We went for dinner to enjoy the sunset. There seemed to be insufficient staff for the full restaurant. Service was inattentive and slow. They even had insufficient menus for the four of us! When you pay these prices (it's very expensive) the service should be first class. The steaks weren't the best I've had, either.

Approximate cost: $50

I booked my Honda VTR100F in for a service in October. It's difficult for me to get in to the city, then out to work in Balwyn by tram, then in to the city again by tram, all in peak hour, but I thought I would get my Honda serviced by the so-called specialists. I picked the bike up, rode home, and noticed the lower fairing was missing! Rang up the next day, they admitted they still had it, I had to ride in on Saturday and wait for it to be fitted. I complained and was offered a $50 credit for the next service.

In february I booked the bike in to get the CCTs replaced and the chain adjusted. When I arrived I was told it was booked in for a 48K service! No, I said, it's only done 45K, and I'm here for replacement CCTs. OK they said. That afternoon, after battling trams, peak hour traffic etc I pick the bike up: the service adviser cheerfully tells me they have adjusted the chain, and the mechanic advises the CCTs need replacing, and I should book the bike in! Well, I exploded, telling them that's exactly what the bike was booked in today for!

This time I lodged a complaint with the Service Manager. He offered to have the bike picked up and delivered home by tow-truck, so I would not be inconvenienced by yet another trip into the city. Fair enough, so I booked the bike in for Friday 13th (I should have known!). I get a phone call on Friday afternoon - "the computer said they had two CCTs in stock, but there is only 1 on the shelf" - they have to keep the bike over the weekend. Damn, I had organised a ride with mates that weekend.

I get a phone call the following Wednesday saying the bike is all fixed, I paid over $1000 over the phone, and expected the bike to be delivered that evening. Get home, no bike. The next evening, get home, no bike. Ring again, and was told "oh no, the deal was for pickup only, not delivery of the bike back home". So I have to go in early last Saturday and pick the bike up. And I finally realise my $50 credit from the original stuff-up is nowhere to be seen.

Subsequent calls to the service manager go unanswered.

Peter Stevens, you've got to be kidding. You are a joke, with the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Never again.

Approximate cost: $1000

Ben Allen relocated my business (Sign a Rama Kew) from Kew to North Balwyn a week ago. It was a typical office move (desks, boxes etc), but with the added complications of some large and heavy equipment (panel saw, wide format digital printer etc). Ben not only gave us a terrific quote, but he and his staff were fantastic on the day. They worked and worked, overcame all the many problems and hiccups that inevitably occur, and we were all moved in by 3pm the same day. His staff are fantastic, every one of them takes personal responsibility and pride in what they are doing. Their slogan is "stress free moving" and they really live up to that.

Approximate cost: $2500

We had our daughter's Engagement Party at The Beach last weekend. Upstairs they have this fantastic function room, we had 110 people and it was ideal for that number. The hotel supplied security at the bottom of the stairs, and dedicated bar and finger-food staff. Excellent sound system which my daughter ran off her iPod. Has a large open balcony looking over the bay - beautiful sunset!
If you are looking for a venue for a 21st, Engagement Party etc, I would strongly recommend you consider this facility

For meat and wine lovers, as the name suggests, this is the place! The steaks are sensational, the pork ribs are superb (1/2 rack is more than enough) and the place has plenty of style. The wine list is extensive, but also expensive! For a special night out, this is the place - expensive but worth it. They have semi-private areas that can be booked for groups of 8 up.

Approximate cost: $35-50

The roast dinners here are superb, the standard size is more than enough, with meat and four vegetables, gravy and condiments. You can eat them in the shop at a large central table, but I usually take them home. The roast lamb, pork and beef are superb. A bit expensive compared to other take away but you get a beautiful meal for your money.

Approximate cost: $17.50

A great meal, small intimate restaurant, interesting menu: Vietnamese dishes on one side, traditional Chinese dishes on the other. Their "Beef Rolls with Lalop" as an entree are sensational. And very good attentive service from the family members, and great value as well.

Approximate cost: $13.50

Tomomi make the best Sushi, hand rolls for lunch at $2 each can't be beaten. Their other lunchtime take-aways are also excellent and good value. You can get a huge platter of sushi or sushi/sashimi for two for $30-$40. At night the waitresses are in traditional Japanese kimonos and really look the part. The a la carte menu is reasonably extensive, the food is always delicious.

I have been going to the Balwyn Yoga Centre for about 7 years, it's great. The teacher Inge Lange runs a great class, it's a good workout - I thought yoga was all about sitting around chanting "om", but in this centre you work up a sweat! It's hard work but it's fun. I reckon I will be doing yoga here for the rest of my life!

Approximate cost: $16

We had a very enjoyable meal here, very authentic cuisine, well cooked and well presented. Very busy, filled with the Chinese locals, always a good sign! The manager/waiter was very attentive, good personality. All was going well until my wife visited the Ladies - apparantly it was filthy and disgusting, a real turnoff at the end of what was an otherwise excellent meal.

Approximate cost: $20