feis

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

My favourite restaurant in Newcastle to date. You must book esp. on your traditional busy nights Thurs-Sat, it was busy, yet the food came out in a timely fashion. Must have the Crab Claws Yum! I know you can BYO I can't remember if there is corkage or not or if they are licenced. No doubt I'll be going back so I'll update all the info i can.

May 04, 2010

6 Average

Food  5      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  5     

I been here a few times, as the views on the balcony are surprisingly peaceful and lovely in the warmer weather. The drinks are cheap, having said that as with the views, I think they are the only reason I keep coming back.

It is sooo unfortunate that the food here has a terrible track record. I think I've only enjoyed a meal here once! It was on the special board and it was chunky beef/Irish pie baked in a ramekin, lovely pastry, normally or as an average food-ie I wouldn’t go on about it but in general, again, unfortunately, the food here is ordinary, especially the vegetables, boiled, bland, left to dry under the buffet light. I find the quality so bad, I try to eat before I drink here.

Service is O.K, as I have been here a few times they recognise me. Although beware the “sour-puss” lady! Every time I come here and she’s on, I've had problems. Asked for a bowl of vegetables with gravy, only really wanted pumpkin and potato and by the time the other meal was ready she then decided to make my bowl up and had ‘run-out’ of pumpkin and potato so I had under cooked, flavourless, very dry, carrot, broccoli and cauliflower with an underwhelming bit of gravy, eh I didn't eat it in the end and just had another drink!

This place has soo much potential, I keep hoping they will get new kitchen staff with a higher standard because the venue is great and the drinks are cheap. Keeping my fingers crossed, I’ll let you know and hopefully give a better review.
Would I recommend? Only as a place to drink, sorry if you get hungry! Would I come back? Certainly not for the dining experience.

Nov 12, 2009

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

I've had both take-a-way and Dine-In here, both under the New Management.
Panang curry is my favourite Thai Curry and I am very pleased to say that Shada Thai does this dish justice and even more pleased that they have duck as an option. I am always surprised (and disappointed) when I go to a Thai place and they don’t do Panang Curry (I won't go back). No soft shell crab but I usually see that as a (big) bonus instead of a must, oh and of course only if its done well.

So there’s not many places around Rockdale that you feel like you’d want to Dine-In at, (not that Shada is any place for a elegant or formal evening), it’s a local Thai joint, with décor that reflects, a little tacky (clear plastic table covers with mutli-coloured sparkles, over the white cloth and gold runner) but I think that just helps you relax and enjoy your food.

Shada Thai is comfortable and clean, without harsh lighting and hard plastic chairs, it has a restaurant feel which is nice for dine-in (as alot of places about have leave the door/s open and have that take-a-way feel about it). The waitress’ are lovely and when you dine-in you get a complimentary serving of prawn crackers (prawn chips) which I thought was a nice touch and water straight up, no need to ask or wait.

I have closer Thai joints but this is the one I prefer to order at or if I just want to eat ‘out’ locally, I go to Shada Thai. Recommend? Yes, Go back? I do.? I do.

Nov 12, 2009

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

I can’t believe I had to ‘add’ this little ripper to Eatability! Unless of course, the regulars wanted it to be kept quiet..?! oops! There are two Zion’s about (apparently), but I've only ever been to the Mascot one. Hand-made, Fresh, Big rolls, made to order. There’s no Sushi Train (for those wanting to experience that) but for the size and price of the rolls, I hope they never go that way! If you’re in a hurry, some are on display (made fresh that day).

With my healthy appetite, one of these large rolls would normally suffice but the staff are so friendly and they are always happy to tweak your sushi roll the way you love it. I always end up eating 2! They have never forgotten to put in my soy, wasabi, chopsticks or napkin, ever so polite, at times I feel like I've stepped right back into Japan… (I wish) but without the formality, Zion (Mascot) is the next best thing to being at Tsukiji! A favourite "Local" joint! Enjoy!

Nov 09, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

Been here a few times. For a group of 4 – 6 people I like the booths. I have also sat at the Sushi Train with a friend, its good but in general, Sushi Tei (Chifley) feels as though they charge for the “up market” feel and corporate location. Bento Boxes are pricy but the selection is huge.

Service is a bit slow when they get busy, should you 'expect' that? or should they be more prepared/skilled/ more staff...? If you’re after something a bit more formal then your take-out /sit-in “chain”, then Sushi Tei is a nice spot. Just beware it reflects in the price. Too pricy for take-a-way, I do come back now and then, when I feel like a “sit-down”, let’s “do” lunch kind of day.

Nov 09, 2009

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

My favourite restaurant in Newcastle to date. You must book esp. on your traditional busy nights Thurs-Sat, it was busy, yet the food came out in a timely fashion. Must have the Crab Claws Yum! I know you can BYO I can't remember if there is corkage or not or if they are licenced. No doubt I'll be going back so I'll update all the info i can.

May 04, 2010

6 Average

Food  5      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  5     

I been here a few times, as the views on the balcony are surprisingly peaceful and lovely in the warmer weather. The drinks are cheap, having said that as with the views, I think they are the only reason I keep coming back.

It is sooo unfortunate that the food here has a terrible track record. I think I've only enjoyed a meal here once! It was on the special board and it was chunky beef/Irish pie baked in a ramekin, lovely pastry, normally or as an average food-ie I wouldn’t go on about it but in general, again, unfortunately, the food here is ordinary, especially the vegetables, boiled, bland, left to dry under the buffet light. I find the quality so bad, I try to eat before I drink here.

Service is O.K, as I have been here a few times they recognise me. Although beware the “sour-puss” lady! Every time I come here and she’s on, I've had problems. Asked for a bowl of vegetables with gravy, only really wanted pumpkin and potato and by the time the other meal was ready she then decided to make my bowl up and had ‘run-out’ of pumpkin and potato so I had under cooked, flavourless, very dry, carrot, broccoli and cauliflower with an underwhelming bit of gravy, eh I didn't eat it in the end and just had another drink!

This place has soo much potential, I keep hoping they will get new kitchen staff with a higher standard because the venue is great and the drinks are cheap. Keeping my fingers crossed, I’ll let you know and hopefully give a better review.
Would I recommend? Only as a place to drink, sorry if you get hungry! Would I come back? Certainly not for the dining experience.

Nov 12, 2009

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

I've had both take-a-way and Dine-In here, both under the New Management.
Panang curry is my favourite Thai Curry and I am very pleased to say that Shada Thai does this dish justice and even more pleased that they have duck as an option. I am always surprised (and disappointed) when I go to a Thai place and they don’t do Panang Curry (I won't go back). No soft shell crab but I usually see that as a (big) bonus instead of a must, oh and of course only if its done well.

So there’s not many places around Rockdale that you feel like you’d want to Dine-In at, (not that Shada is any place for a elegant or formal evening), it’s a local Thai joint, with décor that reflects, a little tacky (clear plastic table covers with mutli-coloured sparkles, over the white cloth and gold runner) but I think that just helps you relax and enjoy your food.

Shada Thai is comfortable and clean, without harsh lighting and hard plastic chairs, it has a restaurant feel which is nice for dine-in (as alot of places about have leave the door/s open and have that take-a-way feel about it). The waitress’ are lovely and when you dine-in you get a complimentary serving of prawn crackers (prawn chips) which I thought was a nice touch and water straight up, no need to ask or wait.

I have closer Thai joints but this is the one I prefer to order at or if I just want to eat ‘out’ locally, I go to Shada Thai. Recommend? Yes, Go back? I do.? I do.

Nov 12, 2009

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

I can’t believe I had to ‘add’ this little ripper to Eatability! Unless of course, the regulars wanted it to be kept quiet..?! oops! There are two Zion’s about (apparently), but I've only ever been to the Mascot one. Hand-made, Fresh, Big rolls, made to order. There’s no Sushi Train (for those wanting to experience that) but for the size and price of the rolls, I hope they never go that way! If you’re in a hurry, some are on display (made fresh that day).

With my healthy appetite, one of these large rolls would normally suffice but the staff are so friendly and they are always happy to tweak your sushi roll the way you love it. I always end up eating 2! They have never forgotten to put in my soy, wasabi, chopsticks or napkin, ever so polite, at times I feel like I've stepped right back into Japan… (I wish) but without the formality, Zion (Mascot) is the next best thing to being at Tsukiji! A favourite "Local" joint! Enjoy!

Nov 09, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

Been here a few times. For a group of 4 – 6 people I like the booths. I have also sat at the Sushi Train with a friend, its good but in general, Sushi Tei (Chifley) feels as though they charge for the “up market” feel and corporate location. Bento Boxes are pricy but the selection is huge.

Service is a bit slow when they get busy, should you 'expect' that? or should they be more prepared/skilled/ more staff...? If you’re after something a bit more formal then your take-out /sit-in “chain”, then Sushi Tei is a nice spot. Just beware it reflects in the price. Too pricy for take-a-way, I do come back now and then, when I feel like a “sit-down”, let’s “do” lunch kind of day.

Nov 09, 2009

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  6      Value  7     

I'm sadden by some of the bad reviews, I really like Kobe Jones, its just a bit expensive but I think the views are worth it. I've been here a handful of times now and so the service isn't great I know, but thats not why I like it here.

Food - I love! I love the #1 Special Always – it’s a must! The soft shell crab is usually good (it was too spicy once but the next time was great) and I love trying the large range of delicious sushi rolls. I always bring o/s guests here, again not for the service but for the food and the views and had a lovely time.

Re-visited this place on a Sunday night, beware the 10% surcharge (not helping the value factor) we only wanted to have their Famous #1 Special, we didn't order drinks, the staff (at least) still "forced"? a smile and served us. They didn't charge us for water, in the end we also had a Spider Sushi Roll (w/soft shell crab) about $25 for the roll (6 pieces). We still got a seat outside, still a place I'd recommend for ambience and the experience.

Nov 09, 2009

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  7     

My Tonic review comes a year later. To celebrate an anniversary last year (Nov 2008) I decided I wanted to try a “hat” rated restaurant. Just a side note, the only thing that really stands out about that evening was the extreme weird weather for that time of year. It snowed overnight! Ok back to the review.

Food – I enjoyed it, my husband and I ordered different things so I got to try a bit more, nothing outstanding or anything that I must go back for. Ambience – As we wanted it to be romantic, I liked how the tables were far apart, it felt private without being secluded.

Service – I do remember thinking it wasn’t great. It’s like the staff wear this “we are a hat rated restaurant” badge and do their job with a smile but they aren’t friendly..? Value – I'm sure they cook and prepare the food in a fancy way and they do present it all fancy like in “restaurant proportions” (lucky we had a cheese platter in the afternoon w/a bottle of wine). You're paying for the “hat” experience but I could have stayed in Sydney CBD and went to a “fancy” restaurant (not “hat” rated) and wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference. Maybe I need to be MasterChef to appreciate the rating…?

Would I recommend it? Sure if you’re in the area. Would I go again? Probably not, there are heaps of places to try up the road in Orange. Value for money and overall satisfaction, I think I could find better, having said that for the “hat” experience I was looking for. I’d never know if I didn’t go.

Nov 04, 2009

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

OMG! After being asked twice why I didn't book at the Bank Hotel, I started to doubt myself. I hadn't been there and the recent reviews were mixed. I came across Atom Thai, with over 100 reviews and scoring well into the 8's, I took charge and booked at Atom Thai, only being down the road, a bit further away from the station (thankful of that after my meal!) .

It was for my husband's birthday, so I wanted the service to be great and to allow things like bringing his favourite cake, which I dropped off during the day, the staff were only happy to help me out and fiddle with candles etc that I had bought earlier.

When we arrived later that night we were pleasantly greeted and after the BottleShop didn't have my sparkling chilled, we started with a white wine and Atom Thai staff were courteous and happy to put our bottle in the freezer to try and chilli it quickly for us. The food, we ordered: BBQ Octopus (which normally is an entree but we wanted to get a few dishes and rice and share, again Atom Staff understood and only happy to accommodate).

Green beef curry, duck salad, soft shell crab (special board) and crispy pork chilli basil (special board). The timing was excellent, as soon as the 1st dish (duck salad arrived) it was only a minute and another dish followed by another, within 5 minutes we had all the dishes and the table was humming with full mouths, trying to fit in conversation.

Ambience, all tables were occupied although you didn't feel any noise pollution, the lighting was soft and lovely. A little snug but I tihnk thats due to its popularity. Book, so not to be disappointed. Service, after having my cousin here who is travelling at the moment, Sydney (Australia..?) our "service" has alot to be desired, mostly I am embarrassed but of course this is not the case at Atom, a full 10 points. esp. after having a few drinks, our table got a little "roudy" we knew it was time to leave but Atom staff, with a smile, thanked us for coming and made us feel welcome.

Value, BYO keeps the bill very reasonable and we did order the soft shell crab, not including the cost of the birthday cake which we ate as dessert. It cost us $135 something. I don't think its cheap Thai, but having said that it certainly was not nasty! Atom Thai represents value for money. The food (flavour-some, fresh, honest) service a delight, the best I've experienced in a long time, ambience welcoming and authentic.

Would I recommend? Absolutely! Will I be back again? Definitely! Thank Atom thai for a wonderful night!

Response from Management:
Hi, feis

We are utterly flattered by your review and feedback. I am sure all the staff will be extremely happy when I pass on your compliments. It is also to our great satisfaction that we have made the dinner a memorable experience for you, your husband and friends/family.

I am grateful that you have taken time and effort to write us a very comprehensive review, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. We will keep up the good work - food and service, and I guess that is our best way of saying thank you.

Cheers,
Atom

Nov 02, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I found a gem! I mean there are ok places around here but they are scattered and few and far between, or maybe I haven’t been looking hard enough.? Anyway,
pleasantly surprised, fresh food, great set up, clean. I love places where you can see the food prep and you can judge the hygiene for yourself, I stayed.

Coffee was nice, I love bread, so I was in heaven, wide variety baked on premise. I also like how they sell produce, like Olive Oils for dipping your freshly baked bread you just bought and its there for you to try! (another aspect I loved (double) thumbs up!). I had lunch and the value was reasonable. Informal and friendly and the fact that they were aware of “Pancake Tuesday” and ran a special menu for it, I like that, keeping up with what’s going on.

I will be taking my mum there next time I visit, so that’s a compliment to them.
Edit: OMG they are not open Sunday! They are now open Sunday's! (what a relief).

Aug 12, 2009

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  8     

Check out the "Movie" package and then make sure you leave enough time to eat. Drink before, as you can't BYO (its part of a 'temple') and you'll have a fun night.
It is a vegetarian buffet and self serve, I don't expect staff to be great, they are a bit slow for water etc.

My friend is vegan and loves that there is somewhere for her to eat out. I enjoyed the food as well and was full. We chose to watch an indian subtitled comedy for laughs and it was, love the cushion/lay down thing. Its all very "kool" and slightly "hippy-man", chill out and go with the flow.

Aug 12, 2009