It's really great that someone has the foresight and courage to renovate this lovely old building and provide an inner city experience with a bit of class. I am guessing that all the money went into the renovation because there clearly has been very little spent on staff training.
Having a business acquaintance down from Singapore this week it seem the perfect opportunity to try out the Terrace restaurant for the first time. We booked an outside terrace table and arrived exactly on time and were received at the door by a young person with a lovely continental accent which seemed a good start but that's about the limit of the good news. There were only a few tables occupied but checking our name on the booking list seemed to generate some consternation with much discussion and gazing over the terrace. Eventually after keeping us waiting at the entrance (no invitation to have a drink at the bar etc) fro about five minutes one of the staff said that they would just lay up a table and we would be seated shortly. Several minutes later another staff member asked if they could be of assistance and when advised that we were waiting for a table seated us at one of the newly prepared tables. (Funny, I always thought the booking would have led to some level of preparation for arriving diners , but what do I know)
Again a long wait before receiving menus and an even longer wait to be able to order some refreshment and this lack of attention continued the entire meal. The manager / owner served the wine and explained to us that the wait person on our section was new and was not up to expectations. The manager then sat down at a table of friends and spent the evening enjoying him self with them while we, and other patrons struggled for service - very strange management technique. Perhaps business is so good repeat customers are not an essential factor. The food was OK but not remarkable and the setting, although right on St Georges Terrace is kinda nice.
So overall, not a horrible experience but we walked away thinking - "Wow ! that should have been so much better" and of course there is little chance of us ever returning. A bit sad really.

Approximate cost: $45

Two years ago we received a flyer in our mail box. The presentation and "matter of fact" narrative gave the impression, that all flyers would like to do, of competance so we filed it for future reference. Well late last year, despite our best efforts, our six 12 year old conifers finally gave up their struggle for existence and we made the hard decision to remove them and plant something more suitable. Called Paul Vickers of the Tree Firm, received a telephonic quotation promptly and we advised that we would only like to do the job early 2013. Mid January, received a call from Paul with the good news that he could do the job 08.30 Saturday morning. 08.30 Paul, two assistants and all the gear arrived and in seconds work began. No kidding, by 09.30 all six trees had been through the chipper and those trunks too big for the chipper in the truck, the stumps ground 300mm below ground level, the area raked and the side walk spotless. All at a reasonable price. Good job, freindly service and excellent clean up. I rarely recommend but have no hesitation in recommending these guys. Thanks Paul.

Approximate cost: $500 incl GST

By default we ended up at The Bridge last night. We have been several times before and although the location right on Canning Highway is less than delightful and the fact that it is a very noisy venue (they seem to cater for large parties which are always noisy) the food is usually good. Unfortunately not so last night. The wait staff are obviously untrained and the food and wine was served with absolutely no finesse. The special lamb shank was ordered by two of our party and arrived barely warm and was not at all tender indicating that it may have been under cooked. The other meals were OK but nothing that would encourage a return visit. The desserts were equally uninspiring. The only positive was the manageress who was obliging and very efficient in processing the bill. Might be OK for a small office function but no longer on my list of local dining options.

Approximate cost: $36

Searched a multitude of stores for a suitable outdoor setting and finally found something pretty near perfect close to home. The outlet is fairly large full of display items and with a great range to suit all styles and wallets.
At the time of purchase the store was in the hands of two real youngsters but what a pleasure to deal with them. Their product knowledge was good and they could not have been more helpful and went to some lengths to find the last matching lounger in the state. Good service, good product and prompt delivery - gotta be happy with that.

Approximate cost: $2,500

Had a casual evening bite with friends at the Hangout last night. As expected on a Friday night the place was full but the two wait persons seemed to handle the crowd efficiently and the service was friendly and helpful. Portion sizes are more than adequate and everyone in our party enjoyed their meal. I did make one observation in that a young couple who came in well after us received their orders and had left before we received our main courses - we were in good company and in no hurry so it really was not an issue - just a comment.
The place has a nice atmosphere and it will be good for breakfast, a coffe and cake or a late cocktail and dessert to finish off an evening. Pretty sure that we will be back.

Approximate cost: $15

After a morning errand in Northampton we detoured to the Swan Valley and dropped in to Sittella for a late lunch. We did not have a reservation but we were soon set up at nice table with aview so a good start. We skipped starters but the mains were exceptional - nicely presented and amazing flavours - accompanied by a glass of superb Sittella wine (stopped off at the cellar door to pick up a few bottles of the same after the meal) The mains were followed by an amazing shared dessert. Not a cheap meal but compared to so many "ordinary" restaurants, good value. A great weekend venue but booking is generally essential unless arriving late as we did.

Approximate cost: $40

Dropped in after an evening meal so the ladies could get there sugar fix? A reasonable venue, great range of gelato and waffles etc. but very ordinary service. Understandably, dealing with the public all day every day must affect a persons demeanor but unfriendly and unrefined service does nothing to encourage a repeat visit.

Approximate cost: $7.50

Second visit to this little casual Japanese Restaurant. The venue is probably better suited to a retail outlet than a restaurant and apart from the Japanese style furniture and a couple of typical doorway half curtains the owners have not done much in way of decor. The food, however, soon takes your mind off the surroundings. Excluding the miso soup we shared eight different dishes and each one was a delight. The young wait person (Singaporean not Japanese) was terrific - just the right amount of attention and enthusiastically interested in our satisfaction and opinions of the meal. Interesting to note that the only other diners were all Asian which I consider a good recommendation. Only open for dinner Wed to Sun and BYO.

Approximate cost: $16

This is a small husband and wife business with both partners fully qualified vets and dedicated to the care of animals. We have been using their friendly and efficient services since 2004 and through their care and dedication they certainly saved the life of one of our pets following an unfortunate incident. I seldom make recommendations but if personal, friendly and caring service is what you want for your pet then this could be the vet to choose.

Approximate cost: $Standard rates

Having read a few favorable reviews and as our usual dining partners were all busy this weekend my wife and I popped into Cafe Somerville for the first time last night.
This brightly lit venue is in a business centre and has about a fifty seat capability inside with a small al fresco area which might be quite pleasant in the warmer months if you don't mind sitting in the carpark. The decor consists of lots of Chinese paper decorations hanging from the ceiling and a few wall hangings and a flat screen TV displaying the various dishes which is not a bad idea as it does give some insight into the presentation of the dishes.
The service from the wait staff was willing but uncertain but the manager soon sorted that out and the entree arrived promptly and was hot and good. My wife's main also arrived in reasonable time and I had opportunity to taste it because she was almost done before my selection was provided. Both dishes were OK but unremarkable although my claypot was quite a generous serving and could probably be enjoyed by two modest appetites.
There was some confusion with the bill but the nice lady behind the counter dealt with that in a friendly manner.
So as the name implies not a fine dining restaurant and not first choice for a special occasion or client entertainment, but not bad for a casual local meal. I had the impression that the experience would improve with regular visits.

Approximate cost: $20