Reviews by dkellam

This review is for Anderson Gray Worldwide, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 26 Nov 2008

Adam and Laura run a great show! The breakfast networking is worth getting up at 6am to attend! The honesty and transparency with which everyone conducts themselves is refreshing. Potential clients, business partners and friends abound!

Approximate cost: $25/session

This review is for The Calabrian Restaurant & Bar, Carlton North VIC

verified email - 18 Oct 2007

I visited this establishment 3 times over a course of 3 months. The first time was pleasant enough, where I had delicious porcetta (pork). However, given the price tag (around $30), it lacked in sufficient size and "sides" - i.e. only came with a few potatoes. Nonetheless, very good. Acceptable pizzas (lots of toppings if that's your thing). However, on the subsequent two occasions I was appalled by the service. The next visit was for lunch, arriving around 1:30pm. We didn't leave until 3:30pm, with lunch served a good 90 minutes after we ordered it. There was one other table in use. The time after this, it took 2.5 hours for the first courses to arrive in an admittedly full restaurant. Communication was non-existent and waiters were just standing around doing nothing (not even asking if we wanted anything to tide us over, or refill drinks). I spoke to the owner and told him our table of 12 (we booked) had spent the last 90 minutes talking about how they'd never come back and that at least 60 other people were probably doing the same thing. He listened but basically shrugged it off, presumably having staff problems. I would have left had I not already eaten and been with a group. I could have given them the benefit of the doubt, but given they couldn't serve us adequately with 2 people in a near-empty restaurant, I didn't believe it was a one off. One of the most badly managed restaurants I've come across. I only bother to review it because it's otherwise excellent food and ambiance. A real shame they haven't got it right.

Approximate cost: $25

This review is for Renzo's Bar, Docklands VIC

verified email - 18 Oct 2007

I'm a regular eater at Renzo's (have been perhaps 50-100 times over the last 3 years). Tony the manager is friendly, highly professional and always makes us feel welcome. The main courses and particularly the specials are particularly good. Top dishes are the duck & porcini mushroom risotto, salmon farfelle and pizza al salmone (with caviar/salmon roe). Nice dining environment and the best value restaurant in Docklands. A perfect place for an "out-sourced kitchen" or for taking visitors out. They've got the value spot on. It's a shame their coffee is inconsistent (strange for Lavazza). Their home-made desserts are great, but their standard cakes are average at best. Best finished off with some gelati from nearby Limonetto.

Approximate cost: $20