kimo

4.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  2     

I don't know if this counts or not, but it can be an indication if they can't get the basics right. Bought a duck salad for takeaway - looking really forward to it. Got home and talk about one of the few times I have been ripped off in Sydney.

For $16.90, I got half a mango (literally and not even peeled), 1 red chilli sliced into 3 chunky pieces, 2 leaves of lettuce, 5 triangles of tomato, 6 chunks of cucumber and red onion - and duck to the equivalent of maybe 1 drumstick. And three 1 mm sliced pieces of pineapple. It was supposed to have herbs (it had maybe 1/2 Tbs of randomly chopped wilted herbs).

I think they should train their kitchen staff to cut slices of red onion, and chunks of pineapple! Pity, as the food in the restaurant looked more professional. I guess they don't really care about take aways (then why sell them?) - they didn't even include plastic cutlery or napkins! Won't even bother giving them a second chance in the restaurant.

May 05, 2008

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

It was a good sign to be seated next to Thai people. The ingredients are of high quality. However, 3 out of 4 dishes that we ordered, had very similar taste: chilli, lime, palm sugar, and fish sauce. I wish that the waitress had mentioned something while we ordered and advised us as we were obviously Longrain virgins.
It had a good winelist. And the cocktails were great in the bar while we waited.

We went there knowing that we would have to wait (I think that it is part of the Longrain experience). So we got there at 6:30 pm and were seated at 8 pm. They told us it was going to 1.5 hour wait. I advise that it would be a better place for lunch if you don't want to wait in a noisy bar, etc. They allow reservations at lunch time.

It was a good dining experience, but the next time I go, it will be for lunch. Sort of wished I had tried this restaurant out a couple of years ago. The waitstaff and the working of the whole restaurant was very professional (Aside from our waitress who didn't seem to know a lot about the winelist or the menu. But she did accommodate us by allowing us to return the wine and order a different one at no charge).

I was most impressed with the hostess who welcomed us in with a big smile, I wish more restaurants would do that. It adds a lot of value to the dining experience.

May 04, 2008

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  7     

I have to agree that the sundried tomato and olive sushi was an abomination probably good with lots of beer and sake. Quite embarrassing to have such an item on the menu! However, the raw salmon and raw scallops on the nigiri sushi was of the highest quality.
The soft shell crab was oily. Just felt like I was chewing on crunchy oil. The fresh mushrooms really made the scallop entree. My husband had the pork wrapped in filo - not very inspiring, but he liked the pork.

The main course of fish was lacked delicacy in its presentation (thick slices of grilled eggplant - expected thinner ones) and too much miso. Also, the seasoned rice complicated the tastes more. At the end, I was full, but the dessert made up for the main course mess. (None of the mains were inspiring)

The definite highlight and one of the best desserts I have had in Sydney (better than some of the fine dining ones) was the creme caramel with the touch of sake. (Wouldn't recommend the chocolate cake). It completed the meal perfectly. Between that, the kind staff, and the price of only $49 one could allow room for mistakes. But, if you are looking for an elegant dining experience, look elsewhere and in that case, this is not good value.

May 03, 2008

8.5 Highly Recommended

Drinks  7      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Had lunch there. Great atmosphere. Didn't expect much for lunch, but were pleasantly surprised. Simple menu and at suprisingly reasonable prices. For the amount of people being served, the guy in charge did a fantastic job and all of the diners seemed pleased and happy. Didn't have to wait long for service or food. Would go back there again for lunch. I think that I might be referring to the Garden Bar at the back.

May 02, 2008

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

A very pleasant surprise. Our first choice on Challis Ave couldn't take us for another hour. Seafood cooked to perfection. Service professional, friendly and always with a smile. All of the diners enjoyed being there. Been in Sydney for 3 days - best dining experience so far! I definitely would not hesitate to return.

May 01, 2008

4.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  2     

I don't know if this counts or not, but it can be an indication if they can't get the basics right. Bought a duck salad for takeaway - looking really forward to it. Got home and talk about one of the few times I have been ripped off in Sydney.

For $16.90, I got half a mango (literally and not even peeled), 1 red chilli sliced into 3 chunky pieces, 2 leaves of lettuce, 5 triangles of tomato, 6 chunks of cucumber and red onion - and duck to the equivalent of maybe 1 drumstick. And three 1 mm sliced pieces of pineapple. It was supposed to have herbs (it had maybe 1/2 Tbs of randomly chopped wilted herbs).

I think they should train their kitchen staff to cut slices of red onion, and chunks of pineapple! Pity, as the food in the restaurant looked more professional. I guess they don't really care about take aways (then why sell them?) - they didn't even include plastic cutlery or napkins! Won't even bother giving them a second chance in the restaurant.

May 05, 2008

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

It was a good sign to be seated next to Thai people. The ingredients are of high quality. However, 3 out of 4 dishes that we ordered, had very similar taste: chilli, lime, palm sugar, and fish sauce. I wish that the waitress had mentioned something while we ordered and advised us as we were obviously Longrain virgins.
It had a good winelist. And the cocktails were great in the bar while we waited.

We went there knowing that we would have to wait (I think that it is part of the Longrain experience). So we got there at 6:30 pm and were seated at 8 pm. They told us it was going to 1.5 hour wait. I advise that it would be a better place for lunch if you don't want to wait in a noisy bar, etc. They allow reservations at lunch time.

It was a good dining experience, but the next time I go, it will be for lunch. Sort of wished I had tried this restaurant out a couple of years ago. The waitstaff and the working of the whole restaurant was very professional (Aside from our waitress who didn't seem to know a lot about the winelist or the menu. But she did accommodate us by allowing us to return the wine and order a different one at no charge).

I was most impressed with the hostess who welcomed us in with a big smile, I wish more restaurants would do that. It adds a lot of value to the dining experience.

May 04, 2008

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  7     

I have to agree that the sundried tomato and olive sushi was an abomination probably good with lots of beer and sake. Quite embarrassing to have such an item on the menu! However, the raw salmon and raw scallops on the nigiri sushi was of the highest quality.
The soft shell crab was oily. Just felt like I was chewing on crunchy oil. The fresh mushrooms really made the scallop entree. My husband had the pork wrapped in filo - not very inspiring, but he liked the pork.

The main course of fish was lacked delicacy in its presentation (thick slices of grilled eggplant - expected thinner ones) and too much miso. Also, the seasoned rice complicated the tastes more. At the end, I was full, but the dessert made up for the main course mess. (None of the mains were inspiring)

The definite highlight and one of the best desserts I have had in Sydney (better than some of the fine dining ones) was the creme caramel with the touch of sake. (Wouldn't recommend the chocolate cake). It completed the meal perfectly. Between that, the kind staff, and the price of only $49 one could allow room for mistakes. But, if you are looking for an elegant dining experience, look elsewhere and in that case, this is not good value.

May 03, 2008

8.5 Highly Recommended

Drinks  7      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Had lunch there. Great atmosphere. Didn't expect much for lunch, but were pleasantly surprised. Simple menu and at suprisingly reasonable prices. For the amount of people being served, the guy in charge did a fantastic job and all of the diners seemed pleased and happy. Didn't have to wait long for service or food. Would go back there again for lunch. I think that I might be referring to the Garden Bar at the back.

May 02, 2008

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

A very pleasant surprise. Our first choice on Challis Ave couldn't take us for another hour. Seafood cooked to perfection. Service professional, friendly and always with a smile. All of the diners enjoyed being there. Been in Sydney for 3 days - best dining experience so far! I definitely would not hesitate to return.

May 01, 2008

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

We often go there for coffee and bakery items. Excellent coffee and beautiful baked goods at good prices. The staff are very attentive even if you are only spending $3 on a coffee and they bring it out with a glass of water. I love my pastries and highly recommend theirs.

May 01, 2008

6.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  6     

It is reassuring in a yum cha restaurant when everyone else there is Chinese. However, I have had better Yum Cha in Auckland and Honolulu. The offerings were pretty mediocre. The staff were attentive (we were there at 11 am) - so it was before any sort of rush. It was okay, but won't be inspired to go back for a while - anywhere for Yum Cha in Sydney.

May 01, 2008

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

Excellent service, not pretentious. Perfectly cooked fish - for the price, I wouldn't expect anything less. Wish I had also ordered the onion souffle, as it looked beautiful on the table next to mine. Dessert was fine - the twice cooked fig souffle with a raspberry sauce.

My husband had the Sirloin Cafe de Paris - nice butter, steak could have been a bit more tender. Should have had the beef fillet instead. Best brussels sprouts I have had in my whole life - worth every cent of $11. It is definitely Bistro food at fine dining prices.

May 01, 2008