Fidel's Cafe
234 Cuba Street
T: (04)-801 6868
----
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%
Monday, March 23, 2009
Cafe Istanbul
Cafe Istanbul
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%
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
----
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
----
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
----
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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