By: rygar069
5/12/2007
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(cont)
We even had a waitress who asked people at our table to move out of her way so she could reach over and through them to place other diner's dirty plates on top of those already on the table to form a stack and then later remove them to thereby clean the table...evidence of poor training!
All up, I'd say it's an OK venue but nothing particularly special at present. If the owners do something about staff service issues, this could be a REALLY good venue.
At the moment though it only gets about 6/10 from me. |
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By: rov1njez
5/12/2007
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| Went to Giardinis in Leederville the other week very good service and the meat I ordered was great it was so soft I didn't need the steak knife, a bit on the pricey side though. |
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By: saos1n888
5/12/2007
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dont mind paying if its good though.
I go to this awesome place in Joondalup for Indian food.. its called Kabalason
Cheap, not much to look at its the chefs first frestraunt so its pretty much just a place for takeaway but it is the best indian food ive ever had |
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By: rygar069
5/05/2008
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Figured I may as well update this with a couple of establishments I have recently visited -
1) Limoncello Cafe in Freo
Gotta say that this place is quite un-inspiring IMO despite having numerous good reviews. For me, I found it difficult to decide whether this was actually a restaurant or a cafe. the name says it's a cafe but this isnt strictly speaking correct. The bland entrance to the venue eg. gelato fridge right at the front door screams cafe as does the shoddy chairs, lack of curtains and otherwise stark look to the venue.
On the other hand, the cutlery and cr.ockery is of good quality, the food is for the most part excellent, the wine list is extensive, and the prices suggest a restaurant.
On the night in question, we arrived promptly on-time for our booking and were given a choice of tables to select from.
This initially had me concerned as to whether the venue had many bookings or not...generally a good sign is that the place is packed, bad sign is that you can see tumble weeds rolling by at the lack of patronage. Wasnt a problem as within 20 m inutes of being seated, this place was PACKED to the rafters!!!
The freebie italian bread, with EVOO and balsamic was a nice treat to start...waiting 45 minutes for someone to come back to take our orders was not!
As I mentioned before, the place filled quickly just as we arrived - there just wasnt enough staff on to cope with seating guests AND taking orders at the same time.
There were numerous tables besides ours voicing the same complaint - You cant just leave guests sitting twiddling thumbs without even taking their drinks order for that sorta length of time and not expect complaints.
Having said that, the service was otherwise OK...staff were knowledgeable of both the menu and wine list and happy to offer suggestions where necessary.
(cont) |
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By: rov1njez
5/05/2008
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| Anyone here been to Friends Restaurant in the Hyatt Centre? Is it any good???? |
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By: patriotaus
5/05/2008
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| Witches Cauldron by far. If you love garlic and prawns there is no choice. |
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By: rygar069
5/05/2008
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(cont)
The menu however was fixed and could not (on our visit) be altered to suit a fussy diner with special dietary requirements...something which perhaps should be given better consideration in future.
Entrees were TERRIBLE consisted of scallops on the half shell and a serve of chorizo sausage.
The scallops needed more garlic IMO but were otherwise very good...the price however was expensive at $18 for FOUR scallops...and they didnt even have the courtesy to leave the roe attached!
The chorizo sausage was drenched in oil and had been obviously deep fried despite protests of innocence from the kitchen. The accompanying olives were nice though and realistically at $12 was overall a good sized portion.
Mains were much better.
I can highly recommend the Capretto...flesh just flaked and fell from the bones, wasnt stringy at all, beautifully braised and with accompanying veg made for a solid hearty winter meal that has a definite Italian flavour & charm. Price was reasonable at $28 too :)
We also enjoyed a lobster...quite reasonably priced at $55.
Wines were of good quality ranging from ~$30 upwards, reds are decanted too which is always a good sign :)
Desserts were ordinary and expensive consisting of the usual suspects - a few cakes, tiramisu, and gelato by the scoop.
Overall, I'd rate Limoncello about 6/10.
If they can decide whether to operate as a lunchtime beach front cafe or a restaurant will be a BIG help.
The service is ok, the food is good for the most part, but head to the bank and get cashed up beforehand!
Our night out cost upwards of $180 for 2 pax and that included use of an entertainment card providing a healthy discount! |
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By: rygar069
5/05/2008
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Next place I'll review is Darlington Estate Winery located up Greenmount Hill on Nelson Rd Darlington.
This place has won numerous awards over many years including a few gold plates.
On viewing the menu and obseving what arrived from the kitchens to other tables, we decided to forgo entrees and headed straight to a main course.
Portion sizes were quite large...menu prices were average with most mains being around ~$30.
We opted for bread n dips for a sorta starter, scotch fillet, a lovely chicken breast, and a table salad.
My steak was cooked to perfection...always nice to find a chef who can actually cook a RARE steak!!!
The salad made for a nice side as did the leftover bread to mop up juices from the meat :)
The chicken was beautifully prepared, very moist and juicy :)
Overall a simple meal which could be found on just about any pub menu...but nonetheless executed with panache by an obviously talented kitchen.
Wines were local from the vineyard and were not to my taste...quite insipid I thought...way too young and very short on the palatte. Darlington Estate wines could perhaps improve with cellaring but meh, there are much better wines available from other sources to make it worth the bother.
Prices overall were quite reasonable, wines were expensive for what was on offer, but the food is what definitely makes this place worth the drive up Greenmount Hill :)
I'd give Darlington Estate Winery 7/10. |
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By: rygar069
5/05/2008
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Hi Rov :)
Friends @ Hyatt IMO is quite OK although nothing really to rave about.
The Cafe from what I hear still provides excellent value on the buffet...and believe me, it is a VERY upmarket buffet definitely worth visiting.
For a more formal occasion IMO, you just cant go past Gershwins!
There is no longer the plethora of fine dining establishments in Perth that there once was and this place is very high on my list.
There's just something about formal dining that makes for a very special night out...generally accompanied by jazz trio or some such in background makes for a 1920-1930's type of night out.
Trust me when I suggest that despite the extravagant prices...it'll be a night out worth remembering :D |
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By: rygar069
5/05/2008
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Here's another gem for a great night out -
Spirit of the West
Now I did Hotham Valley Railway dinner train last year and thoroughly enjoyed my night.
Spirit of the West is exactly the same in all but 2 facets -
We are talking 4+ star as opposed to 2.5 -> 3 star and the train departs East Perth rail terminal heading up to Toodyay as opposed to bus to Dwellingup and on the Hotham rail line for the dining car.
Menu is set menu (5 courses) and caters to most tastes, wines are average but drinkable.
The dining car has more room, you are not sharing a table with other guests, the ambiance is upmarket despite being a rail dining car, and not having to bus out to catch the train makes for a more enjoyable night out.
Do book yourself a taxi to/from East Perth Rail terminal and enjoy a wonderful night of indulgence :)
There is of course public transport available afterwards via normal rail network from East Perth...but you'll hardly want to be using it.
No cabs will be waiting unless booked so def book ahead.
The service is excellent, the food is tasty...and the price at ~$150 per head is quite reasonable for what you get.
Departs 7pm and arrives back at 11pm.
www.spiritofthewest.com.a u |
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By: rov1njez
5/05/2008
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| Cool thanks for that rygar, I'll have to try Gershwins one day. I'm taking my girlfriend to Friends for our first anniversary, its good to see there's some music does that mean there is dancing as well. |
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By: rov1njez
12/05/2008
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| Went to Friends resturant and it's reputation is very well deserved would recommend it to anyone. |
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By: patpanpat
13/05/2008
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I work in Bangkok, but recide in Perth. When i'm bored I read the message boards of yahoo, so i can ammuse myself over the c.r.a.p some people write.
Laughable, but also sad are most restaurants in Perth. with the exceptions of Hyatt's Gershwin and the Chinese Restaurant at Burkswood casino.
James Street's restaurants are overpriced and a joke, including the Dusit Thai restaurant, which most proberly uses tonnes of MSG in the food, and cooks only to Australian taste. guys. before you talk about good food fly to Singapore or Bangkok. (it's cheaper than fly to Sydney and eat there)
cheers, and keep making me laugh |
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By: jaykaye_09
13/05/2008
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Singapore is great for food.
Hong Kong is even better.
But we aren't in Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok. People are trying to find the best around where they live. Yes, food here (in Perth) is overpriced (relative to quality and/or quantity) and quality Asian cuisine is especially hard to come by. Still, that has no bearing on peoples recommendations for dining in Perth.
...but thanks for the laugh. |
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By: trevorsteamboat
13/05/2008
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"James Street's restaurants are overpriced and a joke, including the Dusit Thai restaurant, which most proberly uses tonnes of MSG in the food, and cooks only to Australian taste."
Awesome. If Asian restaurants in Perth cooked to Norweigan tastes would that make there food better? Or there business? |
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By: jaykaye_09
13/05/2008
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If Asian restaurants in Perth cooked to Norweigan tastes would that make there food better?'
-trevorsteamboat
Actually, you have my attention. |
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By: trevorsteamboat
13/05/2008
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| Not enough good Scando restaurants in Perth for my liking... |
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By: aloof4
14/05/2008
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| is miss maud scando? never heard of any nordic food |
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By: kingerikcantona
14/05/2008
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RYGAR - HAVE U EVER THOUGHT OF DOING UP YOUR OWN WEBSITE :)
(sorry about caps) |
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By: litost97
14/05/2008
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Don't encourage more Scandos to come here. So many Scandos have left Sweden that their own country is overrun by Arabs - according to leading expert greatgranswisdom
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/news/top-stories/1113 541/ |
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By: ausgal951753
14/05/2008
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| Perth's restraurants are overpriced when compared to interstate. The people of Perth are being ripped of with the price and quality. |
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By: kingerikcantona
14/05/2008
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oh well if ppl pay it then they will charge it...... not liek we can all afford to go over east or anywhere else on the weekends sicne they must have better restaurants.
maybe you need to look around a bit more :) |
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By: rygar069
14/05/2008
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Went here for dinner last Sat night -
The Grand Palace on the Esplanade in Perth CBD.
Now I'm not normally a fan of upmarket Chinese restaurants personally finding them to be little more than pretentious w@nkers serving the same generic shyte but with an added overpriced wine list containing those eminently notable favourites - brakefluid & vinegar :p
This place didnt have quite the same feel thankfully and truth to tell, I quite enjoyed my night here.
The venue is tastefully decorated maintaining the Asian theme but with a degree of upmarket polish.
The service is good without being overbearing, staff are professional in appearance and knowledgeable of the menu and winelist.
The winelist is extensive containing a good selection of local, national, and international wines at a reasonable restaurant mark-up price.
The menu provided a few surprises also containing an array of traditional Asian signature dishes in addition to a small suite of the usual generic trough fodder.
Two banquet options are available both of which represent good value for money depending on the size of your appetite :)
Banquets contain a selection of entree, soup, main, and dessert and come in either a 5 course ($56 pp) or 7 course ($63 pp) menu.
(cont) |
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By: rygar069
14/05/2008
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Wanting to sample as wide a variety as possible, we opted for the 7 course banquet and availed ourselves of an Entree plate, and 6 main course selections.
Without describing each dish in detail, let me just say that the portions were generous, cooked to perfection, and left me wondering if I'd need a wheelbarrow to cart my full guts back home :D
As an example though - We did opt for a serve of a lovely delicate braised scallop dish featuring at least 10 scallops!
This certainly brought a smile to my dial following the abysmal entree efforts of a certain establishment in Freo I visited a few weeks earlier.
The only proviso I noted was that the venue requires a min spend of $40 pp on Fri/Sat evenings which is not hard to do when served food of such good quality :)
Add a nice Cullens SSB ($60) to our 7 course meal, the total for 2 pax came to ~$180 which then got reduced to about $140 on presentation of a entertainment card.
Given the location, the views of the Perth foreshore also generate a welcome ambiance.
Overall, the place looks the part, the food is excellent, the service is good, and the prices are tolerable for what is realistically an upmarket Chinese restaurant.
Personally, I'd give it a 7/10. |
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By: rygar069
21/05/2008
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Took the family up to Hillary's Marina for a lunch visit to Jetty's last weekend -
The decor hasnt changed in several eons but the views across the marina kinda make up for that and the decor isnt what you come here for.
Jetty's is well known as a place where you can take the family for a nice meal at a reasonable price.
This visit was no exception although price rises make this venue less attractive than it used to be...realistically Jetty's is little better than an upmarket Sizzler and certainly not in the same league as the buffet offerred by the Hyatt Cafe.
Approx buffet prices for Sun lunch (as of last weekend) are ~$43 per adult, kids ~$25, with little-uns ~$15 per head.
The buffet is extensive with 2 roasts, several wet dishes, veg, fish n chips etc, a reasonable cold selection of meats & salads, whole cold salmon, plenty of desserts inc cakes, a hot pudding, sorbets, frozen yoghurt, tea & coffee.
We sampled -
cold prawns which were imported, small, & rather tasteless
lamb shanks which were nicely braised and very tasty
a very ordinary curry
a nice topside beef roast
moist roasted pork shoulder
kids fish n chips - average
lasagne - ok
whole salmon - excellent
sushi - poor quality
a variety of average salads
frozen strawberry yoghurt - YUM
Pavlova - excellent
On the whole, a pretty good buffet with more to praise than complain about.
I hear you cry - what's the catch???
Well the owner/manager's are getting cheeky in that they believe that there is a significant problem with diner's using the outdoor area who are scarpering afterwards without paying their bill.
Apparently the Dept Planning & Infrastructure class the outdoor area as being a public thoroughfare and have refused permission for owners to restrict access/egress from the balcony dining area.
Consequently, patrons wishing to sit & eat outside are now being required to pay UPFRONT which kinda ruins the entire experience for me!
(cont) |
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