Reviews by BillM

This review is for Malt, Beaumaris VIC

verified email - 10 Sep 2008

Given the excellent location and appeal, I'm always disappointed with my experience here. Staff seem unfriendly and unwilling to help, the menu seems limited and as others have stated, the delay on the coffee's is just too much. There's no "atmosphere" with this place - no good feeling. It's a shame, and maybe it's just the time's I've been there, but it just doesn't work for me. Given the quality of some of the surrounding cafe's, this place really falls behind.

Approximate cost: $15

This review is for Scarpetta Ristorante, Fitzroy VIC

verified email - 28 Jul 2008

Due to this being on the other side of the City for me, it's a shame that I can't be there more often - it is simply a superb dining experience. Service was of the highest standard, great wine selection, lovely atmosphere - topped with what was simply the very best meal I've had the deepest pleasure of experiencing of the last few years. I dine out regularly, and this was simply beyond anything I've tried for too long. Potato Gnocchi with Veal Ragout - I'd never have hoped that something so technically simple could be so utterly fabulous. My body was just humming with pleasure afterwards. That with a great glass of Shiraz, followed with a perfect coffee... And VERY affordable too!

Approximate cost: $25

This review is for Thirty Eight Concourse Cafe, Beaumaris VIC

verified email - 28 Jul 2008

Unfortunately not open for dinner, Breakfast, Brunch and or lunch are always great here! It's a fairly small cafe (with great parking!) with two outdoor areas, front and back; but it's inside that this place shines. Firstly, the coffee - simply the best (and more importantly) and most consistently great coffee in Bayside I've had. The two owners manning the coffee machine will greet you warmly, with very welcoming smiles. Although there are some young and somewhat inexperienced staff, the exceptionally good others make sure all is as it needs. Italian style food, but tending towards "Australian Cafe" rather than traditional, you're sure to find something to suit your needs. Brunch is my favourite typically, and I've yet to be let down here - Eggs Benedict with Crispy Bacon is my strong recommendation! Lunch has surprised me with near restaurant quality meals, but Turkish or Ciabatta open sandwiches are also available. Great (although simple) stylings coupled with very friendly and capable staff make this a very welcoming place to eat and relax. Couple that with the great food and fabulous coffee - and you've got one of the best Cafe's of the area. Five stars.

Approximate cost: $17

This review is for Out 4 Thai, Cheltenham VIC

verified email - 02 Jul 2008

Have only tried the take-away, but that was simply fabulous!

Quite full for a Tuesday night, service for the patrons looked good, and the place has a really nice feel to it. I'm looking forward to dining-in next time.

Give it a go!

Approximate cost: $14

This review is for Urchin Bar, Hampton VIC

verified email - 01 Jul 2008

Fabulous atmosphere inside, with a beautiful and spacious courtyard out the back, it really is a great space. A "persian" feel to it for me, with an exotic menu to match. Well worth a visit.

This review is for Citrus At Beaumaris, Beaumaris VIC

verified email - 01 Jul 2008

This is my favourite place to dine in Bayside. Simply a great place for all the right reasons - great food, great service, great wines... There's even great parking too! The menu in particular has a fabulous selection, and I've often been back a week later to try the "other" meal I had to miss out on. This to me, is fine dining without the "wank" factor. While their food is artistic, it's still a meal, and a damn fine one at that. A truly great place for groups, or a more intimate night out.

Approximate cost: $35

This review is for Graze on Blessington, St Kilda VIC

verified email - 01 Jul 2008

Have only been for coffee and a muffin, but have done so three or four times now! Simply the best muffins I've had anywhere in a long time! Consistently good, and VERY fresh! Great coffee, great service, and although it's very small, it's got a great and intimate feel to it.

This review is for Brown Cow, Hampton VIC

verified email - 01 Jul 2008

Sensational cafe experience! I must have dined here over fifty times, and have never had anything but sensational service and great food - VERY good coffee - always! Great for breakfast and Brunch, but does get very busy on the weekends with cyclists using it as a gathering place - for good reason.

Good atmosphere with nice music and an open fire in winter. Even though this place tends to be very busy, the staff always seem to be on top of it all - a real standout.

This review is for Limoncello, Sandringham VIC

verified email - 01 Jul 2008

Great place for a nice weekend Breakfast/Brunch. Excellent coffee, food selection is all it needs to be for brunch, and the food is always of a very good standard. Nicely sunlit in the mornings, with great seating outside.

Four Stars.