Reviews by Publius

This review is for Thai Face, Crows Nest NSW

verified email - 06 Apr 2014

Delicious Thai food in a spacious, open restaurant with very comfortable seating. The servings are generous and the presentations beautiful--a little pricey for Thai, perhaps, but the ambiance and seating made up for it.

The waitstaff are very friendly and helpful, and brought up the list of cocktail ingredients when asked about the drinks. Although the rest of my group got their drinks quite quickly, my cocktail took 30 minutes to arrive, and needed reminding. Everything else arrived promptly, and the rest of the meal went without a hitch.

This review is for Macquarie Ice Skating Rink, North Ryde NSW

verified email - 06 Apr 2014

Note: This review is not about the general skating, but the Aussie Skates lessons run by the rink.

I signed up for my first set of skating lessons a month ago, and it's been a wonderful experience so far. I'm a beginner skater, and have found the lessons extremely useful. The instructor is knowledgeable and patient, and is good at explaining the theories and ideas behind certain movements. Every week we learn new skills, and are evaluated on our ability to do them so we can progress to the next lesson and, eventually, the new level.

The lesson "term" is grouped into 4 or 5 lessons (I've signed up for 5 lessons), and includes 30 minutes of instruction every week, and 90 minutes of potential practice, to be used over the 4 or 5 weeks. The lump lesson fee also includes skate hire, and is great value! If you miss a lesson, you can also go to a make-up class, and if you lose your lesson card (which I did in my second week), they'll replace it for a small fee ($8).

Overall, I'm very impressed with both Aussie Skates and the skating rink!

Approximate cost: $115

This review is for Abbey's Bookshop, Sydney NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

Undoubtedly the best bookshop in Sydney for literature, classics (Latin and Ancient Greek), and history. The staff are very knowledgeable, and the prices are good, considering many of the titles can't be found elsewhere. For anyone studying or interested in the humanities, this is definitely the place to go!

This review is for Constant Reader, Crows Nest NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

A wonderful bookshop in Crows Nest, which I've been frequenting for almost a decade. The staff are very helpful, and there is a wonderful selection of books. The shop has recently implemented a loyalty reward system, which makes shopping there even more appealing.

This review is for A Beauty, Crows Nest NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

I had a spare half hour in Crows Nest, and got my eyebrows done at A Beauty. Trish, the beautician, specialises in eyebrow shaping, and had me in and out in 10 minutes. I was very pleased with her work, and it was well worth the $15!

This review is for Bookworld, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

I put through an order on Sunday, received an email about its dispatch on Monday (with tracking), and had my book in my hands on Wednesday--online shopping in Australia really doesn't get much better than that!

The prices are quite competitive and can hold their own against The Book Depository, and it's bonus that Bookworld is an Australian company. They also stock a huge range of titles, even some of the more obscure academic ones!

This review is for The Children's Bookshop, Beecroft NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

A beautiful bookshop, with lovely staff, an excellent selection of children's books, and a range of adult books (both fiction and non-fiction) tucked away in the back. A free adult book club runs on Tuesdays, with groups meeting every four weeks to discuss a variety of titles.

The prices are higher than other methods of book-buying (namely online), but they are comparable with physical bookshops in Sydney--and the value is in supporting such a wonderful independent bookseller!

This review is for BPO Restaurant, Beecroft NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

Food is average and a little overpriced, but the building used to be an old Post Office (hence the name) and has quite a bit of character. The drinks selection is a little limited for a wine bar, but the bartender might be able to shake up a "standard" cocktail if requested. A good place for a nice chat over dinner or an hour of quiet reading, but don't expect much from the food.

This review is for Cafe Long Shot, Beecroft NSW

verified email - 27 Mar 2014

A convenient cafe by Beecroft station with pleasant seating both indoors and outdoors, friendly staff, and good coffee. Can be a little busy at lunch and on weekends.