scofflord

Reviews

Takeaways, Burger, Fish and Chips, Serves Takeaway

Overall 5 19

4 Below Average

Food 3 Ambience 5 Service 3 Value 5

Don't let the crowd at this place fool you. They must only go here because there's no other hot food around, because the food is certainly not desirable.

I go to Clovelly often and have always wanted to try the fish and chips. Well I finally did and was very disappointed. Firstly there's the lack of fish options, only hoki and perch. Then there's the 20 minute wait, and then there's the attitude.

I ordered plain grilled fish and specified no flour and asked for a garden salad, but when I had a problem with my salad containing tabouleh (gluten) I copped attitude and was told "you should have told me". Since when does a garden salad contain tabouleh?!

The point is when your customers have to wait that long you shouldn't give them attitude. Now after all that the fish and chips better be good but it was possibly the worst I've ever had. The fish itself was tasteless and the batter was burnt. Chips were stodgy and the plain fish with no flour I ordered was covered in flour. Salad consists of hamburger toppings.

I won't be returning.

Mar 11, 2012

Fig Tree Cafe, Forrest

Cafes, Modern Australian, Tapas, Vegetarian, Good For Groups

Overall 3.4 3

6.8 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 6 Service 7 Value 6

We were staying at the Rydges and decided to dine at the Fig Tree Cafe out of convenience and the menu was also quite attractive.

At the outset it didn't look positive with nobody at the entry to greet us. We spent a minute or so mulling about the foyer before someone appeared and we were seated. It was a little chilly being under an atrium with water and plant life around but that setting also adds a relaxed atmosphere. I'd dress heavy during the colder months.

The wait staff had their ups and downs. One was helpful regarding allergies but on one occasion failed to return with an answer. The other spilled a drink. Accidents happen so fair enough but I thought he could compensate more than just refilling the glass when the table had been soaked and it was a slight inconvenience to the person seated there. Overall the wait staff were competent and knowledgeable.

Now to the food which was the best part of the experience, as it should be. My party ordered many of the dishes on the menu to share. Everyone was very satisfied with their starters and mains but the desserts were a let down, especially at the cost. The other dishes were reasonably priced but I could have gotten the same satisfaction I did from the chocolate pannacotta from something half the cost.

The other dishes are on the small side but I guess you expect that with fine dining, which I consider the Fig Tree Cafe to be. Even though the setting doesn't say it, the quality of food and interesting flavour combinations do.

The crab and whiting with orange emulsion is delicately and beautifully flavoured, and the smoked lamb dish is to die for. The combination of smoky lamb, rich, buttery potatoes and port sauce is offset wonderfully with a shooter of brightly flavoured pea puree. The Wagyu and pan-fried Salmon were also enjoyed by other members of my party.

We wanted to watch the footy and it was good to be able to order dessert to be delivered to our room.

May 22, 2010

Iku Wholefood, Darlinghurst

Restaurants, Vegetarian, Serves Breakfast, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Overall 6.8 9

5.8 Average

Food 7 Ambience 2 Service 8 Value 6

I thought I'd try Iku out and decided on the eggplant lasagne. The portion was a decent size and considering what gluten free pasta etc. costs the price wasn't too bad. Still a bit steep though at $10.50 for a vegan lasagne and green salad leaves. The tahini dressing was a pleasant surprise.

As for the service and ambience. The girl that served me was informative and pleasant enough but there was no ambience to speak of around 8 pm on a friday night. The place is quite dingy too with damage to ceiling and walls.

I'd go back to try their other items as most look and/or sound delicious. I actually did yesterday but to my surprise it was shut at 7 or 8 pm on sunday which is unusual for restaurants on oxford st.

Mar 22, 2010

Zambrero Fresh Mex Grill, Darlinghurst

Restaurants, Mexican / Latin American, Serves Dinner, Serves Late Dining, Serves Lunch

Overall 7.2 3

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.3 Recommended

Food 6 Ambience 7 Service 9 Value 7

Zambrero is another one of the several texmex chains on the scene lately but unlike other places they only does burritos, tacos and bowls. I've tried the vegetarian burrito and chicken bowl and the best thing about them is the freshness and flavour of the salsas. The failing of places like this is the fact that the hot ingredients are usually sitting in a hot box so you don't get that fresh grilled flavour.

They also don't give you enough of the meat or beans and I would have liked whole stewed beans on the vegie burrito as all they give you is bean paste. The rice could be better too. I think they steam it which doesn't give it that nutty spanish rice flavour I'm looking for. The restaurant is clean and basic and the staff were very friendly and informative.

Mar 22, 2010

Swiss Bakerz, Darlinghurst

Takeaways, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch, Serves Takeaway, Cake

Overall 9.3 7

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 7 Service 9 Value 9

I discovered this place recently and go back most times I'm in the area because they have some of the best pastries around for reasonable prices. The muffins aren't gluggy like many cheaper ones and the creme brulee is better than ones I've had at restaurants for more than double the cost. The silky smooth custard tastes of real vanilla and the sugar crust is the perfect thickness and they caramelise it on the spot if you wish.

The gourmet rolls and wraps look tasty but I'm yet to try any. They're also the same sort of price you'd pay at a regular take away but these look a lot better. They also sell quality bread and other cafe items. My picks are the creme brulee, beesting and apple and cinnamon muffin.

Mar 22, 2010

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Member since 2009

Last updated on 1st Jun 2012

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Displaying: 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

Out of the Blue Takeaway, Clovelly

Takeaways, Burger, Fish and Chips, Serves Takeaway

Overall 5 19

4 Below Average

Food 3 Ambience 5 Service 3 Value 5

Mar 11, 2012

Fig Tree Cafe, Forrest

Cafes, Modern Australian, Tapas, Vegetarian, Good For Groups

Overall 3.4 3

6.8 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 6 Service 7 Value 6

May 22, 2010

Iku Wholefood, Darlinghurst

Restaurants, Vegetarian, Serves Breakfast, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Overall 6.8 9

5.8 Average

Food 7 Ambience 2 Service 8 Value 6

Mar 22, 2010

Zambrero Fresh Mex Grill, Darlinghurst

Restaurants, Mexican / Latin American, Serves Dinner, Serves Late Dining, Serves Lunch

Overall 7.2 3

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.3 Recommended

Food 6 Ambience 7 Service 9 Value 7

Mar 22, 2010

Swiss Bakerz, Darlinghurst

Takeaways, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch, Serves Takeaway, Cake

Overall 9.3 7

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 7 Service 9 Value 9

Mar 22, 2010

Winston Hills Hotel, Winston Hills

Pubs, Has Bar, Licensed, Ample or Convenient Parking, Free Parking

Overall 5.7 26

5 Average

Food 5 Drinks 5 Ambience 7 Service 6 Value 2

I went here on a Tuesday night to celebrate a family member's birthday and had a mixed experience.

Some of the food was quite good but most was average and lacked creativity. I had the Thai prawn salad to start which had a good amount of medium sized prawns but was ruined with way too much dressing/fish sauce. Getting through the vegetables left after the prawns were consumed was impossible. For the main I had the Wagyu with a marble rating of 6 and it was cooked how I requested and was very tender. The pepper sauce had good flavour but was a little too thick and the vegetables ruined the dish.

Potato mash done poorly and green beans not cooked enough is just plain boring. I don't like going out to eat food I can cook better myself at home. The dessert made up for it somewhat. I had the passionfruit brulee with coconut gelato. The brulee itself had good flavour but the texture wasn't the best and there was barely any caramelised sugar on top. The gelato was clean and refreshing though and the fresh whipped cream also made it a very enjoyable dessert.

Others in our party had mixed feelings about their dishes. One said the new york steak was tough and another had a pot of very small and salty mussels which is unforgivable to me since mussels are so inexpensive, yet the dish isn't. The kingfish was said to be a good dish.

The ambience was good considering it is a pub and a lot of patrons are there just to drink. Being early in the week it was fairly quiet so it wasn't an issue. There is plenty of seating areas and patrons have to collect their own meals and cutlery etc. which is fine but not at the prices they charge. The staff were a little over zealous in removing plates without asking if we were finished and at the end of the night we were given the hint to get out when tables started to be prepared for the next day which isn't great when you're trying to relax.

Overall the experience was average and I wouldn't return as you don't get value for money and the food is too basic. They recently won hotel of the year or something and I think it's made them believe that having a good interior is enough. Food is all important to me and this is where they really lack.

Nov 17, 2009