Reviews by Fiona
Just visited this childrens farm as we were nearby. The kids loved it! Everything that the more well known farms have and it was layed out really well. We took a picnic lunch so I can't say anything about the food. Plenty of picnic tables and lawn area. Also looked good for childrens parties - a couple of dedicated areas that can be booked. The kids loved feeding the larger animals and we were lucky enough to see piglets that had just been born earlier today! There were a few enclosures of snakes, lizards and turtles that the kids found interesting. Also had a pony ride. The only critism was that a couple of staff we encountered seemed a bit bored and disinterested (although it was Saturday afternoon!). Pretty good value at $20 a family.
Approximate cost: $20
I've been going to this cafe fairly regularly with my cycling group for the past 2-3 months (maybe 1-2 times a week?) but unfortunately today will be the last time. Even though the cafe was nowhere near full, when we arrived today he asked us to sit outside at the back as he didn't want the place "overrun with cyclists" (it was probably around 12 degrees so still very cold!). He later came out and said that he has very valuable clients and can't have us taking over the place and going through boxes of stuff (one of the club organisers had met us there with a small box containing some kit for a couple of the girls - it was certainly not offensive). It's true that we generally only get 1 or 2 coffees each which I'm sure is not that profitable, but on weekends people often get breakfast as well when they have more time. The food and coffees have been pretty good in the past but it was made very clear that cyclists were not welcome today so I won't be back. There are plenty of other cafes looking to attract the cycling crowd.
Finally I've found a great butcher! For the last few weeks I've been buying meats from this butcher in the Bentleigh Fresh market and am loving the quality. Guests have commented on how nice the bbq meats are - even my husband (who has very high standards ;) ) loves it. Have been getting lamb backstraps, sausages, chicken, mince, roasts and a few other things. Service is great - very traditional. Not cheap but worth it. Good advice too!
We have been using TigerPrint for around 5 years now for all our business printing - flyers, letterhead, business cards, envelopes etc. Gary is always very easy to deal with the keeps his prices sharp (unlike others who start at a good price and then creep them up over time). Delivery is always prompt and quality is good. I've recommended them to others who have also had good feedback. Highly recommend.
My husband and I were lucky enough to be given a gift voucher for Balgownie Estate. We recently used this for a night away (no kids) and were not disappointed. The room was nice with everything you'd need - heaps of space as the bedroom is separate from the living area. The standout was Rae's Restaurant though. We had a superb dinner here. The food was gorgeous and a very nice atmostphere. We were back the next morning for breakfast (which did as lunch as it was so much). Absolutely beautiful.
Tip - don't do the scenic walk if its been wet unless you have gumboots!
Have been here a couple of times as my family have realised a voucher is a great present for me! Each time I've had a massage and it's been lovely. This place is tucked away a bit but the therapists I've had have all been very good.
Had a lovely midweek dinner here with a few friends during the week. Its a very popular place and for good reason. Food is a combination of traditional pub grub (although a bit high end) and classy modern Australian. I had the lamb salad which was spot on. Friends had pasta, a hamburger and a caesar salad which were all good as well. Service was faultless and we had a great night.
Approximate cost: $25
Needed to bring a plate for a party and was quite disorganised. Had the brainwave of bringing a platter of sushi (actually California hand-rolls). Called and ordered it and picked it up on the way. Brilliant quality. Everyone loved it and it was so easy!
Approximate cost: $38 for a large platter
This is a good place to bring kids as the food comes quickly and the kids love it. Pizzas are pretty good (although I think they have gone downhill a bit in recent years). The kids love the icecream too. Very casual but the service we've got has always been very friendly and the prices are good.
Jess is a friend of my sister-in-law and she recently did a spray tan for me (for a wedding). She has a small salon set up in her home, but it works perfectly. She is extremely friendly, has very reasonable rates and does a fantastic job. (Makes you feel as comfortable as you can!) Also great that she will often work after hours (so I visited about 8pm on a weeknight which suited me a lot better).