The occasion -a birthday, the venue - Carindale Hotel.  First impressions were good.  Nice layout and atmosphere but sadly it was downhill from there.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - service, service, service!  Some of our party were already there, so we seated ourselves.  

Waited, waited and waited for service.  Menus were already on the table, when the waitress finally came to our table it was to take our meal order, yet our parched palates had not been seen to.  After our drinks were served, we ordered our meals.  The waitress informed one end of the table of the specials neglecting the rest of the diners.  One thing I’ll say is there were a good variety of meals were available with steaks priced at under $30 seemingly quite reasonable.  No follow up drink service was offered.  

Some of the entrees were served, we had to chase up our bread!  Usually it’s customary to clear one course before the next is served…?  Mains were delivered.  One thing that impresses me with a restaurant is when they take the time to do a structured order and then can deliver the dishes to the correct diner without having to say a word.  Don’t bother going to this effort when you can’t follow through.

Bland risottos and overcooked steaks were the order of the night.  Every steak was overcooked.  The only complementary thing I can say is good presentation.

As I mentioned we were there for a birthday.  I would think you might check that the birthday girl/boy was at the table before bringing out the cake!  We ended up going up to the bar to order our coffees.  The little girl assisting the diner with coffee service laughed as she spilt my coffee serving it. Then walked off in her own little world completely ignoring my complaint.

AND of course, “only one bill per table”!  

Part of the dining out experience is the service and when it’s lacking and is accompanied by overpriced food it all adds up to a disappointing night out.

Mutton dressed as lamb!!

Carindale St Carindale Q 4152
p 07 3395 0122 f 07 3398 6920

Two words:  BIG DISAPPOINTMENT…

Lions last home game of the season, out of town visitors -> nice restaurant for an early dinner!  I’ve had lunch at the Morrison and had heard good things about their dinner, so was quite excited about a good steak before the football. 

We arrived on time to our very early reservation, were seated and, some time later after being refused service at the restaurant bar, our drinks order was finally taken.  We decided to order as soon as our drinks were delivered.  Our dinner companions were yet to arrive, so we limited our order to starters, stressing we were going to the football! 

Our companions arrived and shortly after so did our starters.  We needed to hail a server to have our mains order taken  - 3 medium cooked steaks, a chicken dish and 60-second calamari (this is important later…).  The oyster entree was a hit, the fresh, crusty breads were crusty; served with 2 large serated knives, delivered right in front of the children.  Again having to ask for a drink order, it seemed the staff were there to do anything but serve…  What HAS happened to customer service? Our 3 medium-rare steaks were served.  It was tempting to send them back, but there were no guarantees as to when we may see them again and in what state.  After asking a number of times as to the whereabouts of the chicken and the 60-second calamari, our companions decided that it wasn’t worth the wait and even if the dishes arrived, they didn’t stand a chance in finishing them and seeing the start of the game. 

The steaks were quite nice, flavoursome and tender, but then they weren’t really that cooked, so should be tender.  How 60-second calamari STILL wasn’t delivered some 20 minutes after the steaks is beyond me!  And any kitchen should take a good look at itself if they can’t deliver on that!!  THEN after cancelling the erstwhile meals and preparing to leave, what should be delivered…!!!  We weren’t they only table to suffer this fate, overheard on departure were four fellow footy fans also left well short of satisfied.

A sadly, very disappointing experience at a steak restaurant with a bewilderingly, flattering reputation.

Cafe Mazah is a great little vegetarian cafe located opposite Santos (near the corner Stuart Rd). You could easily miss if you weren’t looking out.

Mullumbimby is a town known for its passion for healthy alternative living, and Cafe Mazah has a great selection of homemade vegetarian delights.

I sat down for lunch and enjoyed a delicious falafel stuffed pita roll with fresh salad and tahini. Just one word…perfect!

The flavours were fresh with plenty of zing…and made me wonder whether a second look at the menu may be in order!

I enjoyed a cafe latte with my falafel, but I must say the coffee was ok, not amazing.

If you are visiting Mullumbimby, drop in for a fantastic, flavoursome and healthy vegetarian lunch.

Also enjoy some of the artwork they have on display. The gallery is part of Solveig Gallery.

Cafe Mazah is located at:

47 Burringbar St
Mullumbimby NSW 2482. 

(02) 6684 2348

Do I venture to say a Brisbane institution…  This chinese/vietnamese restaurant on Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba has had a small facelift recently.  The large dining area has little atmostphere, and the staff are lacking in service abilities HOWEVER, having said that the food is great with a wide variety of both chinese and traditional vietnamese dishes to chose from. 

The last couple of visits by the author were rushed, pre-AFL outings, luckily the speed of food service is among the best.  Though that is possibly due to the nature of cooking chinese food, fast and fresh.  The food was, and is always, full of flavour.  From a new staple of salt and pepper squid, old favourite sweet and sour pork to a bowl of steaming noodle soup - all are fresh, hot and tasty.  Dishes are well portioned too.

On friday and saturday nights it’s advisable to book, these are quite busy nights AND they host Karaoke…should you get drunk enough!!  Speaking of which BYO bottled wine, however beer and basic spirits are available.

The Lennox Head Chinese Restaurant is a favourite amongst many of us in the area, and quite a few people happily make the trip to Lennox Head to visit this venue.

The chef and owner has the knack for getting his Chinese meals just right - plenty of sizzle and zing in the flavours, and beautiful silky coating to the sauces and marinades.

There is an excellent choice of meals, including plenty for vegetarians. They are the typical favourites that Australians seem to enjoy!

Here’s a little secret - the Lennox Head Chinese Restaurant is open on a Monday night, when everyone else is closed - perfect if you’re looking for an easy Monday night meal.

It’s busier toward the end of the week, so make sure you book.

The Lennox Head Chinese Restaurant

(02) 6687 7478

Shop 2
63-65 Ballina St, Lennox Head, NSW.

Yellow Bistro was recommended to us by a local in Potts Point, and wow, we can see why this place is a true favourite.

Located on Macleay St, Yellow Bistro is one of those cafes where the menu is unique, enticing and frustrating - there are just so many choices available.

You can order something freshly prepared in the display cabinet, or order off the lunch or dinner menus.

How does Croque Madame, Pan fried batard with heidi gruyere, ham, egg, rocket & chilli jam sound? Too good?

What about Pappardelle with a ragu of wild mushrooms, spinach, lemon, pine mushrooms, truffle oil & goats cheese?

This is just a small selection of the amazing gourmet delights that are available at Yellow Bistro. If you’re looking for a delicious takeaway, you found it here.

Today we enjoyed a very mellow coffee and an outstanding Stawberry Tart, Apple Cake, and Pear and Pecan Flan.

If you live in the area, take an opportunity to visit them now and then. If you’re visiting (it’s just down from King’s Cross), drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner - you won’t be disappointed.

Yellow Bistro and Food Store

57-59 Macleay St
Potts Point NSW 2011.

ph (02) 9357 3400

While strolling down Macleay St, having taken a look at Kings Cross during the day, we came across this delightful flower and gift shop, curiously called PoHo.

PoHo is a Sydney florist located on the street level of a beautiful art deco building in Potts Point. They have an exquisite collection of plants, fresh cut flowers and arrangements, and some more unusual tree and branch cuttings, making them an unique addition to your home or balcony.

We were lucky enough to meet the owner, Tim Baber, who personally visits the flower markets very early in the morning and hand selects all his plants and flowers.

Tim provides a balcony design service and will arrange live plants and flowers in your home. Considering that there are many apartment dwellers in the area, this is a great idea to brighten up your outdoor living space.

PoHo also has imported French soaps, fragrances and oils for you and your home, as well as scented candles and more.

If you are looking for a great gift idea, drop into PoHo - they will personally take the time to wrap your selection for you.

PoHo  Flowers•Gifts•Plants•Balcony Design

pH: (02) 9331 4333

117 Maccleay St
Potts Point NSW 2011

We were travelling through Tweed Heads the other evening, and unexpectedly came across this Thai restaurant. It is located a few hundred metres north of the Tweed Shopping Centre.

We were a bit dubious at first, but were greeted at the door by friendly hosts in traditional Thai silk uniforms, and the tables were immaculate, clean and nicely presented.

And the food was fantastic.

We ordered the curry puffs and corn fritters (Tod Mon Kao-Poad) for entree, and Red Curry (Gaeng Pad) and Stir Fried Noodles with Chilli and Basil (Pad Kee Mao).

The meals arrived quickly with unobtrusive service and were delicious.

If you go, try the corn fritters - delightful.

While this might look like a basic Thai takeaway restaurant from the outside, it is clear these chefs know their Thai food, and do it well.

If you are in Tweed Heads, why not give Sukho Thai a try?

Shop 4/26 Minjungbal Rd (cnr Kirkwood Rd)
Tweed Heads South.

(07) 5523 0888

Sadly, a friend was leaving our fair city, he arranged a farewell brunch at The Stone’s Corner Hotel for a small group of friends and colleagues. 

Not uncharacteristically, I was late, so I phoned ahead to order, as I was forewarned that the kitchen closes at 10.45am.  I thought this a bit unfortunate and strange for a venue offering breakfast/brunch.

I had just sat down, greeted everyone when our server appeared to take a drink order.  Definitely a coffee at this "early" hour.  As I had preordered, the wait time for our meals was quite short.  Though, I think the group had not long ordered when I arrived, so a big thumbs up for that. 

My classic eggs benedict was beautifully, yet simply, presented.  One thing I would note is the stingyness with the sauce.  Now, I know hollandaise is difficult to make but more than a drizzle is called for.  I also snuck in a side order of hash browns, which were very promptly delivered, piping hot straight out of the deep fryer. 

My companions ordered big breakfasts and pancakes.  The pancakes looked especially good, 3 pancakes with a fruit compote, cream and ice-cream. 

Again our server was excellent.  I value a server who can just walk out and place food in front of guests, not standing at the head of the table hollering out after who had what.  I think that is a sign of a great server.  An enquiry for more drinks and we were left to our meals.

Once our dishes and extranious bit and pieces were cleared from the table, we were able to sit and chat freely without being hassled to leave.  Sadly, our server had disappeared - perhaps on a well-earned break - so I was unable to thank him.

I always think bookings are a good idea, one doesn’t want to be disappointed!

The other bonus about the Stone’s Corner Hotel…is right on Logan Rd surrounded by outlet shopping!!  What better way to walk off a tasty meal. 

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Stone’s Corner Hotel

346 Logan Rd, Stone’s Corner, 4120

Ph: 07 3397 3727 

After being introduced to this Polish restaurant years ago by a friend of Polish heritage, I have yet to be disappointed by the food.

My birthday dictated I must do something special to celebrate, so a trip to The Polish Place was called for.  An overcast day threatened to mess with my plans, a light shower did fall but thankfully passed quickly.  Most of the seating is outdoors to take full advantage of the view afforded by the elevation of Mt Tamborine, so bear this in mind.  The indoor seating could be good on a cold winters night, I’m sure I’ve seen a fire place…

After standing around like shags on rocks for too long, finally a prepubescent lad seated my companion and me.  After another long wait our server appeared, to save waiting any longer drinks and meals were ordered at once.  A polish beer, chicken soup ($10) and Cabbage rolls for myself, a lighter, local beer, tomato soup and Pierogi for my companion.  The Polish seem to quite favour dill, cabbage and pork/bacon - luckily for me so do I.  But please do not be put off by this, we all know the improvement bacon can make to ANYTHING.

Our beers arrived shortly after, quickly followed by our soups accompanied by bread rolls.  Delicious was the first thing to come to mind.  The tomato soup ($10) obviously homemade and not like any other I’ve tried.  My chicken and pearl barley soup - warm, comforting and creamy.  Unfortunately, our entree plates were still with us when our mains arrived: a meat pierogi ($26) garnished with bacon bits and the pork-filled cabbage rolls (~$25) with a creamy tomato sauce.  One of the rolls had seemingly been sitting for too long and was a little crunchy.

The thing that gets me about this place is the increase in price since we first started going there, it would be roughly $10/dish within the last 5-6 yrs… To me this makes it an expensive lunch.  I haven’t had the pleasure of dinner at this Mt Tamborine venue but have noted the prices are higher again. (noted from memory so might be slightly higher or lower) and the very average service:  seems to be high school kids without any training or guidance.  You can almost feel like you’ve been forgotten.  The view while sweeping, doesn’t compensate…  Would be nice to get better value for money for mine. Oh, and watch out for the birds.

 The Polish Place

333 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD, Australia, 4272

Phone +61 7 5545 1603

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