Parking is shocking, very tight spaces. The gym trainers wander around, you really need to seek them out if you want to ask something. It gets very crowded at peak times. Good facilities, but very expensive for what it is.

I joined up here on a short term membership through a voucher site. The gym itself is not too big, but never overcrowded, so that's not bad. There's no staff on during the evenings, meaning you need to remain self-motivated. The bathroom facilities are pathetic, sadly: mens was one room which had a toilet in one corner and a shower in the other, and a sink... no dividing walls in that room at all! Not really a convenient before-work option.

This gym is huge, and has very good facilities on the gym floor itself, and the changerooms are also good. The car park is somewhat limited, but you never need to park too far away. There's a lack of trainers on the gym floor, so you need to go-it-alone. The staff at the desk are generally friendly and polite.

Approximate cost: $650+

Dairy Bell is my favourite traditional ice cream in the universe! It may not have the bells-and-whistles of the fancy gourmet ice-creams, but it also does not have the price tag. My folks always treated us to ice cream since the 1980's (the original East Malvern factory store), and visiting Dairy Bell is always enjoyable. The price of Supercones has risen significantly recently, but all other prices seem to stick with inflation. So many flavours to choose from, you're never short of choice. They even offer Gluten Free and Halal options now.

I had been introduced to the Dundas Place Cafe a number of years ago by a friend who lived locally. It was great back then. And, much to my pleasant surprise, it is still really fantastic! I ventured there recently for brunch with my partner, and received excellent service from all the guys working there. Furthermore, the food was excellent also. I had the build-your-own omelette, which filled me up easily (I'm a big eater), and she had the Phat Breakfast, which was similarly massive! Both meals were VERY tasty and good quality. The venue is nice and intimate, which means prompt service, which is also good. The coffee drinkers also seemed happy with the results. Also, it's got a free WiFi hotspot.

Approximate cost: $16

Went here with a large-ish group, and found the service to be fairly slow. Also found that the food was OK, but was pretty cheaply made and you feel bloated by the end of it. The trick is to get there for the Happy Hours between 4pm and 7pm daily, for some reasonable drinks deals. The people are friendly enough, but it feels too gimicky to allow for good service.

Approximate cost: $25

Well, the new McDonalds in Ringwood has opened! Very exciting for all Maccas fans in the area. As you drive past Eastlink and enter Ringwood, you see the new golden arches welcoming you to their newest location. My partner and I stopped for a sundae on the way home from dinner... what a mistake!!!

As we entered their soulless premises, we made our way to the front counter. There were a few customers milling-around waiting for their food, and there were three registers 'operating'. In total, there were six staff behind the counter (obviously training was taking place). So, we waited to be served. Then we waited to be simply acknowledged. When neither happened, I assumed that their personal conversations were more important than the customers. So, I counted, out loud, to fifty, and then we decided to leave. A pitiful experience.

Dropped in here for a beer and some scones on a Sunday arvo, and quite enjoyed the experience! The in-house brews were very tasty, very good craft beers. The scones were the best I'd had in quite a long time! I'll try the dinner menu sometime soon.

Dropped in here for a pie on a Sunday arvo, and got excellent prompt service, top quality pies, and even somewhere to eat it, including a plate and cutlery! Will definitely make the excuse to drive through Yarra Glen just for the bake house!!

Approximate cost: $4

Went here last night and had an excellent time! The service is definitely top notch, even just the courtesy of refilling out water without being prompted. All the food is wonderful, fresh, and perfectly prepared. The chocolate mousse dessert is quite a small portion for the price, but still nice. This is the sort of place you go to for good service and quality food. If you're starving, then maybe this isn't the venue of choice.

Approximate cost: $32