Reviews by clivej

This review is for Elephant and Castle Hotel, Geelong VIC

verified email - 08 Sep 2013

Top notch. The highest quality pub lunch I have ever had.

My partner chose 1/2 dozen oysters Kirkpatrick to start, and I have never seen her eyes light up that way before - sad but true. I had the trio of dips, which I expected o be quite standard for a pub, but what I was delivered was amazing. Each of the 3 dips had superb flavour, and the flowing texture made them a delight to smear and spread on the generous quantities of toasted bread included.
Not to be outdone, my partner ordered the salmon main course, which arrived looking perfect, and the sighs of satisfaction continued from her side of the table.
I decided to stick with the traditional pub stuff, so I ordered the chicken parm. Once again, the dish which arrived was definitely superior to any other chicken parm that I've ever had before. The delicate parmesan tomato sauce, the succulent, perfectly cooked breast - wow. The flavour and quality of this food is a cut above anywhere in the. Geelong region.
After going to hundreds of local pubs since we moved to Geelong 3 years ago, we have finally found our favourite local eatery.

Approximate cost: $20

This review is for Word Of Mouth, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 18 Aug 2013

Much bemused. After going through the many hoops involved in signing up properly as they require, I found that my very first restaurant review was automatically 'retracted' - which I wholly expect will happen to this very review.

I have reviewed every aspect of the multiple site policies and rules of womo.com, but cannot see where my negative review of that business contravened their policies in any way.

I am still awaiting an explanation form womo.com

Clive

Approximate cost: $0

This review is for Gateway Hotel AYCES Bistro, Corio VIC

verified email - 18 Aug 2013

One of the worst ever experiences. First, i must point out that this restaurant is very busy - in our case we followed a tourist bus of elderly Greek diners, but I am sure that this is a common occurrence as it is one of the few places between
Melbourne and Geelong which can accommodate large groups.

Apart from the staff taking the proceeds on entry, the attitude, experience and courtesy of the staff borders on non-existent, with many bored and disinterested gazes in their eyes as they observe the boiled canteen food slowly vaporise into mush over the prolonged steaming vents.

After paying your money to 'enter', there is a clear sign which states "please wait to be seated". After waiting for some time, you eventually realise that this sign is there merely to slow you down as it dawns on you that you are now 'on your own' in the mystery darkness. So you eventually stagger of toward parts of the room which look like they may contain some seating for 2 - but most of the seating is arranged for large groups.

Unfortunately I witnessed one staff member shouting very rudely at a non-English speaking customer from Greece who had made the regrettable error of walking behind the counter to point out the drink which she wanted.

The lines for getting drinks were lengthy and slow moving. The prices for a piddling glass of coke was $3.50, the food quality was atrocious, basically microwaved food with plenty of bottled sauce to cover up the cardboard flavours.

People with kids will probably think its a great place, because all the dishes are kid-friendly - as kid-friendly as a fish-finger is - and they can run around freely without admonishment.

For 2 Adult diners, however, the place is far from spectacular.

We have been at the best and the worst throughout the planet, and this one is definitely at the lower echelons of our culinary escapades.