Reviews by Kentessential

This review is for Kofi Beans, Croydon VIC

verified email - 10 Feb 2014

I went here for a Sunday brunch recently. The service was adequate, but didn't really blow me away. Some of the staff appear to put more effort into being 'alternative' than simply being friendly.

The prices were a bit higher than you'd expect when bearing in mind the type of food you're getting. The food was nice, but when you consider the overall experience, I'm not convinced it's high on my list for places to return to.

Approximate cost: $18

This review is for French Food Art, Carlton VIC

verified email - 05 Dec 2013

Went to this restaurant with the aid of a voucher.

The welcome as soon as you arrive is warm and friendly. This family run and owned restaurant makes you feel like a guest, not just a customer. The people love what they do, and are passionate about it.

The food is superb. If you're going looking for a feast, then go to a buffet. The food here is reasonable sized portions, cooked absolutely perfectly, and presented spectacularly. We could not fault the food for a moment.

As discussed, the service was perfect too.

The prices mean that it's more-so a restaurant for special occasions then a last-minute decision. The full prices are probably a little out of my ballpark, so that would be the only pitfall in my book. But otherwise, no complaints!

This review is for Schnitz, Wantirna South VIC

verified email - 05 Dec 2013

I quite enjoy Schnitz. On each occasion I have been, I have always been more-than satisfied with my meal. The fiery Turban is my particular favourite.

The restaurant is very popular, and quite often hard to get a table at peak times. But, fast servings means that there's a lot of people coming and going, so it's not all bad.

Some of the staff don't seem terribly interested, but this isn't fine dining, so that's fine.

A little pricey for a weekday lunch, but it does the job.

Approximate cost: $12.00

This review is for Groove Train, Burwood East VIC

verified email - 05 Dec 2013

I have been to other Groove Train restaurants in the past, and on this occasion I was a little disappointed.

My favourite dish is their beef burger, but on this occasion, the pattie was small and not satisfying. All the meals at our table looked to be a lot smaller than previous visits.

The service was OK, but didn't blow me away. Seems to be the fashionable place to hang out, but I won't be rushing back.

20% discount with Entertainment Card/Frequent rewards is handy.

Approximate cost: $22.00

This review is for Taste Dumpling, Burwood VIC

verified email - 05 Dec 2013

Good dumplings, and many places seem to be improving in this respect. There needed to be more chilli oil on the tables. It was very difficult to get the attention of the wait staff, so that was a bit annoying.

I spilled soy sauce on myself, but that's a lack of coordination on my part.

Overall, a satisfactory experience.

Approximate cost: $10.00

This review is for Mandorah Beach Hotel, MANDORAH NT

verified email - 25 Sep 2013

The No Hot Chips Hotel is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Darwin, and enjoy an ale in the beachfront beer garden!

To get there, you need to catch a ferry from Cullen Bay Marina, and then wander down from there along the beach to the pub.

The hotel famously does not serve hot chips. But, it does serve great, fresh meals, including steak sandwiches and barramundi burgers! And the beer is on ice, awaiting your arrival!

Approximate cost: $12.00

This review is for Humpty Doo Hotel, HUMPTY DOO NT

verified email - 25 Sep 2013

If you're ever in the area, make sure you visit the Humpty Doo Hotel! It is an iconic pub in the Territory, and definitely worth a visit. The locals are definitely local, and the beer is chilled perfectly. And the food, surprisingly, is excellent. They a fresh Barramundi Burger if you like fish, or a Buffalo Burger if you're after some red meat.

Approximate cost: $16

This review is for Sofia Restaurant, Croydon VIC

verified email - 17 Sep 2013

If you are used to the service, servings, and quality of the Camberwell and East Burwood outlets, then you will be disappointed here.

The servings at Croydon are less-than half the size of their other outlets, and the prices aren't adjusted to reflect that. The quality of the food is about the same, but the volume is much, much less.

Approximate cost: $13

This review is for Sofia Restaurant, Burwood East VIC

verified email - 17 Sep 2013

Before I begin, it should be noted that Sofia is a family-friendly restaurant, and as such, should be thought about in that respect.

I attended this restaurant with my wife over the weekend. We know they have good prices and large portions, which is what we were in the mood for.

On a Saturday night, it is very busy. But, we didn't have any trouble getting a table, and the service was very fast. The staff seemed a little stressed and overwhelmed, however they were very friendly to us throughout.

We ordered a Ravioli Bolognese, and a Mexican Pizza. The pasta was good, a touch above the median, and the serving was huge. The pizza was a little disappointing, it could have done with more salami. But, for the prices paid, it's a very good deal.

If you want fine dining, don't go here. But if you want fresh food in a family-friendly atmosphere at a good value price, then you can't go too far wrong.

Approximate cost: $13

This review is for Short Black Cafe & Restaurant, Camberwell VIC

verified email - 10 Aug 2013

Stopped in here for a hot chocolate before a movie at the Rivoli. The ordering, as well as the receiving of the beverage, was quite slow. However, the drink itself was quite nice.

We also looked at the menu, and the prices looked quite good, as did the servings on the other tables!!

Approximate cost: $19.00