dawn surf must be my favourite way to start any day. Get your toes in the sand and check out the iconic Manly Beach as the sun comes up. Jump in the water for a swim or a surf, go for a walk, or just sit back and enjoy the sunrise.
Outdoor adventure options are everywhere, and Stuart from Pittwater Kayak Tours can take you on a guided tour around the dazzling waters of that end of the Northern Beaches. There are a range of options for different group sizes, and you can include a bush walk or a beach swim as well. You’re likely to see a host of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and seals.
There are lots of great natural habitats to explore on the Northern Beaches, and a snorkel with EcoTreasures is well worth a go. Underwater guide Damien McClellan can kit you up and take you on a guided tour of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, where you’ll see all sorts of marine life right off the beach. Damien also does paddleboard tours, and you can book a solo or group experience.
Wot to eat
When you’re ready for something to eat, why not head over to see my mate Jimmy at Rollers Bakehouse? Tucked behind The Corso in Manly, Rollers is famous for their croissants and epic coffee. I love what Jimmy does with his flavours and there’s always something new to try. Say hello to him for me and have a go at the monkey-bread if it hasn’t sold out.
When shopping for food to cook, I’m always looking to buy local, and the Manly Food Co-Op is one of my favourite places to get fresh organic fruit and veggies, and wholefoods. This place is not your typical grocery store, and operates as a community-owned not-for-profit focusing on sustainable, organic, waste-free options. My type of shopping!
Wot to cook:Jerk Chicken with Grilled Corn Ribs
These are spicy little numbers, and I don’t just mean when it comes to the chili kick! All the spices really come together to get the tastebuds dancing and singing out for more. Feel free to add as much or as little chilli as you like, but the allspice is a must when making Jerk Chicken!
Prep 00:15
Cook 00:25
Serves 4
Capable Cooks
Ingredients List
Jerk Chicken
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin, ground
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried leaves, fresh or dried
- 4 x chicken marylands, skin on (about 1.2kg)
Grilled Corn Ribs
- 4 corn cobs, husk removed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Yoghurt sauce
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yoghurt
- ½ lemon, juiced
To serve
- Coriander sprigs
- Lime wedges
Method
Step 1. Preheat BBQ grill to high.
Step 2. In a large bowl, add all the spices and herbs for the Jerk Chicken. Mix to combine well. Add in the chicken marylands and drizzle over the olive oil. Use your hands to rub the spices and oil into the chicken until very well coated.
Step 3. Place the chicken onto the preheated BBQ grill and cook for 10 minutes on each side. Until the skin is crisp and golden brown, and the meat has cooked through.
Step 4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Grilled Corn Ribs. Start by chopping both the ends off the corn so you have a flat base. Stand one corn cob up vertically, with the wider end on the chopping board. Using a sharp knife, slice the corn in half, then in half again so you have 4 long slices of corn. Place into a bowl and sprinkle over the paprika and salt. Place onto the BBQ grill and cook for 4 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
Step 5. Serve the Jerk Chicken with the Grilled Corn Ribs, yoghurt sauce, fresh coriander, and some lime wedges to squeeze over the lot.
Credits
Recipe: Hayden Quinn
Photo: Jonathan Buttery
Video: Tim Manson and Ashton Ward
Food / Styling: Meg Yonson
From: Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn
Production: Boomtown Pictures
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