Went for an Xmas function lunch on a Thursday (booked 2 months in advance). We were upstairs in a secluded room and waited 2 hours for lunch, ending up eating after 3pm. Food was average and after complaining they brought us some calamari and salads to appease us, which in their defence was pretty good. Also ran out of the beer we were drinking after 2 rounds. Some people in our group had been there before and said in the past it had been an excellent venue.

Approximate cost: $40

This rating applies to the deli & fresh food area of the supermarket.

Now here is a supermarket deli that knows what a customer wants. When "Just Deli" at Blackburn Nth is closed, the Maxi deli is a very good alternative. They only cut small quantities of their meats at a time and often cover them with gladwrap to stop them drying out if they are a thin cut. Why other supermarkets don't use the "Maxi Method" to keep things from drying out I'll never know. A simple way of stopping food looking and tasting like it has been there for two weeks!

The staff are also efficient and as you would expect from a supermarket deli, there to get the job done with a smile but no chit chat.

The added bonus is the Philippa's bread range, coffee bean range and the eclectic mix of pre-baked pies, arancini (rice balls) and a fair range of pasta and pasta sauces nearby. Their fruit & vegie section is also reasonable for a supermarket and they stock a fair range but in small quantities. However it always seems like there is enough there to choose from (are they also restocking their vegies frequently?). Maxi is also one of the few supermarkets around that are still serving loose leaf lettuce, rocket and spinach instead of the pre packaged slush that coles and safeway are serving up.

Well done Maxi, for maintaining some integrity in the supermarket world!

Approximate cost: $variable

Mrs Browny says:
I have been visiting Sandton for quite a few years. I was initially attracted by the low irritant, more natural hair dyes they use (unfortunately, sensitive skin means I cannot use the everyday dyes). Since then I've come to expect a friendly greeting, a complimentary tea, coffee or wine, a bit of a catch up with Jenine, Jo and the girls, and most importantly a decent cut and colour. I have not been disappointed. These girls work like trojans to make sure you are happy and satisfied and I do believe it's a genuine care factor stemming from the owners and filtering through to the staff and even the apprentices (one of which is now qualified) are delightful and know how to give you a great head massage.

Keep it up girls, it's been a pleasure!

Very happy to see a consistency of service and quality that has been maintained over many years.

Approximate cost: $100

An old fire station, this restaurant is a very interesting venue. They have maintained the original facade and duplicated the fire station door as a large window. A shame that the original firepole had been cut down years ago for health and safety reasons. The current owners have retained the sawn off stump in the original position.

The service was very friendly if a little slow. The food was up and down. Our table had some very nicely cooked calamari, lamb and veal (cooked exactly as requested) dishes. However the chicken pie, although generous, lacked any complementary sauces or vegetable sides, the citrus salad being quite dry with a strange sprinkling of cinnamon. A shame as this could have been a good dish with a little extra thought but ended up a dry experience for the diner.

The wine list was adequate and had a few interesting wines and after dinner drinks.

Will visit again in the hope that they will become more consistent in their dishes on offer.

Approximate cost: $20-25

We've waited for quite a while for a Sunday Cafe in Mitcham. Cafe Juniper opened a few years ago (sunday's took a little longer) but is a welcome addition to the fledgling cafe scene in the area. This cafe, as far as I know, is the only one open for brunch on a sunday. Hearty, good sized meals and well cooked food have kept us coming back. The staff are friendly and the venue is up to date and well laid out. Added extras are newspapers, a large outdoor area on a sunny day and bi-fold windows to let outside, in.

Approximate cost: $15

We've always got time for a business that gives good, honest and consistent produce & service. This deli provides dips, cheese, meats and many italian goods. Service is crisp and customer friendly. The dips and antipasto are always a consistently high quality (a lot of them are made on the premises). The cheeses are fairly mainstream and the meats are a good variety. The added extras are the daily smoked salmons, canelloni's and pasta dishes. All in all a good old fashioned deli.

Having tasted the Ringer Reef Merlot at a local show a few years back, we were hoping that Ringer Reef would open a cellar door fairly soon. About a year later they did just that & we have been regular visitors ever since. It is refreshing to be able to yarn with Bruce the winemaker and Annette is an absolutely delightful host. They are happy to spend time with you (answering my many questions) and the sale is almost a secondary thing. Currently they are producing Merlot (their signature wine), Chardonnay & a sparkling Merlot (try it, quite surprising). My wife and I are very happy customers!

Approximate cost: $10-25

Staff are helpful, friendly & honest, they also provide good coffee. I've been very happy with the haircut & tips (to cover the greys). Staff have a good care factor.

Approximate cost: $40

Our business has been using Luckman's for the last year for client's events. Ben & his team are extremely professional, efficient and generous with their servings. And then there is the excellent quality of the food! Food is cooked on the premises (if no kitchen is available they can provide amenities) and is fresh and exciting. We have also had to provide business cards to our clients for the many enquiries we receive about the food! Well done and thanks for the excellent customer service and great clean up at the end.

Fantastic food, well presented, good value complimented by exceptional customer service from the staff - particularly the owners. I have eaten here several times and it is always a great experience. Highly recommended.

Approximate cost: $30.00