....good location, extensive range, satisfactory service, (not particularly friendly), but they never seem to be open when I need a newsagent....i.e. after 11.00am on a Sunday.

Just another Pricey Style?....me thinks not!

Who would have thunk that there would be yet another great hair salon on Brisbane's Northside, (see review of Dina's Hair Designs!), but here it is at Stafford Heights! Hairdressers who have been trained to....dress hair!

....reasonably priced for a suburban salon, (no need to be greedy in the current economic climate!)

Great service, efficient stylists and no 'tude!

Avoid the disappointment and expense over the Pine River Bridge....go Destiny Hair at Stafford Heights!

Approximate cost: $80-$100

Punjabi by Nature ERITREA....curious name, interesting origins....

Operating under the current management since November 2011, this charming little restaurant offers an enticing selection of authentic Indian and Eritrean (East Africa) culinary delights.

We weren't particularly adventurous, so opted for the classic Butter Chicken and the über tasty Nawabi Lamb Curry complemented by Saffron Rice, Aamini Naan (naan bread stuffed with spinach and cheese) and Keema Naan (naan bread filled with lamb mince, herbs and spices)....and we weren't disappointed! These dishes had just the right amount of spice so as not to offend our delicate palettes(!)

We were persuaded to sample the Eritrean coffee after the meal, served by our gracious host, Bseltene.

The restaurant is easily accessible from the city in a great location opposite Paddington Central. Interesting, tasty cuisine, attentive service and attractive decor all contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.

....we're going back to sample the Eritrean menu!

Special: All curries $12 Mon - Wed (5.00pm-6.30pm)

Approximate cost: $17.50

Go for coffee at Gopher Coffee....get it?!

Gopher Coffee is well positioned at Lillybrook Shopping Village, Kallangur – a veritable little gem in suburbia.

Given the absence of a decent coffee shop at Murrumba Downs, (the stock standard cr*ppy service mass-produced at the local franchise establishment leaves a bad taste in the mouth), it is a relief to discover this great little café offering fresh fare, tasty treats, connoisseur coffee and superb service at Kallangur.

Glenn and Fiona own and operate this fantastic family-friendly café which is popular with locals and provides a suburban sanctuary for coffee aficionados. The menu offers great variety – homemade cooking – generous portions. Weekend breakfast/brunch is a special treat.

Our favourite friend at Gopher Coffee is Paul – always welcomes customers with a smile :) Paul is friendly and efficient….and he ain't a half bad barista!

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 7am - 4.30pm
Saturday 7am - 3pm
Sunday 7am - 2pm

https://www.facebook.com/gophercoffee

****VOTE 1 – GOPHER COFFEE****
Quest Business Achiever Awards 2012
http://www.questawards.com.au/

Approximate cost: $10-$15

Wild Rocket @ Misty's - interesting name, great location and fantastic fare! I would recommend this dining experience to all visiting Montville.

Belinda and Peter offer great hospitality and innovative modern Australian cuisine complemented by a fine selection of local (OZ) and NZ wines.

The interesting, quirky decor is inviting and creates a charming ambience - this gorgeous little restaurant is the place to enjoy fine fare and wonderful wine in this beautiful corner of the world.

Wild Rocket @ Misty's is perfect for a quiet drink, celebrating a special event or sharing a meal with friends - always expect a warm welcome.

....also register for the Wild Rocket Birthday Club for a great deal on your birthday!

Approximate cost: $19-$40

CELOS Gifts offers a great warehouse outlet alternative for homeware and gift purchases.

Good quality wares at reasonable prices sold by friendly staff -a great place to stock up the gift cupboard!

Trading Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00 - 17:00
Sat 9:00 - 13:00
Credit Cards accepted
Onsite parking

Approximate cost: $30

....will only visit this local convenience store out of desperation i.e. local Coles not open.

....a lot must have changed in a couple of years because I don't consider this store to be particularly clean or well stocked, (can never find what I'm after!), and products are highly priced.

Staff are reasonably amenable but often give the impression that they would rather be somewhere else.

....yep, there are a still more good hairdressing salons on Brisbane's Northside to Outwit, Outplay, Outlast the bad ones, and this is one of them....a good one, I mean(!)

Dina and her creative team operate a well established, professional salon providing amazing hairdressing services.

I am always happy with the result and leave looking and feeling “like a million dollars” - the girls actually listen and understand their clients – they know how to cut, they know how to colour and they know how to style!

The salon atmosphere is light and bright and the staff are always warm and welcoming – plenty of onsite parking too!

Friendly, professional service + quality haircare products + great atmosphere LESS (exorbitant prices + inexperienced staff + candystore distractions) = Dina's Hair Designs

....no need to go any further north than Chermside, friends!

Approximate cost: $100-$150

....gotta be the Ravishing Red!

Holland Wines is a must if you're visiting Crows Nest - situated in a picturesque little valley with lavender everywhere, the Hollands offer warm country hospitality and a great selection of vino.

Lovely gifts available for purchase and an impressive Arnotts biscuit tin collection on display!

Holland Wines is a perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion - catering packages available.

....fantastico!

Visit Amici Deli for a little taste of il bel paese on Brisbane's Northside.

Amici Deli offer a great range of delizioso delights - perfect panini, crispy cannoli and creamy caffe' - all served with un bel sorriso :)

High quality products
Great customer service
Excellent value for money

....and the resident barista makes an amazing cappuccino!

Grab one of their Frequent Sipper cards - every sixth coffee free - you'll fill it up in no time!

Amici Deli Gift Vouchers are also a great idea.

grazie mille ai miei nuovi amici!