Parade Cafe
148 Oriental Parade (opposite Freyberg Pool)
T: (04)- 939 3935
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We came here for Easter Sunday lunch after walking around the waterfront. This place was busy when we went, but it has enough seating. We sat in the outdoors patio area.
Items Ordered:
Beef Burger: the meat patty was nice, and the sauce nice. The burger's top was separated, which most cafes seem to do. I personally prefer my burger to have its top on, so I can bite into the two halves of the bun, the salad and the meat all at once. This burger had to be eaten with a knife and fork because it was overflowing with salad. I appreciate the generosity.
Chicken Bites: probably just tegel frozen chicken nuggets
Wedges: home made and with a really nice salt seasoning. Not sure what it is, but it involved some sort of spice
Plum Shortcake: delicious.
This is a nice casual cafe with a very good vibe. Its sunny and very Sydney.
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 85%
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Kaffee Eis
Kaffee Eis
Courtenay Place
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In Italy, the good gelato shops are the one with metal containers, because you know the gelato is made on the premises. I'm not sure if the gelato of Kaffee Eis is made in Courtenay Place, but the getalo here is not bad. The Eis Coffee is not bad either.
It is a good place to pop in for a quick, cheap and good dessert.
Two other locations (1) Oriental Bay (2) Frank Kitt's Lagoon (under that werid wooden sculpted bridge connecting to Civic Square)
Food: 7/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
Courtenay Place
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In Italy, the good gelato shops are the one with metal containers, because you know the gelato is made on the premises. I'm not sure if the gelato of Kaffee Eis is made in Courtenay Place, but the getalo here is not bad. The Eis Coffee is not bad either.
It is a good place to pop in for a quick, cheap and good dessert.
Two other locations (1) Oriental Bay (2) Frank Kitt's Lagoon (under that werid wooden sculpted bridge connecting to Civic Square)
Food: 7/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
The Welsh Dragon Bar
The Welsh Dragon Bar
Between Cambridge and Kent Tce (opposite Embassy Cinema, on the traffic island)
T: (04)- 385 6566
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We came here because Lisa (Welsh) wanted to come here. It was 6pm, and we just had Nando's. We came here mainly to hang out.
The smell in this place is damp, and quite odd.
The pub is dark and has lots of seats and couches. It has a fake fire place, which we sat by. It is a dark quiet bar to hang out with a big group. The music is Welsh, and plays softly in the background.
Service: 5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 15%
Between Cambridge and Kent Tce (opposite Embassy Cinema, on the traffic island)
T: (04)- 385 6566
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We came here because Lisa (Welsh) wanted to come here. It was 6pm, and we just had Nando's. We came here mainly to hang out.
The smell in this place is damp, and quite odd.
The pub is dark and has lots of seats and couches. It has a fake fire place, which we sat by. It is a dark quiet bar to hang out with a big group. The music is Welsh, and plays softly in the background.
Service: 5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 15%
Maranui Cafe
Maranui SLSC
Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay (follow sing to Lyall Bay, all the way till you hit the sea, then turn right)
T: (04)- 387 2237
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This is a cafe I bring visitors to whenever I can. It is a bit out of the city, but it offers great views, and great food coupled with great atmosphere. The cafe is very busy and it's usually full around brunch time. Come early enough for breakfast, and you'll get a seat otherwise come after lunch. It opens from 8am to 5pm i think.
Items Ordered:
Oat Pancakes: very wholesome, but the oat makes the pancakes quite crumbly
Eggs Benedict (Salmon): very standard
Seaside Scrambled Tofu: quite yummy (tastes like a traditional asian pork dish my mom cooks- except vegetarian). This is served with grained toast topped with a THICK layer of mashed avocado
Big Day Breakfast: Margaret ordered this, and it looked very standard
Scrambled Egg on Sourdough: Eugene ordered this, and the egg looked well done- not too wet not too dry. Perfect texture too.
Lemon Torte/Tart: very yummy
Caramel Pudding: heavenly
The food here is usually quite good, especially if you're here just for a snack- get something from the pre-made display. The menu is otherwise very standard, nothing too special. The coffee here is very well made- espresso is right strength, not burnt, and milk is properly steamed and proportioned.
One of my best cafe in Wellington.
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 100%
Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay (follow sing to Lyall Bay, all the way till you hit the sea, then turn right)
T: (04)- 387 2237
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This is a cafe I bring visitors to whenever I can. It is a bit out of the city, but it offers great views, and great food coupled with great atmosphere. The cafe is very busy and it's usually full around brunch time. Come early enough for breakfast, and you'll get a seat otherwise come after lunch. It opens from 8am to 5pm i think.
Items Ordered:
Oat Pancakes: very wholesome, but the oat makes the pancakes quite crumbly
Eggs Benedict (Salmon): very standard
Seaside Scrambled Tofu: quite yummy (tastes like a traditional asian pork dish my mom cooks- except vegetarian). This is served with grained toast topped with a THICK layer of mashed avocado
Big Day Breakfast: Margaret ordered this, and it looked very standard
Scrambled Egg on Sourdough: Eugene ordered this, and the egg looked well done- not too wet not too dry. Perfect texture too.
Lemon Torte/Tart: very yummy
Caramel Pudding: heavenly
The food here is usually quite good, especially if you're here just for a snack- get something from the pre-made display. The menu is otherwise very standard, nothing too special. The coffee here is very well made- espresso is right strength, not burnt, and milk is properly steamed and proportioned.
One of my best cafe in Wellington.
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 100%
Hooch
Hooch
46 Courtenay Place
T: (04)-
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We came here after Motel after we met more friends. They have not had anything to drink yet, so we dropped by this place before hitting Temperance.
A little like Motel, in that it is a quiet-ish type lounge with cool ambience, good drink menu, and nice music. Great place to hang and chat. The place looked rather posh and clean.
Service: 7/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 75%
46 Courtenay Place
T: (04)-
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We came here after Motel after we met more friends. They have not had anything to drink yet, so we dropped by this place before hitting Temperance.
A little like Motel, in that it is a quiet-ish type lounge with cool ambience, good drink menu, and nice music. Great place to hang and chat. The place looked rather posh and clean.
Service: 7/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 75%
Motel Bar
Motel Bar
Forresters Lane (behind Burger King on Courtenay, off Tory Street
T: (04)- 384 9084
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We came here after dinner for a drink before heading out to the clubs. I know of this place because a friend pointed it out to me while we were walking around town. It will be hard to find for someone who's not familiar with Wellington. Once you see Burger Kind and Chow, you know you're on the right track.
You have to ring a bell for entry, and it's a flight of steep steps to get to the bar.
Inside has a warm decor, with lots of intimate tables. It is very much a quiet drinking place, but this place has buzz. The music is jazz.
Items Ordered:
We ordered coctails which I do not remember the name of. Suffice it to say, it was strong. Maybe a bit too strong....
Drinks: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
Forresters Lane (behind Burger King on Courtenay, off Tory Street
T: (04)- 384 9084
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We came here after dinner for a drink before heading out to the clubs. I know of this place because a friend pointed it out to me while we were walking around town. It will be hard to find for someone who's not familiar with Wellington. Once you see Burger Kind and Chow, you know you're on the right track.
You have to ring a bell for entry, and it's a flight of steep steps to get to the bar.
Inside has a warm decor, with lots of intimate tables. It is very much a quiet drinking place, but this place has buzz. The music is jazz.
Items Ordered:
We ordered coctails which I do not remember the name of. Suffice it to say, it was strong. Maybe a bit too strong....
Drinks: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
Macs Brewery
Macs Brewery
Corner of Taranaki and Cable Streets (on the waterfront next to NZX)
T: (04)- 381 2282
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We came here with Hannah for Saturday dinner. We decided on this place because Hannah would not pay for parking, and the only free park we could find was near Te Papa.
Very casual, and very brewery. This is a big place so there's no problem trying to find a seat. We were all kinda full, so did not order much. But a nice place to go for a drink nonetheless.
Items Ordered:
Fish cakes: Hannah did not complain about this, so I guess it was ok.
Kumara Soup: I found it too sweet, but the girls liked it.
Pan Fried Fish of the Day: Potatoes were bland, and it was a tad too oily
Food: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Value for Money: 5.5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 65%
Corner of Taranaki and Cable Streets (on the waterfront next to NZX)
T: (04)- 381 2282
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We came here with Hannah for Saturday dinner. We decided on this place because Hannah would not pay for parking, and the only free park we could find was near Te Papa.
Very casual, and very brewery. This is a big place so there's no problem trying to find a seat. We were all kinda full, so did not order much. But a nice place to go for a drink nonetheless.
Items Ordered:
Fish cakes: Hannah did not complain about this, so I guess it was ok.
Kumara Soup: I found it too sweet, but the girls liked it.
Pan Fried Fish of the Day: Potatoes were bland, and it was a tad too oily
Food: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Value for Money: 5.5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 65%
Two Souls
Two Souls
290 Wakefield Street (opposite New World Wellington)
T: (04)- 803 3137
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Jeremy came here without the flatmates. It was a night out with the Auckland friends.
It was easter Saturday, and the place is buzzing, so reservation seemed appropriate.
The ambience is nice. There's a horizontal window view into the kitchen at the back and there's also a bar, so it's more of a bistro. The menu does not bear any particular theme, its a general mix of popular cafe foods, i.e. it wasn't an impressive menu.
The food was very average. But it was a nice laid back place to hang out.
Items Ordered:
Lamb Shanks on mash
Pork Steak
Cajun Chicken
Duck leg
Chicken livers
Hot Wings
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 5/10
One bill per table: Yes (cannot split)
Probability of Returning: 40%
290 Wakefield Street (opposite New World Wellington)
T: (04)- 803 3137
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Jeremy came here without the flatmates. It was a night out with the Auckland friends.
It was easter Saturday, and the place is buzzing, so reservation seemed appropriate.
The ambience is nice. There's a horizontal window view into the kitchen at the back and there's also a bar, so it's more of a bistro. The menu does not bear any particular theme, its a general mix of popular cafe foods, i.e. it wasn't an impressive menu.
The food was very average. But it was a nice laid back place to hang out.
Items Ordered:
Lamb Shanks on mash
Pork Steak
Cajun Chicken
Duck leg
Chicken livers
Hot Wings
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 5/10
One bill per table: Yes (cannot split)
Probability of Returning: 40%
Saturday, April 18, 2009
St Johns
St Johns
5 Cable St (on the Waterfront next to NZX)
T: (04)- 801 8017
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We came here after Casablanca for drinks and dessert.
This place looks quiet from the outside but very lively inside. There is a restaurant section and a bar section. The bar is pack and the floor was wet. There were dirty glasses lying everywhere. But the bar itself was very nicely decorated, and the place seem popular.
The restaurant is a much quieter area with very posh seatings and attentive staff.
Items Ordered:
Trio of Ice Cream
Tiramisu: good balance of coffee and liquer. Not too dry not too wet.
Chocolate Pudding: served warm, this is delicious
Apple Martini: poorly made
Food: 8/10
Drinks: 4.5/10
Service: 8/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 8/10
5 Cable St (on the Waterfront next to NZX)
T: (04)- 801 8017
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We came here after Casablanca for drinks and dessert.
This place looks quiet from the outside but very lively inside. There is a restaurant section and a bar section. The bar is pack and the floor was wet. There were dirty glasses lying everywhere. But the bar itself was very nicely decorated, and the place seem popular.
The restaurant is a much quieter area with very posh seatings and attentive staff.
Items Ordered:
Trio of Ice Cream
Tiramisu: good balance of coffee and liquer. Not too dry not too wet.
Chocolate Pudding: served warm, this is delicious
Apple Martini: poorly made
Food: 8/10
Drinks: 4.5/10
Service: 8/10
Value for Money: 7/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 8/10
Casablanca Cafe
Casablanca
18 Cambridge Tce
T: (04)- 384 6968
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We came here for our flat dinner because we wanted to save money. It didn't help when we spend money on before dinner and after dinner drinks.
This place is more of a cafe rather than a "fine dining restaurant".
The decor is very "safari" and very morocco (not that I've been there).
Items Ordered:
Chicken Bruchette
Lamb Bruchette
Royal Bruchette
Bruchette means kebab. It is served with salad and either chips or rice. The Royal Bruchette is a combination of all meats. Their menu also included targines, but we decided not to order it.
The Royal Bruchette includes chicken skewers, lamb skewers and kofta (mince). They ran out of lamb skewers and gave us two chicken skewers instead. They did this without telling us...so that was not very nice when we had to ask why there were no lamb skewers to find out they were out of lamb skewers.
This place was understaffed. Service was slow and unprofessional. Staff were not attentive.
Food: 6/10
Service: 1/10
Value for Money: 6/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 0/10
18 Cambridge Tce
T: (04)- 384 6968
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We came here for our flat dinner because we wanted to save money. It didn't help when we spend money on before dinner and after dinner drinks.
This place is more of a cafe rather than a "fine dining restaurant".
The decor is very "safari" and very morocco (not that I've been there).
Items Ordered:
Chicken Bruchette
Lamb Bruchette
Royal Bruchette
Bruchette means kebab. It is served with salad and either chips or rice. The Royal Bruchette is a combination of all meats. Their menu also included targines, but we decided not to order it.
The Royal Bruchette includes chicken skewers, lamb skewers and kofta (mince). They ran out of lamb skewers and gave us two chicken skewers instead. They did this without telling us...so that was not very nice when we had to ask why there were no lamb skewers to find out they were out of lamb skewers.
This place was understaffed. Service was slow and unprofessional. Staff were not attentive.
Food: 6/10
Service: 1/10
Value for Money: 6/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 0/10
Pravda
Pravda
107 Customhouse Quay (opposite Old Bank Building)
T: (04)- 801 8858
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We came here for after wok drinks, so didn't have anything to eat.
Items Ordered:
Daniel Le Brun NV: delicious bubbly by the glass
House Rose?: did not try this, but Sam said ti was good
G&T: always good if made with Tanqueray
Rice crackers with mascapone: the mascapone was really nice.
Food: na
Drinks: 7/10
Service: 5.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
107 Customhouse Quay (opposite Old Bank Building)
T: (04)- 801 8858
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We came here for after wok drinks, so didn't have anything to eat.
Items Ordered:
Daniel Le Brun NV: delicious bubbly by the glass
House Rose?: did not try this, but Sam said ti was good
G&T: always good if made with Tanqueray
Rice crackers with mascapone: the mascapone was really nice.
Food: na
Drinks: 7/10
Service: 5.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
Friday, April 17, 2009
Floriditas
Floriditas
161 Cuba Street
T: (04)- 381 2212
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We came here for our third flat dinner. We tried reserving a table for 3, but they only do group bookings of more than 8.
Arriving at 6pm, there were lots of vacant tables, so that was not a problem.
Items Ordered:
Ginger Aperitif: light and refreshing
Bread plate with oil: this home made bread is soft and served warm with a green-coloured oil (avacado?)
Chicken on watercress parmesan salad: tender chickend served on fresh salad, balanced with parmesan.
Steak: we ordered on well done and one medium. This meat dish is heavier than the chicken so its more filling.
Creme Brulee: Delicious
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Value for Money: 8/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
161 Cuba Street
T: (04)- 381 2212
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We came here for our third flat dinner. We tried reserving a table for 3, but they only do group bookings of more than 8.
Arriving at 6pm, there were lots of vacant tables, so that was not a problem.
Items Ordered:
Ginger Aperitif: light and refreshing
Bread plate with oil: this home made bread is soft and served warm with a green-coloured oil (avacado?)
Chicken on watercress parmesan salad: tender chickend served on fresh salad, balanced with parmesan.
Steak: we ordered on well done and one medium. This meat dish is heavier than the chicken so its more filling.
Creme Brulee: Delicious
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Value for Money: 8/10
One Bill Per Table: No
Probability of Returning: 90%
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Le Metropolitain
Le Metropolitain
146 Cuba Street
T: (04)- 801 8007
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This is flat dinner number 3 (first in Monsoon Poon, second in Uncle Chang's). We came here after being rejected from Scopa and Floriditas because it was full.
We started with a glass of red and french blubbly. The lady was nice to offer us a small bowl of warm olives that were the best olives I've tasted in any restaurant!
We then ordered entrees, mains and dessert- the fully package, along with more red wine.
Items Ordered:
(1) Escargot: beautifully prepared, very garlic-ky and buttery, as it should be
(2) Grilled prawns: this was very flavourful, and cooked just right.
(3) Veal Rack (special board): this was ordered medium but served just a little under (closer to rare). Therefore it was a bit tough. It could have been helpful if they gave us a steak knife. The rack was served with very flavourful stuff.
(4)) Lamb Rump (special board):Sam had this dish, and she enjoyed it very much. The meat was well cooked!
(5) Creme Brulee: the "creme" was smooth, rich and tasted heavenly. The vanilla came thru very well. The caramel topping was too thick tho, and the "creme" was thin. I'd like more "creme" than caramel.
(6) Hazelnut and peppermint torte: this layered cake was light and rich at the same time. All the flavours came thru.
----
Overall Experience:
The service here is great (and not in your face). The food was traditionally french, and just very well prepared. We were bloated by the end though...
Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Probability of returning: 75%
146 Cuba Street
T: (04)- 801 8007
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This is flat dinner number 3 (first in Monsoon Poon, second in Uncle Chang's). We came here after being rejected from Scopa and Floriditas because it was full.
We started with a glass of red and french blubbly. The lady was nice to offer us a small bowl of warm olives that were the best olives I've tasted in any restaurant!
We then ordered entrees, mains and dessert- the fully package, along with more red wine.
Items Ordered:
(1) Escargot: beautifully prepared, very garlic-ky and buttery, as it should be
(2) Grilled prawns: this was very flavourful, and cooked just right.
(3) Veal Rack (special board): this was ordered medium but served just a little under (closer to rare). Therefore it was a bit tough. It could have been helpful if they gave us a steak knife. The rack was served with very flavourful stuff.
(4)) Lamb Rump (special board):Sam had this dish, and she enjoyed it very much. The meat was well cooked!
(5) Creme Brulee: the "creme" was smooth, rich and tasted heavenly. The vanilla came thru very well. The caramel topping was too thick tho, and the "creme" was thin. I'd like more "creme" than caramel.
(6) Hazelnut and peppermint torte: this layered cake was light and rich at the same time. All the flavours came thru.
----
Overall Experience:
The service here is great (and not in your face). The food was traditionally french, and just very well prepared. We were bloated by the end though...
Food: 9/10
Service: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Probability of returning: 75%
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fidel's Cafe
Fidel's Cafe
234 Cuba Street
T: (04)-801 6868
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We came here after dinner at Cafe Istanbul for some dessert and coffee.
Items Ordered:
(1) Brownies: warm and chewy....this was yummy
(2) Chocolate cake: the icing was thick and the cake wasn't that great
(3) Turkish apple tea: too much water (or the pot too large for a single tea bag), so the tea wasn't very flavourful
(4) Coffee: I did not try this myself, but from the others, it was quite strong....
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Overall Experience:
Very nice relaxed environment to hang out at night. There was an outdoor courtyard which we did not checkout. I wish there were more night time cafe like this because sometimes I just don't feel like a cocktail lounge, a bar or a club...
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 75%
234 Cuba Street
T: (04)-801 6868
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We came here after dinner at Cafe Istanbul for some dessert and coffee.
Items Ordered:
(1) Brownies: warm and chewy....this was yummy
(2) Chocolate cake: the icing was thick and the cake wasn't that great
(3) Turkish apple tea: too much water (or the pot too large for a single tea bag), so the tea wasn't very flavourful
(4) Coffee: I did not try this myself, but from the others, it was quite strong....
----
Overall Experience:
Very nice relaxed environment to hang out at night. There was an outdoor courtyard which we did not checkout. I wish there were more night time cafe like this because sometimes I just don't feel like a cocktail lounge, a bar or a club...
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 75%
Cafe Istanbul
Cafe Istanbul
156 Cuba St
T: (04)-385 4998
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So we came here because Nash only eats halal. Nash never turned up, but we still had a great time eating here. There were some comfy-looking floor seating, but we decided on the chars & tables. The open fire was cool.
Items Ordered:
(1) Seafood platter (as mains): a mix of prawn kebabs, deep fried mussels & calamari, marinated mussels, smoked salmon and a spinach filo. This platter is better as a entree than main. The deep fried mussels tasted like something from a frozen pack, and the calamari lacked texture. Prawn had good flavour, and the filo was served with thai sweet chilli sauce (odd I thought). Everthing else was just ok...nothing stood out.
(2) Beef Moussaka: this dish was good. The potato and eggplant all mixed well with the ground beef. The side hummus was good, but the salad was a very uninteresting mix of iceberg lettuce and peppers.
----
Overall Experience:
I ordered a warm glass of water, but the waitress gave me tap water. We had chilled water on the table, and she probably thought I wanted un-chilled water, but in fact I wanted warm water, as in warm-hot.
The waitress have good service, just delayed service. They need to increase eye contact with patrons to detect any assisstance required by patrons
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
156 Cuba St
T: (04)-385 4998
----
So we came here because Nash only eats halal. Nash never turned up, but we still had a great time eating here. There were some comfy-looking floor seating, but we decided on the chars & tables. The open fire was cool.
Items Ordered:
(1) Seafood platter (as mains): a mix of prawn kebabs, deep fried mussels & calamari, marinated mussels, smoked salmon and a spinach filo. This platter is better as a entree than main. The deep fried mussels tasted like something from a frozen pack, and the calamari lacked texture. Prawn had good flavour, and the filo was served with thai sweet chilli sauce (odd I thought). Everthing else was just ok...nothing stood out.
(2) Beef Moussaka: this dish was good. The potato and eggplant all mixed well with the ground beef. The side hummus was good, but the salad was a very uninteresting mix of iceberg lettuce and peppers.
----
Overall Experience:
I ordered a warm glass of water, but the waitress gave me tap water. We had chilled water on the table, and she probably thought I wanted un-chilled water, but in fact I wanted warm water, as in warm-hot.
The waitress have good service, just delayed service. They need to increase eye contact with patrons to detect any assisstance required by patrons
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
Sunday, March 22, 2009
S&M Cocktail Bar
Scotty & Mals Cocktail & Lounge Bar
176 Cuba Street
T: (04)-802 5335
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Ernie, Iris and I came here after dinner for some drinks before heading out to the clubs. We ordered 1 mocktail and 2 cocktails, which I don't remember the names of.
This place attracts an older bunch of guys (mostly gay). The decor is great, and the atmosphere very "cool". There is a club in the basement, but we didn't take a look.
----
Overall Experience:
This is a nice place for a quiet drink.
Conclusion:
Drinks: 6/10 (needs to be more generous with the alcohol)
Service: 7/10
Value for Money: 67/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
176 Cuba Street
T: (04)-802 5335
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Ernie, Iris and I came here after dinner for some drinks before heading out to the clubs. We ordered 1 mocktail and 2 cocktails, which I don't remember the names of.
This place attracts an older bunch of guys (mostly gay). The decor is great, and the atmosphere very "cool". There is a club in the basement, but we didn't take a look.
----
Overall Experience:
This is a nice place for a quiet drink.
Conclusion:
Drinks: 6/10 (needs to be more generous with the alcohol)
Service: 7/10
Value for Money: 67/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
Butler's Chocolate Cafe Queensgate
Butler's Chocolate Cafe
Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt
T:(04)-586 0425
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I was extremely thirsty and Mathew wanted some choc, so we came in here...
Items Ordered:
(1) Ice coffee: this came with a chocolate which was good. The ice coffee had a good expresso taste and aroma, and the ice was nicely blended.
----
Overall Experience:
We didn't try a whole lot, so would have to come back again...
Conclusion:
Drink: 7/10
Service: N/A
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt
T:(04)-586 0425
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I was extremely thirsty and Mathew wanted some choc, so we came in here...
Items Ordered:
(1) Ice coffee: this came with a chocolate which was good. The ice coffee had a good expresso taste and aroma, and the ice was nicely blended.
----
Overall Experience:
We didn't try a whole lot, so would have to come back again...
Conclusion:
Drink: 7/10
Service: N/A
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
3C Bar
3C Bar
Corner of Victoria St & Chews Lane
T: (04)-913 1224
----
We came here for a quick catch up drink, but we also ordered quite a bit of food.
Items Ordered:
(1) Cheese croquet: yummy! Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside.
(2) Antipasto Platter: the bread was stale, but the cheeses were good.
(3) Chips with truffle oil?: quite standard
(4) Kofta: Moroccan lamb skewers were nice, but the tabouleh was kinda hard.
----
Overall Experience:
Chew's Lane has a great "european backstreet" atmosphere. The bars here a contemporary, and live music after work is great.
3C is a great place to hang out. This place is up to standard, but it's nothing that special.
Conclusion:
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
Corner of Victoria St & Chews Lane
T: (04)-913 1224
----
We came here for a quick catch up drink, but we also ordered quite a bit of food.
Items Ordered:
(1) Cheese croquet: yummy! Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside.
(2) Antipasto Platter: the bread was stale, but the cheeses were good.
(3) Chips with truffle oil?: quite standard
(4) Kofta: Moroccan lamb skewers were nice, but the tabouleh was kinda hard.
----
Overall Experience:
Chew's Lane has a great "european backstreet" atmosphere. The bars here a contemporary, and live music after work is great.
3C is a great place to hang out. This place is up to standard, but it's nothing that special.
Conclusion:
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
Zarbo
Zarbo
Chaffers Dock
22 Herd Street, Wellington Waterfront
T: (04)-384 3570
We came here for some coffee after the Italian Festival. Didn't eat, but we came in to check it out because I used to love going to Zarbo in Auckland
The Auckland Zarbo trumps the Wellington one. This Zarbo lacks atmosphere, and the coffee isn't all that great. But then, I might have had high expectations....I didn't try the food, so can't judge this place too much.
Conclusion:
Drink: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Probability of Returning: 15%
Chaffers Dock
22 Herd Street, Wellington Waterfront
T: (04)-384 3570
We came here for some coffee after the Italian Festival. Didn't eat, but we came in to check it out because I used to love going to Zarbo in Auckland
The Auckland Zarbo trumps the Wellington one. This Zarbo lacks atmosphere, and the coffee isn't all that great. But then, I might have had high expectations....I didn't try the food, so can't judge this place too much.
Conclusion:
Drink: 4/10
Service: 5/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Probability of Returning: 15%
Wholly Bagels
Wholly Bagels
Branches throughout Wellington
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I got to the Willis St store as this is near work. I've always had the "Woodstock" on the "Everything" bagel.
The turkey gives protein, and the mozorella and sprouts are great together. Served on the wholesome "everything" bagel, the rock salt on the bagel really makes it so worth it!
----
Overall Experience:
The perfect place for a quick affordable bite.
Conclusion:
Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Probability of Returning: 90%
Branches throughout Wellington
----
I got to the Willis St store as this is near work. I've always had the "Woodstock" on the "Everything" bagel.
The turkey gives protein, and the mozorella and sprouts are great together. Served on the wholesome "everything" bagel, the rock salt on the bagel really makes it so worth it!
----
Overall Experience:
The perfect place for a quick affordable bite.
Conclusion:
Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Probability of Returning: 90%
Abrakebabra
Abrakebabra
90 Manners Street (opposite Burger King)
T: (04)-473 3311
----
Now the first time I came here was for supper, and then again for lunch with Ernie & Iris. This place gets busy in the afternoon. It has a very cool "safari" theme tent inside seating which is cool.
Items Ordered:
(1) Mixed Shish: a combo of chicken breast pieces, lamb pieces, and beef sausage. Chicken was well marinated but a bit dry. Sausage was salty and dry. Lamb was really good. The mint sauce is awesome! A very filling dish for $14.
(2) Lamb Shish: lots of lamb for only $14, this is totally worth it. Everything on it is nice.
(3) Hot Chocolate: not too sweet, which is what I like; but could do with a bit more chocolate taste. I guess they use powder, so the more powder would increase the intensity, but made it so much sweeter....
----
Overall Experience:
The shish is similar to the iskander, except the meats are whole instead of carved. Go for the shish.
Cheap, fast and good food in a quite a cool environment.
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 76/10
Value for Money: 8.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
90 Manners Street (opposite Burger King)
T: (04)-473 3311
----
Now the first time I came here was for supper, and then again for lunch with Ernie & Iris. This place gets busy in the afternoon. It has a very cool "safari" theme tent inside seating which is cool.
Items Ordered:
(1) Mixed Shish: a combo of chicken breast pieces, lamb pieces, and beef sausage. Chicken was well marinated but a bit dry. Sausage was salty and dry. Lamb was really good. The mint sauce is awesome! A very filling dish for $14.
(2) Lamb Shish: lots of lamb for only $14, this is totally worth it. Everything on it is nice.
(3) Hot Chocolate: not too sweet, which is what I like; but could do with a bit more chocolate taste. I guess they use powder, so the more powder would increase the intensity, but made it so much sweeter....
----
Overall Experience:
The shish is similar to the iskander, except the meats are whole instead of carved. Go for the shish.
Cheap, fast and good food in a quite a cool environment.
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 76/10
Value for Money: 8.5/10
Probability of Returning: 65%
Strawberry Fare
Strawberry Fare
25 Kent Terrace (near Embassy Theatre)
T: (04)-385 2551
----
After Mathew turned into the motorway by accident, we arrived at our movie (at Readings) late, and there were no seat but those 4 rows from the screen. We decided to ditch the Tuesday night movie and head our for dessert instead.
The sign on Strawberry Fare says "open till late". This actually means 10pm on weekdays, and 11pm on weekends. The place has lots of tables, so there's no need for reservations. The decor felt like the living room of an old granny's house- warm but not very posh.
Items Ordered:
(1) Brownies: there were a stack of them served with sauce and ice-cream. Brownies were warm and moist, and it goes prefectly with the vanilla ice-cream. If you order it with the cream anglais, it's even yummier.
(2) Creme Brulee: my favourite dessert, I had to check this out. The caramel top was perfect, not too thick or too thin. The texture of the "creme" was smooth and rich. No bubbles, and very dense. The "creme" could have been a tad less dense. It was served with passionfruit sauce and cream anglais, which was a good combo. I ordered an extra scoop of vanilla ice-cream to go with it.
----
Overall Experience:
The service was slow considering there were only a few tables occupied. The portions were huge (could not finish), so next time I'll remember to share, instead of everyone ordering one. The waitress were very warm and friendly.
Conclusion:
Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 70%
25 Kent Terrace (near Embassy Theatre)
T: (04)-385 2551
----
After Mathew turned into the motorway by accident, we arrived at our movie (at Readings) late, and there were no seat but those 4 rows from the screen. We decided to ditch the Tuesday night movie and head our for dessert instead.
The sign on Strawberry Fare says "open till late". This actually means 10pm on weekdays, and 11pm on weekends. The place has lots of tables, so there's no need for reservations. The decor felt like the living room of an old granny's house- warm but not very posh.
Items Ordered:
(1) Brownies: there were a stack of them served with sauce and ice-cream. Brownies were warm and moist, and it goes prefectly with the vanilla ice-cream. If you order it with the cream anglais, it's even yummier.
(2) Creme Brulee: my favourite dessert, I had to check this out. The caramel top was perfect, not too thick or too thin. The texture of the "creme" was smooth and rich. No bubbles, and very dense. The "creme" could have been a tad less dense. It was served with passionfruit sauce and cream anglais, which was a good combo. I ordered an extra scoop of vanilla ice-cream to go with it.
----
Overall Experience:
The service was slow considering there were only a few tables occupied. The portions were huge (could not finish), so next time I'll remember to share, instead of everyone ordering one. The waitress were very warm and friendly.
Conclusion:
Food: 8/10
Service: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Probability of Returning: 70%
Uncle Chang's
Uncle Chang's
72 Courtenay Place
T: (04)-801 9568
----
Uncle Chang's was recommended by a friend, and we decided to go there for our weekly Friday flat dinner.
The patrons of this restaurant were all "white", so my first impression of this place wasn't all that great. It just tells me that the food will be an anglo-cised version of chinese food, eg: sweet & sour pork, black pepper beef, etc etc.
Items ordered: (they all came very quick, probably within 10 minutes of ordering)
(1) Lemon chicken: very standard dish; chicken had a nice crispy coating; sauce was ok; batter was too thick
(2) Hot & Spicy Beef: an interesting dish I have not encountered before. Tasted "sichuan" in origin because the sauce tasted like chilli-oil. The lettuce underneath the meat got soaked with red oil with time, and it got all yukky. Rather spicy dish; I'd understand why some people won't like it, but to me, it was very eatable.
(3) Tofu & Vegetable: a very standard vege dish. Veges were crisp, but tofu skin was harder than usual....maybe because the tofu is a few days old (but it tasted fine). The sauce it was in was standard MSG + chicken powder type flavour.
----
Overall Experience:
An anglo-cised chinese experience, fit for the whites (especially those from little rural towns visiting Welly for some exotic cuisine). The food was fine/normal, but it's not exactly very chinese; and it certainly did not impress me.
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 5.5/10 (expensive for chinese food)
Probability of Returning: 25%
72 Courtenay Place
T: (04)-801 9568
----
Uncle Chang's was recommended by a friend, and we decided to go there for our weekly Friday flat dinner.
The patrons of this restaurant were all "white", so my first impression of this place wasn't all that great. It just tells me that the food will be an anglo-cised version of chinese food, eg: sweet & sour pork, black pepper beef, etc etc.
Items ordered: (they all came very quick, probably within 10 minutes of ordering)
(1) Lemon chicken: very standard dish; chicken had a nice crispy coating; sauce was ok; batter was too thick
(2) Hot & Spicy Beef: an interesting dish I have not encountered before. Tasted "sichuan" in origin because the sauce tasted like chilli-oil. The lettuce underneath the meat got soaked with red oil with time, and it got all yukky. Rather spicy dish; I'd understand why some people won't like it, but to me, it was very eatable.
(3) Tofu & Vegetable: a very standard vege dish. Veges were crisp, but tofu skin was harder than usual....maybe because the tofu is a few days old (but it tasted fine). The sauce it was in was standard MSG + chicken powder type flavour.
----
Overall Experience:
An anglo-cised chinese experience, fit for the whites (especially those from little rural towns visiting Welly for some exotic cuisine). The food was fine/normal, but it's not exactly very chinese; and it certainly did not impress me.
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 5.5/10 (expensive for chinese food)
Probability of Returning: 25%
Cafe L'affare
Cafe L'affare
27 College St
T: (04)-385 9748
----
Eugene took me here to have a quick lunch after a busy morning of errand running. We arrived at 2:30pm, and it was pretty quiet then.
Items ordered:
(1) Latte: eugene's drink, so did not taste.
(2) Ice coffee: tasted like honey, which was quite nice. But could only taste a minute amount of espresso.
(3) Salad (roast vege + pasta): roast vege consisted of kumara and kumara. It was dry and tasteless but the pasta salad was good.
----
Overall Impression:
Good cafe. Very large, and seems capable of making good coffee. Would have to come back to test the other coffees out (when the weather is not so hot) and try the other foods on the menu (when I'm not in a rush)
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 90%
27 College St
T: (04)-385 9748
----
Eugene took me here to have a quick lunch after a busy morning of errand running. We arrived at 2:30pm, and it was pretty quiet then.
Items ordered:
(1) Latte: eugene's drink, so did not taste.
(2) Ice coffee: tasted like honey, which was quite nice. But could only taste a minute amount of espresso.
(3) Salad (roast vege + pasta): roast vege consisted of kumara and kumara. It was dry and tasteless but the pasta salad was good.
----
Overall Impression:
Good cafe. Very large, and seems capable of making good coffee. Would have to come back to test the other coffees out (when the weather is not so hot) and try the other foods on the menu (when I'm not in a rush)
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service: 6.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 90%
Kazu
Kazu
13 Tory St
T: (04)-802 5298
----
Ernie and Iris were visiting from Christchurch. We decided to meet up at Kazu for dinner.
This place has two types of seating: (1) regular table and chair (2) tatami mats on the floor. We chose the first option.
They had a specials menu, but we decided to order from the main menu. Items ordered:
(1) Takoyaki Balls- very standard, could do with a bit more octopus
(2) Katsu Chicken- a bit soft, could do with a bit more crunch
(3) Salmon Don- nice simple dish
(4) Sushi & Sashimi Set- very nice dish
----
Overall Impression:
We all shared these dishes. The food was good, and it all came up to $80 for 3 of us, including drinks. I was full at the end!
The service was good, but the place closes at 10pm...so we were rushed out.
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service:7.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
13 Tory St
T: (04)-802 5298
----
Ernie and Iris were visiting from Christchurch. We decided to meet up at Kazu for dinner.
This place has two types of seating: (1) regular table and chair (2) tatami mats on the floor. We chose the first option.
They had a specials menu, but we decided to order from the main menu. Items ordered:
(1) Takoyaki Balls- very standard, could do with a bit more octopus
(2) Katsu Chicken- a bit soft, could do with a bit more crunch
(3) Salmon Don- nice simple dish
(4) Sushi & Sashimi Set- very nice dish
----
Overall Impression:
We all shared these dishes. The food was good, and it all came up to $80 for 3 of us, including drinks. I was full at the end!
The service was good, but the place closes at 10pm...so we were rushed out.
Conclusion:
Food: 7/10
Service:7.5/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Probability of Returning: 50%
Monsoon Poon
Monsoon Poon
12 Blair St (off Courtenay Place)
T: (04)-803 3555
----
One of the reasons Sam decided to move to Wellington for work was because of "Monsoon Poon". I'm not sure how true this is, but I hope it wasn't one of her top 10 reasons... because this place was just as disappointing as the Auckland one.
(Auckland's Monsoon Poon is over-rated. The food is: mediocre to poor; and it really is not worth it.)
Anyway, we decided to try out Monsoon Poon in Wellington because Sam said it was "waaaay" better. Apparently this place is so good it does not take reservations. It relies on the ample amount of walk-ins.
Mathew and I arrived first, and put our name down to join the long list of other patrons also waiting for a table. Jeremy (our maitre d') gave an estimated waiting time of 45 mins, which actually turned out to be 1hr 15mins.
During this time, we had entrees and drinks at that bar. Mathew had the Aloo Naan, and I had the Pepperd Squid Rings. We both ordered mocktails (Punjabi Punch and Bruce Lee). The naan was nice, but the squid was soggy. The mocktails were not bad.
We were finally seated at 8:45pm. Our waiter insist we order mains and side dishes separately because her brain can't handle it.
We ordered:
(1) 25 Herb & Spice Indian Lamb Curry: probably the dish I enjoyed most
(2) Firecracker Chicken (extra hot): taste like chicken stir-fried with malaysian sambal... nothing that special
(3) Maha Rajas Lamb Curry (large size): tasted like rogan josh, and enough to share between two
(4) Butter chicken: I did not taste that
----
Experience overall:
- the wait was long
- the food wasn't that special
- the price was ok, but could be cheaper considering the dishes were not exactly that exotic
- the service was ok. The waiter should really wait till everyone on the table finished before clearing the plate. Their eagerness to clear plates showed that there were patrons still waiting, and they want us to leave asap
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 5/10
Probability of Returning: 25%
12 Blair St (off Courtenay Place)
T: (04)-803 3555
----
One of the reasons Sam decided to move to Wellington for work was because of "Monsoon Poon". I'm not sure how true this is, but I hope it wasn't one of her top 10 reasons... because this place was just as disappointing as the Auckland one.
(Auckland's Monsoon Poon is over-rated. The food is: mediocre to poor; and it really is not worth it.)
Anyway, we decided to try out Monsoon Poon in Wellington because Sam said it was "waaaay" better. Apparently this place is so good it does not take reservations. It relies on the ample amount of walk-ins.
Mathew and I arrived first, and put our name down to join the long list of other patrons also waiting for a table. Jeremy (our maitre d') gave an estimated waiting time of 45 mins, which actually turned out to be 1hr 15mins.
During this time, we had entrees and drinks at that bar. Mathew had the Aloo Naan, and I had the Pepperd Squid Rings. We both ordered mocktails (Punjabi Punch and Bruce Lee). The naan was nice, but the squid was soggy. The mocktails were not bad.
We were finally seated at 8:45pm. Our waiter insist we order mains and side dishes separately because her brain can't handle it.
We ordered:
(1) 25 Herb & Spice Indian Lamb Curry: probably the dish I enjoyed most
(2) Firecracker Chicken (extra hot): taste like chicken stir-fried with malaysian sambal... nothing that special
(3) Maha Rajas Lamb Curry (large size): tasted like rogan josh, and enough to share between two
(4) Butter chicken: I did not taste that
----
Experience overall:
- the wait was long
- the food wasn't that special
- the price was ok, but could be cheaper considering the dishes were not exactly that exotic
- the service was ok. The waiter should really wait till everyone on the table finished before clearing the plate. Their eagerness to clear plates showed that there were patrons still waiting, and they want us to leave asap
Conclusion:
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: 5/10
Probability of Returning: 25%
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