Reviews by Sparkesy

This review is for Isabella's Cafe, Parkville VIC

verified email - 28 May 2012

Really nice little Cafe that is a bit more upmarket and better quality than the large cafe area of the conjoined Royal Melbourne Hospital.

When my father recently had a stint in the Royal Melbourne ICU, I found myself spending a lot of time at the hospital, and as such when meal times rolled around, there was always a desire to find something other than hospital cafeteria offerings.

Isabella's fit that bill nicely. I dined there a few times and found the service excellent, the quality of the different dishes I tried to be quite high and the prices around what you would expect. Especially considering the location, you anticipate you will be price-gouged.

If you find yourself at the Royal Melbourne or Royal Women's hospital around lunch time, give these guys a go.

This review is for Smith's Specialty Pies, Cambridge TAS

verified email - 28 May 2012

This is a factory outlet so don't expect a flashy storefront or showroom. They are open weekday afternoons for Door Sales and represent much better value than buying from your specialty stores if you're in the area.

I've never had a poor quality pie from there. Not all varieties are available at all times, however, you can generally get a good selection.

This review is for Wursthaus Pty Ltd Wholesale, Cambridge TAS

verified email - 27 May 2012

I love heading out here whenever I can to pick up some of the Wursthaus goodness. The factory outlet store is very small but does have a wide variety, though if you're after something specific, I'd recommend phoning ahead to make sure you don't miss out or make a wasted trip.

I also strongly suggest trying the liverwurst. It's the best I've had with no exceptions.

This review is for Max's Meats, Claremont TAS

verified email - 27 May 2012

Nice little butcher, reasonable prices, service is usually friendly but you can forget about trying to negotiate a better price for a bulk deal.

For the most part the quality isn't bad, though if you're buying chicken kievs or schnitzels I'd recommend asking whether or not the skin is on or off. I've been caught a couple of times with that one.

This review is for Park Take-Away, Austins Ferry TAS

verified email - 27 May 2012

Just another fish & chip shop really. The product isn't bad, but the service lacks a bit of personality.

The shop also looks a bit dingy inside. They would go close to doing the best chips in the Claremont area though

This review is for Mr Cleansweep, Hobart TAS

verified email - 23 May 2012

I booked a flue clean and inspection as winter approaches and I was very impressed with this guy's punctuality - he was actually early - got in, got everything checked out, cleaned and gave the call clear nice and promptly.

He seemed to know his stuff and I'll probably use him again before next winter.

This review is for Cuppa Coffee Company, New Town TAS

verified email - 22 May 2012

Very handy drive through coffee shop. I've purchased several morning beverages here and am always happy with the friendly service.

The last time I went through, they even remembered my order.

Great service, coffee isnt too shabby, and you get a shortbread with your coffee as well.

This review is for Entertainment Books, Hawthorn VIC

verified email - 22 May 2012

Nothing short of brilliant. Chock full of value, if you can't recover the outlay cost then you're just not trying.

Page after page of discounts at restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, Takeaway venues and attractions just to name a few.

Highly recommended.

This review is for Underground 53, Hobart TAS

verified email - 22 May 2012

I stumbled on this little place, almost by accident whilst waiting for my wife who was getting her nails done. I had Eggs Benedict for breakfast here and received a generous serving at a very fair price. The food was pretty good, the coffee wasn't and the service was OK.

I've since returned a couple of times and not been disappointed.

I like the fact the downstairs area is generally nice and quiet, though the stairs can be a bit steep so I wouldn't recommend the ladies try it in "nosebleed heels".

This review is for Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant, Claremont TAS

verified email - 05 May 2012

A small Italian restaurant offering dine in or Takeaway meals.

The business is run by two stereotypical Italian women that give you the impression the dine in experience woukd be very hospitable.

We opted for Takeaway Carbonara and Lucia. The flavour of the dishes was quite good, though the Lucia did seem to be lacking a little bit in terms of chicken and mushroom volumes.

Definately one to try.

Approximate cost: $12