Reviews by cteeal

This review is for Yarra Valley Deli, Wandin North VIC

verified email - 02 Jul 2010

This is a nice little place to frequent for a light lunch or a quick coffee and cake. Shame they don't open regularly for dinners, but demand probably isn't high for the area. They always do a tasty meal and have a pretty good variety. The only bad thing is that twice, when we've been getting served lunch, it ended either on our lap or all over the table. Once I ordered a focaccia and ended up getting something completely different! Not good when you're vegetarian. They fixed it, but got really flustered and then mucked up our bill. However, they are a pretty good place to go for an easy lunch and I hold nothing against a few little mishaps. Has my recommendation.

Approximate cost: $10+

This review is for Yarra Glen Grand Hotel, Yarra Glen VIC

verified email - 02 Jul 2010

We went here for a birthday function a few weeks back and having heard good things about it, I was a little let down. The outside looks great and the entrance is kind of retro and appealing, however, once you're in the main restaurant the whole thing seems to go down hill. My husband ordered a German beer at the bar, where there was a sign advertising the brand, but the bartender didn't understand him so we ended up with a short-black! The menu was your standard pub fare, but because this was a birthday function, we weren't allowed to order from the normal menu which meant fish 'n chips or chicken parma were the only real options. When the meals came out they were pretty greasy and I felt sick half way through and had to stop. It was a shame because I'd been looking forward to the experience. Oh well!

Approximate cost: $20+

This review is for Succulent Cafe & Home Emporium, Lilydale VIC

verified email - 02 Jul 2010

This is such a great little place for a light lunch, a coffee (fair trade) or a yummy breakfast. This cafe hasn't been around long, but I try and get there regularly to support it. The foccacias are deliciouso, the lasagne is scrumptious and all the little cakes and pastries are yumbo too. I love the chai spice latte in a mug...perfect for cold weather! Aside from the food, its got a cosy, quiet atmosphere, the staff are all nice and you don't wait very long to get your meal. Just a nice, easy meal out!
I think I'll go there for lunch tomorrow actually! :)

Approximate cost: $7.50+

This review is for Burger Culture, Williamstown VIC

verified email - 14 Jun 2010

Wow, don't expect a fabulous welcoming when you walk through the door. Or any kind of greeting whatsoever. Service is non existent. The woman who served me didn't say a word to me at all. And you can forget service with a smile. Service without a pitchfork in your back and you're doing well. Yes I'm exaggerating. But, honestly, it didn't improve my mood.

Lucky the burgers were pretty nice. I didn't wait long and the combos are pretty ok. Small chips though :(

I'd go back cos the burgers were delicious and they have a good menu. The kitchen looked clean and maybe this woman was having a truly bad day.

Approximate cost: $7.50+

This review is for Animal Aid, Coldstream VIC

verified email - 06 Jun 2010

I'm now the proud owner of a beautiful, amazing white cat - who is absolutely loved and adored. And a gorgeous, big fluffball spoodle who fits right in.

The shelter did everything to make the transition smooth and workable for us and our pets. They've been reliable for advice, healthcare and everything you could imagine.

Approximate cost: $100+

This review is for Nardee Indian Restaurant, Warrandyte VIC

verified email - 25 May 2010

We've been here a few times and we've always really enjoyed it. The meals are always filling and tasty. I don't like my Indian really hot, so this is just right for me. The naan bread is awesome and the korma is creamy and thick.

Carparking is a bit painful, but worth it as you don't pay top dollar, yet you get a meal that makes you walk away feeling full.

Service is alright. Nothing to rave about but nothing particularly negative either.

Approximate cost: $15+

This review is for Spudbar, Richmond VIC

verified email - 25 May 2010

Been to almost all the Spudbars now and I love them all. Who would have thought baked potato could be so yummy? Well, ok, maybe everyone...but who cares!
There are so many toppings to choose from, so I like to make my own combinations. The best bit...they're really filling and low fat. If you are feeling daring, buy some of the organic chips they sell. The beetroot is unbelievably melt in the mouth. You wouldn't think it, but try it!

Another great thing is the massive bowls they serve it in as you can wrap your hands around it and warm up in winter. Plus, everything is always clean and fresh.

Spuderific!

Approximate cost: $7.50+

This review is for Brunetti Classico, Carlton VIC

verified email - 25 May 2010

We go here whenever we're wanting the Lygon Street experience, without the restaurant hassle. On a weekend, this place is packed and you are doing well to get a table. It's a pretty hectic set up and you literally elbow your way through the crowd, but once you do its a smorgasboard of delicious choices. Try any of the hot meals and you'll be feeling more than satisfied. Lasagne is my favourite but the focaccia breads are delicious too. Add to that a coffee and any one of the hundreds of sweet options and you're in for a winner. I love the giant rum balls and the little chocolates up the other end!
Their cakes are quite affordable and a really good size. They give you great advice on storing them if you've bought one for a special occasion.

A true winner!

Approximate cost: $15+

This review is for Koko Black, Carlton VIC

verified email - 10 May 2010

Must have gone here on a bad day because we didn't get the experience we were hoping for. While the chocolate mousse and ice-cream martini's were delicious, we were a bit let down by the slow service and the time it took to get someone to give us a table, despite there being heaps of empty ones. We would have sat down, but a sign said to wait to be seated.

The price was pretty steep for the chocolate mousse, as it was pretty tiny compared to the pictures you see on the webpage. Ice-cream martini was fine though.

The place was a bit dirty and staff seemed a bit preoccupied. But like I said, it wasn't what I'd heard about it, so this must have just been a bad day or something.

I will try this one again and see if I can make some changes to this review.

Approximate cost: $8.95+

This review is for Kofi Beans, Croydon VIC

verified email - 05 May 2010

Tucked away, in a line of shops on the main street of Croydon, you could be forgiven for walking past Kofi Beans without even noticing it. However, if you take a bit more care and notice the little tables and chairs out the front and the beautiful moroccan styled house decorations that frame the windows, then you may like to wander in...you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Kofi Beans has a fabulous, middle-eastern inspired menu: couscous, free-range meats, lots of vegetarian options and a delicious variety of gourmet choices. The coffee is always rich and delicious and the cakes and slices are a real treat. I love the little choccies too. The only let down is the Chai Latte, which is a bit weak and milky.

The staff are always pretty friendly and if you take your dog and sit outside, they'll be quick to give your four-legged friend a drink of water.

If you wander through the store, while it's jam packed to the roof, there are some fabulous middle-eastern pieces - beautiful plates, ottomans, candlesticks, lanterns and wall fixtures.

it's a great little place to have a light lunch, but also, now, dinner on a Friday night. Let's hope they extend it to Saturdays too!

Approximate cost: $20+