gummibonbon

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  3     

Like a few other reviewers I had really been looking forward to visiting Bloodwood. Unfortunately, like many Sydney restaurants these days it was a disappointment. First, I'm a person that likes to choose from a decently sized menu. There were only a handful of items on the Bloodwood menu so we decided to go for the most popular dishes as per internet reviews.

We had the polenta chips, chicken wings, salted cod and lamb kibbeh. The first two items, in my mind should be plentiful and moreish, especially given their prices, $9 and $12 (?). I think there were less than 10 pieces of chips and around 5 chicken wings. I wouldn't really call them chicken wings as most of it had been cut away to make them 'user friendly' and presentable.

The salted cod was too salty for my liking but my dining companion seemed to like it. It could be just me but most dishes at Bloodwood were quite salty. The food is a bit of a mixed bag and I agree with Blairegourmand that there were a few too many tragic trendies for my liking.

The lamb kibbeh was nothing special, looked unappealing and not worth $28. We didn't stay for dessert based on the mediocre food. Further, it was an extremely cold night and they left the back door open. Sadly, as much as I wanted to like Bloodwood, I will not be back.

May 05, 2010

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Enticed by their exciting menu at the Taste of Sydney festival we decided to have dinner at Danks St Depot. Note: to our disappointment, none of the items that appeared at Taste were on the menu. Further to this, the dinner menu at Danks St is limited and uninspired, our party of 4 ordered the following:

Entree: Garlic Bread $9.50. Potato & Chive Soup $18. Chicken Liver Parfait $18.
The entrees were mediocre, and were bad value for money. The garlic bread was overly sweet, soaked in oil and had no taste of garlic. The potato and chive soup was served lukewarm in a shallow bowl, so you really don't get much for $18. My friends enjoyed the chicken liver parfait, however, it was again not value for money provided that you are only given one slice for $18.

Mains: Cape Grim Grass Fed Angus Scotch Fillet Steak $30. Roasted Pork Shoulder $25. The mains were where the whole experience failed. Three of us ordered the Scotch Fillet, it was fatty, full of chewy tendons, coarse in texture and tasted unfresh. The accompanying cafe de paris butter did not complement the steak at all and was too sweet for our liking. The hand cut chips were unseasoned and cold.

Generally, the dish was sub par and not worth $30. The roasted pork shoulder was cold, tough and again the flavours did not complement. Regarding service, it was decent to begin with but towards the conclusion of the meal the waitress came around to ask us if the meal was ok. We replied that, unfortunately, it was not, she appeared shocked and must have advised another waitress who then came around to discuss.

This waitress was rude and defensive and did not take any criticism graciously. She asserted that everyone else had positive experiences that night (we should mention that for the whole night there were probably only around 5 tables including ours) and that she even had a steak herself and it was fine, basically dismissing all our grievances. We did not stay for dessert as she basically ushered us out at the conclusion of that confrontation.

We will never go back to Danks St Depot, please don't waste your money there.

Apr 10, 2010

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  5     

Agree with below comments, food is delicious but a bit pricey. I guess that has to do with the mainly business clientele they get here. We went for dinner and got the Entree Tasting Platter (this is highly recommended), Sashimi Platter (~$60), Teriyaki Chicken ($27), Kushiage Plate (~$25), a la carte Sushi ($6-9 per piece) and the Dessert Tasting Platter (~$15).

Service is generally friendly, helpful, professional and unobtrusive. However, I found it a bit weird that the Sashimi Platter came before the entree. Chef's selection sashimi was extremely fresh, the kingfish and salmon were particularly good. Can't say the same for the a la carte sushi, price per piece was not good value and was not very fresh (bad choice on my part perhaps?).

Kushiage, teriyaki and dessert were tasty. All up $200 for two people dinner including drinks. I would recommend coming here, at least once or even more, if you don't mind the prices.

Aug 05, 2009

6.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  6     

I really was hoping to find a quality local restaurant that I could frequent. Unfortunately, I don't think it is Gusto. Head Chef's credentials are impressive given that he is running a local eatery in the South, but the food doesn't match up to the impressive description. Went on a Tuesday night around 8 pm, could get a table calling 30 minutes beforehand which was convenient.

We weren't that hungry so ordered 1 entree, 1 main, 1 dessert to share and coffee. Pizzas are a decent size, prices are around 16-18 dollars. We got the had proscuitto, cheese, rocket (a lot of it and it seemed like a theme as there was a lot in the pasta too) and olives. I thought the pizza was perhaps a bit salty, ingredients are decent quality but there aren't many choices on the pizza menu.

The Clock and Oyster at Oatley has far superior pizzas at similar prices. For the main we got the Spaghetti Gamberi, I think it was priced around $27. Prawns were large and fresh but the pasta was nothing special and size was towards the small side. Was really looking forward to desserts and got the Tiramisu ($9), this turned out to be the biggest disappointment as I was looking forward to a huge slab of decadence but rather it resembled a regular coffee flavoured layer cake more than a Tiramisu.

Furthermore, for some reason the Chef decided to cover the Tiramisu wiith strawberry sauce. Service is decent but more friendly towards regulars as you may expect for a local eatery. Value is not really there $60 for two people (no drinks) for the dishes described. Overall, was a bit disappointed, may be back but not in a hurry.

Aug 05, 2009

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

I had high expectactions of Sushi Studio upon reading reviews from eatability as well as a huge sushi craving and I have to say I was very pleased with Sushi Studio! Their sushi is extremely fresh, and price is OK given the quality and friendly service.

Not sure if its the best sushi in Sydney, but it's definitely some where up there. Non-sushi dishes are ok. We got the Tofu Eggplant Dengaku and Beef Tataki, but definitely go for the sushi! I would recommend ordering a la carte rather than getting the combination sushi/sashimi plates if you are after a particular sushi (as I was - scallop and salmon roe). $72 for 2 people dinner was reasonable in my opinion, will definitely be going back.

Jul 23, 2009

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  3     

Like a few other reviewers I had really been looking forward to visiting Bloodwood. Unfortunately, like many Sydney restaurants these days it was a disappointment. First, I'm a person that likes to choose from a decently sized menu. There were only a handful of items on the Bloodwood menu so we decided to go for the most popular dishes as per internet reviews.

We had the polenta chips, chicken wings, salted cod and lamb kibbeh. The first two items, in my mind should be plentiful and moreish, especially given their prices, $9 and $12 (?). I think there were less than 10 pieces of chips and around 5 chicken wings. I wouldn't really call them chicken wings as most of it had been cut away to make them 'user friendly' and presentable.

The salted cod was too salty for my liking but my dining companion seemed to like it. It could be just me but most dishes at Bloodwood were quite salty. The food is a bit of a mixed bag and I agree with Blairegourmand that there were a few too many tragic trendies for my liking.

The lamb kibbeh was nothing special, looked unappealing and not worth $28. We didn't stay for dessert based on the mediocre food. Further, it was an extremely cold night and they left the back door open. Sadly, as much as I wanted to like Bloodwood, I will not be back.

May 05, 2010

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Enticed by their exciting menu at the Taste of Sydney festival we decided to have dinner at Danks St Depot. Note: to our disappointment, none of the items that appeared at Taste were on the menu. Further to this, the dinner menu at Danks St is limited and uninspired, our party of 4 ordered the following:

Entree: Garlic Bread $9.50. Potato & Chive Soup $18. Chicken Liver Parfait $18.
The entrees were mediocre, and were bad value for money. The garlic bread was overly sweet, soaked in oil and had no taste of garlic. The potato and chive soup was served lukewarm in a shallow bowl, so you really don't get much for $18. My friends enjoyed the chicken liver parfait, however, it was again not value for money provided that you are only given one slice for $18.

Mains: Cape Grim Grass Fed Angus Scotch Fillet Steak $30. Roasted Pork Shoulder $25. The mains were where the whole experience failed. Three of us ordered the Scotch Fillet, it was fatty, full of chewy tendons, coarse in texture and tasted unfresh. The accompanying cafe de paris butter did not complement the steak at all and was too sweet for our liking. The hand cut chips were unseasoned and cold.

Generally, the dish was sub par and not worth $30. The roasted pork shoulder was cold, tough and again the flavours did not complement. Regarding service, it was decent to begin with but towards the conclusion of the meal the waitress came around to ask us if the meal was ok. We replied that, unfortunately, it was not, she appeared shocked and must have advised another waitress who then came around to discuss.

This waitress was rude and defensive and did not take any criticism graciously. She asserted that everyone else had positive experiences that night (we should mention that for the whole night there were probably only around 5 tables including ours) and that she even had a steak herself and it was fine, basically dismissing all our grievances. We did not stay for dessert as she basically ushered us out at the conclusion of that confrontation.

We will never go back to Danks St Depot, please don't waste your money there.

Apr 10, 2010

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  5     

Agree with below comments, food is delicious but a bit pricey. I guess that has to do with the mainly business clientele they get here. We went for dinner and got the Entree Tasting Platter (this is highly recommended), Sashimi Platter (~$60), Teriyaki Chicken ($27), Kushiage Plate (~$25), a la carte Sushi ($6-9 per piece) and the Dessert Tasting Platter (~$15).

Service is generally friendly, helpful, professional and unobtrusive. However, I found it a bit weird that the Sashimi Platter came before the entree. Chef's selection sashimi was extremely fresh, the kingfish and salmon were particularly good. Can't say the same for the a la carte sushi, price per piece was not good value and was not very fresh (bad choice on my part perhaps?).

Kushiage, teriyaki and dessert were tasty. All up $200 for two people dinner including drinks. I would recommend coming here, at least once or even more, if you don't mind the prices.

Aug 05, 2009

6.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  6     

I really was hoping to find a quality local restaurant that I could frequent. Unfortunately, I don't think it is Gusto. Head Chef's credentials are impressive given that he is running a local eatery in the South, but the food doesn't match up to the impressive description. Went on a Tuesday night around 8 pm, could get a table calling 30 minutes beforehand which was convenient.

We weren't that hungry so ordered 1 entree, 1 main, 1 dessert to share and coffee. Pizzas are a decent size, prices are around 16-18 dollars. We got the had proscuitto, cheese, rocket (a lot of it and it seemed like a theme as there was a lot in the pasta too) and olives. I thought the pizza was perhaps a bit salty, ingredients are decent quality but there aren't many choices on the pizza menu.

The Clock and Oyster at Oatley has far superior pizzas at similar prices. For the main we got the Spaghetti Gamberi, I think it was priced around $27. Prawns were large and fresh but the pasta was nothing special and size was towards the small side. Was really looking forward to desserts and got the Tiramisu ($9), this turned out to be the biggest disappointment as I was looking forward to a huge slab of decadence but rather it resembled a regular coffee flavoured layer cake more than a Tiramisu.

Furthermore, for some reason the Chef decided to cover the Tiramisu wiith strawberry sauce. Service is decent but more friendly towards regulars as you may expect for a local eatery. Value is not really there $60 for two people (no drinks) for the dishes described. Overall, was a bit disappointed, may be back but not in a hurry.

Aug 05, 2009

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

I had high expectactions of Sushi Studio upon reading reviews from eatability as well as a huge sushi craving and I have to say I was very pleased with Sushi Studio! Their sushi is extremely fresh, and price is OK given the quality and friendly service.

Not sure if its the best sushi in Sydney, but it's definitely some where up there. Non-sushi dishes are ok. We got the Tofu Eggplant Dengaku and Beef Tataki, but definitely go for the sushi! I would recommend ordering a la carte rather than getting the combination sushi/sashimi plates if you are after a particular sushi (as I was - scallop and salmon roe). $72 for 2 people dinner was reasonable in my opinion, will definitely be going back.

Jul 23, 2009

6.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  4      Service  7      Value  7     

Have been twice now upon reading reviews on eatability and I have to say that I was rather impressed. Luck Sushi is run by Japanese people so that is always a plus for me. Sushi is excellent, probably ranking amongst the top with regards to Japanese restaurants in the South. Value for dining in and dinner is not excellent though given it is a suburban restaurant and menu is small. The other dishes I've tried are tempura, chicken katsu don, teriyaki chicken and sukiyaki beef, the latter two were a bit mediocre and food court tasting. Overall, would go back.

Jun 05, 2009

3.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  2     

Went to Garfish Crows Nest upon reading positive views on eatability for a friend's birthday.

It was full even at 8 pm on Thursday night, ambience is a bit tacky in my opinion, the tvs showing the food being prepared is a bit random and does not add to the experience. The waitress told us it was the first night of their new menu, and I have to say I was bit disappointed because I had already figured out what I wanted to order before I got there.

In any case, we ordered but then were told that they had run out of scallops, mussels and crab gnocchi. This is unacceptable, given that its a seafood restaurant, especially with such a small menu. Service was extremely slow, it took nearly an hour to get our mains and my kingfish was overcooked even though on their menu it says they leave it slightly undercooked so that it can keep cooking when its on the plate.

Portions are small and offer little value. This would have even been ok if not for the atrocious service we received towards the end of the night, ok I get that you're trying to close, but its not my fault that your service is so slow that you can't close on time. Waiters had begun to change into their regular clothes with around 5 tables still in the restaurant.

Night was ruined when the young male waiter rudely told my friend that his credit card was declined and walked off. FYI - this credit card was close to expiry and is not a particularly extraordinary thing to happen. We commented to the maitre d' that the service wasn't impressive and he simply looked at us and offered no response.

Overall, I was really disappointed. Would not go back, and don't even want to try the other Garfish restaurants given they have an even lower rating than this one. absolutely not recommended.

Jun 05, 2009

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  5     

The cupcakes are pretty, but there aren't enough flavours in my opinion (around 10 available when I went). When I got home and tried them, texture was a bit rough but flavour is subtle (this is good because I don't like overly sweet) and you can tell that quality ingredients are being used. Will go back and try the other flavours and hopefully they are more fresh next time. Also.. $4.50 per cupcake, $25 for 6 and $50 for 12 is mediocre value.. but I guess value isn't the point here.

Oct 16, 2008