11 Reviews
Darlinghurst NSW
This could very well be my new favourite. After reading their book and understanding how far they've come, it was really nice to check out their latest chapter. It also probably helped that Luke himself was there, working the room and showing us the new set up! The service was exceptional, the decor is brilliant, the whole place is fitted out for 'share style' from the menus to the tables. There are a few private tables but they've also adopted the communal eating concept, which provides a fantastic vibe but if you're looking for a quieter venue for a first date or similar then perhaps opt for the bar at the back (across from Love Tilly Devine), bar menu and cocktail list. Every dish was very tasty and so fresh, plan and book ahead in advance as this is the new hot spot and rumour has it they are booked out a month ahead at least for Saturdays at the moment.
Leederville WA
What a hot little spot! If we weren't with locals, although I had read about it here on TrueLocal I don't think we would've made the attempt. It's a bit of a walk out of the hub of Leederville, but well worth the adventure (it's really not that bad, easy walking distance) They host a very cool crowd (but without being pretentious), to complement the very cool decor. It has a street-asian feel and food, hence the uncomfortable seats (grab one with a cushion).
The prawn crackers with chilli rock salt - wowee, we ordered two serves because we couldn't get enough. Our waitress was not only extremely helpful and genuine but like Wilma's review below - a young pretty girl which kept the boys I was with entertained, whilst I attempted to eat the food during their distractions.
The steamed pork dumplings were different to your usual dumplings, more petite but packed with a punch. Small things come in small packages, very true here. We also finished with the crispy pork (not very crispy on this occasion) and the fried green pepper chicken - think 5 star KFC delights.
My only disappointment, was with myself - and not convincing the group to indulge in dessert. An outstanding wine list too - 5 stars from me, very highly recommended.
Adelaide SA
One of Adelaide's absolute greats. Not living in Adelaide leaves me with pangs of discomfort knowing I can't go here whenever I want. The brekkies and their coffees are something to write home about.
My utmost favourite memory and dish is the risotto nero con calamari - squid ink perfection! Not always on the menu, if it was - I may have not moved.
Long lunching is also a favourite past-time, the service is outstanding - prices on the more expensive side but you certainly get what you pay for here.
Love.
Paddington NSW
I've spent a bit of time over the last few years in Endota Spas and hanging out with their lovely and highly skilled staff. Originally started in Adelaide, the spas have started to take over Oz - and I can't complain about that.
This particular spa is situated in suburbia Paddo, the smells that welcome you put you in immediate ease and the complementary tea is divine.
My only feedback here would be to explicitly tell reception if you'd prefer a female or male for your treatment. I had asked for a female and was put with a male, who was great but not what I had requested and I struggled to completely relax as a result.
Balhannah SA
The Adelaide Hills has a lot to offer, but if you're looking for a perfect afternoon, this is where you want to be. The views, the wine, the matching cheeses, it's heaven placed strategically amongst the greenery of vineyards and hills alike.
You can either grab a bottle and set up shop on the verandah, or on the grass. Or if time permits you to watch the world go by (do so!), you can settle in for a wine tasting for $14. This will spoil you with 4 glasses of their pre-selected wine and absolutely devine cheese to match.
The staff are extremely knowledgeable and know their way around a bottle or two. The premises are just gorgeous and the sauvignon blanc is what dreams are made of.
Mona Vale NSW
Talk about "getting it right!!" Interior design services matched with a homewares store and topped with the cutest kitchen serving up some fun dishes. This is where I'd like to spend most of my days.
We wanted to get out of our bubble and were told about this place through friends. I'm such a 'googler' and love my research prior to checking out a new place but couldn't quite figure out what this place had to offer, other than super cute furniture.
Well, in addition to the awesome armchairs, huge variety of exquisite tea cups and saucers, AND the fresh flowers - we sat down to quite a fabulous afternoon. They serve lunch until 3pm, and we got there around 2pm. There was no rushing at all, everyone is on 'beach time'. The menu ranged from burgers, whale ale fish and chips, antipasto platters, ocean trout salads, frittatas, lamb back strap...the list goes on. All very reasonably priced, $15 - $25 ish.
And that's just the savoury. For sweettooths, this will be your sort of heaven. Homemade banana and honey thickshakes served in old school milk bottles and the homemade brownies and caramel slices being the highlights. Then there were the kids on the table next to us were downing GREEN SPIDERS! It's been years since I've seen anyone drink one of those, let alone serve them.
You order up at the counter, grab your number and find a seat. It's much more glamorous than it sounds.
We thought it'd be rude not to order a bottle of champas, again no huge mark up and served in a cute bridgewater mill clear cooler. All amongst amazing furniture, that isn't yours...but could be.
One of the most colourfully classy cafes with very honest hospitality.
Sydney NSW
Decided to take a friend from out of town here last night, after a recommendation to go to its more upmarket venue Kimitaka Azuma. We wanted something a bit closer (Hyde Park end of CBD) and learned Kushiyaki existed, pretty good decision I have to say. Key takeaways included the menu: seared tuna salad and edamame for starters, teriyaki salmon, and the skewers (so many little selections to choose from) and finished with their ever so fluffy daily patisserie which was described in the menu using magical words like 'low calories' and 'whipped cream'.
Beware, the skewers do come tiny - we ordered four to share and then re-ordered another two...of the scallops as they were amazing.
We welcomed the feast with a bottle of reasonably priced white wine, however the total cost wasn't overly cheap, $75 each. I can say, I'd pay it again and again though.
Something to note, the toilets are located outside within the main 501 building so you are sharing with the rest of the public and not just the restaurant's clientele which isn't ideal. That won't keep me from returning though, currently planning my next visit already.
Richmond VIC
I don't think there is a better way to treat yourself than a mani & pedi combo, and Bowie's nails has the works. They rate in my top 5 nail salon experiences, I'm not sure if it's the wide range of OPI colours to choose from, the top range massage chairs, brand spankin' new magazines (Bazaar to Famous) or the complimentary drinks. I love!
After a hard week, or just because...I go here to be pampered and catch up on the latest goss, with or without friends. Highly recommended.
Paddington NSW
Who wouldve thought Sunday night roasts extended past sit downs with the family. Well it does, and Four in Hand pub does it very well.
Sunday nights at the Four in Hand pub are...yes, rowdy. Arriving at 7pm, the pub was still filled with what appeared to be the leftovers of long lunches. The wine list was reasonable, so much so we went with a couple of Sunday ciders and glasses of the house red (and Im not generally a house advocate.) The menu boasts a pretty decent pub variety - and all the meals that came out of the kitchen looked yummo.
Many of the meals appeared to be presented on large, wooden, chopping boards a nice touch. I developed a slight case of food envy with the battered fish & chips fell onto our neighbours high-table, but that was quickly overcome when the four plates (or boards in this case) arrived. A decent serving of roast beef (3 well cut slices) in the middle of a generous spread of mint and gravy, accompanied with carrot as a whole, pickled cabbage, roast potatoes & Yorkshire pudding. All for just $20.
Ill be making this a regular for a roast fix.
Mclaren Vale SA
D'arry's Verandah would be the most delicious place to eat, drink & be merry. The setting is absolutely stunning, whether it's spring or winter - the overlooking vineyard is breathtaking.
The cellar door is directly next door, so you generally take your seat, glance over the delectable menu and order. After ordering, you can head next door to sample each of the wines in the D'arenberg range. A few times I've been, the friendly staff in cellar door are clever enough to help you match your wine to your pre-selected dish/es. For those not there for the wines, the names of the wine are enough to keep you entertained before your food hits the table.
My favourite meal is from D'arry's, I crave it on a regular basis - the lobster medallion with blue swimmer crab & prawn ravioli & lobster bisque. This comes in as an entree for approx $29.00, so it's not exactly cheap...but guaranteed worth every penny. It's that amazing, that I've ordered it as the main before - 3 raviolis. It was a tad bit rich, but with a side salad and complementary wine, you can't be disappointed. An absolute must for locals and travellers from all over.
Sydney, NSW Joined 01 September 2010
- About ShaeShae
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Love all the little pieces that life is made up of, particularly sharing it over food and fun times.
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