Ella.Bee 's Reviews

Since my last review, leadership has changed, both on the Executive and the Board. After several months of debating, we have decided to pull our kids. Unfortunately, while the head honchos rave community, their actions have yet to convince me. Not a place I'd send my kids to.

This place reminds me of those old Asian restaurants where everything was covered in plastic. My mum would breath hot air on all the cutlery & wipe it down with the 1-ply tissues on the table. Pho Pasteur is much of a muchness really. Their sign "the Eftpos machine is down for today" is worn and tattered (and of course has been there since they opened), so make sure you take your cash. I can't say that this is the best Vietnamese food I've tasted, but it's not the worst. Flavours are a bit dull and service is a bit lax - the guys waiting on us, stood and watch Back to the Future (which was on a GIANT flat screen TV on the wall above us), while we waited on the bill. Atmosphere really lacked, but the meals are delivered to you promptly and are value for money so really, can't complain.

Max Brenner always has me going back for more. Just not on a Saturday evening. The line is out the door and tables are piled with used & dirty plates & cutlery. Our outside table was sticky & covered in cigarette ash. While the service is prompt. But still, put a smile on for the people guys!

My husband I visited Simmer on the Bay's pop up cafe-style restaurant and while we loved the view and the setting. The food wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped and they didn't have the wines on the menu, but apart from that it was a lovely evening out.

Like Judymb, I too have a high standard of food service. The hard thing about food is you wonder how much of what you are spending actually goes into the prep itself. In the case of my cousin's wedding - at $60/head (roasted meats & veggies a selection of salads, potato bake, oysters, prawns, sweets & cheese) you wonder how much of the cost actually went into the food. The service was great but the food was really average: basic buffet style stuff that would be nice if you were having it at another restaurant with the family. The roasted veggies were really disappointing and the salads were bland. I'm sorry, but I would not be paying $60/head to serve my guests a below par meal.

I spent Saturday afternoon/night at Bilgola SLC for my cousin's wedding reception and it was a really unpleasant occasion. Unfortunately for us, the evening wasn't as great as Mins' occasion below. Dueto the weather 85 adults were crammed into the bar, and for some reason the management would not let you sit in the dining area, despite it having our name tags at our seats. There weren't enough seats so people were left standing around, leaning on whatever they could. The outside DIY photobooth area almost didn't go off, as management (again) couldn't be bothered lighting the place for us. We had to go in several times and request for the lights to be turned on before they actually came out and did so. Bathrooms were a bit scabby, but it's to be expected at a beach club - the floors were really grubby and looked as though they hadn't been cleaned in a while. To their credit, they had tried to spruce the ladies' toilets by putting candles, shells & nice smelling hand wash & cremes, but that was it. The worst part of the night was that the staff behind the bar, would walk around the bar and pick up peoples' FULL glasses of wine/beer. I was shocked when I saw three older women put their glasses of white wine down and moments later the staff came and collected the two FULL ones, leaving the half full one behind. So wrong! Management was pretty unfriendly and unpleasant to deal with overall and the vibe of the place was just dank.

Don't let the suburb turn you off. This primary school is up there with the best in the area. Despite it being in the heart of Mt Druitt, this school is 600+ strong with over 40 ethnic groups represented. Established in 1861, the school reflects this with heritage-style buildings. But don't let this deceive you. Colyton Public is at the forefront of primary education due to their state-of-the-art technology (and teachers who KNOW what they're doing with it), Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL) model and supportive & well trained educators. While the Principal is old in years, he is keen to be up-to-date with pedagogy and technology, and at the forefront of educational initiatives. This is one of the better primary schools out west, where students' welfare comes first and literacy & numeracy levels follow.

This place is under new management but same excellent quality Thai and delishyscrumptious meals. If you can't get to the streets of Bangkok, or to King Street, Newtown, then hit this place up on a weeknight and be prepared for a terrific feast!

An excellent alternative to the more commercial chains, Pedros is always a winner at ours. Whether it's Chilli-Inferno or the staple Hawaiian pizza, the toppings are fresh, bountiful and delish! The staff vary friendly gentleman (possibly the owner?) to more abrupt, but courteous,staff. At $6.95 on Tuesdays you can't go wrong.

Worst service I have ever come across. I couldn't believe how rude the staff behind the counter was when I took my item up to pay. Staff continued conversation with the boy at the door, calling out plans for the weekend and swearing loudly. Staff held out for the payment and never made eye contact with me once. Might as well be served by a robot. Disgusting service.