I've been going to Glam every fortnight for about 18 months now and I can honestly say I have only ever had exceptional service. My eyelash extensions are always perfect, my eyebrows are the best they have ever looked and my skin is completely clear!
Fyi - they do an awesome spray tan and great nails too... And I'm LOVING my IPL results.

They don't push products (which I love). They have an awesome rewards program (I feel like I'm always getting something for free) and the staff genuinely want to do the best for their clients.

Great Salon!

Have, and will continue to recommend them to everyone.

To be perfectly honest with you all, I didn't really have any expectations before eating at Tong Food and Wine. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't have much of an idea of the menu... I think that is key before you visit. Clear your mind and just experience. You may just be surprised like I was!!!

So, I've visited Tong twice this week and like the astronomical pig I am, I have already tried a clear third of the menu - with the help of some of my foodie friends of course... Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

On my first visit, I have to admit I may have gone a little overboard. Thankfully my friends are used to my ordering habits and readily accept going "family style". It's either that or they accept me picking off their plates in a fit of plate envy. But enough about my bad manners, onto the review...

Tong is converted from an old bank. Pretty cool. Think early 1900's, mixed with industrial and throw in some crazy pop culture references in the form of oversized movie posters. Spotlessly clean, but not unfriendly sterile. It has a somewhat open kitchen which I appreciate and Chefs that seem to enjoy their jobs (love seeing happy smiling staff). I instantly felt welcome. Oh, and it has an awesome outdoor section... Where you can SMOKE... Yay!!!

The food. I have to admit, there were some definite winners, and a couple of somewhat average efforts amongst the mix. I didn't have anything BAD by any stretch of the imagination though. I'll run through all the dishes I tried (remember, across 2 visits and they were shared... No judgements!!!)

The Awesome;

Feta stuffed mushrooms - I didn't expect to like this as I'm not mad about mushrooms, but it was one of my favorite dishes! Perfectly marinated and grilled mushrooms, soft but not soggy, with an awesome garlic oil topped with a lovely sharp feta. Really lovely. I mean really really lovely.

Lamb Cutlets - Do yourself a BIG favour and try these. They Are hands down the best lamb I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Unreal. PERFECTLY marinated and PERFECTLY cooked. I may have written a poem about it on my Facebook page... Yes, it was that good. The lamb that is... Not my poetry. The only thing I didn't love was the sultanas in the cous cous... But that is one of my strange idiosyncrasies.

Zucchini Salad - so fresh, so tasty... Perfect lunch for a warm day. Even better with a beer ;)

Veg fried Rice - Definately Thai inspired with that whole sticky rice feel... Which I love. Punch you in the face kind of flavour... Quite heavy with the mushroom, but again, not unpleasant. It works!!! Very very well.

Chicken Rissoles with the blue cheese sauce - Yum. Just yum. Great balance of flavours... Blue cheese sauce was wonderfully smooth. Even if you don't like blue cheese give this a go. Trust me. You'll thank me for it later.

And.... The Average;

Veg Spring Rolls - these weren't bad. Not bad at all, however, the winner was the sauce it was served with. It really made the somewhat average springrolls something special.

Veggie Stack- I don't know what I was expecting... But I wouldn't write home about this. Maybe I was mushroomed out at this stage, but I just didn't enjoy this. Not bad. But it was a veggie stack... Very one note. Uninspired. Side salad was nice though!!!

Thai Beef Salad - this was actually pretty good. The beef was cooked perfectly and the base dressing was nice... It was just missing a lot. Needed more greens and needed some heat (spice). Then again, that's just my opinion. I guess I'm just disappointed because this dish has so much potential... I just wish it could be brought up a notch, then it would be UNREAL. Bad poetry unreal.

Drinks - I tried the Mojito with cranberry and strawberry... (can't remember the name sorry) Was really lovely. Not overly sweet - very fresh... I love cocktails where you can see all the ingredients clearly, so this was a winner for me.

The service was good too. Relaxed, unobtrusive but still attentive.

So, I will definately be returning to Tongs. I am going to work my way through the remainder of their menu... And cocktail list... I'm just hoping their breakfast is as good as their lunch / dinner!

Approximate cost: $17

I've been to Bella Capeli twice now, you name it, I had it done.
I had home dyed black hair, which they stripped back to PLATNIUM blonde in 2 visits with no yellow and no split ends or breakage.
I also got tape hair extentions which even I couldnt destroy (seriously - Im terrible).
I got the keretin treatment - which unfortunately didnt work (untameable jewfro), but they comped it my 2nd visit... wow!!
Never did they push their products on me as they said whatever I was using was great (keratase).

I love the honesty and integrity these ladies have. The fact that I am still prepared to travel a 2 and a half hour round trip (in good traffic) to return should say it all!

I can't believe it took me six years to finally patorn this place!! I'm actually a little devastated over all the time I wasted eating dodgy Mexican when Mamasitas was there all along.

Firstly the food. Devine. Authentic, yet refined Mexican. I went a little overboard and ordered every entree and a couple of mains to boot. None of which disappointed. One note - the meals are cheap, but the serving sizes are small. Think almost tapas style - but that's great because you can have more variety! You'll be looking at realistically $25+ per head to walk out satisfied.

However, what they do REALLY well is their margaritas. They have a great selection - and some really interesting combinations... Yes, they're a bit pricey (around $17 a pop) BUT TRUST ME, they're worth it... And do yourself a favour... Don't drive after one of them... They are quite liberal with the tequila.

The downside - they're busy and don't take bookings for tables under 10 or 12... But, I always go there for an early dinner / late lunch (around 4-4:30) and get a table just fine.

This is one place every Melbournian really should try at least once.

Approximate cost: $10

Tasty Trucks is a lunch van service I use regularly - all across Melbourne and I have to admit I'm a big fan. I love the fact that they make freshness a priority, have healthy options (with a few sneaky snacks) and from what I understand - make the majority of food on site.
I have met many of their drivers in my travels and am yet to encounter one that wasn't incredibly friendly, personable and willing to help me with directions when I'm hopelessly lost! Once, one of the girls even took me to the place I needed to be because it was on her way to her next stop! Seriously, who does that?!? Since then, I have been a loyal supporter of this company. If I see one of the vans (and they're pretty noticeable) I will stalk them until they pull up somewhere, just so I can get my lunch.

Price wise - you can get a sandwich, drink and a cake (or something to that affect) for around $10 - often with change. So they're on a par with cheap cafe prices. However the quality is pretty amazing. I'm obsessed with their roast beef, cheese and mustard sandwich - they definitely don't cheap out with their fillings and for around $5 you're getting your moneys worth.

Approximate cost: $6

How much do I love this place? A lot. I am now a frequent patron of this café and even I, one of the pickiest coffee drinkers around, loves their short macchiatos. I have only been there for brunch on Sundays, but every time I have visited, they have consistently exceeded my expectations. Their breakfasts are beautiful. Always freshly cooked, and their produce is always of the highest quality. I would recommend just about anything on their breakfast menu, as I have sampled it all and their freshly squeezed juice is the best I have had in Melbourne. Hands down. Just as a sidenote, my standard order is now the Big Breakfast with no bacon or mushrooms and a side of avocado, a short macchiato, a pot of peppermint tea and an orange juice to go. Their fruit salad is lovely, always freshly cut with yoghurt and muesli – yum yum… However, I did not particularly love their pancakes. Not bad, just not as great as their other breakfast options.
The service – it's just a pleasure. Even when they are flat stick busy, they always find time to seat you, get your order, check how everything is going, get you more coffee, all with a great attitude and stellar disposition. Their staff are both efficient and effective. They're fast, but are always happy to have a quick chat and are so attentive without being overbearing. It's a perfect combination.
Pricing – You're looking around $15 for the Big Breakfast… But the prices range from $10 to about $19 at breakfast time. I always go with a friend, eat like a pig, and it has never cost us more than $50 between us, even with me ordering multiple plates – because that's how I roll :)
Yes, they are always busy, but don't ever let that deter you. They will always find you a seat, you will not be stuffed into any corners and forgotten, and even though they look small and crowded, it is deceptive. I have never felt claustrophobic or in the way. The seating is comfortable, and they could probably fit a couple more tables inside, but they opt not to for the comfort of their patrons. I like that. There is outside seating that is well heated, and sheltered from the wind and other elements.
Parking can be a bit of a pest as there are a few café's on the same street, but if you're willing to park across the road and walk, you will find a parking space no problem. If you use public transport, there is a tram stop directly out the front.
In conclusion, the food is excellent. Service, second to none. The ambiance – perfect for brunch. They boast the best coffee in Essendon – and although I haven't tried all the coffee in Essendon, it's definitely the best I have had so far.

Approximate cost: $15

Let me start by saying, I love this restaurant - for a foodie like me, Syracuse is heavenly.

The menu is seasonal, and that suits me down to the ground, I love the fact that they update their menu to suit what produce is at its peak. The menu may be limited, but it's definitely diverse. I went with a small group and we ordered multiple plates which were served to us one at a time, family style - what an experience! No plate envy for me (for once). And the cheese! Oh the cheese (can you tell I'm gushing?). Every week they do something different - we had a soft cheese (poss a brie), slow roasted in a port reduction with a roasted garlic clove in the centre - divine. I still dream of that cheese.

The wine list - prepare to be amazed. Whereas the food menu is shorter, they have not taken the same approach to their wine list. It is extensive. As well as their printed menu, they also have a chalkboard list of wines. Trust your waiter! If you don't know your wines, describe what you like and they will recommend you something fabulous - and no, they don't try to sell you the most expensive bottle - they genuinely seem to care about serving you something you would enjoy.

The staff. Genuinely knowledgeable, and GREAT service. I can not find a fault with them. The sections are not huge, so the staff can really take care of you without seeming intrusive. To the point where they take your coats and hang them for you, rather than you hanging them off the back of your chair. It's the simple things that make a difference. You can tell Syracuse make service a priority, and on my end, it was very much appreciated.

The restaurant itself is based in an older 1920's style building, and rather than being cramped, it feels intimate. Depending on where you sit, you can have a decent view of the kitchen and enjoy the delectable scents that emerge from there.

Price wise, I feel for what you get, it is fairly inexpensive - I personally would have paid a lot more for meals and wine we had, so when we received the bill I was pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong, it's not cheap, but you don't feel cheated at the end of the evening.

This restaurant is all class, if you are looking for a memorable evening, from the food and wine, to the ambience - you don't need to look any further. Syracuse has delivered one of the best dining experiences of my life - in that environment, even Hitler would have seemed like a decent dinner companion. Who knows, after a night out there with him, we may have even been friends.

Approximate cost: $35

Today we decided to try Digidy's for the first time, and I can assure everyone that we will not be returning. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we walked out the whole experience was a disappointment.
The service, we walked into the restaurant and were greeted with blank stares, prompting me to ask if they were even open (regardless of the flashing 'open' sign in the window). There was no direction given to us, and as first time customers we did not know whether to seat ourselves, wait to be seated, was it table service, do we go up to the counter and order... And considering the place was empty, we couldn't even follow suit on the other patrons. We found ourselves a seat and were then told that the menu was on the wall (I had figured that part out) and promptly waited for another group to walk in and order from the counter – YAY! We knew what to do.
There were 3 staff that I saw on shift, and although the two younger staff were pleasant, they seemed somewhat inexperienced and quite nervous. At the end of our meal we discovered why, when the owner / manager 'had words' with them in regards to the emptying of a bin in a timely fashion - no big deal, but I believe that staff discipline should take place away from customers. It was neither professional nor pleasant to witness. In saying that, the restaurant WAS spotlessly clean - albeit empty. The tables were lined up beautifully, signage was clear (menu, bathrooms etc) and the restaurant frontage was hard to miss.
Our food - We ordered the Greyhound hotdog deal with a baked potato and can of drink ($9), the Drover's Dog ($9), The American style waffles with icecream ($5) and 2 bottled drinks (a Root Beer and a Sarsparilla - $4.50 each).
The bread was old and had been steamed to 'freshen up' - unfortunately it was still tough. The Greyhound hotdog was very bland and had a slimy pale yellow substance on it which I later figured out was congealed cheese sauce. The Drover's Dog was incredibly bland considering it had roast beef and gravy, a beef sausage and onion on it. The beef had either been roasted and then sat in water for way too long which sucked all the flavor out of it, or it had simply been boiled to begin with. Simple seasoning would have helped, but could not have saved it. The gravy was nondescript. No flavor at all. Unfortunately, the combination led to a tasteless soggy mess held together by waxy stale bread.
The baked potato... There was no mention on the menu that it was ‘stuffed' with bacon and cheese, nor that it was baked at least 24 hours prior and left in a bainmarie to shrivel and toughen.... But somehow they managed to maintain the 'left open in the fridge' taste I do so enjoy (or not).
The waffles were freshly made and not what I expected. Whilst they were not great (the maple syrup let it down - quite watery and nondescript - are you noticing a pattern?), they were crisp, fluffy and for $5 I would say you get what you pay for.
We were also told about their pasta - to quote "We still have pasta over there" in a dismissive fashion - it gave the impression that the pasta was old / left over... And considering we got there at noon, it was quite odd. We looked in the bainmarie display and it looked old also... We didn't try it. The individual shepherds pies had gone that dry that the mashed potato on top had cracked in a way that I instantly thought of soil erosion in the NT. We didn't try that either. I can't comment on the taste of their display items, but I really did not feel that they were not worth displaying… I know that it's nasty to judge a book by it's cover, but let's face it, you eat with your eyes first… And nothing looked fresh or particularly appetising.
I have to admit though, their prices were quite cheap for the amount of food we received. In saying that, I openly confess to overeating on numerous occassions, but I even commented to my dining partner that I did not understand how Americans could get so fat on these meals. I was more than happy to stop eating... Which, if you knew me, would say more than I could describe here.
As a result, if you were looking for $5 waffles that weren't offensive in any way, go to Digidy's. The parking's easy, and if your kids destroy the place you won't be disappointed to not return.

Approximate cost: $9

This is a funky little bar we found purely by accident, but don't let the outside fool you! As soon as you walk downstairs you will find an awesome settup with antique leather and velvet furniture (very comfortable), great music and relaxing ambience. It is a great place to relax with a couple of friends, have an intimate conversation or even chill by yourself and people watch.

The bar has a brilliant Scotch Selection menu, which I thoroughly enjoyed both reading and ingesting. The staff really know their product and are quite happy to talk to you about it.

A joy to visit.

We only has the cocktails - but they were brilliant. Works of art and they tasted amazing also. Easily some of the best cocktails I have had, ever, and at about $10 each - exceptionally good value.

The atmosphere (rooftop bar) was beautiful and such a great crowd. Downstairs, the decor was stylish and as crass as this may sound, the bathrooms were fastastic also. Whoever their decorator was, they did a wonderful job.