Reviews by chrish42

This review is for May Street Larder, East Fremantle WA

verified email - 22 Feb 2015

New place so everyone is keen- packed out and tricky parking. Very poor acoustics - the cement floor looks cool/ trendy to go with casual deco BUT means you can't hear anyone and then everyone yells louder- definitely NOT relaxing! Suggest some cheap-as-chips seagrass matting or rugs to improve the sound problems. Supposed to be vegan friendly - haha I say- when we came for brunch the only vegan breakfast option was not available as had run out of fruit to go in the granola- when we pointed out the 2 punnets of strawberries on the kitchen counter were told 'not the right ones'- they offered toast as the 'vegan option' instead! So my daughter actually went to the supermarket directly behind the cafe and bought her fruit to put on the granola cereal. This on a Sunday morning at 10.30am ! No one bothered to go next door and buy some extra fruit for the granola - vegan daughter and friends not going back. Staff looked harassed - not one smile from any of them!! Food was OK - small but pricey menu- not too long a wait given how busy. But we had to clear our own table and wipe it down with serviettes as no one in sight to do this- very very low on floor staff to clear and set up - definitely no one greeting at the door!!!! Maybe splash out and get some cheery backpackers or work experience youngsters as cheap extras at such a busy time to just do the basics of clearing, shopping, etc to keep everything chugging along. Coffee OK. Had a petition on counter to get alcohol licence- should maybe have a suggestion box as well. Great location - pity about the staffing, variety of vegan food offered, poor acoustics.

Approximate cost: $22

This review is for Exclusive Photography Perth, Nedlands WA

verified email - 29 Nov 2014

I was most disappointed with this company, even though I suspected 'going in' that they wouldn't meet the TV hype from the morning show they are adver-mercialled on. So I was prepared to be more realistic.
You walk from the street straight into the makeup area and the 'vibe' from those waiting there was not great. A warning sign in retrospect. The makeover 'team' they had promised me on the phone was in fact one person, who did my makeup and puffed my hair up a bit- having the TV promotional voucher meant $50 rather than $250 for this- at $50 it was OK, but if I paid any more I would have been very unhappy! When I rang I found out that every person in the photo shoot has to pay this makeup fee seperately- so if my 2 daughters had come that would have meant $150, or $750 full price, before we even got into the photo studio! They opted out. Having said that, the makeup artist she was very friendly and is an asset to the company with her lovely manner. Whilst having the makeup applied a large family group emerged from the studio, all looking quite unhappy- not a good sign! I was told they had just come from 'viewing' their photos. However I went on and found the photographer a very pleasant young woman who did her job efficiently and politely. Again an asset to the company. After the approx 40 minutes of taking the photos (all standard senarios of course) I was taken to an enclosed 'viewing' room. After quite a long wait, I was told by the not very pleasant staff member then (and only then) that I could not chose just one photo as I had wanted. Also they did NOT do 'small' photos only large mural size- I had wanted an A4 size framed photo. I had specifically told the photographer at the outset of the photo shoot that I was wanting just one decent photo of myself - I was very clear that was my aim, but there was never any mention even at the start that this would not be possible. In the 'viewing room' I was eventually told I could purchase a minimum of 3 photos, but would only be available on a disc for $700 not printed or framed- this was the very minimum they would sell me after I insisted I did not want a mural. I was definitely pressured to buy many other photos and spend lot more. Even though I had made up my mind very quickly on a choice of 2 photos that were suitable from the viewing, The woman running 'the viewing' was clearly just 'hard sell' and bordering on intimidation to spend thousands of dollars, and a very unpleasant person. This all made me realise why the original family group I saw looked so very unhappy as they were leaving after having had their 'viewing'.
Whilst I did not expect a Hollywood style shoot that the TV promotion promises, I was let down by the very poor value for money and the pressure selling to buy a product (which has no cooling off period) the true nature of which they do not make clear when you go in. Not everyone wants a mural of themselves across their walls. Some may just want something nice for the mantle piece or a family 'photo gallery' in their hallway as I did. They need to be more upfront about the 'mural only' policy, or provide a better variety of choices.
If they had have been even slightly nicer and fairer I would have considered bringing my daughters back for a follow up shoot - so they have lost potential customers there. And I'd written a good review on WOMO- again potential customers being lost!
My advice is to consider getting your own make up and hair done and try negotiate for that fee to be waived- I doubt they will however. Also before you go in ask to get an explanation on what they are actually going to sell you and what it costs - BEFORE the shutter starts clicking. Good luck with trying to get them to be transparent and upfront though.

Approximate cost: $1000's +++

This review is for THE MANTLE, Fremantle WA

verified email - 29 Nov 2014

we went to the 'Pop-up kitchen' which on the night was Thai. Absolutely fabulous experience- watched the delicious food being cooked, chatted with the very friendly and personable staff- efficient & nothing too much trouble. It was located in The Mantle's 'open warehouse space' - which included a trendy tapas bar downstairs and a cocktail bar on mezzanine level. Place was packed out. No phone number to make reservations, its first come first served. Real mix of family groups, young couples, singles, professionals, artists - ie. the typical 'Fremantle set'. Great atmosphere - relaxed, trendy, slightly edgy, great food and good music. Bustling with activity and future potential- an upstairs (mezzanine) 'space' provided plenty of room for the kids to twirl around and have fun in full view of the adults downstairs enjoying a drink and a meal. Its new and has a great 'vibe'. Only small downside is that smokers can congregate around the entrance, so you have to wend your way through the smoke to get in. Otherwise excellent. Also parking (always an issue in Fremantle) is not an issue here- plenty of free parking nearby even! Easy to get to as well- over the North Fremantle bridge and just past Officeworks- before you get into Fremantle 'proper'.

Approximate cost: $10- $30 depends on which eatery you chose

This review is for Pickled Fig, Bibra Lake WA

verified email - 01 Nov 2014

We love this place because it is dog-friendly - even has the dog water bowls and you can have your dog with you at the outdoor tables. Located opposite the entry to the South Freo dog beach so it is a real selling point to the passing trade! But the food is awesome too- including gluten free and vegan dishes which are equally yummy. Everything fresh and tasty. We love the atmosphere which is cool, beach casual and friendly. Just stopping off for a coffee and delicious cake after walking the muts is a winner. Big bonus is that you get a chance to sign up to get a free meal on your birthday!! As expected it is often packed out at peak times, so best to go to website or phone and book a table for busy times, but otherwise can just drop in. Open everyday 7.30am to 10pm'ish (except Monday closes at 4pm). The location is the tricky thing as its listed as Coogee North, but most people recognise it as South Fremantle. Keep going through roundabout at end of South Terrace and go over the railway line, turn LEFT. At bottom of carpark at beach entry point the cafe is hidden a bit behind the trees.

Approximate cost: $30

This review is for Skippers Air, Cloverdale WA

verified email - 26 Jan 2014

Skippers fly to outback towns as well as mines for many FIFOs. I have used this service from Carnarvon and Meekatharra. They have the monopoly on these towns and no doubt the lack of competition means the airfares are high. However for residents of Carnarvon they do offer a special rate which is a bonus- you have to know to ask, they don't offer it.
The inflight staff are always super helpful and polite. They provide an old fashioned style of service with a cuppa and some biscuits on each flight. The Meekatharra service is only 3 times a week but the Carnarvon service is better. The real downside on the flight is there is no water in the bathroom- only some hand sanitiser which is really inadequate.
One of the other issues is that their Reservation Line (1300 number) has restricted hours. Instead I have many times had to use the terminal number - the upside is that there is such a number to call directly to the terminal which is open longer hours, especially on weekends- ph. 9479 1244.
Also on the upside, their terminal staff are always great to deal with and I have never had any issues with them- given I often travel with my dogs this can be a potential problem. But they are always very very helpful, kind with my pets, flexible and accomodating when required. The terminal itself is also very pleasant and you can even have a smoke at one of the outside tables near the baggage collection area. Coffee & snacks only when a catering van is parked outside so it's a good idea to BYO.

Approximate cost: $400

This review is for New Smile Dental Centre Perth, Subiaco WA

verified email - 26 Jan 2014

As per the many other reviews of this dental practice I have nothing but the highest praise for the dentists who work there- they are exemplary! I found to my surprise their waiting room is also calm and inviting- after years of terror in dental waiting rooms I really noticed the lack of 'dentist smell' and noises that get me anxious. The dentists are welcoming and truly amazing!
However the anaesthetists they use for the sedation are not part of this practice but contracted out, and you have to meet with them elsewhere- I have not had a good experience with either of them. Their attitude was very different to the wonderful dentists. You are also required to pay for them separately. Beware of the extra costs - I got caught with some additional costs that I wasn't expecting. Their administrative staff are a lot less helpful than the dentists, but realistically it is their job not their passion!
This is an expensive trip to the dentist but it is also life changing.
I would rate the dentists 5 out of 5 on every count, and their chairside assistants as well, but the anaesthetists and other staff get a 2 out of 5.

Approximate cost: $20,000

This review is for Europcar Sydney Airport, Mascot NSW

verified email - 25 Jan 2014

It was one of the most expensive prices for car hire but we needed a car over the New Year holiday period so we paid the premium. The car was fine and we returned it an hour earlier than required as we had an early flight. We were shocked to find a substantial extra cost on the credit card afterwards. After 3 emails to the company we finally found out it was an extra days charge, apparently because the car was returned 2 hours late. I explained we were actually on a plane at the time. So beware of the staff processing your car return as late- double check any extra charges on your credit card and make sure you query it. Europcar have not been at all swift in sorting out the problem, but my advice is just to continue to pursue the matter until it is resolved. I wonder how many times this occurs?

Approximate cost: $700

This review is for My Radiology, Bibra Lake WA

verified email - 16 Jan 2014

this practice bulk bills EVERYONE- that makes it GREAT value! Just need medicare card & doctors referral. No income test. Website says it is run by local radiologists not big corporate group. Located just inside Cockburn Commercial Estate, just past Pet World before roundabout. Easy parking. Busy practice so I'd advise ring for appt.

This review is for Dakota's Paw, Spearwood WA

verified email - 14 Jan 2014

Clare is a truly lovely young woman who cares about every dog she grooms. We had an old blind toy poodle whom she clipped with great kindness and was very gentle. We now take our very active standard poodle and she is just as fantastic- and the dog gets really excited as soon as we pull into the driveway! I have used many different groomers in WA, NT & NSW over 25 years of owning poodles and I would definitely recommend Clare as the nicest as well as the best. She moved a while ago from a shopfront to her house but there is still easy parking. She is very reasonably priced and flexible with drop off and pick up for workers. She also used to make one of the best designed dog coats ever- we were lucky enough to buy one of these brightly colored, soft and warm coaties.

Approximate cost: $45

This review is for Palmyra Vetinary Hospital, Palmyra WA

verified email - 14 Jan 2014

Aaron is a very experienced vet with a calm manner and all our dogs are 'putty in his hands'. When we had to have one of our dogs put to sleep he was just wonderful- even though it was 5am on a Sunday morning he came in especially- I can't thank him enough for his kindness. The follow up flowers & card sent to us was a lovely gesture and much appreciated. The clinic is open 6 days per week and weekdays till 6pm which is handy- the only thing I would say is that it would be great if they would offer a Sunday clinic ( even if limited hours) It is very conveniently located next to the Westpac bank in Palmyra in a beautifully restored federation house & the premises are always immaculate and the staff welcoming. They give all the pets personal attention and the odd treat as well!