Palate
Greville St
Prahran, Melbourne
Date visited: 2010 - 7 - 10 - Brunch
Mr A Locust and I patronised this establishment, on a recommendation from yours truly who had been there last year. It had been fantastic, and sadly I had not been back since. I have to say, that was very, very stupid.
Palate is tucked away in a small street off Chapel St, near the clock tower. Disgusting everyone around us I'm sure, we indulged in that couple behaviour of ordering food to share. While we sipped at our quite tasty coffees (but to get a bad coffee in Melbourne is nothing short of a felony), we indulged in the cafe atmosphere - complete with lounge music.
When our breakfast burrito came out, it was quite large. The eggs were warm and scrambled deliciously, the bacon cooked to perfection - smoky but not too crispy- and the wrap fresh and soft. The guacamole and homemade baked beans on the side added to the flavours, and were each delicious in their own right.
The one disappointment was that the wait staff seemed to ignore us for the next half hour. But, when we reappeared from the service black hole we were in, we got some more lovely coffee and the most scrumptious pancake I have had in age.
Ricotta pancake with vanilla bean yoghurt, berry compote and maple syrup. The pancake was light as air, the mix of flavours a lovely fresh sensation. I cannot stress how wonderful this dish was. Even though I had an elegant sufficiency, I know both of us found it hard to share it.
All in all, the meal and coffee were delicious, and quite reasonable for around 40 dollars or so. Both Al and I are in agreement - this may become a regular brunch spot, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Check out their website at www.palate.com.au. It's not completely up to date, but the menu is very close. And very tasty.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Friday, 25 June 2010
Harvest Thyme
Harvest Thyme
Dean St
Abury
Date visited: 2010-06-26 - Brunch
It's... nice, I guess.
Maybe I'm getting harsh in my old age, but I was rather underwhelmed by this place. I ordered (at the counter - there's no table service, but I couned three wait staff plus two chefs and there were only 8 tables full at the busiest point) and had one of the breakfast specials. Eggs Florentine for $12.00, plus a coffee for $3.50. Paid up front, too, which is unusual in such cafes.
The coffee is New World branded, and is a nice enough blend but it was only mildly warm when it arrived - the milk hadn't been steamed sufficiently. I did have a second cup which was hotter, so this could have been a one off.
The Eggs Florentine was... interesting. The eggs were poached properly (in an open pot, not a mould) and I'd give them full credit of this, except they may have used a touch too much vinegar in the water. The certainly did use too much in the spinach, which caused an interesting taste reaction to the hollandaise sauce.
When served, the waiter offered me cracked pepper, which I accepted. So he brought out the huge pepper grinder and.... handed it to me to put it on myself. Clearly, we're not in Lygon St anymore, Toto!
It's worth noting that this establishment does advertise gluten free cooking, so perhaps if any of my coeliac friends were visiting I might give them another try. But, if not, I doubt I'll be back.
So, the food is reasonably OK, the service less so but far from rude. But, all in all the Locust wasn't as impressed as he would have liked. 3 stars, no more.
Dean St
Abury
Date visited: 2010-06-26 - Brunch
It's... nice, I guess.
Maybe I'm getting harsh in my old age, but I was rather underwhelmed by this place. I ordered (at the counter - there's no table service, but I couned three wait staff plus two chefs and there were only 8 tables full at the busiest point) and had one of the breakfast specials. Eggs Florentine for $12.00, plus a coffee for $3.50. Paid up front, too, which is unusual in such cafes.
The coffee is New World branded, and is a nice enough blend but it was only mildly warm when it arrived - the milk hadn't been steamed sufficiently. I did have a second cup which was hotter, so this could have been a one off.
The Eggs Florentine was... interesting. The eggs were poached properly (in an open pot, not a mould) and I'd give them full credit of this, except they may have used a touch too much vinegar in the water. The certainly did use too much in the spinach, which caused an interesting taste reaction to the hollandaise sauce.
When served, the waiter offered me cracked pepper, which I accepted. So he brought out the huge pepper grinder and.... handed it to me to put it on myself. Clearly, we're not in Lygon St anymore, Toto!
It's worth noting that this establishment does advertise gluten free cooking, so perhaps if any of my coeliac friends were visiting I might give them another try. But, if not, I doubt I'll be back.
So, the food is reasonably OK, the service less so but far from rude. But, all in all the Locust wasn't as impressed as he would have liked. 3 stars, no more.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Canteen Cuisine
Canteen Cuisine
Dean St
Albury NSW 2640
Date visited: 2 May 2010 (Breakfast)
They had a range of cooked breakfasts for a standard price of $10.90. Mine came with two very nicely poached eggs on toast, grilled tomato, avacado, hash brown and mushrooms - quite a generous serving too. Coffee was very good - well presented, nice flavour (there is Dimattina signage around, and it tastes like one of their blends) and no hint of any bitterness or burning.
The service was prompt and very friendly from the two waitresses that served me. I was never interrupted, but my plate was whisked away about a minute after I finished. The atmosphere is very relaxed - would be interesting to visit again in the evening, since I spy a piano and gutar in the corner. Whilst I was there, though, the background music was ABC Classic FM - unusual choice for a cafe, but it suited the gentile brunching atmosphere and was not at all out of place with the wood panel furnishings and burgundy cushions.
All up, the Locust likes this place and will definitely be back.
Dean St
Albury NSW 2640
Date visited: 2 May 2010 (Breakfast)
They had a range of cooked breakfasts for a standard price of $10.90. Mine came with two very nicely poached eggs on toast, grilled tomato, avacado, hash brown and mushrooms - quite a generous serving too. Coffee was very good - well presented, nice flavour (there is Dimattina signage around, and it tastes like one of their blends) and no hint of any bitterness or burning.
The service was prompt and very friendly from the two waitresses that served me. I was never interrupted, but my plate was whisked away about a minute after I finished. The atmosphere is very relaxed - would be interesting to visit again in the evening, since I spy a piano and gutar in the corner. Whilst I was there, though, the background music was ABC Classic FM - unusual choice for a cafe, but it suited the gentile brunching atmosphere and was not at all out of place with the wood panel furnishings and burgundy cushions.
All up, the Locust likes this place and will definitely be back.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Stanton & Kileen 12 year old Tokay
Stanton & Killeen
Classic Rutherglen Tokay
12 years old
The Locust likes this.
Oh yes, he does.
Classic Rutherglen Tokay
12 years old
The Locust likes this.
Oh yes, he does.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Jimmy's on the Mall
Jimmy's on the Mall
Queen St Mall
Brisbane
Date visited: 17 January 2010
A reasonably nice outdoor cafe in the middle of the mall, perfect for Sunday brunch which is what I was having.
I initially thought the prices were high (Eggs Benedict and a coffee cost me $17) but that's no doubt partly due to the rent and overheads of the location. When it arrived, courtesy of my very helpful waiter Tetsuya, the quality of the food was very good. Eggs were poached perfectly and presented well, coffee likewise quite good.
The only complaint that I might have is the rather cheap (pre-ground) salt and pepper shakers in the table. The food was was good, and deserved freshly ground pepper rather than cheap powder.
Alll in all, the Locust liked it.
Queen St Mall
Brisbane
Date visited: 17 January 2010
A reasonably nice outdoor cafe in the middle of the mall, perfect for Sunday brunch which is what I was having.
I initially thought the prices were high (Eggs Benedict and a coffee cost me $17) but that's no doubt partly due to the rent and overheads of the location. When it arrived, courtesy of my very helpful waiter Tetsuya, the quality of the food was very good. Eggs were poached perfectly and presented well, coffee likewise quite good.
The only complaint that I might have is the rather cheap (pre-ground) salt and pepper shakers in the table. The food was was good, and deserved freshly ground pepper rather than cheap powder.
Alll in all, the Locust liked it.
Bleeding Heart Cafe
Bleeding Heart Cafe
166 Ann St
Brisbane
Date visited: 14 January 2010
The Locust does like the Bleeding Heart Cafe. It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and slite bohemian charm. I went here a few times (as they offer Free Wi-Fi) and each time had the Coffee & Toastie deal for $6.50.
Friendly staff each time, food was good. Would definitely come back here again.
166 Ann St
Brisbane
Date visited: 14 January 2010
The Locust does like the Bleeding Heart Cafe. It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and slite bohemian charm. I went here a few times (as they offer Free Wi-Fi) and each time had the Coffee & Toastie deal for $6.50.
Friendly staff each time, food was good. Would definitely come back here again.
What does a Locust like?
What is it that a Locust likes?
Many of pondered this question over the years. You probably haven't been one of them, until fate brought you here.
"Locust likes" is simply a blog where I will review stuff. Things I like, and more importantly, things I don't like. "Stuff" could be restaurants, movies, hotels, anything really.
If you find that you like the things I do, perhaps you'll find these reviews useful. If not, then you've probably lost nothing by coming here.
So, here's the general ground rules:
Many of pondered this question over the years. You probably haven't been one of them, until fate brought you here.
"Locust likes" is simply a blog where I will review stuff. Things I like, and more importantly, things I don't like. "Stuff" could be restaurants, movies, hotels, anything really.
If you find that you like the things I do, perhaps you'll find these reviews useful. If not, then you've probably lost nothing by coming here.
So, here's the general ground rules:
- Anything posted here is my own opinion, and will be based on my own experiences. If you also have experiences, feel free to add comments.
- If you have a connection with the business(es) involved and you think I've reviewed you unfairly, you do have right of reply. Send me your responses and I will publish them.
- I will name names. For example, if I go to a cafe, get excellent service and the waiter is wearing a name tag, I will give credit where credit is due. If the service is crap, guess what's going to happen? :)
- I will tag my posts with the city / country and a general category. This is to help you as much as me. If you're travelling somewhere, search for the tag and see places to see or avoid.
This blog isn't intended to be an "awards" type thing. But, if anyone wants to put a "Locust likes this!" sticker in their window, with a link to the blog, I won't be offended.
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