ladyinred

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Reading the reviews, I have to wonder whether we are talking about the same restaurant. My husband and I have eaten here twice together, and he has dined with colleagues on another 2 occasions and on each occasion we have been impressed with both the food and the spectacular views.

On my last visit, I arrived just before lunch was closing and waiting for my husband to arrive, the waiter was attentive offering me a pre dinner (lunch) drink and left me with the menu. I do wonder whether some of the reviewers actually understand their steak? If you are going to order a steak that is well marbled, it is going to be fatty, that's the whole point, so that when you cook it the flavours are infused.

I have ordered the scotch fillet both times I have eaten here and it was cooked to perfection. Our waiter was very well versed on the wine selection, chatty and friendly without being intrusive. It is and has been one of our favourite dining experiences and we will be back soon, thanks Steersons for delivering consistent food and service.

Dec 26, 2011

4.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  5     

Huge disappointment. Went in hope, squished into a corner seat on a busy night; ordered margaritas that tasted like sugar syrup, ordered fajitas that just didn't hit the mark, saucy syrupy soppy marinade with small tokens of accompaniments! Just doesn't measure up! Head waiter tried to redeem the disappointment by offering free margaritas but won't be back or recommend.

Oct 06, 2011

5 Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  5     

This is the second time we have returned to the Sebel and the second time had a very lacklustre experience at Infuzions. Removing the benefit of the doubt, we originally booked for 7.30pm then rang to change our booking to 8.30pm, being told "we'll have to check and ring you back"; understandable, weekend where many international artists were playing in the valley, yes they could accommodate our request, strangely when we arrived to be seated, the restaurant was 3/4 empty? We were seated, given a couple of bread rolls and menus. Sometime later we asked if we could perhaps have some olive oil, balsamic or butter with our rolls. Ops sorry it was on the other table that I was going to seat you at (right on top of a party of 8-10 when the rest of the restaurant was empty bar a table of 2).

We decided to share 4 x entrees as the mains were lacklustre and shared scallops, soft shell crab (amazing), pork belly and the carpaccio (again amazing)! But the porkbelly was terrible, one expects a crisp crunchy indulgent layer of crackle - this was not. Rubbery, soft, blubbery. We questioned the waitress who explained that "it was confit that's how it is meant to be". I challenged that as my husbands favourite we had sampled this dish at numerous establishments and that generally it was twice cooked and they forgot the second cooking. Waitress took the pork back to the kitchen, where they obviously put it under the salamander and burnt half of the skin and the remainder returned. However without crisp or taste - disappointing!

The soft shell crab is some of the best we have ever tasted! The wait staff member who looked after us is obviously passionate about her job and did her best to make sure our experience was overall positive. Her liquor coffees were fantastic and genuine caring attitude to pass our feedback to someone who cares admirable, you are lucky to have this individual on board!

Feb 06, 2011

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

I first visited this restaurant with my now husband in 2005, I had just been for a gruelling 2 hour job interview and he kindly offered me dinner, at a quaint little restaurant called Larousse. I was hesitant with the preconception that French food was rich, saucy and loaded with cream, however, we ventured in and were greeted by our host Brendon, who we have come to know over the years.

We had our pre wedding dinner at LaRousse and each time we visit, the staff cannot do enough for us. Call it old fashioned, call it value for money, but dining at Larousse is like going home for mum's lamb roast. Yes the menu is the same, but the weekly specials provide a delectable diversion, but the consistency is second to none. Garlic prawns and french salad never disappoint, nor does the aged beef, cooked to perfection.

Host Brendon makes an exceptional effort to acknowledge all diners and make them feel welcome! we even have our own special table. A dining experience like stepping back in time where customer service is paramount and a feeling that you're really cared about! On busy nights it can be a little noisy but you just close your eyes and think you are on the riviera.

Jan 29, 2011

3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  3     

This place is laughable, resting on laurels of location. We had a Christmas function here last December and I was surprised to see that the menu had not changed for 4 years. The mains are nothing to speak of, they come with no sides (which are an additional cost) the service left a lot to be desired and I would not recommend someone in search of authentic Italian food go here.

Yes it always seems like it is packed, but I suspect out of habit of those who do not venture beyond their doorstep to see what fantastic restaurants, service and flavours are out there, businesses that deserve to be successful.

Jan 29, 2011

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Reading the reviews, I have to wonder whether we are talking about the same restaurant. My husband and I have eaten here twice together, and he has dined with colleagues on another 2 occasions and on each occasion we have been impressed with both the food and the spectacular views.

On my last visit, I arrived just before lunch was closing and waiting for my husband to arrive, the waiter was attentive offering me a pre dinner (lunch) drink and left me with the menu. I do wonder whether some of the reviewers actually understand their steak? If you are going to order a steak that is well marbled, it is going to be fatty, that's the whole point, so that when you cook it the flavours are infused.

I have ordered the scotch fillet both times I have eaten here and it was cooked to perfection. Our waiter was very well versed on the wine selection, chatty and friendly without being intrusive. It is and has been one of our favourite dining experiences and we will be back soon, thanks Steersons for delivering consistent food and service.

Dec 26, 2011

4.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  5     

Huge disappointment. Went in hope, squished into a corner seat on a busy night; ordered margaritas that tasted like sugar syrup, ordered fajitas that just didn't hit the mark, saucy syrupy soppy marinade with small tokens of accompaniments! Just doesn't measure up! Head waiter tried to redeem the disappointment by offering free margaritas but won't be back or recommend.

Oct 06, 2011

5 Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  5     

This is the second time we have returned to the Sebel and the second time had a very lacklustre experience at Infuzions. Removing the benefit of the doubt, we originally booked for 7.30pm then rang to change our booking to 8.30pm, being told "we'll have to check and ring you back"; understandable, weekend where many international artists were playing in the valley, yes they could accommodate our request, strangely when we arrived to be seated, the restaurant was 3/4 empty? We were seated, given a couple of bread rolls and menus. Sometime later we asked if we could perhaps have some olive oil, balsamic or butter with our rolls. Ops sorry it was on the other table that I was going to seat you at (right on top of a party of 8-10 when the rest of the restaurant was empty bar a table of 2).

We decided to share 4 x entrees as the mains were lacklustre and shared scallops, soft shell crab (amazing), pork belly and the carpaccio (again amazing)! But the porkbelly was terrible, one expects a crisp crunchy indulgent layer of crackle - this was not. Rubbery, soft, blubbery. We questioned the waitress who explained that "it was confit that's how it is meant to be". I challenged that as my husbands favourite we had sampled this dish at numerous establishments and that generally it was twice cooked and they forgot the second cooking. Waitress took the pork back to the kitchen, where they obviously put it under the salamander and burnt half of the skin and the remainder returned. However without crisp or taste - disappointing!

The soft shell crab is some of the best we have ever tasted! The wait staff member who looked after us is obviously passionate about her job and did her best to make sure our experience was overall positive. Her liquor coffees were fantastic and genuine caring attitude to pass our feedback to someone who cares admirable, you are lucky to have this individual on board!

Feb 06, 2011

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

I first visited this restaurant with my now husband in 2005, I had just been for a gruelling 2 hour job interview and he kindly offered me dinner, at a quaint little restaurant called Larousse. I was hesitant with the preconception that French food was rich, saucy and loaded with cream, however, we ventured in and were greeted by our host Brendon, who we have come to know over the years.

We had our pre wedding dinner at LaRousse and each time we visit, the staff cannot do enough for us. Call it old fashioned, call it value for money, but dining at Larousse is like going home for mum's lamb roast. Yes the menu is the same, but the weekly specials provide a delectable diversion, but the consistency is second to none. Garlic prawns and french salad never disappoint, nor does the aged beef, cooked to perfection.

Host Brendon makes an exceptional effort to acknowledge all diners and make them feel welcome! we even have our own special table. A dining experience like stepping back in time where customer service is paramount and a feeling that you're really cared about! On busy nights it can be a little noisy but you just close your eyes and think you are on the riviera.

Jan 29, 2011

3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  3     

This place is laughable, resting on laurels of location. We had a Christmas function here last December and I was surprised to see that the menu had not changed for 4 years. The mains are nothing to speak of, they come with no sides (which are an additional cost) the service left a lot to be desired and I would not recommend someone in search of authentic Italian food go here.

Yes it always seems like it is packed, but I suspect out of habit of those who do not venture beyond their doorstep to see what fantastic restaurants, service and flavours are out there, businesses that deserve to be successful.

Jan 29, 2011

2.6 Not Recommended

Food  1      Drinks  5      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  1     

12 months ago I may have agreed with the reviews below, albeit it erring on the high side, however, over the last 5-6 months, we have visited there to dine at least 5 times and on each occasion I have ordered the blue eyed cod with fennel salad, only to be told it is not available.

Last Monday, my husband was keen to participate in the $10 rib special so I went in trepidation. No surprises that the blue eyed cod was yet again "not available", apparently they don't serve it anymore and are waiting for a menu reprint, why they couldn't blank the blue eyed cod out from offer is beyond me.

I asked whether I could have a plain piece of fish with salad (I was told there was an alternative fish dish on the "specials menu"), this specials menu, which used to be on the blackboard in front of the bistro and updated weekly, is a printed out A piece of paper on the tables, that has not changed in months. I did not want their barramundi stuffed with olives, feta and an array of other ingredients so asked again, could I have a plain piece of fish grilled, with salad.

There is nothing else on the menu if you don't want to eat steak that is not deep fried, covered in crumbs, schnitzeled or remotely healthy. Someone from the kitchen eventually conceded to cook me a piece of "salmon" but "it is going to take 10-15 minutes", I was happy to wait. 15-20 minutes later, my husbands ribs arrived, followed by a piece of white fish with reddish skin, looked like a banana, curled up on each corner and so overcooked it was completely inedible.

I do not know for the life of me how anyone calling them a chef, cook or bottlewasher would serve up this overcooked rubbery meal. It seems the floor staff and cooking team revolve. When we first started going here, the food was great, the service was great, a good time was had by all.

Right now, and for the last 5 months at least the menu hasn't changed, they pick and chose what they want to serve and what they don't, the service is deplorable and we have decided that an additional $10 is a wise investment when a rib fix is next required, in a local restaurant where the menu caters for all and the people that serve you actually care.

Jan 29, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

My husband and I have become regular diners at Bay Tinh over the last 12 months and have to wonder why people would be so vindictive to write such poisonous and untruths about a gem of a restaurant. We had the pleasure to meet Harry on Friday night when we went with a mission to step outside the square and order different items from their menu.

With Harry's encouragement, we tried the little rice cakes which are absolutely to die for, they reminded us of our honeymoon in Vietnam! next the sate, the best part of which we were told had no dairy, no coconut cream, so opened up for me a whole new world of flavour experiences. The meals arrived piping hot, full of flavour, exploding with fresh produce. The meal was sealed with an infamous masala dessert.

It is definitely on our favourites list and we enjoy trying something different each time we visit. Harry is a fantastic host who really has his ear to the ground by getting onto the floor and listening first hand to what his customers want, like, or would like to see more of. Highly recommened.

Jan 29, 2011

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  8      Service  3      Value  4     

We dined here for the first time on Saturday to belatedly celebrate my birthday. My husband booked weekend accommodation at the Shangri-La 2 weeks ago and requested a window seat. We had a wide choice of venues available, but decided to visit Shangri-La because of a positive experience with cocktails on L36 and the location.

On arrival we were ushered to a platformed seating area with views, but not window seats. Menus were provided and we requested pre dinner drinks, to be told that the sommelier would attend to us. He did not, and one hour and a half after later, we received our beverages (half a glass of champagne and a cocktail – were informed that 120 ml was the standard without offer of apology for tardy service and no offer to compensate).

We ordered wine at this time and requested it be opened to breathe, sadly entrees came and went with no wine or breathing. Initial thoughts, yet another place relying too heavily on the view to bring people back! Why they couldn’t concede to our request for a window side table on arrival is questionable, since it was so easily accommodated when we displayed disappointment with the service (or lackthereof), given window seats were unoccupied during the time we were seated for dinner.

I quote another comment on this site …… “Service is a substantial flaw, in every aspect!, we were left mostly to fend for ourselves. Having to wait longer than you need to order our meals, or even drinks after you're seated should not be regular practice.”

In summary, don’t rest on your laurels, if you're easily swayed by views, then this establishment might be for you, if, however, you're looking for a restaurant which delivers the trifecta of food, service and ambience, then you better off looking elsewhere. Service let you down.

Apr 27, 2010

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  5     

We visited Catalina for the first time on exceptionally high recommendations of a colleague for my husbands birthday. Yes it was 2 years ago and over Easter, however, for this calibre of establishment, one expects consistency in standard and delivery. On arrival we were ushered to the bar whilst waiting on our table, upon being seated, were advised that a selection on the menu was no longer available, sold out! so we were left with a smaller selection of a limited menu.

The waiters were inattentive, to the point we had finished our main and had 3/4 bottle of our wine left, out in the sun very unpalatable, and the waiter scoffed discern as we asked for some ice to cool it down. Dessert was disappointing and the bill for this culinary experience, one which left me wondering what all the hype was about. Would not recommend or return.

Mar 21, 2010

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

Wow! this certainly lived up to expectations and reviews with regard to taste and experience. After securing a last minute booking only after 9.30 pm, we arrived early on a Saturday night and were greeted and seated, offered a cocktail, which was absolutely awful (by cost and comparison to a bar on L36 around the corner). We were seated upstairs away from the hustle and bustle of the main floor and generally felt like we were privy to a private fine dining experience, air conditioning was heavenly.

Interrupted twice, once by the rowdy foursome next to us who thankfully were at the end of their meal and leaving (there were 3 or 4 other tables empty that would have given us more privacy) and then in between courses by a very rowdy sommelier and waiter looking for a bottle of wine which seemed to turn the dining area upside down and caused what sounded like half of the contents of their wine frij to come crashing down.

Irritated beyond belief, I uttered annoyance and was offered an apology, and peace and quiet, for this level of dining, you should not have to tell the staff that they are making a rukus beyond tolerable. These two minor glitches aside, the wait staff were attentive (albeit hard to understand) and the food was well paced. Every dish different from the next and as we went with the intention of experiencing new tastes, we were not disappointed.

The passionfruit souffle was heavenly! A planned birthday surprise for my husband, executed, almost without a hitch. The nearby fireworks provided an additional touch, however, why the street is closed off to cabs after midnight is irritating. After a wonderful evening, it was somehow marred having to step out into George Street, dodge inebriated fools and compete with more of them in order to get home safely.

The waiter was overheard telling a nearby table that they "could not call a cab" for patrons as they would not stop? for a fine dining experience, one would think a few ties could be pulled with the local constabulary to extend 5 star service to the journey home.

Mar 21, 2010