Sip Coffee Bar has great coffee and stocks a small range of rolls, wraps and bagels to grab and go - or you can sit at the window or outside and watch the world go by. They also provide very quick and efficient service.

I've finally learned my lesson and won't be returning to Sumo Salad in the Canberra Centre. Their salads look tempting, with the chicken and avocado temptingly displayed on top, but you are actually served the less expensive ingredients under the surface. My last chicken and avocado salad had the merest fleck of avocado and a piece of chicken half the size of my little fingernail. Also, you are paying a lot for a very small serving.

We were very impressed with the quality of the food and service at the Soul Origin outlet in the Canberra Centre. In the weekday lunchtime rush, the staff were courteous and extremely efficient.

Unlike other salad bars which serve you the shredded iceberg lettuce lurking under the surface display of chicken and avocado, Soul Origin actually serves you what you think you're getting. The range and quality of their salads is excellent, and their coffee is great too.

Despite its unpretentious appearance, the Wharfside Cafe offers excellent food which is a notch or two above the usual cafe fare. On a recent trip to Eden we enjoyed beautifully cooked salmon with cranberry and strawberry couscous, and beer-battered calamari.

If you can score a window seat, you can enjoy a glass of wine while checking out the activity at the wharf.

Lucas Studios is a small, privately-owned exercise studio in Mitchell, specialising in small group and one-on-one Pilates training. They also offer other classes including yoga, "Butt N' Barre" and "Cardio Punch".

Pilates options include Circuit, Reformer and Mat classes. We enjoy the Circuit classes which utilise specialised equipment including the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector (my favourite, despite its scary-sounding name). Studio founder Catherine Lucas is very knowledgeable and provides individual instruction.

I would strongly recommend Lucas Studios for Pilates classes in a non-intimidating and fun environment.

I have been going to the Hawker Pharmacy for years, as they are (almost) next door to the Hawker Medical Practice. The staff are very helpful and caring, and always provide relevant advice.

As well, Hawker Pharmacy provides a Senior's Discount for those with an ACT Senior's Card.

Bean in the City is a little "hole in the wall" cafe which is great for grabbing a quick coffee and a bite. Their coffee is excellent, and they also offer a small range of gourmet baguettes and baked goods. Perfect for those on the run, or your can sit at one of the tables on the sidewalk. Their prices are great too.

Tutto Bene has always been one of my favourite places for dining in Melbourne, but after our recent experience we won't be returning.

On our last visit, we were served by four or five wait staff, who seemed to be disorganised, even though the restaurant was less than half-full. We were asked for our drinks order twice; whether we had to leave early for a show two or three times; and when one waiter cleared away our entree plates, he asked whether we were expecting any more food!

Our bread rolls had been heated in the oven and were so hard that they couldn't be torn apart, and could only be cut with great difficulty.

When we sat down, the waitress asked whether we wanted mineral water, and filled two small water glasses from what appeared to be a standard 375ml bottle. Later in the evening, she asked whether we wanted any more water, and when we said yes, she responded that she would have to open another one-litre bottle, so we declined. When we checked the bill, we had been charged $9.50 for a one-litre bottle of water! At that stage we didn't feel like arguing about it, especially as the waitress who finalised our bill couldn't figure how to work the EFTPOS machine, and had to call the manager.

I feel that Tutto Bene is trading on its reputation at this stage, but there are so many restuarants in Melbourne which are keen to provide excellent service that we won't be returning.

A wonderful East Meets West dining experience with excellent food and great service. We have been dining here for longer than I can remember and the food is unfailingly fantastic - highly recommended for a casual night out!

Silo is a Canberra institution. Their bakery treats are to die for and very popular for office parties. They aren't the cheapest, but definitely good value for money. Highly recommended for something special!