To be perfectly honest with you all, I didn't really have any expectations before eating at Tong Food and Wine. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't have much of an idea of the menu... I think that is key before you visit. Clear your mind and just experience. You may just be surprised like I was!!!

So, I've visited Tong twice this week and like the astronomical pig I am, I have already tried a clear third of the menu - with the help of some of my foodie friends of course... Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

On my first visit, I have to admit I may have gone a little overboard. Thankfully my friends are used to my ordering habits and readily accept going "family style". It's either that or they accept me picking off their plates in a fit of plate envy. But enough about my bad manners, onto the review...

Tong is converted from an old bank. Pretty cool. Think early 1900's, mixed with industrial and throw in some crazy pop culture references in the form of oversized movie posters. Spotlessly clean, but not unfriendly sterile. It has a somewhat open kitchen which I appreciate and Chefs that seem to enjoy their jobs (love seeing happy smiling staff). I instantly felt welcome. Oh, and it has an awesome outdoor section... Where you can SMOKE... Yay!!!

The food. I have to admit, there were some definite winners, and a couple of somewhat average efforts amongst the mix. I didn't have anything BAD by any stretch of the imagination though. I'll run through all the dishes I tried (remember, across 2 visits and they were shared... No judgements!!!)

The Awesome;

Feta stuffed mushrooms - I didn't expect to like this as I'm not mad about mushrooms, but it was one of my favorite dishes! Perfectly marinated and grilled mushrooms, soft but not soggy, with an awesome garlic oil topped with a lovely sharp feta. Really lovely. I mean really really lovely.

Lamb Cutlets - Do yourself a BIG favour and try these. They Are hands down the best lamb I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Unreal. PERFECTLY marinated and PERFECTLY cooked. I may have written a poem about it on my Facebook page... Yes, it was that good. The lamb that is... Not my poetry. The only thing I didn't love was the sultanas in the cous cous... But that is one of my strange idiosyncrasies.

Zucchini Salad - so fresh, so tasty... Perfect lunch for a warm day. Even better with a beer ;)

Veg fried Rice - Definately Thai inspired with that whole sticky rice feel... Which I love. Punch you in the face kind of flavour... Quite heavy with the mushroom, but again, not unpleasant. It works!!! Very very well.

Chicken Rissoles with the blue cheese sauce - Yum. Just yum. Great balance of flavours... Blue cheese sauce was wonderfully smooth. Even if you don't like blue cheese give this a go. Trust me. You'll thank me for it later.

And.... The Average;

Veg Spring Rolls - these weren't bad. Not bad at all, however, the winner was the sauce it was served with. It really made the somewhat average springrolls something special.

Veggie Stack- I don't know what I was expecting... But I wouldn't write home about this. Maybe I was mushroomed out at this stage, but I just didn't enjoy this. Not bad. But it was a veggie stack... Very one note. Uninspired. Side salad was nice though!!!

Thai Beef Salad - this was actually pretty good. The beef was cooked perfectly and the base dressing was nice... It was just missing a lot. Needed more greens and needed some heat (spice). Then again, that's just my opinion. I guess I'm just disappointed because this dish has so much potential... I just wish it could be brought up a notch, then it would be UNREAL. Bad poetry unreal.

Drinks - I tried the Mojito with cranberry and strawberry... (can't remember the name sorry) Was really lovely. Not overly sweet - very fresh... I love cocktails where you can see all the ingredients clearly, so this was a winner for me.

The service was good too. Relaxed, unobtrusive but still attentive.

So, I will definately be returning to Tongs. I am going to work my way through the remainder of their menu... And cocktail list... I'm just hoping their breakfast is as good as their lunch / dinner!

Approximate cost: $17