Friday night and the restaurant was about half full. We were shown to our table and were able to check out the menu at leisure. There was a mix of gourmet wood fire pizzas which sounded delicious and an a la carte menu that included pasta, risotto, fish and duck. My friend chose Spaghetti Marinara - entree size at $24 - which included mussels, fish, prawns, calamari with tomoatoes and olive oil. It was a substantial meal - the Tassie mussels were very large - and very tasty. I had trevally, chips and salad. I received 2 large pieces of trevally with a crisp batter, a good number of chips that were hot but not very crisp and a salad that consisted of several leaves of lettuce with a nice balsamic vinegar on it. It was ok and the fish was quite yummy. However at $29.00 it was rather expensive for what was on the plate. I had a bottle of Red Hill Scotch Ale - a lovely drop! - and my friend a Foxy Pinot Gris - also very nice! Coffee to finish which was ok, too. The service was good and the waiter very friendly and helpful. It is a very pleasant restaurant - although a bit expensive for me to make a return trip.

Approximate cost: $28.00

We called into this small restaurant in Blairgowrie on Saturday evening looking for an early meal. We had planned to have fish and chips on the beach but time went by and it was dark and cold so the alternative was a sit down meal somewhere. The sign said seafood and sushi so that seemed like what we wanted. The girl on the cash register was very friendly and welcoming and wasn't fazed when we said we wanted an early meal (it was only 5.45pm). There was plenty of choice on the menu but we settled for fish of the day in tempura batter, chips and salad with a glass of NZ Sav Blanc. There were 4 yummy decent sized flathead tails with lovely batter, really crunchy hot chips and a small bowl of salad with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot with lemon juice squeezed over it. A very tasty meal. We finished with a cup of coffee - hot latte - which could have been hotter - and a long black which was just fine. The service was great - the two waiters were very helpful and friendly and it was a better meal for less cost than what we had had the night before. The place also has takeaway and was very busy but we didn't have to wait long for our meal. Will definitely go back there next time on the Peninsula.

Approximate cost: $22.00

Best coffee for the whole weekend! We visited the Back beach at Sorrento on our way home after staying in Sorrento for the weekend. We'd had several coffees at different places but All Smiles was the best. The hot Latte was indeed hot - and strong - not cool and weak like some others and the long black was strong - but not overpowering and bitter. A Goldilocs experience - just right!!

Approximate cost: $3.80

Called in to Rapture today for a quick lunch. Fantastic! My friend and I both had the salmon frittata with salad - and a coffee. We only waited a few minutes and the coffee, then food was on the table. The generous serving of frittata was very tasty with distinct layers of spinach, egg, salmon and thinly sliced pumpkin on top. The salad consisted of apple, mixed lettuce, cranberries (I think?! very nice anyway!) walnuts and a balsamic dressing - which I'm not usually a fan of but this one was pretty good. Coffee was very good, too. Have been here several times for coffee but not often for food. I will be back!

Approximate cost: $15.00

After a recommendation from our neighbours who had Paul & Louise supply and install their blinds we also asked for a quote as we needed new binds in 3 rooms plus an external blind on a new verandah. They were every helpful in explaining the process of installation and in helping us choose the two kinds of blinds we wanted - one you can see-through from inside the room but not from the outside in for daytime plus a blockout blind for night time. There was plenty of choice in colours and decent sized samples to look at to get a good idea. Their quote was fine and we were very happy with the speed of supply and installation. The external blind was a bit tricky because the verandah is on an angle but Paul worked his magic and did a really neat job. The blinds look really good and the fittings are very sturdy and of good quality. We've noticed a great improvement in the heating and cooling within the house - an added bonus. We were so pleased with how our house looks that we also had Paul & Louise supply and install similar blinds plus some verticals and 3 security doors in a new unit. They did a superb job! Highly recommended - and we will definitely use them again to supply the blinds in the 2 rooms that we have yet to renovate in our house!

My friend and I often have coffee here and also buy various breads, bread rolls, cakes and pies. The coffee is great - as are the cakes. Prices are very reasonable and there's always plenty of different ones to choose from. The pies are really good - again there's different types and fillings as well as the good ole plain meat pie filled with real meat and plenty of it. Yum! They also have the usual range of breads - as well as some not so usual. Like today I went there a little late and couldn't get a wholemeal loaf but there was an oatmeal one - it tastes fine and is nice for a change. The people serving are always friendly and helpful and the service is pretty quick. Highly recommended!

A few of us decided to try out this restaurant one evening. The paella was recommended so four shared a seafood and chicken one and the others had individual tagine meals. The paella was certainly a substantial helping and was quite tasty but not the best paella I've ever had. The chicken and seafood was a bit light on for the price ($46 for two people). The individual tagine meals looked to be better value and were certainly enjoyed by those who ordered them. If I returned - which I may well do as the other menu items and banquets looked interesting - I'd try them instead. The tea that was provided with the meal was very refreshing and went well with the food.

Approximate cost: $22.00

A friend and I went to Mornington for the day and stopped for lunch at this little cafe. We had a small dog with us so had to sit outside but that was fine as there were several tables and chairs out on the footpath and under cover. The lunch menu had plenty of variety and included some Gluten free and vegetarian options. I had a warm lamb salad which had a generous serve of very tasty pieces of lamb, lots of different salad vegetables and a nice dressing. My friend had a chicken salad - also a generous helping and very tasty. Coffee was really good - so much so I enjoyed a second one! The service was efficient and the waiters were very friendly and cheerful. Will certainly go back again on another visit.

Approximate cost: $18.00

A reviving and relaxing night out is to be had at the Supper Market at the Abbotsford Convent. Great choice of food - Taiwanese, Himalayan, Paella, Turkish, Indonesian and good ole fish n chips! Our group chose a combo of Himalayan - Chicken and Spinach Dumplings for one, Chicken, chick peas and salad for another; both with a spicy sauce and the Paella - two vegetarian and one seafood. All totally delicious and only $10 each! Would have liked to have gone back to try something on another stall but the servings were very generous and we had to leave space for the ice-cream! The raspberry was really good and the hazelnut sooo creamy! YUM. The market stalls were interesting with a variety of jewellery, soaps, clothes and the music was ok too - though after a while we wandered down a path and sat on the cool grass and watched the world go by. A very pleasant evening. :)

Approximate cost: $15.00

Called into the Lower deck for a late lunch as it had been recommended to us. New kid on the block in Croydon opposite the Bazoo Bar. It was pretty good - although my Chicken melt was bit light on in the cheese and cranberry sauce area which meant it was rather dry and not that great. My friend had a vege breakfast which was chokka full of mushroms, tomato, spinach, feta cheese and 2 eggs - very good value and very tasty. (I know that 'cos Ihelped finish it off!) Coffee was also very good. Will go back again - but not for a chicken melt - more likely to try the breakfast menu.

Approximate cost: $16.00