Thursday, August 29, 2013

Zen Kitchen - Adelaide

Atmosphere: **/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: */5
Service: */5

Located within the Mansions Food court, Zen Kitchen offers a little luxury within the bustling cheap Asian eateries, with its own four walls and even a little 'outdoor/indoor' sunny spot.  Often packed though Monday until Friday. Lunchtime at Zen Kitchen is popular, as University students and workers pour in for there lunch breaks.



The service here is based upon food court etiquette with a little bit extra and I wouldn't expect any more for the price of the food.  Ordering is done at the counter, and there is often a line up, but the food is brought out to you.   Due to the popularity of Zen Kitchen sometimes finding a table is quite hard.  However, the food comes out quickly regardless of how many people have ordered before you, my favorite here is the Beef Pho, Number Three (on the left).



The food here has always been consistently good, no matter how quickly it comes out or how many people order here.  The Vietnamese Rolls here are a popular takeaway item and the cold rolls here are so fresh and light.  The last time my friend and I were here we also tried the Tom-Yum which I was told could use a bit more seafood but for the price was consistent and ordering it without noodles the chefs added extra vegetables. 




This place is a regular haunt for my meat eating girlfriends and I to catch up on the weeks events and gossip in our lunch breaks.  I have yet been able to convince my vegetarian friends to come here as the majority of the meals (especially the favourites) are meat based meals.



I suggest you give this place a try, its not somewhere I would take for a formal luncheon, there is no views and the atmosphere is still very much that of the food court, but they are slowly doing the place up with new funky pictures on the wall and vintage quirky Vietnamese hangings. Its the first Vietnamese restaurant that I tried pho in and I am hooked, I am even putting more and more chilli sauce in! If you have not tried pho before or like your beef cooked rather than raw, give this place a go!

Zen Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Art Gallery Food + Wine - Adelaide

Atmosphere: ****/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: ***/5
Service: ****/5

The Art Gallery cafe is my absolute favorite place for coffee in the city and if you can afford it, lunch.
To make it a little cheaper, with an Art Gallery membership card you receive fifteen percent off your food and drink!  Situated at the back of the Art Gallery the Cafe looks onto Adelaide Uni and a lovely green space which, in summer is used as a cafe area, with deckchairs and coffee tables.




The cafe itself is bright and very warm.  The service  here is wonderful, I have often come here for a hard-core gossip session and the waiter/esses have understood and served us quickly and quietly. On the flip side of that, due to the age of many of the customers here (60+) you can natter on for as long as you want to them and they will explain the menu and move slowly around you if you require.  

The barista here is amazing, drawing pictures in the coffees is a speciality, and when I  have come here with my best friend he has drawn the two of us together!  The wine list here is diverse, ranging from Pol Roger, Shaw & Smith and Vasse Felix for special treats or for the student on a budget they offer house wines, including sparkling that can make a special day surrounded by a wonderful atmosphere and easy on a budget.   I came here for my graduation celebrations and it was a great place for friends and family to enjoy the afternoon sun with a bottle of champagne.





Coloured chairsThe food here is very delicately prepared, when I last ate here we had the DIY pancakes with shredded roasted duck leg with cucumber spring onion and omelette style pancakes and a spicy plum sauce, which was a lovely 'build it yourself' entrée with fresh vegetables and for the mains the pumpkin, mascarpone with crispy sage leaves risotto was, very light and flavoursome with the sage leaves breaking up the softness of pumpkin and risotto with a wonderful crispness and flavour.


For people with large appetites this may not be the place for you.  I have found that the meals here focus more on quality and flavour rather than size.  Although the fries here are pretty good for a fill up!



The cafe is so versatile and sometimes, especially on the weekend you might find a wedding or a function taking place, so often your best bet in through the week.  I defiantly recommend you give this little cafe tucked away from the façade of the old North Terrace buildings and give this little retreat a go.


Art Gallery Food + Wine on Urbanspoon

Chin Chins - Melbourne CBD

Atmosphere:  ****/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: **/5
Service: **/5

Wow, there is nothing like a restaurant like this to remind me that I have been living in Adelaide for a long time.  There is just so much going on here beyond the restaurant experience, with dj's, projections on the wall and a no booking system which makes for long waiting times and a lot to see and do before you even sit down at the table!



As we came here for a friends birthday and visiting here on the way back from my fathers celebration of life we decided to go all out and ask the waitress to 'feed me,' a sixty dollar banquet special in which you get the chefs specials of the night.  I wouldn't order any other way here, as the meals are quite expensive anyway you may as well go all out with a ridiculous six or so courses (we lost count) which also includes dessert.

The first thing I noticed about the food here is that it is so fresh.  The advantage of paying for a quality meal here is that you get it.  Unlike so many other Asian restaurants there was not one meal that made us feel sluggish or bloated, we did that ourselves, by eating too much!

The waiter/esses were very efficient and friendly.  They quickly took us through each of the many meals that they brought out. However, due to the the full house and a long line of people waiting for a table I got the feeling the efficient service was mainly due to the fact that they needed the table as soon as possible.

Chin Chins is a must try, when people ask me for something different when visiting Melbourne I suggest this restaurant, and I have had mixed reviews.  Some of the people I have recommended Chin Chins to have left before waiting in the line as the concept of waiting for an hour for a table astounds them and some have waited it out and loved it.   As much as I loved the meal here it is not somewhere that I will be coming back to regularly.  This is a place you come to, so you can have a new experience and say you have been, not somewhere you feel a connection to with the noise, the lights and the high priced menu its somewhere you should tick off your list and move onto the next exiting adventure!  

Chin Chin on Urbanspoon

Monday, August 19, 2013

Cafe Nautigals - Apollo Bay

Atmosphere: ***.5/5
Food:  ***/5
Drink: **/5
Service: **/5

I have a real soft spot for this Cafe.  At Nautigals as in most places along the Great Ocean Road in winter, I find that you are afforded the most efficient service and the food will come out quickly and to the best of the kitchens ability. Nautigals shines for one of the reasonably priced cafe menu along the Apollo Bay coast for the quality and size of the meals.

As I have lived and worked in the area, I would like to point out when reviewing places like this, the extreme contrast brought on by tourists in summer and the small, mainly local based population in winter will make the same eatery into a totally different place.

The service will change dramatically throughout the year.  The amount of time spent on presentation and the making of the food is put under pressure and the expectations of clientèle changes.  

In summer, the influx of population from cities put's pressure on restaurant's and cafes that are, predominantly set up for a third of the population in winter.

Excusing the two recent fires, Nautigals has found it's own balance between getting it right through-out the four seasons as it has been one of the longest standing cafes in Apollo Bay.      

The menu is quite standard for a cafe, and there is not much table service, but you get what you pay for, and to me its worth it. The breakfast options are a favorite after a big night out (or in) which can be often when staying in Apollo Bay. The Vegetarian burger option for lunch is also a favorite and the coffee is quite good, they know how do do it strong. 

The outdoor seating is often more popular than the inside, this could be because the atmosphere is quite flat and uncomfortable compared to sitting outside watching the passers-by and looking over the wonderful coastline.

When the hoards of tour buses are taking over the pubs at lunchtime this is the locals hangout,  I suggest you grab your mates and sit outside, take in the sun and the view, and have a good laugh and gossip alongside the locals!

Cafe Nautigals on Urbanspoon

United Latino Cocina - Adelaide

Atmosphere: **/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: **/5
Service: */5




Every city based fan of Lucky Lapitas was jumping for joy about the new Latin American/Cuban influenced restaurant ULC (United Latino Cocina) located on Francis street off Rundle Mall.  

Run by the the same owners of Bedford Park's famous Lucky Lapitas, ULC brings to the mall a bit of international flavour without the staleness and bright fluorescent  lights of a food court venue.  Like its counterpart beware there will most likely be a wait for a table, and when you are seated it may not be facing the person you originally came to dine with.



I have eaten here a couple of times during the day and have come here on a Friday night (the only night it is open) as it is down the road from one of the Tooth and Nail Art Gallery spaces, and offers a perfect space to share a meal with friends and catch up on the week gone by (if you can get a table together) without being too expensive.

I do however, have two things to point out.  The seating here is uncomfortable, I am still getting used to the new 'concept cafe/stores' where you squeeze as many people in as possible.  This has not happened before but the last time I was there it was packed and terribly windy outside in the lane way as it acts as a wind tunnel off the Mall, we had to wait outside and two groups were accidentally seated before us even though we had arrived first, which made for an uncomfortable beginning to the lunch.  When we were seated we were looking onto another couple who were clearly trying to have a romantic date and it was awkward having a conversation in a bench like position without those around us listening in!  I think the more people find out about this place and the more popular it gets this will be a regular occurrence, but as it is a new place they may find time to even out the problems.

You will soon realised that there is no table service here either.  It is a pay as you go concept and the waiters are not very helpful, and they do not manage the seating.

The food here, however, is amazing and so flavoursome,  the Hamburger which I had when I was last there was so good that I knew it was bad it was for me!  I recommend however, when coming here, if you have adventurous friends to share as quite a few of the meals go so well together.  My suggestion is even if you have not heard of something here give it a go, the fried root vegetable is now one of my friends favorite thing to get here and she had no idea what it was when we ordered it with the wings!

The house red wine is also surprisingly well matched for the food and so well priced, I would defiantly suggest it.

This place is an amazing alternative to the Mall food that is offered in the David Jones/Myers food courts.  I am not entirely convinced of this place.  To me, there are many other places in the city in which I would probably choose over this place, however I would suggest that you do not judge this place as a sit down, table serviced restaurant or cafe as Lucky Lapitas is, as it will not quite meet the mark.  However, if you remember where it is (with a food court on the other side of the wall) and are patient enough to just embrace the food and company you keep without worrying about the seating or service it is a great place to eat.

United Latino Cocina on Urbanspoon

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Gaucho's - Adelaide


Atmosphere: ***/5
Food: ****/5
Drink: ****/5
Service: ****/5

The first thing to note about Gaucho's is that if you are going to come here, do not plan any significant meals for the rest of the day.  You will not want to miss any courses.

Gaucho's is best known for its Argentinian cooked steaks, located on Gouger Street it offers a contrast from the chinatown that it faces onto.




Due to the nature of the restaurant, and the menu on offer I would suggest that to get the most out of your dining experience this is a place to try when you are willing or able to spend money.  Some might imply that this restaurant may be over priced or too expensive but I believe that in a restaurant such as this one you get what you pay for and it is worth it.

I have never seen the chefs here cook a steak to anything but perfection. The meat based menu attracts a predominantly male customer base, sometimes I feel like you have walked into a men's club.  This comes at an advantage in some ways; the tables are large, for plenty of elbow and room for as much food and wine you can fit on the table, which, in a time where restaurants are consolidating space to fit as many people in as possible it is quite refreshing to be able to spread yourself out.  The downside of a somewhat focused 'men's club' is that the atmosphere is somewhat lacking as there is no clever design elements for comfort or sense of a bigger space, but the wine list here is fantastic, so once again I suggest digging deep into your pockets and you will find the atmosphere as warm as the bottles are long.    

The service here is fantastic, this may be because I have always dined here late, however, we had our own waitress for the duration of the meal, and she looked after us so well, we only had to top one wine glass.



The meals were wonderful, as we knew that the steaks were going to be quite filling we had the Dukka to start which was lovely with warm crusty bread.  The mains were cooked to perfection, a favourite side dish of mine was the mushrooms with goats curd, the walnut and pear salad did not do much for me as it was quite sour, however other diners at the table loved it.

We were already pushing the barriers of full by the time it came to ordering desert but we pushed forward and had the chirros, I would highly recommend them to share, they were crisp on the outside and soft inside, and the dipping sauces of caramel and strawberry were light and great to mix up, I wished there was more!

I would recommend Gauchos for special treats, partners and family birthdays and important dates. Defiantly one to try!

Gaucho's on Urbanspoon

H By Felici - Burnside Village

Atmosphere: ****/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: ***/5
Service: */5

Overlooking a car park you would not think that H by Felici could create the atmosphere it offers.

Located at the plush Burnside Village Shopping centre H provides customers a comfortable place to enjoy lunch or coffee to break up a hard day of shopping.

With a wall of glass facing north, the sunshine streams onto the customers and thoughout the restaurant creating a warm relaxed feeling, the chairs are soft and comfortable to sit in and I have found myself feeling quite sleepy after a lunchtime glass of the Adelaide Hills champagne.  On the warmer days it is hard to get a table outside or on the couches.  The atmosphere that is created by cafe you will soon forget that you are sitting next to a car park.


The service here is unimpressive, the waiters and waitresses are very inattentive. The last time I was here nobody came to our table at all.  It is so disappointing as the menu is quite pricey and everything else here is well done for a 'mall cafe' and the menu has been written well, although, a couple of times I have been here the kitchen have run out of the meals.  I do find myself however, coming back as it is conveniently positioned and the kitchens efforts with the menu.



I frequent this place with my mum (with a relaxed and light atmosphere H is a good place for mother daughter catch ups) and Zara is located next door!




The menu is perfect for a girls luncheon as the kitchen does some wonderful filling and flavoursome soups and salads (soups are often sold out by the end of the lunchtime rush).  I stay away from the heavier meals here as they are quite expensive and together with the service I am quietly reminded that the cafe is in a shopping centre and not a restaurant in its own right... yet. The frittata of the day is always a favourite of my mum and the last spicy chicken soup I had here was so heart warming.  The hamburger here, is very pricey, but if you have the money it is quite light which is nice as a special treat to get you going for a big shop, however, watch the bloating waistline for clothes shopping, I learnt the hard way!


H By Felici on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Winters Cafe - Pakington St, Geelong

Atmosphere: ***/5
Food: ***/5
Drink: ****/5
Service: ****/5

After a big night out for an engagement party, the bridesmaids organised a Sunday brunch with the loved up couple.



A two story cafe, Winters fits quite a few people in, and with twelve people at our table, I was worried that the service would be slow and my coffee would take a while to get to me, however, I was wonderfully surprised.

The coffee was perfect and our orders were taken quickly.  The wait staff were not very engaging but they all appeared to be those whom had been in hospitality for some time, which you don't often see.

The coincidently named 'big night' breakfast was a popular order with the boys at the table, and all the girls opted for building their own breakfast starting with eggs as you like it and options of ingredients such as; spinach, haloumi cheese, local Queenscliff relish and other assortment of sauces, mushroom cups, tomato, Meredith feta, hash browns, avocado smash, smoked salmon and for a first time in a while I wish I ate pig with an option for pork, apple and sultana sausage and ham off the bone.



(Sourced from the Winters Cafe Website) 

I enjoyed my meal immensely, I am a strong believer you can never go wrong with a good haloumi cheese for breakfast, and the Queenscliff relish was surprisingly one of my favourite ingredients as it acted as a baked bean mix without being too heavy, this is something I will now looking at doing at home.

I was really thrilled that even though there was a large majority of self built meals all were delivered correctly within three minutes of each other.

If you feel the need there are also options of breakfast booze and cocktails and if I was not driving to Melbourne I would have defiantly tired one or two of the cocktails!  They also offered a Hairy Lemon drink (a kind of barocca) which I thought was very cute!

The atmosphere is lovely, there is artwork all through the cafe with the theme continuing onto the menus with each containing a biography promoting local artists from Deacon University and local art spaces and institutions.

There was a predominantly female population in the cafe, and the décor was defiantly aimed at the female population with the crockery featuring pink and purple. It was, however, very cute seeing the boys drink out of these!

I would defiantly recommend this place for lunch and or breakfast.  With a recent win of Hospitality and Tourism Award for Best Regional Cafe 2012 and Best Customer Service 2011 it seems the judges agree as well!

Winter's Cafe on Urbanspoon

Laksa Plus - CBD, Adelaide

Atmosphere: */5
Food: ****/5
Drink: -/5
Service: -/5

I was very hesitant at writing this post as this place is only getting more and more popular and I don't like waiting in long lines.  However, my job is to inform so I am informing you.

Laksa Plus does the best Laksa I have ever had in Adelaide, bar none.

Located in the Mansions Food court this area is becoming really popular with uni students and office workers alike. 


Reflecting a China Town atmosphere, this food court attracts more and more people each week! I would note that the area has become very popular with Uni students and at this particular food stall a Laksa and drink meal is offered for $9.50 i suggest therefore if not a fan of crowds to try this place in the University holidays! 

This area is not one you should come to for fine dining as there is no service and I can not rate drinks, but the atmosphere is buzzing and there is always plenty going on. The toilets are clean and there are cleaners constantly wiping down and clearing tables. 

Give this place place a go! I am sure you will love it! I will stand strong and wait a little longer in line for your order to go though! 



The Wharf Shed - Geelong

Atmosphere: ****/5
Food: */5
Drink: **/5
Service: -/5


For all intensive purposes this is not going to be a positive review.  So I apologise for that.

Geelong, being the closest thing to my home town, is a place in which I visit regularly, and for some absurd reason, I often feel the need to have my chosen meal out on the town at the Wharf Shed Cafe on the Waterfront.



Maybe it is the water, and the close proximity to the shopping precinct as well as the prime views that pull me to this place but I am always so disappointed and frustrated when I come here.

The reason why I am writing this review now is due to my recent visit there in which my friends and I ordered a cappuccino and two milkshakes in which we waited 45 minutes for and never received.  When I did approach the counter to let the manager know she apologised offering nothing, making it obvious that it is a regular occurrence.




The food here is quite bland, and the menu quite unimaginative. This makes The Wharf Shed Cafe perfect for fussy eaters, people who don't like fine dining or children.  The tables are known to be sticky and the restaurant in general a bit dirty so you will not feel like you are imposing by bringing big groups or needing to keep your children under control at your table.

The food here is uneventful, I have found the best things here are fried, although friends have commented on their food tasting like it has been fried in old oil.  My favourite thing to order here which is a entrée of garlic and cheese flat bread which I am sure you can get at many other places and for a cheaper price than $10.



(Image sourced from Google images https://plus.google.com/102921418814188289742/about)

The service is terrible, it appears the management of the kitchen and floor staff needs a major overhaul.  There are often as many waiters and waitresses as there are patrons and you will still have to wait for service.  The person who seats you does not take your order, and due to lack of communication your often required to chase down different wait staff who are supposed to be looking after your section to take your order (beware this will take a while and you will go through many staff).  The electronic devices they take your order on have had malfunctioned whilst the orders have been taken which sets you back another 20 minutes.

Unfortunately because of the position of The Wharf Shed Cafe it seems to have constant patronage which is why I am assuming there has been nothing done about the poor service and uninspiring food which has been consistent since I can remember.

The Wharfshed Cafe on Urbanspoon