Jabi

5.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  4      Value  5     

This was our first time back at Glass for a number of years, and we were inspired to return after seeing Luke Mangan cook with Heston Blumenthal a few weeks ago.

We had a very up and down experience. The food was great, however, the service left a lot to be desired.

We began by ordering two of the tapas items instead of an item off the standard entree menu. When our servings arrived, the table began to be set up by the wait staff as if we were going to have all the tapas items - something which we mentioned about 3-4 times before another waitress rushed over and informed them that the remainder of the tapas items were for another table. The servings were delicious, so the food certainly saved the service.

Then when they were clearing one of the adjacent tables, all the items were dropped on the floor in one almighty crash, sending food fragments splattering all over the floor and surrounding furnishings, narrowly missing us (by mere millimetres).

Out came the main course, which was enjoyed by us both immensely. The food was fantastic. The Wagyu fillet was immaculate, with the truffle jus subtle, but present. The silver dory (market fish for the day) was full of flavour and obviously fresh, flaked beautifully, but if anything was just taken a smidgen too far. Seasoning was good on both dishes.

What was disturbing about the main course experience was that both adjacent tables to us were occupied during the time we were enjoying our main course, and the proximity of the tables was such that when the wait staff were taking orders, their presence was physically encroaching on our intimate space.

This was highlighted by three factors, the constant bumping of my chair by staff, we both felt claustrophobic when there was a member of the wait staff at both adjacent tables at once, boxing us in with their posteriers, and thirdly, we struck up conversation with the adjacent table about their meals and felt as if we were one dining party.

Dessert was a delight, marred only by the assumption my wife was having the chocolate dish, so they were set down incorrectly, and the length of time it took to clear our table.

We felt that the service could have been better, maybe it was just an off night for the wait staff, but they certainly need to do something about the spacing of the tables.

We will probably not return for a similar period as the last gap between visits, a couple of years.

May 21, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

We dined here with interstate visitors for the first time. We were shown to our table, which had a clear view of the kitchen and pass, which delighted one of our party.

Right from the word go, the service was relaxed and attentive without being overbearing. Our waiter certainly contributed to a very enjoyable evening, providing useful insight into the menu options and also providing some welcomed entertaining comments.

The food was impeccable with each of the main courses ordered being succulent, tasty and also a textural delight. Dessert also proved to be a culinary highlight with a mixture of rich and decadent and light and refreshing being enjoyed. A return trip is guaranteed.

Mar 26, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  7     

Well we returned to Etch for one of the Regional dinners that they regularly hold. This one was for the Alsace region. Each course seemed to get better, and the wines matched perfectly - though the cauliflower mousseline with white asparagus and hazelnut and bacon crumb with its matched wine (the name escapes me at this point) was simply mind blowing. A table visit by head chef James Metcalfe capped off a wonderful culinary experience.

Dec 05, 2011

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

Well we had anticipated going to Becasse for some time, and after having eaten at Etch recently, our expectations were high. We were not disappointed. Right from the moment we walked through the door and were accompanied to our table, we felt as if this was going to be a special experience.

The service was attentive but subtle, which is what we appreciate, and the food was simply stunning. Stunningly presented and just simply amazing. We had the Pork and the Lamb, and both were so succulently tender the sauce was essential to bind it together to remain on your fork.

Dessert was again, stunning. The only drawback was that the Strawberries and Cream dessert that my wife had was quite large, and she would have had less of the main course to save space! A delightful experience for my wife's birthday and we shall definitely be returning.

Mar 24, 2011

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

We had just simply a beautiful evening here. Right from entry through to exit, the service was nigh in impeccable, with the waitress who was hosting us for the evening being attentive and pleasant. She knew each if the dishes and ensured we were kept happy throughout the evening.

The setting is fantastic, the intimate nature of the seating arrangement, the maximization of the view, and the overall feel of the restaurant only served to add to the amazing food that was served. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience with a return trip almost assured.

Nov 06, 2010

5.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  4      Value  5     

This was our first time back at Glass for a number of years, and we were inspired to return after seeing Luke Mangan cook with Heston Blumenthal a few weeks ago.

We had a very up and down experience. The food was great, however, the service left a lot to be desired.

We began by ordering two of the tapas items instead of an item off the standard entree menu. When our servings arrived, the table began to be set up by the wait staff as if we were going to have all the tapas items - something which we mentioned about 3-4 times before another waitress rushed over and informed them that the remainder of the tapas items were for another table. The servings were delicious, so the food certainly saved the service.

Then when they were clearing one of the adjacent tables, all the items were dropped on the floor in one almighty crash, sending food fragments splattering all over the floor and surrounding furnishings, narrowly missing us (by mere millimetres).

Out came the main course, which was enjoyed by us both immensely. The food was fantastic. The Wagyu fillet was immaculate, with the truffle jus subtle, but present. The silver dory (market fish for the day) was full of flavour and obviously fresh, flaked beautifully, but if anything was just taken a smidgen too far. Seasoning was good on both dishes.

What was disturbing about the main course experience was that both adjacent tables to us were occupied during the time we were enjoying our main course, and the proximity of the tables was such that when the wait staff were taking orders, their presence was physically encroaching on our intimate space.

This was highlighted by three factors, the constant bumping of my chair by staff, we both felt claustrophobic when there was a member of the wait staff at both adjacent tables at once, boxing us in with their posteriers, and thirdly, we struck up conversation with the adjacent table about their meals and felt as if we were one dining party.

Dessert was a delight, marred only by the assumption my wife was having the chocolate dish, so they were set down incorrectly, and the length of time it took to clear our table.

We felt that the service could have been better, maybe it was just an off night for the wait staff, but they certainly need to do something about the spacing of the tables.

We will probably not return for a similar period as the last gap between visits, a couple of years.

May 21, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

We dined here with interstate visitors for the first time. We were shown to our table, which had a clear view of the kitchen and pass, which delighted one of our party.

Right from the word go, the service was relaxed and attentive without being overbearing. Our waiter certainly contributed to a very enjoyable evening, providing useful insight into the menu options and also providing some welcomed entertaining comments.

The food was impeccable with each of the main courses ordered being succulent, tasty and also a textural delight. Dessert also proved to be a culinary highlight with a mixture of rich and decadent and light and refreshing being enjoyed. A return trip is guaranteed.

Mar 26, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  7     

Well we returned to Etch for one of the Regional dinners that they regularly hold. This one was for the Alsace region. Each course seemed to get better, and the wines matched perfectly - though the cauliflower mousseline with white asparagus and hazelnut and bacon crumb with its matched wine (the name escapes me at this point) was simply mind blowing. A table visit by head chef James Metcalfe capped off a wonderful culinary experience.

Dec 05, 2011

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

Well we had anticipated going to Becasse for some time, and after having eaten at Etch recently, our expectations were high. We were not disappointed. Right from the moment we walked through the door and were accompanied to our table, we felt as if this was going to be a special experience.

The service was attentive but subtle, which is what we appreciate, and the food was simply stunning. Stunningly presented and just simply amazing. We had the Pork and the Lamb, and both were so succulently tender the sauce was essential to bind it together to remain on your fork.

Dessert was again, stunning. The only drawback was that the Strawberries and Cream dessert that my wife had was quite large, and she would have had less of the main course to save space! A delightful experience for my wife's birthday and we shall definitely be returning.

Mar 24, 2011

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

We had just simply a beautiful evening here. Right from entry through to exit, the service was nigh in impeccable, with the waitress who was hosting us for the evening being attentive and pleasant. She knew each if the dishes and ensured we were kept happy throughout the evening.

The setting is fantastic, the intimate nature of the seating arrangement, the maximization of the view, and the overall feel of the restaurant only served to add to the amazing food that was served. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience with a return trip almost assured.

Nov 06, 2010

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Very apt naming for the restaurant! 9 people very satisfied and impressed with the quality of the dishes. Great Service + Great Food = frequent future visits. :)

May 20, 2009