Reviews by aunty_establishment

This review is for Der Raum, Richmond VIC

verified email - 18 Sep 2007

Der Raum is the type of cocktail bar I take foreign and interstate friends to, when I want to show off Melbourne's great bar scene. There are two reasons to come to Der Raum - absinthe and great cocktails. The bar setup, made from ocky straps, is a nice novelty too. Don't expect much else in the way of vibe or decor - it lives up to its English translation and really is just a room. But one filled with rare and tasty beverages.

Approximate cost: $15 per cocktail

This review is for The Collection, Richmond VIC

verified email - 18 Sep 2007

Richmond is probably better known for its pubs, but there are some reliable cocktail bars dotted around the place. The Collection is just such a bar, with the added advantage of a half-decent tapas menu. Settle in and watch a movie, or just watch the world go by.

Approximate cost: $15 per cocktail

This review is for OptusNet Broadband, Macquarie Park NSW

verified email - 18 Sep 2007

Lately I have been disappointed with the quality of Optus' customer service, particularly when calling them. It is wildly disparate depending on which area of the organisation you are contacting. The small business section (which manages my mobile accounts) is great and you can speak to someone almost immediately, but the consumer division, especially Internet, is woeful. The first five times I called and battled through the voice recognition software, it hung up on me. The next time, I was on hold for over an hour. All this to change my payment details, which can't be done online. Not good enough. I'll be moving ISPs as soon as my contract is up.

Approximate cost: $Varies

This review is for Mikoshi, St Kilda VIC

verified email - 18 Sep 2007

Very poor Japanese dining experience. Our sake had bugs in it - we had finished our meal by the time a replacement was served. The meal itself was unpalatable, but not inedible - just low quality and everything was either slightly flavourless, or overcooked. Wouldn't bother with it again.

Approximate cost: $25

This review is for Elite Clothes Alterations, Richmond VIC

verified email - 06 Sep 2007

Affectionately know locally as "The Russian ladies", Elite Alterations is the best I've tried in Richmond. They are quick and can alter a garment seamlessly (pardon the pun) - often while you wait. A boon for those hitting Bridge Rd - drop off those "NQR" items for alteration, go for lunch and come back to collect your garments before heading home. Very handy.

Approximate cost: $10

This review is for Flavours of Lakhoum, Richmond VIC

verified email - 05 Sep 2007

Sadly Flavours of Lakhoum is up for sale and will soon become yet another mediocre Swan St cafe. In the meantime, it remains the best place to go on a weekend morning for a hangover-dissolving Moroccan breakfast, featuring cucumber, fetta, olives and all manner of other treats. The coffee that's spiced 'til you can stand a spoon in it is welcome, too!

Approximate cost: $14

This review is for Japanese Bath House, Collingwood VIC

verified email - 05 Sep 2007

I am almost reticent to review this place, since I know how hard it can be to get a booking and that more publicity will only make the matter worse. Still, it's too good to keep a secret.

Tucked away in the dingy back streets of Collingwood is an authentic Japanese sento which also offers a traditional lounge and shiatsu massage on tatami matting. To my knowledge there are no others like this in Melbourne and certainly none cheaper. For $100, you can have 1 hour of shiatsu massage and up to 2 hours in the bath, sauna and lounge. Find me another day spa in Melbourne that will accommodate and treat you for 3 hours for $100...please!

Enjoy. But please don't book up all the weekend spots, eh? ;)

Approximate cost: $26-103

This review is for Chimmy's Bakery Kitchen, Richmond VIC

verified email - 05 Sep 2007

Agree with Liz's review, but Chimmy's have recently doubled their space - so it is now easy to get a table (except on Saturday mornings, but that is to be expected!)

I try to pick up a loaf of olive bread from here whenever I'm having guests over. Their little cakes and pastries are ideal for morning tea and they make a fruit loaf that's so dense it can be served in wafer-thin wedges and still satisfy.

I've been informed by the boys in the cheese room at Richmond Hill Larder that the baguettes at the South Melbourne Chimmy's are better, but I'll have to demur to their judgment on that.

Oh, and the coffee is better than OK, too.

Approximate cost: $2-10

This review is for IKEA, Richmond VIC

verified email - 05 Sep 2007

IKEA Australia pales in comparison to its global counterparts. It is a great brand with weak products. However there are some exceptions - their made-to-measure services, such as kitchens, I believe are made locally and come with a substantial warranty as a result. The rest of the products are essentially stock that wouldn't sell in other markets so were sent to Australia.

Do yourself a favour and head to Good Sammy's, pick up a really nice piece of vintage Danish furniture and treasure it. There is a reason the term "cheap and nasty" is a cliche.

Approximate cost: $1 plus

This review is for Lyall Hotel and Spa, South Yarra VIC

verified email - 05 Sep 2007

The Lyall is the sort of hotel you choose to stay at when you want everything to be just so. It is a highly private residence with the kind of service that attracts A list celebrities. There is a day spa for treatments and the rooms themselves are modelled like serviced apartments - there are many considerate design touches. This used to be my first preference when visiting Melbourne and I was never disappointed. Highly recommended if it is within your budget.

Approximate cost: $300-500/ night