Having noticed this business on the street walking by I went in to ask for new daily contact lenses as I'd just run out. At the time I thought, I really should replace my 8 yr old prescription sunglasses as my current one's were slowly melting; yet I knew that this would be a high risk decision given how long I need them to last. I evaluated some frames and agreed to have a few colours order (on their offering). Once the stock had arrived they text me this & also booked me in to trial for some newly released contact lenses. I explained that I had only recently had my eyes tested, yet they said it wouldn't hurt to retest… as expected my prescription was exactly the same. Once I'd finished I noticed a pair of sunglasses which I liked and asked if I could get them made up with my prescription, the salesperson there said that it wouldn't be a problem, so she costed the frames, the prescription and the graduating lens (colours). Given I wanted them to see me through for the next 5-10 yrs (a classic pair of ray ban aviators) I was happy to pay up to $450-500 on the right pair of glasses.

The outcome was that when I arrived to pick up my sunglasses I discovered that someone had amended my contact details so I never actually received the text notification message, so I was upset given I'd paid a deposit and never received any feedback (what type of business operates solely on text messages when moneys are paid and is this legal?!) On inspected of my new sunglasses I discovered, much to my horror that that the lenses fitted (a medium thickness of 7mm) were in fact far too large for the frame (1.5mm). The salesperson calculated the price of having this rectified and it was another $160; I immediately felt uneasy and got angry as I'd realised I'd been played; why could she make the right suggested upfront? Unfortunately for me, the salesperson was really only interested in "selling" rather than promoting the best possible solutions based on my prescription and now worst of all I am left with EXTREMELY heavy sunglasses which continually float down my nose (yes, they didn't adjust my sunglasses to me as they knew full well they couldn't given the weight of the frame vs. the prescription!!)

In hindsight I should have gone back to a trusted specialist who would have suggested sunglasses suited to my prescription, yet I now find myself in a position where I've over spent grossly on prescription sunglasses and will either have to get the lenses redone in a finer lens overseas (as our prices are ridiculous) or change the lenses all together and treat them as non prescriptive pair of sunglasses to wear with contact lenses (a waste given I don't wear contacts lenses that often). In conclusion, what I've learnt over the yrs in buying many pairs of glasses & sunglasses is that this business IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST PLACE anyone could walk into. Unfortunately, sometimes clients don't know what is good for them & this is why there are "salespeople" to advise the risks and benefits etc and their role is also the reason why all people don't buy online. This business will take your money & run so buyer beware – DO NOT GO THERE

Approximate cost: $450

I'd forgotten how incredibly powerful Shiatsu is as a modality. I realise I've only just scratched the surface yet I'll b back for more in 2011!! See website for the many offerings for this clinic

There's good reason why this restaurant is classified as "Royal Thai Cuisine" and just keeps winning awards year on year. They're outstanding!!

I have been going here for over 15 years and every time I go its consistency just keeps impressing me. Whether I'm dressed up or casual I'm always paid the same respect as any other paying customer and when I've arranged groups there they're taken care of us with their banquet offerings.

Amazing Thai, its like I've been transported to Thailand without the humidity! Highly recommend, be careful of what looks like capsicum in the green chicken curry, it really is chilli haha!

Approximate cost: $15-34

I could not fault this restaurant, they took us in without a booking and we had one of the best dining experiences that 2 couples could have have! The have a an open kitchen on display, their wine list impeccable and quality of food was of a very high standard (we went in May/June this year). Their food can be classified as art, their presentation outstanding

For a wonderful experience where you don't mind spending a little more than normal but want to be wowed, this should be on your list.

Approximate cost: $28-38

This is the only place that I will willingly go and eat Yum Cha!! So for traditional lovers of Yum Cha, this is not traditional, but more upmarket. They have a huge variety of seafood on their Menu and their Duck is lovely. As the name would suggest, they have a huge selection of tea's which go very nicely with their Yum Cha. I've been here many times with friends, customers, colleagues and of course hubby; on all occasions a perfect experience!! Banquet starts at $28 goes to $40 dependent on what you want it to include

Approximate cost: $6-15

Consistent is how I would describe this business, their quality has not changed in the 15 odd years I've been going here and they cater for groups really well too. Service can be slower on busy nights, yet once the food gets rolling you don't even notice! Desserts are amazing. My very first experience I didn't order anything and food started to come out, it made me laugh, but in the end I loved the experience and today still go back for more. Very friendly atmosphere

Approximate cost: $15-25

Having eaten here a few times I can say the menu is beautiful yet on the higher end of the spectrum. Yet when you receive your meal you know why you pay a little more! We have been there with families too and although its not my first pick to go with children, they were indeed entertained being able to watch the kitchen and its workings.

Their desserts are masterpieces regardless of what you choose... yet I'd suggest the Pavlova, its mouthwatering! This strip of shops/restaurants in Ivanhoe really can do no wrong, yet I'd reserve this place as a special one for adults only.

Approximate cost: $35

This is my local pizza & pasta bar and for the past 8 yrs they've managed to keep their quality absolutely impeccable and consistent! Yes their pizza's are definitely more expensive, yet the quality is far better than most so its value for quality and so what if I have to wait an extra 5 min? Their pasta's and other dishes are lovely too so you can TA or eat in, whichever way it's a clean and enjoyable experience. They have a great outdoor area that caters for all weather and yummy desserts, so highly suggest if out that way...

Approximate cost: $9-18

I'm so happy that this little gold mine in the NE side of town is back on track; a few yrs ago a lovely couple started this business and set the standard for fine Greek dining. It was sold & taken over early this yr and foolishly the new owners decided to change the quality of the food / supplier etc. The most frustrating part was their lack of taking on feedback (many times) so in the end we had no choice but to stop going there.

I'm happy to say that I've recently been re-acquainted with their food and thankfully their quality is back up to original standards set. It would be great if they would now change nothing, as they have everything they could hope for, a fantastic quality establishment!
T/A menu available, Dining-in lovely and clean, plenty of parking at rear. Would now highly recommend if you're out this way!

Approximate cost: $16-20

Its amazing how many Italian dishes are in fact vegetarian!! What can i say; I adore this place, they've chosen to cater to a niche marketplace and are in the best location to do so. Of late I've tried their Italian doughnuts and all I can move over panetone YUMMMM (Is italian sweet bread - just make sure you get one of their latte's to go with it too!)

Amongst many positives this is one of the cleanest, most organised, friendly, consistent establishments and their desserts compliment their beautiful meals perfectly. Good to dine in or t/a. There's choices for vegan's are very good too and they do their best to be as organic as possible without huge costs.... Highly recommend!

Approximate cost: $10