I went to Preen for the first time and Vince cut my hair. I was extremely happy as I am very fussy about the cut. I have had so many compliments from my friends so will definately be going back. The staff are all so friendly and make you feel welcome not like some other salons I have been to, hence never returning. I will recommend them to all my friends and family.

Approximate cost: $95

Had a fabulous meal at the Curry Star enjoyed the wonderful curries very authentic and at very reasonable prices. Premises are clean and tables beautifully presented with white linen in a renovated old building that has a lot of charm.
They also do takeaway if you prefer to eat at home but with such great service and lovely food at inexpensive prices its worth a night out with friends to enjoy the ambience.

Approximate cost: $13-16

I went in for a quick sandwich on my way home and was really disappointed when they brought me what looked like a great looking sandwich but when I picked it up the bread was STALE.
When I pointed it out they told me the bread was fresh that day, I make my own bread normally and that bread was hard and dry. The texture of the bread had even that shrunk look when bread is old, or left uncovered.
When they didn't even offer a replacement, or even to toast it, I asked them to wrap it up, and ended up taking it home and putting the filling into my own fresh bread.
I came here (as being new to Ballarat), was told the food was good, but I won't be rushing back anytime soon.
Unhappy customer.

Approximate cost: $10.00

I have been to this restaurant a few times now. The first time was when they only had been open two weeks before they opened up the big dining room. It was a cold winter's night and along with the fire the ambience was great. The food was even better we really enjoyed our three courses which was equal to anything i'd eaten around the world. The prices were very reasonable as well.
The second time I think there was a different chef as the food was still very nice but not the same quality as the first meal both times I had ordered Duck but the first time it was definitely cooked with extra finese. Also the prices had risen which was to be expected.
The third time we took some friends for lunch who were visiting, we were in the lunch side of the restaurant and were very disappointed with the appearance of the room as it looked like they had taken the decoration away, it looked very bland and had no atmosphere. The soup we ordered was so hot (with chilli)I think the cook accidently put to much in and didn't taste it before serving. We were disappointed with our meal especially when I'd raved about the resturant to my guests beforehand and then was bitterly disappointed first with the appearence of the room and then the food.
Would I go back, yes I would as I have experienced some amazing food here and as with any new bussiness there are some teething problems initially.
My advice would be to fix up the lunch room to the same standard as the dining room as appearence does matter ambience is as important as good food, its what a diner remembers long after the expense is forgotten.
As well as having quality control on the food sent out, taste things like soup to make sure one ingredient is not overpowering the rest of the flavours.
Also what would be a nice idea for any resturant is also having a set menu for a reasonable cost like most eating establishments in France have, they pick up the diner who wants ala carte and also for the diner who wants a good value dinner and who would come back more often.

Approximate cost: $28-38

I was recommended to this butcher as I'm new in the area. I wanted a leg of lamb "butterflied" for a special barbeque I was havining and went to this supplier to obtain the meat. When I got home and opened the bag the meat was supplied in, I was appalled to find that the the butcher had just hacked the meat off the bone and supplied the supposed prime cut in tatters. When I called on the phone I was put through to the butcher, but when I explained my concern I was subjected to unrepeatable profanity and the phone was slammed down in my ear. Thinking that the manager was having a bad day; I waited for 10 minutes and called back again but when he heard it was me he immediately profanely abused me and again slammed the phone down once more. Will I ever go back there; never, never, never.

Approximate cost: $29.00