I never take for granted how fortunate I am to be able to enjoy good food, beverages (not just wine) and the freedom to make choices.
Couple of little gems worth mentioning that I have been introduced to me recently;
Bar Americano. What a hidden gem in CBD Melbourne this place is. Only has standing room for 10 people at any given time and food list of one item during the day and olives in the evening. But the cocktails are incredible. Yep, so enjoyed this little treat/retreat introduced to me by Meggsi after dinner recently.
While in Canberra not so long ago another friend introduced me to a place called The Farmer’s Daughter. Had to visit the old stomping ground for some meetings with one of the people I work with the week before last. We had a short amount of time between meetings so grabbed a quick brunch. Such a delicious menu, good service and I liked that there were kids and mature folk there and all ages in between. Good coffee!!! Now that is a big one coming from me.....You all know how fussy I am about coffee.
And lastly for this post, is perhaps not such a good “review”. A much overdue catch up with my dear friend Bella was arranged a couple of nights ago. We decided to meet in the “city”. I had heard about a place called Cumulus. I understand it is owned by a restaurateur that owns another place in the beach side suburbs, that I really like….a lot. So that bode well for me.
I called to book a table. No reservations for a party of less than seven people, I was advised. I must confess that did not sit so well with me, but others have said it was a good eatery. So we headed for the address and arrived along with other younger and spunkier folk. So the younger folk seemed to be able to be seated immediately but we were asked to sit/stand at the end of the bar and a table would be ready soon. There happened to be two vacant stools at the bar, which we sat down on – relieved to be sitting. We had walked a reasonable distance to get to this place. The barman took our order for a drink and then we were advised that we could not sit there – could we please stand at the end of the bar. Which we did, as we glanced quizzically at each other!
Two places were set – that is, two napkins and some cutlery were placed where we were sitting. Moments later, a bubbly young person came along and offered us to sit on the two stools we were just asked to vacate!! Again we looked at each quizzically and obediently sat down!!
Our drinks were delivered and a very young person came along to explain the menu to us……Mmmmm….I may be mature, but I can still read!! So this was a menu designed for people to order various dishes and then share (This seems to be a theme in dining these days), we checked it out and ordered. I mentioned to the bright young thing who had just explained the menu to me and how best to order, (yes my eyebrow is now very quizzically cocked!!) that I did not think it would be comfortable to sit all night at the end of the bar on small stools and eat dinner. “Would we be able to be seated at a table, when one is available?” I asked politely.
I am not sure, but I think I detected a slight “cluck of the tongue” as the young person turned to speak to the maître de. We were eventually sat at a table half way through eating our “first course”. Our unfinished plates, half full glasses of wine and water glasses moved for us very efficiently.
The food was tasty. The wine delicious. Noise levels extremely high and the waiting service efficient.
The company was exquisite. Bella and I had not had a decent old chat for such a long time so we nattered away and caught up on the recent chapters of our respective worlds. The evening was wonderful because of the company.
Couple of little gems worth mentioning that I have been introduced to me recently;
Bar Americano. What a hidden gem in CBD Melbourne this place is. Only has standing room for 10 people at any given time and food list of one item during the day and olives in the evening. But the cocktails are incredible. Yep, so enjoyed this little treat/retreat introduced to me by Meggsi after dinner recently.
While in Canberra not so long ago another friend introduced me to a place called The Farmer’s Daughter. Had to visit the old stomping ground for some meetings with one of the people I work with the week before last. We had a short amount of time between meetings so grabbed a quick brunch. Such a delicious menu, good service and I liked that there were kids and mature folk there and all ages in between. Good coffee!!! Now that is a big one coming from me.....You all know how fussy I am about coffee.
And lastly for this post, is perhaps not such a good “review”. A much overdue catch up with my dear friend Bella was arranged a couple of nights ago. We decided to meet in the “city”. I had heard about a place called Cumulus. I understand it is owned by a restaurateur that owns another place in the beach side suburbs, that I really like….a lot. So that bode well for me.
I called to book a table. No reservations for a party of less than seven people, I was advised. I must confess that did not sit so well with me, but others have said it was a good eatery. So we headed for the address and arrived along with other younger and spunkier folk. So the younger folk seemed to be able to be seated immediately but we were asked to sit/stand at the end of the bar and a table would be ready soon. There happened to be two vacant stools at the bar, which we sat down on – relieved to be sitting. We had walked a reasonable distance to get to this place. The barman took our order for a drink and then we were advised that we could not sit there – could we please stand at the end of the bar. Which we did, as we glanced quizzically at each other!
Two places were set – that is, two napkins and some cutlery were placed where we were sitting. Moments later, a bubbly young person came along and offered us to sit on the two stools we were just asked to vacate!! Again we looked at each quizzically and obediently sat down!!
Our drinks were delivered and a very young person came along to explain the menu to us……Mmmmm….I may be mature, but I can still read!! So this was a menu designed for people to order various dishes and then share (This seems to be a theme in dining these days), we checked it out and ordered. I mentioned to the bright young thing who had just explained the menu to me and how best to order, (yes my eyebrow is now very quizzically cocked!!) that I did not think it would be comfortable to sit all night at the end of the bar on small stools and eat dinner. “Would we be able to be seated at a table, when one is available?” I asked politely.
I am not sure, but I think I detected a slight “cluck of the tongue” as the young person turned to speak to the maître de. We were eventually sat at a table half way through eating our “first course”. Our unfinished plates, half full glasses of wine and water glasses moved for us very efficiently.
The food was tasty. The wine delicious. Noise levels extremely high and the waiting service efficient.
The company was exquisite. Bella and I had not had a decent old chat for such a long time so we nattered away and caught up on the recent chapters of our respective worlds. The evening was wonderful because of the company.
I am afraid I can only give it one Nonna on my PCH Nonna scale, due to slight attitude, extreme noise factor, good food but with relatively high cost. You may really enjoy this eatery, but it is not up there amongst my favourites right now!
Where have you been lately that has been disappointing and where have you been that was fantastic?
DC
Where have you been lately that has been disappointing and where have you been that was fantastic?
DC
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