Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

what was the occasion?

bluegreen said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

what was the occasion?

It is Friday.

painmaster said:

bluegreen said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

what was the occasion?

It is Friday.

Oh and GF’s birthday is on Sunday, so we have tickets to see the Picasso exhibition at the Art Gallery.

painmaster said:

painmaster said:

bluegreen said:

what was the occasion?

It is Friday.

Oh and GF’s birthday is on Sunday, so we have tickets to see the Picasso exhibition at the Art Gallery.

nice :)

bluegreen said:

painmaster said:

painmaster said:

It is Friday.

Oh and GF’s birthday is on Sunday, so we have tickets to see the Picasso exhibition at the Art Gallery.

nice :)

despite the rain, we are enjoying Sydney.

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Sounds lovely :) All of a sudden I’m hungry.

Happy Potter said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Sounds lovely :) All of a sudden I’m hungry.

It was good quality, tasty food.

just spotted Jamie Oliver at his restaurant… the one we ate at on Friday. Asked if we could get in again tonight and sorry “Grand Opening” Invited guests only…

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

bon008 said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

that might have more to do with England/Bath than the restaurant. It is a pretty popular tourist destination and a densely populated place. And the more people they can pack in the more money they make! I don’t like being crowded in restaurants either.

bluegreen said:

bon008 said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

that might have more to do with England/Bath than the restaurant. It is a pretty popular tourist destination and a densely populated place. And the more people they can pack in the more money they make! I don’t like being crowded in restaurants either.

On our first night in Sydney we walked past it, and went to a local pub for an ale or 3. Then we wandered back to the restaurant and asked how likely could you squeeze a table for two in? and they said it would be an 90minute wait and if we wanted to, we could give them our mobile number and they would text us to say a vacancy had opened. I said I couldn’t wait 90minutes as I was hungry and we would try somewhere else. Well not knowing Sydney, we found a shit place and had a crap meal.

So on the Friday, we had walked all over town and we’re feeling pretty tired so I said we could try Jamie’s and if they asked us to come back in 90, we’d go back to our hotel (across the street), have a shower and go back all fresh like. We both didn’t realise that it was like half past 4, so when we walked up, the waiter said, sure you could eat right away, so we took the opportunity and sat down. The Restaurant is multiple levels and loooooong! As you walk in on the right is a guy making pasta and bread, then there is a bar, and then the skinny restaurant starts. All wooden floorboards and timber walls. Along the right wall is a red leather bench that goes the entire length. There are series of twin tables, so that 4 or more sit on the right. There is a skinny track down the middle about the width of an airline aisle, and then hard up against the left wall is a series of single tables where couples sit facing each other back to back. The left hand wall is a series of glass bookshelves containing wines. Looks very cellarish. At the end of this long row is a few steps up and then what looks like a larger area for bigger groupings on the left and the open kitchen on the right. Where I sat I could see a bit of action up there but I don’t care to see where my food is coming from. I’m not to keen to see egotistical head chefs bite the heads off their staff. A chef belongs in a kitchen, I don’t need to see the magic.

There were also then steps back up to a mezzanine floor which must have had more large group tables, but I didn’t look up there.

Atmosphere? A busy well run restaurant with excellent staff. It was rustic and had its charm but I doubt it would ever have a quiet moment.

We left at just after 6pm, well sated and there was a line up in the rain waiting for a seat. They shoulda got there at 4 I guess.

bluegreen said:

bon008 said:

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

that might have more to do with England/Bath than the restaurant. It is a pretty popular tourist destination and a densely populated place. And the more people they can pack in the more money they make! I don’t like being crowded in restaurants either.

True! I can’t remember if it was mid-week or not, either. Still glad we went, but I wouldn’t go again.

pain master said:

On our first night in Sydney we walked past it, and went to a local pub for an ale or 3. Then we wandered back to the restaurant and asked how likely could you squeeze a table for two in? and they said it would be an 90minute wait and if we wanted to, we could give them our mobile number and they would text us to say a vacancy had opened. I said I couldn’t wait 90minutes as I was hungry and we would try somewhere else. Well not knowing Sydney, we found a shit place and had a crap meal.

So on the Friday, we had walked all over town and we’re feeling pretty tired so I said we could try Jamie’s and if they asked us to come back in 90, we’d go back to our hotel (across the street), have a shower and go back all fresh like. We both didn’t realise that it was like half past 4, so when we walked up, the waiter said, sure you could eat right away, so we took the opportunity and sat down. The Restaurant is multiple levels and loooooong! As you walk in on the right is a guy making pasta and bread, then there is a bar, and then the skinny restaurant starts. All wooden floorboards and timber walls. Along the right wall is a red leather bench that goes the entire length. There are series of twin tables, so that 4 or more sit on the right. There is a skinny track down the middle about the width of an airline aisle, and then hard up against the left wall is a series of single tables where couples sit facing each other back to back. The left hand wall is a series of glass bookshelves containing wines. Looks very cellarish. At the end of this long row is a few steps up and then what looks like a larger area for bigger groupings on the left and the open kitchen on the right. Where I sat I could see a bit of action up there but I don’t care to see where my food is coming from. I’m not to keen to see egotistical head chefs bite the heads off their staff. A chef belongs in a kitchen, I don’t need to see the magic.

There were also then steps back up to a mezzanine floor which must have had more large group tables, but I didn’t look up there.

Atmosphere? A busy well run restaurant with excellent staff. It was rustic and had its charm but I doubt it would ever have a quiet moment.

We left at just after 6pm, well sated and there was a line up in the rain waiting for a seat. They shoulda got there at 4 I guess.

Thanks PM, that actually sounds really similar. We were seated in a long skinny bit – one long bench against the wall, but small individual tables the whole way along. Maybe my memory is exaggerating it, but I remember only just being able to fit between the tables to get to the bench seat – if the tables had been twice as far apart, it would have been a lot nicer – but as you say, they’re popular places and bums in seats = money!

bon008 said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.
At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.
A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.
When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

hortfurball said:

bon008 said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.
At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.
A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.
When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

It can get like a glorified fast food chain, the whole exercise of getting people fed. The problem with my food experience is Sydney was that it was great food, good quality product and well prepared and served. We ate somewhere else the next night that was quieter, but the meal was just above Pub quality. Don’t get me wrong, I have consumed many a good counter meal but when faced with Sydney prices, one expects a little more expertise.

However, on our last night in the Harbour town we knew that all of the internal city restaurants were closed on a Sunday and it was Circular Quay or the Harbour. Seriously expensive costs because of the view, but we found a nice Japanese Restaurant inside a mall inside Chinatown. Stepping inside the Restaurant though, there was nothing “food-court“ish about it. Our friends from Adelaide joined us for dinner and the 4 of us were tucked away out of sight, out of mind, next to the band. We thought, Oh no, the BAND!

So the Band started, they were a three piece, Aussie scruff on double bass who certainly enjoyed playing his instrument, cool cat on guitar and a pretty polynesian lady on shaker and vocals. And they played at a perfect volume, we could still even talk without shouting to each other and they appreciated our polite applause. The rest of the restaurant were too busy eating to clap. We called the style of the band Jazzanese. Don’t know if that is an official musical term but it worked for us… The waiters still hadn’t noticed us yet.

But we finally got some service and then the waiting staff were fantastic and so was the food. Very simple traditional Japanese fare, with good quality ingredients, cold beer, and sake.

So we had 4 dinners in Sydney, 2 were fantastic, 1 I could get here in Townsville and 1 that was bloody ordinary. Not bad going considering I knew nothing about dining out there before I arrived.

hortfurball said:

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.
At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.
A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.
When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

Ugh, that’s no good! I’d been wanting to go there. Might stick to Nando’s instead :D

I wonder why all these crowded places don’t invest in those little electronic buzzers that beep to tell you when your table’s ready?

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.
At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.
A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.
When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

Ugh, that’s no good! I’d been wanting to go there. Might stick to Nando’s instead :D

I wonder why all these crowded places don’t invest in those little electronic buzzers that beep to tell you when your table’s ready?

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

pain master said:

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.
At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.
A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.
When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

Ugh, that’s no good! I’d been wanting to go there. Might stick to Nando’s instead :D

I wonder why all these crowded places don’t invest in those little electronic buzzers that beep to tell you when your table’s ready?

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!
+1
they are dreadful :(

pain master said:

bon008 said:

Ugh, that’s no good! I’d been wanting to go there. Might stick to Nando’s instead :D

I wonder why all these crowded places don’t invest in those little electronic buzzers that beep to tell you when your table’s ready?

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

bon008 said:

pain master said:

bon008 said:

Ugh, that’s no good! I’d been wanting to go there. Might stick to Nando’s instead :D

I wonder why all these crowded places don’t invest in those little electronic buzzers that beep to tell you when your table’s ready?

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

trichome said:

bon008 said:

pain master said:

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

the option given to us at Jamie’s Italian, was to duck out to a quieter bar and wait for the call there. There was 4 or 5 options nearby. And they did say they would text us if we preferred.

trichome said:

bon008 said:

pain master said:

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

I’m with trichome. I couldn’t even be bothered with any overcrowded, trendy, noisy place. I wouldn’t care how good the food was supposed to be.

hortfurball said:

bon008 said:

painmaster said:

Just had dinner at Jamie Oliver’s Italian Restaurant in Sydney. Oh so yummy!

Before the meals we had a sample of the bread they bake there on the premise, with an olive oil and pesto dressing with two Messina (Italian Beer)

GF and I then started off sharing two entrees, one was marinated sardines with rocket and lemon and olive oil dressing and the other was a crispy squid with chile and a souffle type of mayonaise.

Mains were a Black Truffle Risotto and a Linguine with Mussels served with a Pinot Grigio

Desert was an affogato for GF and a Brioche with gelato for me, served with a VSOP Brandy.

Oh so yummo!

Was it crowded? What was the atmosphere like?

We had dinner at Jamie’s Italian in Bath (years ago). I had the best darn bruschetta I’ve ever had, but the whole experience was underwhelming – we had to wait for ages in a crowded, noisy bar area, and then when we did get a seat, I was actually closer to the people on either side of me than Mr Bon on the other side of the table – we were SO packed in. The rest of the food was probably really great but all I can remember is being really uncomfortable.

Talking about underwhelming restaurants…I seriously don’t know what the buzz is about The Greenhouse in Perth. Hopefully the original in Melbourne has a Maitre D’ who doesn’t think the sun rises and sets with them, and we might try there on our holiday later this year.

At the Perth one, you cannot book on a Friday or Saturday night, so we turned up one Saturday about 7.30 to be told there was about an hour’s wait for a table. Decided this was too long to wait standing up and went elsewhere, with plans to come earlier the next time.

A few weeks later we got our act together and turned up at about 6.15, prepared to wait for a bit. We were told about half an hour, and went to the bar, which was sardine-like standing room only. Seriously, you had to keep your elbows tucked in and literally turn sideways and hold your tummy in to let a person through. It was also so loud you couldn’t hear each other, which makes for a not very exciting wait.

When the Maitre D’ had taken our mobile number (they called you on your phone to let you know your table was ready because it was so packed they’d never find you otherwise) I looked over his shoulder and noted two groups before us. We watched as he sent through those two groups and then expected our turn next. Then a group of three young women sidled up to him, giggled and whispered in his ear, and flirted with him for about ten minutes and then were let through to the dining room instead of us. We called him on it, and he swore there was no favouritism, then basically said if we really wanted, he could seat us immediately, at which point we politely told him where he could shove it, our reasoning being, if he could find us a table just like that, why hadn’t he already? His attitude the whole time was of god-like omnipotence. He chose who and when, and we mere villagers were to be looked down upon with great disdain. Apparently you have to be young and hip to get his attention enough to be allowed a table there, and we weren’t young or hip enough. Not a good look.

Sorry that all came out as one blob the first time. If you quote it, you can see the spaces I left but oh well, for those who didn’t bother due to the lack of paras, see above, should make it easier.

Also, forgot to say the other reason we were so peeved is that by the time our hip and with it master let the group of flirty girls through, we’d been waiting a little over an hour after being initially told half an hour.

trichome said:

bon008 said:

pain master said:

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

Couldn’t have put it any better :)

The only reason I wanted to try Greenhouse was the eco aware aspect of it – grow their own fresh herbs on the roof garden for use in your meal, recycled furnishings where possible…hang on, I might just as well stay home, LOL!

pain master said:

trichome said:

bon008 said:

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

the option given to us at Jamie’s Italian, was to duck out to a quieter bar and wait for the call there. There was 4 or 5 options nearby. And they did say they would text us if we preferred.

No nobs there by the sound of it, they seem very considerate and flexible.

Bon, if you do decide to try Greenhouse, either go on a weeknight when you can book a table, or if you go on a Friday or Saturday, if there’s a tallish guy with a shaved head, earrings and a trendy hat at the front desk, just leave before he has a chance to treat you like sh!te.

trichome said:

bon008 said:

pain master said:

Those things are horrendous! Talk about atmosphere destroyers!

I’d prefer them to having to listen out for my phone and then have a conversation in a crowded bar, personally.

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

Oh, sure, that too! But sometimes if you are travelling & don’t know the area, it’s hard to find the nicer places :)

hortfurball said:

pain master said:

trichome said:

i’d prefer in that case to go somewhere else where it is quiet and peaceful, nice family run restaurant, heaps nicer than some crowded trendy place filled with nobs :)

the option given to us at Jamie’s Italian, was to duck out to a quieter bar and wait for the call there. There was 4 or 5 options nearby. And they did say they would text us if we preferred.

No nobs there by the sound of it, they seem very considerate and flexible.

Bon, if you do decide to try Greenhouse, either go on a weeknight when you can book a table, or if you go on a Friday or Saturday, if there’s a tallish guy with a shaved head, earrings and a trendy hat at the front desk, just leave before he has a chance to treat you like sh!te.

Cheers HFB :) Might go on a week night one day :)

BBL