Decided to try out Capitol Regent for a Friday night take out. Unfortunately Capitol Regent doesn't have a website, so you can't view the menu online - however when I called up (immediate call pickup), the lady DID offer to fax me the menu, which is why I've rated them high in service. (She sent through immediately which was fantastic) Also, when you walk in, there were three staff members there serving everyone immediately, so the service is very good, and no waiting to be served. The quality of the food was nothing that is a "Wow!" factor. Pretty average, though I was annoyed that the steamed rice was very dry so didn't end up eating it. Value for money is rather average, as there are cheaper places around town that do the same menu items. For an easy take out meal though, it's alright. Food was ready quickly, only a 6 or 7 minute wait, which is pretty damn fast for a Friday night. Personally, I'd rather give them a 3 1/2 star, not quite a 4 star, but not really a 3 star either. Heads up for eftpos users as well - they do have a $15 minimum charge BUT given most menu items start at $15.50, you should be fine.

Approximate cost: $18

The ladies at Cairns Beauty Academy are wonderful and friendly - and their prices are great too! The service you receive is wonderful, and if I had this place in my home town, I'd definitely be going there whenever I could. You have the option of either going through the Salon pricing or Academy pricing - I tried out Academy pricing and even though they were students, they did an absolutely wonderful job, and at a better price. Ladies, if you want to pamper yourself, be sure to check this place out.

Approximate cost: $25

If you're ever in Brisbane and are keen to try out fire or glow twirling, even juggling - these guys are worth checking out. They have a great range of different equipment ranging from practice toys to the fire toys, even clothing. Whenever myself and my friends are down in Brisbane, we always drop into Gooble to check out their range of products. Definitely recommended. Chat with the staff if you're interested in learning and they'll be able to set you up with some equipment, as well as give advice on where you can learn (I think they do get togethers in Suncorp Piazza on Monday nights - last I checked anyway). Well worth it.

Approximate cost: $80

If you're after computer products, this is a great place to drop by. I frequently buy storage (particularly memory cards) from these guys. It is MUCH cheaper compared to any other retail store and they offer 3 different delivery options - Pickup, Express and Standard. Prices are insanely cheap (for instance, just picked up the new SDXC 64GB card for only $239 - bargain!). Highly competitive, great products and service. Definitely recommended.

(When going there, if you are private health, make sure you get an accredited therapist, otherwise you may not be able to claim it.) I've been there a few times now and only once was the massage not up to par with previous visits.. All other visits though, the massage was so relaxing that I fell asleep whilst on the table. I often get knots in my back/shoulder so I make the effort to go see them and get a 50min massage. Works out to be about $25-30 on my health fund. Very relaxing afterwards though. They offer other services as well (check out the website for the list) and pamper packages. Just make sure to call up and book before you go.

Approximate cost: $25

The staff at EStatic Coatings are really helpful and friendly and are able to offer a great alternative to different jobs that will last longer than any other paint job. The products are all guaranteed to last for years - perfect for things such as pool fences or even bed frames (friend of mine got her bed frames powder coated). Prices are good and they have a large wall full of samples of colours that they have - as well as brochures so you can peruse the enter selection of colours. You can either call them up or drop in to talk with the staff and they'll be able to give you a quote of the service you're after. I think they may do blasting as well, but may have to check that - I've only had powder coating done. Still, all in all, good service and the product quality turns out amazing.

Approximate cost: $200

If you're a business with a registered ABN, then this is a great wholesale place to visit. Prices are great and everything is sold in the bulk (though some items can be purchased individually). You'll spend hours wandering through their huge aisles, just looking at the amount of stock they have. They have everything from drinks, chips, confectionery, baking goods to stationary supplies and even meat products. If you're after some wholesale bargains, be sure to check out this place. (Just make sure when you visit, go down Dalrymple road and as you come out of the intersection into Woolcock, turn down the first entry to the service road you see - otherwise you have to turn back around to get there! Caught me out first time)

Approximate cost: $50

I LOVE going to Aqua for dinner. Even their Sunday lunch roast's are great (earlier in the year I went with my friends for Australia day - best Australian Day lunch I've had). The staff are always friendly and helpful and it's great that it's a buffet. And once a month they have their 'Seafood spectacular' where there's a large range of seafood available. They cater for meat lovers, seafood lovers, vegetarians and even have a selection for the kids (chips, chicken nuggets, etc) as well as a large range of desserts. It's good value for money - particularly if you can eat a fair bit and the atmosphere is very nice. They also have a wine 'buffet' where you spend $10 I think (from memory) and there's a selection of wines to choose from. Soft drinks are included in the dinner package as well, and alcohol is available for purchase either from Essence Bar or the staff that float around waiting to serve. Great experience.

Approximate cost: $43

I had my birthday event hosted at Jupiters Townsville and it was a very enjoyable event. We booked out one of the function rooms, had an all you can eat buffet, dance floor, audio/mic set up, (brought my own projector in - they supplied screen, else projector hire is ~$250 or so), tables set up and soft drink on each table - worked out about ~$55 per person. The fact that it was buffet though was great! The selection of both cold and hot food was fantastic, plus the amount of desserts they brought out was incredible. Food tasted absolutely wonderful. Staff were friendly and helpful - I had an issue with audio when first getting it set up and they called in one of their tech guys (on a Saturday night none-the-less) and he came in to fix it up. Service for organising the event though could do with a little bit more attention - I had been tossing up between Rydges and Jupiters (Jupiters worked out better being a buffet) and while Rydges gave me a call and option to tour the function rooms, Jupiters I had to call and chase up for details. Otherwise though, the service at the event was good. It was great that they had a complementary dance floor too which I was glad about (other places charged a fee for that set up). Would definitely recommend for either a formal/birthday function or wedding reception.

Approximate cost: $55

If you're looking for a way to have fun and get fit - either for yourself or the kids, this is a great place to go. I always make sure to drop by and visit whenever I'm in Brisbane. They also do all-night events on school holidays for the kids that includes their games, tokens and snacks and a drink which is great. (Also available for corporate events/team building and parties) The more games you play, the cheaper it is. When you sign up as a member, they give you a card which tracks your score and your level (they have a leveling system in place which helps protects the new players - smart concept really). Players levels are identified by colours, and they can do team events as well. From memory they also did Thursday night events where you pay a one-off cost and can play as many games on the Thursday night. Worth checking out. They have locations all around the world too apparently.

Approximate cost: $15