Changes aren't always for the better

Cafe Sweethearts

263 Conventry St, South Melbourne 3205

I think it is always disappointing when a favourite regular is crossed off the list due to change of ownership; I think it is even more disappointing when such an event inspires and motiviates one to return to food blogging. This was the exactly what transpired out of my experience at Cafe Sweetheart today.

After hearing that Guy (previous lovely owner) has decided to move on from the industry, we thought we'd pay Sweethearts a revisit to see if the change in ownership had left any battle scars in the quality of the food, as it had always been one of my favourite places to fall back on for Sunday brunch.

Arrived at just past noon, the place was surprisingly quiet for a Sunday. By that I meant there were actually tables availble, without any signs of queues reaching out to the door. We were seated promptly and offered menus, and to have our drink orders taken. So far so good.

The chai lattes (soy and normal) arrived in an upgraded teapot, with a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon. Our meals arrived shortly after; the eggs benedict still worked its spot on hollandaise magic, albiet the scrambled egg whites were missing a lot of the smooth, creamy punch-factor. Possibly the healthier version, although I would still much prefer to have the extra taste and remain in denial about the accompanying calories.

And Then (the famous last words). And then, things started to go slightly pear-shaped. Sure the service at Sweethearts was mostly amicable, although somewhat  inconsistent and inefficient at times. Having known most of the wait staff by face, we had never had any problems with their service standards. We were even OKAY when we had to wait for 40 minutes for our meals to arrive because the waitress had forgotten to put in our order.

So this time, when we waved the waitress over and asked her if she could bring our waters we ordered at the beginning, politely using key words such as 'please' and 'if it's okay', I didn't think twice about it. But apparently, as we found out 10 minutes later when our water was brought by another waitress, we 'shouldn't snap our fingers and scream at waiters' if we wanted something. And apparently, the said waitress is now very upset and angry, and would not come to our table, so it would be good if we could 'refrain from asking her for anything for the  remainder of our time there'. 

Now, it may be a while since I've blogged, it also may be a while since I've visited a breakfast venue, but since when did the waitresses decide who the customer should and shouldn't ask for glasses of water from? Especially when they are all EMPLOYED to have that as I would imagine part of the job description!? Also when did it become OKAY for staff to start reprimanding customers for something they had complete zero knowledge of?!

I also found that feedback wasn't taken specifically well, or at all. When we tried to raise our concerns before leaving, we might as well be talking to a plate of unorganic, over-buttered, and under-sauteed mushrooms. The final nail in the Sweetheart coffin was when we brought up our 5 years of dining relationship with the resturant and ex-owner, we were told 'well, Guy's not around anymore, Darling'.

Looks like we won't be either, Darling.

Rating: 1/10

Encore: only if they lose the attitude

Walter's Wine Bar - Shop UR1 Southgate, Souhtbank

So arrived the much anticipated return to Walter's Wine Bar for breakfast. Unlike our less welcomed arrival from the half-asleep and potentially hung-over waitress at 8AM sharp during our last visit, we just scraped in for breakfast when I casually walked in at 11:27AM and asked if breakfast was still being served. Just in time, I was told. And our usual balcony seating complete with Moroccan cushions was also available. Excellent.

Having already studied the menu the evening before (like kids before camp), we knew exactly what was to be ordered: Corn cake with smoked salmon & horseradish cream ($11.50) and the Wine Bar Big Breakfast - scrambled eggs (poached on original menu), hollandaise, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, hash brown & sausage ($15.50). And of course the usual skim and soy lattes.


The coffees didn't exactly deliver, although I have found myself partial to the glassware they came in.

The scrambled eggs were nicely done and herbed, the mushrooms average, bacon below average, and the hash brown resembling something from a frozen McCaine's package. The smoked salmon came generously served and fresh, the corn cake a little doughey, then again, I suppose a 'cake' and a 'fritter' has its differences.

The food was substantial and well priced, although unsure if it's because of the time of the day, or the inherent expectations from our last visit, or because I've since been exposing myself to various breakfasts at alternate menus, there were no fireworks. A good feed but, nevertheless.

Food: 6.5/10

Coffee: 6/10

Service: Professional and friendly waiters - 8/10

Value: VERY well priced for the venue and serving - 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10

Overall: 36.5/50
Encore: Perhaps for something lighter next...

Tomodachi - Melbourne Central, Melbourne

So ends my brief affair with Tomocachi due to horrendous service.

Quite sad really. I was a good, and most often, returning customer.

The story went something like this; one lunch time I casually strolled into the venue and was greeted, like previous times with a waitress and given a booth. No dissatisfaction thus far.

The waitress popped down the drinks menu and the LUNCH TIME menu next to me. I already knew what I was going to order so I scanned the menu and called the waitress over to order a Chicken Teriyaki bento box. Again, no issues so far.

Meal comes and looks slightly different to the usual lunch time bento, without putting much thought into it, and just assuming that they've changed their menus, I quite happily finished most of the my meal. Contented so far.

Then I go to pay. And this was the part that unstitched my entire association with Tomodachi. Cutting a long story short - the waitress had put the bento in as a normal bento rather than a lunch time bento. "If you told us earlier that this wasn't your meal then we could've changed it for you" - Hello? How was I meant to know it wasn't the right bento? "Well if you've only eaten half of your meal we could also change it for you" - Again, who orders their meals and only eats half so they could change their order to the one they originally ordered? Confusing I know, but nevertheless. "Well you should've specified that you wanted the LUNCH bento" - IT WAS THE LUNCH MENU THE WAITRESS GAVE ME!

Outcome: paid full amount as I was running late for meeting, but have, am, and will always recommend anyone I talk to against visiting the restaurant. Quite a pity really - the food wasn't bad, and for a mere $12 they're going to lose one valuable return customer, and the whole bunch of people that I'm going to turn away.

Food for though maybe?

Food: 7/10

Coffee: N/A

Service: 0/10

Value: 0/10
Ambiance: 6/10

Overall: 13/40 - 16.25/50
Encore: This one's on the black list with Golden Monkey...

Babka Bakery Cafe - 358 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

I have a dilemma. It's 3:49PM, and I need a place to have breakfast.

After several pone attempts to various popular breakfast diners and still no success in securing a venue which operates later than 5PM and has a kitchen which is still open after 4pm, I'm torn. Should I skip breakfast and to straight to dinner, or am I desperate enough to actually settle for a home cooked meal?

Tears were shed, tantrums (and phones) were thrown, but at the end of the day, I still decided to source somewhere to satisfy my insatiable craving for scrambled eggs.

This is when Babka came to the rescue. Known for its Russian influenced all day breakfast menu, a kitchen that's open till 6pm, and a venue that's open till 7pm, it was the ultimate, if not only, choice.

A typical Brunswick street cafe setting, the venue was quite easy to locate by the 'babka' stenciled in yellow on bright blue background. At 4:46pm, most people were having cakes (which looked delicious) and coffee, or pies (with drool-worthy fillings).

We ordered scrambled eggs on toast with a side of bacon, mushrooms, and avocado, the Cottage Cheese Blintzes - which I heard was a popular choice, and was weary of the bad service, which was also rumoured to be quite atrocious. Fortunately, or unfortunately on the last matter, most things I had heard/read about the venue proved to be true.

With tight spaces between tables and chairs, the place were filled with various waif waitresses who each tries their best to ignore your existence, whilst pretending they're too occupied with their duties to care about you in the first instance. W.W.1 (Waif Wait 1) looked startled when, after a few mins of waiting at the counters feeling invisible, we interrupted her conversation with W.W.2 and asked if we could seat ourselves. W.W.3 made it apparent that we had rudely interrupted her usual duties (which I had thought would've been serving customers) when we waived our arms about to catch her attention so we could order. W.W.4 was pleasant enough when she placed our orders down, and W.W.5 (a more elderly and less waif lady) generously allowed us to take the home-made preserves resting on the bar.


The food arrived within a reasonable timeframe (which meant a lot, given by the time we've manged to place our orders it was past 5pm and we were starving), the scrambled eggs were silky and creamy, however slightly on the soggy end. The bacons were crisp, caramelised and perfect, the mushrooms were quite lacking in flavour, and the avocado was definitely not of the Hass variety. The blintzes were nice, albeit a little short of the reputation that's been circulated around various blogs. And the most important aspect of a perfect breakfast - coffee, was off the mark.

Food: 7/10

Coffee: 5/10

Service: 5/10

Value: 6/10
Ambiance: 8/10

Overall: 31/50
Encore: Maybe the cakes and pies next time...

Dench Bakers - 109 Scotchmer St, North Fitzroy

Dench was actually a lot smaller and less polished than I imagined. Perhaps because of its reputation in the food review/critique community, or maybe it is credited to their highly professional web page. Nevertheless, it was a nice, clean, bright, airy cafe, with an equal amount of dine-in and take-away patrons.

We were greeted warmly by a young lad from Canada (judging by the accent), who amicably agreed on our self-selected seating, and asked what coffee I would like. Such a good man.

It might have been his first day, as he seemed a little uncertain when I asked for the breakfast menu; after quickly scanning the cafe, he settled on retrieving a menu from the table behind us.

They don't serve Chai latte, so I settled for my fall back - latte, of the skim variety, and Chai tea, which they do serve. My coffee came perfectly presented, almost too pretty to drink. We ordered the poached egg, w smoked salmon, potato rosti with dill mayo and rocket ($15.50), and the breakfast special - corn and zuchinni fritters, w herbed scrambled eggs, avocado salsa, bacon, and spinach.


Our much anticipated meals arrived after a brief wait, and the result was mixed. The poached eggs were runny, although when our order was taken we were given the option of specifying how we'd like our eggs poached, which we forewent. The salmon as a little rubbery, however the potato rosti was excellent. The scrambled eggs were 10/10 - perfect texture, perfect flavour, perfect consistency...just perfect. Avocado salsa was nice but may have suited better with the smoked salmon, fritters were a little disappointing, spinach was boiled and not sauteed, and the bacon - overcooked.


The owner (one of) was nice and engaged in light conversation when we asked for payment preferences, of which we were advised "cash is king". Pastries, cakes, and bread were under popular demand, as with the hot breakfasts.

Food: May stick with its signature treats next time - 7.5/10

Coffee: Upgraded for presentation - 7/10

Service: Prompt, professional & friendly; a true distnction from the likes of babka - 9/10

Value: our meals + drinks came to just over $36 - 7/10
Ambiance: casual and relaxed - 7.5/10

Overall: 38/50
Encore: I hear croissants calling...

Royal Copenhagen Ice Cream Cone Co - 15 Jetty Rd, Glenelg

"You Scream, I Scream, Let's all Scream, for Ice Cream!"

This slogan takes me momentarily back to my primary school days, where sticky fingers and ice cream smeared faces were still considered acceptable public etiquette.

And Royal Copenhagen makes me want to delve back into those youthful carefree days, where one can enjoy the simple pleasures in life without giving the slightest waffle cone about what 'other people' thinks. Even if it does involve brief periods of discomfort as you leave sugar smudges over everything you touch until you're hauled into a sink and appropriately scrubbed.

This is good ice cream. We went back twice in the shortly span of our stay in Glenelg, and it was worth every dripping fudge.

Food: This has the potential to give Melbourne Ice Creameries a run for their money - 8.5/10

Coffee: N/A

Service: The girl behind the counter was surprisingly patient with us, as we trialed our way through the three flavours we finally decided on, every time I thought she might flip she didn't. Kudos to her - 8/10

Value: They had self-serve chocolate and caramel fudge, as well as sprinkles and other toppings - 8.5/10
Ambiance: Your usual ice cream takeaway joint slightly on the shabby side - 6.5/10

Overall: 31.5/40 = 39/50

Encore: ice cream anyone?

Hahndorf Inn Hotel - 35 Main Street, Hahndorf

If you're looking for a traditional German fare in Adelaide then Hahndorf is probably your best bet.

We ordered the German Mixed Grill ($28.90) with a side of German Pretzel ($4), was probably quite a pricey affair for what I thought was an over-salted, over-saturated fat, over-cholesterol meal...although I'm sure the boys will deem this a favourite!

Food: 6/10

Coffee: N/A

Service: There were 'kids' (award-waged juniors) everywhere! - 5/10

Value: 4/10
Ambiance: 7/10

Overall: 22/40 - 27.5/50
Encore: Possibly - for the culture.

Andersen's of Denmark Ice Cream Co - 46 Jetty Rd, Glenelg

The cone was soft and stale, the ice cream tasteless, the service luke-warm. I only have one word for Anderson's Ice Cream: Disappointment.

Zest Cafe Gallery - 2a Sussex St, Glenelg

Yet another disappointment in Adelaide. So much potential. So little substance.

I was extremely delighted when I stumbled upon this hidden cafe on a quiet side street as I was walking down the main strip in Glenelg. Tucked behind a quirky layout in an ambiguous location, it seemed full of promise. Places like this back home would have been the very representation of excellent coffee, crave-worthy signature treats, a tattooed waiter/waitress with at least 3 piercings (perceivable), and at least a 95% local population.


So it was with much anticipation that I returned to Zest Cafe Gallery the next morning, hoping for a much better breakfast experience than the likes of Biga.

I was not prepared for what happened next.

We ordered 'Hell's Eggs' ($12) - two eggs in a pot with a tomato, capsicum and rosemary salsa, topped with grilled cheese, Tobasco and Zest's BBQ sauce served with toasted baguette, and 'The Hottie' ($12) - a spinach, basil and pecorino risotto cake with chorizo sausages and a tomato, rosemary and red capsicum salsa, served with toast.

All sounds fantastic. Right? Wrong.

The baguette was toasted to an inch of it's crispy and rock-hard life, the grilled cheese was probably the only edible thing in the dish, the eggs were way overcooked, and only the tomato (and 5kgs of salt) were detectable in the salsa...the 'Hottie' was equally worse, if possible - the spinach looked like it had endured the boil for a few mins too long and was void of colour, or taste for that matter. The spinach, basil and pecorino risotto cake resembled nothing of its proclaimed yumminess. It was like eating stale rice with drabs of over-grown weed from the side strips. And the salsa. Ah, the salsa. What was that about differentiating between salsa and tomato soup again?


The coffee was typically Adelaide. Unimpressive, albeit in this instance, at least drinkable.

Food: We ended up feeding our deprived stomachs on toast and butter - 1/10

Coffee: 4/10

Service: The service was appreciative - albeit the waitre showed genuine signs of disbelief when we provided some feedback regarding the quality of their food - no one ever told them!? - 6/10

Value: Reasonably priced food, but I'm down-marking it due to quality 4/10
Ambiance: Neat little cafe - 8/10

Overall: 23/50
Encore: Would not want to with a 10 foot barge-pole...

Bracegirdles House of Fine Chocolate - 31 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Adelaide's best Coffee and Chocolate?

...absolutely!

At least so claimed the advertising on the windows. Enticed by the 'champion team of Barista’s including this years State Barista Champion Fiefy and runner up in the Latte Art Competition Mark', I walked into this dim lit chocolate house.

We settled for the lemon meringue, accompanied by a mug of hot chocolate, and a skim latte - to test out the talent of Bracegirdle's 'award winning' baristas.


The meringue tasted artificial, like something from a chain retail coffee place (not a good thing). The hot chocolate was rated highly, and the coffee again, average. Must be the SA beans/milk?

Feeling a little peckish after picking at the meringue, we went ahead and ordered the Chocolate Fondue for 2.


Wasn't too sure about the orange slices (with rind) and still a long way away from KoKo Black or Max Brenner, but this proved to be a popular choice, as banana and strawberry pieces were dipped and re-dipped before being rapidly consumed.Then again, chocolate is one of those things that takes great talent to wrong (even though lately I've been convinced about Adelaide chefs possessing such a rare talent).

Food: 5/10

Coffee: 5/10

Service: 5/10

Value: 5/10
Ambiance: 5/10

Overall: 25/50
Encore: Quite average across the board really...

Novotel Resort Barossa Valley - Golflinks Rd, Rowland Flats, Barossa Valley

I can't say I've had my share of Hotel Buffet breakfasts, but as far as my standards go - this one's going to the top of the list. Fantastic view, great selection, the scrambled eggs weren't half bad, and they even had a great selection of fresh fruits!

Food: 7/10

Beverages: 7/10

Service: N/A

Value: 8/10
Ambiance: 8/10

Overall: 30/40 - 37.5/50
Encore: Definitely.

Mings Steamboat - 301 Morphett St, Adelaide

So begins our first venture into the dismal one page mentioner of top Adelaide restaurants in the Good Food Guide (2009). After many a disappointment, we thought it might be safer to 'stick the the books', as they say.


The restaurant, we were told, is right beside China Town. Upon entering, I realised that the restuarant was China Town. The pseudo local hang out for Asian Students, everyone greeted their friends on one/multiple tables as they walked through the door.

The waiter threw our menus onto the table after we asked if we could be seated at a different table he had originally indicated us to, and then looking perfectly righteous as he ignored us for the next 30 minutes as we tried to get someone's attention to take our order.


When we've finally managed to place our orders, and everything did arrive - which it did relatively quickly - we were too busy cooking and eating to recall the prior disservice. Plus, the girls were pretty helpful later on when we requested to have more condiments.

The soup base was authentic, and the ingredients fresh. First reasonable feed since our landing in Adelaide.

Food: 7/10

Coffee: N/A

Service: 3/10

Value: 6/10
Ambiance: 5/10

Overall: 21/40 - 26.25/50
Encore: If all else fails...

Maggie Beer Pheasant Farm Shop - Pheasant Farm Rd, Nuriootpa

Every once in a while luck will allow one to discover a rare hidden gem, one that will allow you to forget its exact location, even if in an alien state, and proclaim it as your own prerogative to visit every fortnight. Spying Maggie Beer Farm Shop in one of those Tourist brochures and captivated by the serenity of its lakeside existence, we've visited, and confirmed that the Pheasant Farm Cafe do belong to one of those places.


Every once in a while luck will allow one to discover a rare hidden gem, one that will allow you to forget its exact location, even if in an alien state, and proclaim it as your own prerogative to visit every fortnight. Spying Maggie Beer Farm Shop in one of those Tourist brochures and captivated by the serenity of its lakeside existence, we've visited, and confirmed that the Pheasant Farm Cafe do belong to one of those places.


A shop in its own right, you can browse the the vast range of quinces, sauces, dips and jams on display is enough to whet your appetite, both visual and of course, taste wise. We were greeted warmly by an older lady asking us if we have been here before. Upon hearing negative she briefly explained we're free to browse and try everything we like, alternatively if we do wish to dine there are picnic baskets available.


The plates brought back nostalgia from kindergarten, and the recycled wooden spoons were gorgeous. The view outside was all splendorous and looked exactly like, if not more breath-taking, than the photo (rare occurrence!). It's one of those places where one can easily spend their better part of the day reading, dining, wining, whilst getting up close and personal with mother nature.


We went for the Homemade Pheasant Terrine ($16) - Pheasant and porcini mushroom terrine wrapped in sour cream pastry with salad greens, Vino Cotto vinaigrette and Maggie's Cabernet Sauce, and the Seasonal Cheese Picnic Basket ($13.50) - Maggie's seasonal cheese choice with quince paste, fresh fruit and walnut bread roll.

Everything was delicious, the terrine was beautiful, and the grapes crispy fresh. This alone is worth the trip to Adelaide!

Food: 8.5/10

Coffee: 6/10

Service: 8/10

Value: 7/10
Ambiance: 9/10

Overall: 38.5/50
Encore: Coffee was the only downfall; then again, it might just be an Adelaide thing...