tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49364346552297040742023-11-16T05:54:49.825+11:00Greg's brunch wrapGreg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-59150296239850771992009-08-10T22:48:00.002+10:002009-08-10T22:53:15.679+10:00Rococo, Hawthorn<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Rococo, Hawthorn</h1><br />797 Glenferrie Rd<br /> Hawthorn, VIC 3122<br /><br />We had two families totalling 8 people for Sunday brunch. The menu is pretty good and easily handled the diverse needs of 8 people. We ordered a wide range of meals including salmon eggs, scrambled eggs, muesli, pancakes and fresh fruit with banana bread. The food was okay and they did try with the presentation. The pancakes had a novel presentation. The portions were pretty good, probably a little better than average. Coffee was average on Melbourne standards. The short macchiato was awful. The staff responded well to any issue but they were not attentive and there was a lack of any warmth or care. They never noticed water was low, didn't ask how the meal was and didn't ask if there was anything else we needed. The manager didn't seem to encourage staff but tended to run around like the proverbial chook. Rococo has a cafeteria feel to it and, like the staff, lacked warmth. Noise is a real issue here. Even though Rococo's was half full it was very loud and we could only hear the person next to us. There are many places better to go to in Melbourne than Rococo. We will not be returning.<br /><br />Takes all credit cards<br /><br />33 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />19 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 2 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 5 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">59</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">TOTAL</span></span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-82613725354103662932009-08-03T21:11:00.002+10:002009-08-03T21:25:52.239+10:00Rathdowne Street Food Store, Carlton North<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Rathdowne Street Food Store, Carlton North</span></h1>617 Rathdowne St<br /> Carlton North, VIC 3054<br /><br /><br />We have been to Rathdowne Street Food Store four times with two great and two bad experiences. The terrible inconsistency means we will not be back. Such a shame because when they got it right they wee really good. They had what seemed to be a new manager when we were last there and he was terrible. He was obviously inexperienced, focused more on being busy and running around like the proverbial chook rather than ensuring the place was running smoothly and the clientele were happy. It took them forever to deliver the menus. When we reminded the manager he did not apologise but said he would be straight back. Another long wait and he sent another person. he meals didn't come at the same time. There was a long delay with two of the five meals ordered. Food was good but we have better elsewhere and even here previously. Short macchiato was terrible.<br /><br />Takes all credit cards<br /><br />Ratings:<br />33.5 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />17 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 7.5 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 6 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >64 <span style="font-size:85%;"> out of 100</span> TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-51578825416213653132009-08-03T20:48:00.002+10:002009-08-03T20:53:48.829+10:00Atomica, Fitzroy<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Atomica, Fitzroy</h1><br />268 Brunswick St<br /> Fitzroy, VIC 3065<br /><br />Atomica is great place with outstanding coffee. If you love coffee definitely come here! We had salmon pesto omelette, Spanish omelette, vegetable breakfast with Moroccan beans (called MT), coffees and a honey dew + green tea combo. The meals had good sized portions though I don't like cold salmon with a hot breakfast. The vegetarian breakfast was the winner - excellent taste. Coffee was glorious. The short macchiato was excellent - just a smidgeon below The Maling Room, which does the best short macchiato in Melbourne. The honey dew + green tea was very good. Atomica has fabulous ambiance with music that suites the place very well. Waiters were attentive but they called have filled water glasses instead of being asked. The place is so popular that it takes a long time to get your coffee. They need to fix this. I bill came to $100 so it was a pain to pay cash. They need to fix that as well. These little short cuts are to make life easier for the staff but they are inconveniencing their clientelle. Overall, a terrific cafe and we will be back.<br /><br />They only take cash!!<br /><br />Ratings:<br />39.5 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />19 out of 30 - Tipability<br />10 out of 10 - Ambiance<br />10 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">78.5</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">our of 100</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">TOTAL</span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-90843549447400898682009-07-19T19:45:00.002+10:002009-07-19T19:55:23.689+10:00Balzari, Carlton<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Balzari</span></h1>130 Lygon Street<br /> Carlton, VIC 3053<br /><br /><div class="provider-rating-description">Balzari was disappointing. The place just lacked any passion in the food, coffee or service. Five of us went for Sunday brunch. The guys left quite hungry as the serving sizes were quite small. Between us we had eggs, French toast, muesli and Italian donuts. The eggs came on toast that was burnt around the edges. The French toast was on very thin and small toast - sacrilege for French toast where you want thick pieces of toast to soak up that wonderful sauce. The muesli was okay. The cafe latte was okay but the latte can hide many coffee quality and barista sins. The short macchiato was terrible - bitter and grainy. The meals took forever to be served even though Balzari was less than half full. The ambiance was pretty good and the wood fire was nice although the restaurant was cold if you were not near the fire or one of the wall heaters. We won't be returning.<br /><br />Takes all credit cards<br /><br />Rating:<br /><br />22.5 out of 50 - Not happy belly<br />19 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 7.5 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 3 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >52</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >TOTAL</span><br /></div>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-69864932310894083542009-07-17T18:21:00.002+10:002009-07-17T18:32:32.424+10:00Birdman Eating, Fitzroy<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt;">Birdman Eating, Fitzroy</h1><br />238 Gertrude St<br /> Fitzroy, VIC 3065<br /><br />What a disappointing experience. Ordinary coffee, <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >very</span> small serving sizes and they forget they are in the service business. The serving sizes are ridiculously small for a guy. Our son ordered pancakes and received 3 of them, each seemed to be marginally bigger than a 50c coin. We had to order another meal. The food tasted pretty good. It was a cold Melbourne morning and the restaurant was full but the outside tables were virtually empty. We asked for a round of coffees while we waited but we were told they would have to take us off the waiting list if we had coffee at the empty outside tables. People in the service business who forget they are in the service business really tick me off. A bad experience and we won't return.<br /><br />Takes credit cards<br /><br />Rating:<br />22.5 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />11 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 7 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 1 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >41.5</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-36649170806310863032009-07-17T18:05:00.002+10:002009-07-17T18:21:24.750+10:00Short Black Cafe, Camberwell<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Short Black Cafe, Camberwell</h1><br />761-767 Burke Rd<br /> Camberwell, VIC 3124<br /><br />You don't go to Short Black for the experience. It has a Maccas wham bam feel to it. They use cheap tea pots and salt & pepper shakers but staff are nice. Coffee is really ordinary so don't think about ordering a short black as per their name. TV sets are distracting (I don't know why so many places have these large flat screen TVs??). Cushion seating is dirty in crevices. Pretty good selection of food and it is priced pretty much in line with the quality. Some of the staff are characters. There is an area down the back that can be good for meetings.<br /><br />Takes all credit cards<br /><br />Rating:<br />26 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />19 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 4 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 5 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >54</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-72488554003306903062009-07-17T17:51:00.002+10:002009-07-17T18:04:44.673+10:00Watts Cooking, Surrey Hills<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Watts Cooking</h1><br />147 Union Rd<br /> Surrey Hills, VIC 3127<br /><br />Watts is a decent suburban eatery but it is not in the same league as the cafes oozing in passion. Ambiance is poor, especially out the back. Coffee was quite average. One coffee arrived with a hair sitting on top while a chai latte arrived with a dirty glass. Service out the back was almost non existent. They missed out on some more drinks orders. The waiters were pleasant enough but you could tell it was just a job. Food was pretty good. We ordered pancakes, muesli and eggs. I'd say it is a really good place for locals but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it. We won't be returning.<br /><br />Takes all credit cards<br /><br />Rating:<br />30 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />15 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 3 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 4 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >55</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">TOTAL</span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-18524394439497893322009-07-17T17:36:00.002+10:002009-07-17T17:51:24.825+10:00Cafe Eden, Canterbury<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Cafe Eden</h1><br />78 Maling Rd<br /> Canterbury, VIC 3126<br /><br />Maling Road has wonderful ambiance. The quality of the cafes has been improving over time with the likes of The Maling Room and Brownes, but the overall quality on the strip is disappointing. Cafe Eden has a nice location on the sunny side of the street but it is on the disappointing side. The cafe refused to change a menu item as I wanted to replace one vegetable for another. They said the kitchen does not have time to change what's on the menu so their policy is they will not change the menu in any way. Wouldn't even discuss it. Coffee is very ordinary and the short macchiato is aweful. The food is okay but no where close to the passion shown by Las Chicas and Cafe Panette.<br /><br />They take visa an mastecard<br /><br />23 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />15 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 3 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 5 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >46 </span><span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-68871985811905674482009-07-17T17:23:00.002+10:002009-07-17T17:36:50.162+10:00Harveys Restaurant, South Yarra<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Harveys Restaurant</h1><br />10 Murphy St<br /> South Yarra, VIC 3141<br /><br />We did Sunday brunch. It was only half full at the time but we waited a very long time for any service. They don't assign a person to a table so you can be forgotten. The food was very good but the serving sizes were too small for the average bloke. The salmon eggs was very good but it was a tiny portion. Similarly, my son ordered pancakes - delicious but small. Cafe latte was good but the short macchiato was quite average and didn't have the classic 3 layers. It seems to be a place where people go to be seen - it had a "nouveau riche" feel to it. If you are wearing a BMW shirt, have a trophy partner or want to show off your bling, then this could be the place for you. When full it is VERY noisy. We had to raise our voice just to be heard on a table for four. We will not be returning.<br /><br />Take all credit cards<br /><br />Rating:<br />27 out of 50 - Happy belly<br />11 out of 30 - Tipability<br /> 3 out of 10 - Ambiance<br /> 5 out of 10 - Value<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">46 </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">out of 100</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">- TOTAL</span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-53186285267916400292009-07-17T17:13:00.002+10:002009-07-17T17:23:19.124+10:00The Maling Room, Canterbury<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Maling Room</h1><br />206 Canterbury Rd<br /> Canterbury, VIC 3126<br /><br />In my humble opinion, Melbourne's best coffee. Awesome short macchiato which the majority of places stuff up. The coffee is such wonderful quality we buy their beans. Food is good and prices are reasonable. However, if you sit outside the service is terrible. Inside can be very loud especially when it is packed by Mums around school pick-up or drop-off time. Apparently heritage listing means they can't install sound inhibitors - real shame. They have a restricted kitchen which seriously restricts their menu.<br /><br />They take visa and mastercard.<br /><br />Rating:<br />35.5 - Happy belly<br />24 - Tipability<br /> 4 - Ambiance<br />10 - Value<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">73.5 - TOTAL</span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-1088118466467972572009-07-15T19:10:00.002+10:002009-07-15T19:17:11.917+10:00Cafe Fraus, North Melbourne<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Cafe Fraus</h1><br />345 Victoria Street<br /> North Melbourne, VIC 3051<br /> <i>Near Errol Street</i><br /><br />Best hot chocolate in Melbourne - and so many varieties of hot chocolate from which to choose! Great crepes, good egg breakfasts, good portions, nice ambiance. As a result we have been back here a number of times. Service is not super and it's a pain paying and ordering at the front counter but the hot chocolates and crepes are awesome! Highly recommended.<br /><br />Take all credit cards. Always plenty of newspapers to read.<br /><br />Rating:<br />42 - Happy belly<br />16 - Tipability<br /> 7 - Ambiance<br /> 9 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >74 - TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-63526442212985992702009-07-15T19:03:00.002+10:002009-07-15T19:10:46.631+10:00Replete Providore, Hawthorn<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Replete Providore</span></h1><br />302 Barkers Road<br /> Hawthorn, VIC 3122<br /><br />Really good quality food and they obviously care about their food. Coffees are pretty good although the macchiato is average. Tables are close and it can get very noisy. Waiters are not very attentive and I'm sure they lose business from this. Meals are a good size. It's a pain paying at the front counter where they also take a lot of orders and answer the phone. Generally you have to wait to pay which is not very customer focused when they are doing so many other things well. However, the quality of the food has had us back a few times.<br /><br />They take credit cards but not Amex.<br /><br />Rating:<br />41 - Happy belly<br />18 - Tipability<br /> 7 - Ambiance<br />10 - Value<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">76 - TOTAL</span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-48339865729825536992009-07-15T18:55:00.002+10:002009-07-15T19:02:49.300+10:00ICI, Fitzroy<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">ICI</span></span><br />359 Napier St<br /> Fitzroy, VIC 3065<br /><br />Cash only<br /><br /><div class="provider-rating-description">Lovely ambience, very nice presentation, outstanding French toast, very thoughtful food and beverage menu and good sized meals. It was a very pleasant experience at a cute little place in a quiet Fitzroy side street and we will be back. What reduced the rating was that ICI only accepted cash. With five of us there is a decent sized bill and we don't like to carry a lot of cash. The coffee was good but the short macchiato was not to Maling Room or Cafe Panette standards.<br /><br />Rating:<br />40 - Happy belly<br />20 - Tipability<br />10 - Ambiance<br />10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">80 - TOTAL</span><br /></div>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-22962360641299879332009-07-15T18:50:00.003+10:002009-07-15T19:23:33.576+10:00Cafe Panette, South Melbourne<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" >Cafe Panette</span><br />144 Cecil St<br />South Melbourne, VIC 3205<br /><i>Opposite South Melbourne Market<br /><br /></i>Very good menu, excellent food at a reasonable price and good sized serving portions, excellent coffee. I find that ordering a short macchiato is a much better test of the establishment's coffee than a latte - which hides many sins. The short macchiato at Cafe Panette was excellent - the classic 3 layers. Overall, a really good experience. We will be back!<br /><br />Rating:<br />39 - Happy belly<br />27 - Tipability<br /> 8 - Ambiance<br />10 - Value<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >84 - TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-82852929429780134012009-07-12T13:19:00.006+10:002009-07-15T19:25:52.053+10:00Babka, Fitzroy<h1 class="highlight" style="margin: 0px; line-height: 15pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Babka</span></h1>358 Brunswick St<br />Fitzroy , VIC 3065<br /><br />They take no bookings and its a small place so they may be a wait.<br /><br />Cute place with nice, brunch-type ambience. Good food, decent portions, good coffee and interesting menu. We waited about 25 minutes for a table which was a pain. It's only a small place but worth the wait. It is also a bakery so you can buy some quality pastries and breads on your way out. Worth the experience.<br /><br />Ratings:<br />32.5 - Happy belly<br />14 - Tipability<br /> 6 - Ambiance<br /> 9 - Value<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >61.5 - TOTAL</span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-32723797199321873022009-07-12T13:07:00.005+10:002009-07-15T19:25:16.109+10:00Las Chicas, Balaclava<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Las Chicas Cafe</span></span><br />203 Carlisle St<br />Balaclava, VIC 3183<br /><br />They take no bookings<br /><br />What a wonderful experience. Fabulous, diverse menu, terrific quality breakfast, great coffee and attentive staff - very busy and they don't give you heaps of time, but the service is descent. The salmon eggs were the best I have ever had. What a nice change to get a very good helping of salmon! The balance of tastes in the mouth still lingers in my mind. So many places overdo the sauce or the bread overwhelms the food texture. We also had pancakes and they made the eaters eyes widen - excellent. The muesli is well presented and yummy. The omelette was excellent. The burrito was very good. The short macchiato, a test of any barista, was very good. The tables are pretty close together but I can put up with that given the wonderful experience.<br /><br />Ratings:<br />45 - Happy stomach<br />28 - Tipability<br />8 - Ambiance<br />10 - Value<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">91 - Total<br /><br /></span></span>Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936434655229704074.post-63508416689497334252009-07-12T12:35:00.004+10:002009-07-13T18:23:43.904+10:00Rating Melbourne cafes for brunchOur family of 5 goes to brunch just about every Sunday morning. We like to explore new places but we often return to our favourite places.<br /><br />My ratings provide a ranking on:<br /><ul><li>A happy stomach (quality) including a rating for taste sensation, excitement of menu options, portion sizes and the quality of the coffee - there is always the search for a great coffee!!<br /></li><li>Tipability (service) including the extent to which the staff make it an enjoyable experience, how easy it is to order and pay, and follow-up. In essence, are we thee for their pleasure or do they try to make it a really enjoyable Sunday experience.<br /></li><li>Ambiance - does it add to the experience<br /></li><li>Value for money - do I feel like we were ripped off or was the pricing reasonable<br /></li></ul>The total score is 100 with happy stomach comprising 40 points, tipability 30, ambiance 20 and value 10<br /><br />Each place is rated on its own merits no matter where it is located.Greg loves his brunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100375252758642539noreply@blogger.com0