Reviews by anna-

This review is for Sicilian Parramatta, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 08 Mar 2015

This place looked busy and decor was nice. So we decided to drop by for dinner one Saturday night. It was not a very busy night- only about 35% capacity. Interior was nice- well furnished, good mood lighting. But greatly let down by the service. Wait staff stood around, but didn't come to take our order. I tried to make eye contact. Even standing up did not attract any attention. Ended up having to walk over to the counter to make our order. Had to ask again for table water, which they forgot. Food came reasonably quickly. We ordered a vegetarian and margarita pizza. Taste was ok but price is not justified by the food and service.

Approximate cost: $23

This review is for Pizza Design Co, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 08 Mar 2015

Gluten-free options, vegan options. Wonderful concept- choose your base, sauce and toppings. All for just $15! Ready in 5 minutes! Additional toppings cost extra. The staff were vibrant and friendly, food was fresh. Was a bit skeptical, as it looked like Subway. But surprised when we got the pizzas- tasted delicious! Also- salads available. Compares well with the pizzas in restaurants nearby. I would choose this over 317, Crinitis, Bondi Pizza and Sicilian! Will be back again! :)

Approximate cost: $15

This review is for Sabatinis, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 06 Feb 2015

I've only been once so far. Went on a Saturday night at 6:30pm. It was a quiet, but got busier an hour later. It's a nice, intimate restaurant- ideal for us on that day. We could have good conversation, without having to talk over excessive noise, nor felt rushed. Service was perhaps a little overly attentive, with the waitress asking a few times if we were ready to order, when we were clearly not (just sat down & started chatting). But this is probably due to the new staff who is being trained (we were told this at the beginning of the night), so it didn't bother me much. Unfortunately no vegetarian main, but they made the vegetarian entree into main-size for me. Serving size & flavours were great. Overall, I would rate this highly for the ambience and food. Price is comparable to most of the Italian restaurants around the area. It wins in the ambience and service though. However, if you like the feel of a busy restaurant and bigger crowds (as some people do), better head to Criniti's, Bondi Pizza or one of the other restaurants near-by.
Update Dec 2015- wanted to revisit this restaurant, but it only has 1 vegetarian main. That means for 2 people who are vegetarians, we would have to order the same main. Had to turn away and dine elsewhere.

Approximate cost: $28

This review is for Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park NSW

verified email - 23 Dec 2014

I visited 2 weeks ago- and didn't expect to have so much fun! I usually swim in the lanes when I go to the pool, but went on a Friday evening at 7:30pm and stayed till closing time, 9pm. Instead of going to the lane pool, I stayed in the children's pool, which was 1.2m. There were plenty of other adults around. It's warmer than the lap pool and has 2 huge "showers" where the water beats down and gives a wonderful massage on your back. As the previous reviewer mentioned, there are also water "river" which propels you in a circular motion, plus water slides and giant water buckets overhead. There are a few small spas, which is wonderfully warm. Adult entry fee is $7, but pay $8 more and you also get access to the steam room and sauna. Best to avoid school holidays and weekends, if you want to enjoy some fun without the crowds. Facility is spacious and clean. Lockers are $2, operated by a coin and non-refundable. Parking is free, if you show your swimming entry receipt. A good place for children and adults alike!

This review is for Goodlife Health Clubs, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 23 Dec 2014

I've been to quite a few gyms and this is one of the better ones. Staff is always friendly and say hi. Good range of equipements- huge number of bikes and treadmills (only ever 5% occupied, so you never have to wait your turn!), free weights, cables, stretching area, classes, child minding facility, sauna, steam room, chill room, showers, hair dryers and straighteners, lockers. There's even a "lady's area"- with cardio and weights, closed off from male view. Very spacious. The users often don't put their weights away, which can get a little annoying. Members are also friendly. Music is not intrusively loud. The biggest downside is that they're not open 24/7! :P Parking/transport is a breeze, since it's on level 6 of Westfield Parramatta. Love it! :)

This review is for Country Growers, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 23 Dec 2014

Conveniently located on level 5 near Coles, inside Westfield. Great fresh produce at a reasonable price, comparable to the supermarket. Larger range of fruit and vegetables than the supermarket. They have daily specials. Also a range of reduced products past their prime. They also stock eggs, dairy products, fresh fruit salads, some ethnic products, frozen products, canned, and shelf products from dried lentils, spices, to pasta and snacks. A good place to shop, if you like supporting smaller businesses, like me :)

This review is for Tong Li Supermarket, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 23 Dec 2014

Good range of products at a reasonable price. Not much more expensive than other Asian grocers, despite being inside Westfield. Chinese greens are delivered daily, as with all Chinese grocery shops. The range of chilled goods and shelf-stable products are comparable to most Chinese grocery shops. I like coming here mostly for the connivence.

This review is for OK Supermarket, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 23 Dec 2014

I went there last week. It's in the middle of Parramatta CBD- easy to get to on foot (Street parking is hard to find though. But a few min walk from Westfield). It's a spacious supermarket- not as crammed as most Asian grocers. But on the day I visited, the fresh produce is not very fresh, apart from the Chinese greens, which is delivered daily. A good selection of shelf-stable products and chilled goods. Prices are comparable to most Asian grocers in the area. Picked up a few bargains - reduced from being near expiry date. Overall similar to Tong Li in Westfield for prices and range of products, but probably slightly less fresh.

This review is for AJ Hair & Beauty Salon, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 19 Dec 2014

I've been there twice (and will continue to do so). This is a busy family-run business which is professional and friendly. The hairdresser is Mandy, who is fluent in English and Cantonese. I've found her to be attentive and professional- even under pressure. Assistant staff are less fluent in English. Best to make an appointment, rather than walk-in: it's the polite thing to do, and prevents you having to be turned away on a busy day. Mandy also is trained in make-up application. Location is very convenient- right near Parramatta train station. Prices are very reasonable, and no pressure to buy products. One down-side is that when it gets busy, there may be a bit of a wait (during the appointment). That's why I always schedule for extra time for my appointment, and avoid busy periods. :) Thanks Mandy!

This review is for Thaina Box, Parramatta NSW

verified email - 08 Nov 2014

I like the concept- choose your meat/veg, sauce/flavour, and the accompanying rice or noodle (more than 1 type of noodle available) or from the menu. E.g. chicken/beef/tofu, oyster sauce, rice noodles.
It's quick, good serving size, appealing to the eye, and very affordable. The kitchen (behind glass panels, so you can watch while it's been cooked) takes up most of the restaurant and there isn't much seating (I'm not sure if there's seating upstairs?), and many people come in to pick-up take-away. So while the decor is reasonable, the atmosphere is that of a take-away or quick-meal restaurant. The flavour is overly sweet on both occasions I've visited, which is the main let-down.

Approximate cost: $13