The Service Critic

2015-09-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Burster Palm beach Queensland

We grabbed some take away from Burgster in Palm Beach the other night.

Yum... very nice, buns..patties.. salad.. all great flavour.

Staff lovely, friendly and helpful.

When I went in to pick up the order ... I really just wanted to stay.. Great vibe, very hipster.Cool bar area and booths for dining.

We will definitely return.. next time I will take some pics though, eat in, and have a drink at that bar!

The menu boasts a lot more than just burgers.

I am just so happy about the Currumbin, Palm beach end of town getting all these awesome little cafes and restaurants.

It's just up from Laguna Park, an amazing park for taking young ones with climbing structures, one of those bike..peddling things that the kids want mums and dads to push them on!! great work out. and it is all fenced sitting by a lovely lake.

I could imagine hanging at this park with the kids (and your friends) for a while and wandering up the road a few metres to have burgers for lunch.

Shops 2 & 3

4 - 10 Phillipine Parade

Palm Beach

Gold Coast

Queensland

4221

Froth Coffee Co Currumbin

2015-05-02T21:53:00.001-07:00

Froth Coffee Co - 46 Creek Road Currumbin

Great little place.. Just on Currumbin creek road not far from the beach and creek. Coffee is just perfect.. You can even text ahead your coffee order .. How cool is that..

Although situated in a light industrial area..It still has a hip relaxed vibe. But great little places are popping up all over Currumbin in amongst this area. Our Sunday breaky was fresh,simple,tasty and well priced.

Thredbo in summer breathtakingly beautiful

2015-02-12T15:49:00.001-08:00

Thredbo is a quaint village it the Mount Kosciuszko' national park. In winter it snows, and in summer it is green with patches of wildflowers about. I noticed many beautiful accommodation choices available as I walked around the village and surrounds. Some amazing apartments!

The village has many restaurants and cafes, but I think the beauty of this place is what I enjoyed the most.

I took groceries up to Thredbo with me, as I had been warned it was expensive in the local grocery store. I ended up buying more groceries in the local shop and prices were not too bad.

Our stay at Thredbo in The Peak Apartments was wonderful with large windows and an outdoor patio capturing breathtaking views. The apartment is roomy enough for 2 families!

The village is a short walk downhill, and yes you do have to walk back up, but think of the exercise!! Apparently in winter shuttle buses whip past all the time, picking up passengers so they can hit the slopes, and go out for dinners and such with out trudging through snow and ice. But summer time there are no shuttle buses.

Let me take you on a bit of a tour through 'The Peak Apartment' number 4 -

The patio has an outdoor table and chair set and a BBQ. Great views!

Modern well appointed kitchen with everything you could need for a comfortable stay.

Comfortable and stylish lounge area with large flat screen TV, sound system, fire place and warm throw rugs.

Three comfortable bedrooms, queen with an ensuite, king near the main bathroom and a large room containing another 4 single beds. All bedding and linen is of high quality and super comfortable. Each bedroom has it's own TV.

Well equipped laundry.

Beautiful fully tiled marble ensuite with shower and bath. Main bathroom had the spa bath as well.

The Peak Apartments

The kids and hubby really enjoyed the bobsled, we had the 2 day summer pass, there are a number of passes that you can purchase to suit the length of your stay. We paid $74 per adult ($148) and kids (up to the age of 17) were free with paying adults.

We could ride on the chair lift, (that takes you up to the start of one of the main walking tracks and to the eagles nest restaurant and bistro, Australia's highest restaurant,) limitless times.

Six rides each on the bobsled, entry to the leisure centre that has a great pool and a slide, a game of golf and tennis per day.

We felt this was good value and it kept every one active and happy.

Fun chairlift ride, you can go on this as often as you like with the 2 day summer pass

If you enjoy breathtaking scenery, bush walking, wild flowers, cycling, dining out or just relaxing in the cooler temperatures... Then you will also fall in love with Thredbo in summer time.

A photo taken on the hike - stunning! and cold..brrrrr

My hubby and family went hiking, I would suggest that you think about your choice of clothing when hiking Mount Kosciusko, they found out the weather can change in a heartbeat. Windy, cold and stunning. Yet a storm whipped up out of no where It poured rain and hailed. They still had a great time.. and no one was injured, But I think thicker waterproof jackets would have been ideal.

I would love to return in the winter now and experience this place at its whitest and coldest!

AWESOME CAFE IN BURLEIGH - PALEO CAFE BURLEIGH HEADS

2014-06-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

I finally tried out the Paleo Cafe in Burleigh. I had noticed it every time I drove up Park Street in Burleigh. You sort of can't miss it... orange orange orange!

Greeted by super friendly staff that seem very passionate and knowledgable about their food and products.

I ordered the Salmon on sweet mash, my girl friend ordered the omelette. Wow.. yum..yum...yum Highly recommended. My salmon was cooked perfectly, the mash was silky and my friend loved her omelette. Tasted amazing, this cafe is for everyone, not just the Paleo followers.. however Paleo is a very healthy way to eat!

I felt this place was well priced with excellent food. My coffee was perfect.. better then most coffee out there. I cant wait to return! Very sorry.. I didn't take any pics.. shame, as presentation was also really lovely. Here is a link to this great place, definitely worth a try, especially if you enjoy eating the paleo way Paleo Cafe Burleigh Heads

I noticed they sold a few grocery items and read about their ready made meals. I will definitely spend some time checking these out next time, and will try one!

Parking is metered and the parking inspectors are very active, maybe on a commission??? Just up Park street on the right hand side is a 2 hour free parking lot. This restaurant has a few steps at the front but has an area for wheelchairs and prams to the side.

Hard Rock Surfers Paradise

2014-06-24T16:23:00.002-07:00

HARD ROCK CAFE OR PUB?? SURFERS PARADISE

Had a lovely afternoon at the Hard Rock Cafe in Surfers on the week end. Staff were very friendly and helpful. My son was performing in his band, along with a number of other bands.

I liked the atmosphere of this place and the choices of seating arrangements were great. Out door and indoor, booths, seating on bar stools by the massive round bar or general tables. There are a number of stairs to climb however they do have a lift available!

Our food was good, BIG though! I had pulled pork, crispy onion and slaw on a bun, with chips. The kids enjoyed their nachos and my mum loved her chicken parma. I am guessing it is an example of the USA style servings!

I even had a couple of shandies! woo hoo and of course the kids all had chocolate thick shakes!

The down side, which we did find rather hilarious, they ran out of tea bags.. so then we tried ordering a coffee... our friendly waiter returned to inform us...coffee beans had also run out!

This establishment is above a Woolworths..(last time I checked woolies sold tea and coffee beans) maybe they should re name.. Hard Rock Pub... ditch the cafe! we did find it funny though!

We parked in the Centro building, access via Hanlan Street. It was the closest and I didn't want my mum walking too far.. got a discount on parking as I had purchased some groceries form Woolworths, however it was still $16.

Great day though, kids were given a set of crayons and the kids menu doubled as an activity colouring sheet! Live music was really enjoyable.. will be happy to return!

Tasmania Holiday

2014-04-29T23:14:00.001-07:00

DAY ONE HOBART

After considering many holiday destinations both overseas and in Australia, we decided on a Tasmanian family holiday over the Easter school holidays, 2014. My husband and I have two kids, a 16 year old son and 11 year old daughter. We all seem to enjoy history and nature so figured Tasmania could offer fun for all.

We arrived in Hobart, and loved the cooler crisp air. Picked up our hire car from Europcar and headed off to our first port of call. Europcar were friendly but a little slow, had to wait around for a while for the car to be cleaned and fueled.

I had pre booked the car and all accommodation prior to arrival and had a rough idea of things we wanted to visit along the way.

Mount Wellington as we head over the Derwent river into Hobart

We booked two nights in Grand Chancellor Hobart, a great position, in the middle of town, overlooking the harbor with lovely water views.

VIEW FROM OUR ROOM

I did book part of this holiday with a travel agent, to be honest, as soon as I started to spend time researching accommodation and itinerary suggestions, I realized I would have saved more money doing the bookings myself.

Lovely indoor pool and gym facilities

Our bags were delivered promptly to our room. All staff friendly and helpful, rooms comfortable and tastefully decorated. Lovely bathroom amenities with fluffy towels and comfy beds.

Salamanca Market area

I would highly recommend the Grand Chancellor, walking distance to restaurants and bars. Only a short walk to the Salamanca markets and across the road from the harbor.

From the harbor there are many cruises available, including cruising up the Derwent river to the famous Mona art museum.

Historic IXL jam factory, now full of arts, cafes and restaurants. Directly across from Grand Chancellor Hobart.

Day one, we decided to go exploring on foot, in and around the town, I would suggest walking up behind the Salamanca market area, the old houses are so beautiful, rose gardens and all back dropped with beautiful Mount Wellington.

Our $5 lunch - Telegraph Hotel

We stumbled across an old pub, The Telegraph Hotel, a sweet old building, serving up $5 lunches and a range of local beers. We gave it a go, and were rather impressed, not bad at all.

We caught the end of the Salamanca markets, this precinct and large market boast shopping, arts and craft, dining and music. Walking past beautiful sandstone buildings and on the cobblestone road ways, just adorable.

If you love your seafood, the harbor and town area teaming with seafood restaurants. There are so many choices its a bit confusing.

Over by the IXL jam factory building directly opposite the Grand Chancellor there is a restaurant "The Drunken Admiral"that has been run by the same family since 1979. They pride themselves on delicious seafood, and I could only find good reviews about this place. It looked very original (very nautical 70's) and I soooo wanted to go there for dinner, but my hubby and son are not into seafood at all and so we ended up at Elizabeth pier. We decided on dining at the restaurant "42 Degrees" I did get a salmon dish, that was okay. The rest of my family felt their meals were average.

Salamanca Markets

Hobart is just a gorgeous, historic and very scenic township. My whole family enjoyed exploring this town. I will do my best to add DAY TWO's adventures soon, as we head up to the Huon Valley.

AWESOME TEPPANYAKI ON THE GOLD COAST

2013-03-25T19:20:00.002-07:00

Had the best night at Benihana's restaurant in the Marriott for a very special friends birthday. We started with cocktails in the bar area (yum) then we were taken to our little cubical. Our own space, our own chef. Every one sitting around the hot plate,while your personal chef cooks you up a healthy and delicious storm.

One of the staff members, a Japanese man entered our cubical to serenade us with a Micheal Jackson pop son. He was a classic, had everyone singing and laughing. Our birthday girl was made to feel very special with her hot pan messages and the rice love heart!

The food was sensational, I will definitely return, its a perfect place to celebrate with a group of people as we did. The decor of the restaurant was lovely, very zen!

Price wise, the cocktails were not cheap, but I think the food was reasonable for the Marriott. For seven people dining, and we all chipped in for the birthday girl, it cost $60 per head. We were all so full, and I will say it again, that food was amazing! If you go, you must try the Japanese special rice.

There was fire!

Laughter and good food!

and more fire!!!

Quest coffee Burleigh heads

2013-02-26T21:39:00.001-08:00

Just had a flat white.... Yummmmm

Lovely coffee..they use Organic beans which is a bonus.

Friendly staff, they had a lovely selection of cakes and slices.. I didn't try any as I am heading off for a bite to eat soon.

It's a small cafe, but seemed very popular .. Not huge amounts of seating.. Few seats inside and a put front of cafe.

I would highly recommend this cafe!!!

fraud calls again!

2013-02-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

HOW did they get my home number? how did they know I was having computer problems? Are you the the main computer user? please sit down in front of your computer now!!! YEAH right...so you can rip us off!

I just took a big breath and blew into the mouth piece of the phone, she eventually hung up!!

HELP ME find best cafe and coffee on the coast!

2013-02-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

I want to find the Gold Coast's best coffee.. best flat white for that matter!

It needs to be HOT like a sunrise, textured creamy milk, and flavorsome. It needs to be served by a friendly barrister! (waiter). It wont hurt if this coffee house has some yummy cakes either!

Do you have a favorite cafe? why and where is it? I want to go and try out their coffee!

Thanks for your suggestions!

Larb let down but BEST massamam curry ever !

2013-02-16T01:39:00.001-08:00

Just had an unforgettable beef massamam curry from beer Thai in palm beach. The duck larb ( is usually great) but tonight I found it to have a very unpleasant texture and the fish sauce smell was rather pungent. The sweet sour pork dish was fresh and tasty. But that massamam was awesome . The lady that served me was very friendly!

Loving Burleigh!

2013-02-14T21:06:00.001-08:00

Just had a cheap yummy vego lunch from Govindas in James street Burleigh. Burleigh has morphed into such an awesome cafe / shopping hub. Every time I visit, there is some new funky shop or eatery.

I can't believe the great prices and tasty food that was dished up at Govindas today.. For under $10 you can have feast!

My only concern with Burleigh is the parking officers! Beware they are on the hunt for anyone who has an expired parking ticket!

Leura, Blue Mountains December 2012

2013-02-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains trip December 2012

We packed up the hubby, myself and two kids (boy 15 and girl 10) grabbed grandma and took off to the Blue Mountains.

Christmas shop

We arrived by car to the Waldorf Leura garden resort mid morning. Leura is a lovely little town with gorgeous views, historic homes, quaint cafes, restaurants and shops. The Christmas shop is just packed with goodies from floor to ceiling. I stuffed myself silly with choc coated pineapple lumps at the lolly shop!

So many of the houses have been lovingly restored, with picket fences and big old trees cradling the roads.

I felt Leura was a great central spot to take in what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Leura lolly shop

We visited the old toy and train museum, a rather grand historic home, with fabulous mountain views. We paid $42 for 2 kids and 2 adults to enter the house, each room of the old house shows off a collection of old toys, from all eras.

Toy and Rail Museum

From tin wind up toys, to an impressive Barbie doll collection. Yes it was mildly interesting, not a lot of information and I did fell a little ripped off. However my 10-year-old daughter really enjoyed this place. Others may enjoy reminiscing their child hood days.

Toy and Rail Museum

After wandering through the house, you exit and can then explore the gardens and train museum. Our family much preferred this.

Toy and Rail Museum

We proceeded to the Everglades historic house and garden, this is now run by the national trust. We paid $36 for all five of us to enter and really enjoyed leisurely wandering around the gardens. There is a tea house that was closed by the time we got there.

Reading secret garden in the secret garden

Everglades Leura

Back to the Waldorf Leura garden resort, we were disappointed that their restaurant ‘Jasmine restaurant’ was closed.

We were all tired and decided to order pizza, and stay in. The local pizza place (recommended to me by the staff) didn’t answer their phone, so had to do the domino's order!

We paid $250 a night for a family room, all beds were comfy and the room was clean. This is not a 5 star palace, but we all seemed comfortable and happy here.

A hot buffet breakfast was included, everyone was more then happy with the food. The resort had a little play area for young ones, a small pool and games rooms with tennis table and pool table.

Everglades Leura

My next post is about our fabulous day trip to the Jenolan caves!!!

Great dinner, thanks son!

2013-02-13T01:38:00.001-08:00

Well tonight my 15 year old son made a fabulous flavorsome spaghetti bolognese from scratch, all by himself! All of the training is starting to pay off!!! The meal was great... I will be sure to return to this restaurant!!

Thanks son xx

ummm who will wash up? Daddy?

The Service Critic: ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?

2012-05-25T06:19:00.001-07:00

The Service Critic: ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?: Wednesday evening just gone I ventured to Mikes Kitchen, a South African restaurant on the Gold Coast, at 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac (M...

ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?

2012-05-25T06:14:00.001-07:00

Wednesday evening just gone I ventured to Mikes Kitchen, a South African restaurant on the Gold Coast, at 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac (M1 end by exit 77). We were joining a large group for a birthday celebration dinner and the place was packed!

Believe it or not I was the first guest to arrive, that’s a first in a long (long) time. Greeted by friendly faces and shown to the table. I was offered a drink, to which I kindly accepted!

I ordered the Lamb shanks, served with a creamy mash. Can I just say…. I was in heaven!. The shanks fell of the bone and melted in the mouth. The mash was just perfect and the flavor of the meat and the jus was amazing. I moaned through out the entire meal, just fab!

These guys run a tight ship that results in a smooth sail. Considering how busy they were on a mid week evening, the wait for our food seemed short and we all got our meals at the same time.

I found the prices reasonable, and a good selection on the menu. (My shanks were $24.95. ) My son enjoyed his rib burger that came with chips (fries). I just asked him what he thought of his meal, he said it was a good size and tasty.

I would highly recommend this restaurant for ribs, steaks and good ole hearty meals. Very family friendly with kids meals and colouring in, and a skilled team that comfortably handle the larger groups.

The parking is plentiful and wheel chair/ pram friendly.

I say its work a try!

Shanks for reading and have a great week.

p.s sorry I didn't take pics for you... too busy moaning over shanks and talking...next time I take heaps of pics!

The Service Critic: BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!

2012-05-17T23:34:00.001-07:00

The Service Critic: BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!: Feeling less guilty about downing so many hits of caffeine per day after hearing about an american study that has been running for approx 13...

BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!

2012-05-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

Feeling less guilty about downing so many hits of caffeine per day after hearing about an american study that has been running for approx 13 years. In this study (of hundreds of thousands of people aged between 50 to 70 year olds) it showed people that consume 5 cups a day are between 12 and 16 per cent less likely to have died by the time the study ended.

Having a coffee right now, may have another before heading off to work, and then will no doubt have coffee from the cafe before I start!

HIDDEN GOLD COAST GEM

2012-05-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have been visiting this little hidden gem for some months now, and it’s about time I shared with you my secret!

Kukuzkidz is a quaint little children’s wear and homewares shop tucked away in Station Street Currumbin.

They serve up THE BEST coffee, afghan biscuits, brownies and of course Joe’s famous steamed dim sims (hand made and delicious!)

Deb and Joe are always so friendly and welcoming, Deb runs the children’s wear side of things while Joe is the barista and cook from heaven.

They stock the most divine children’s clothing range, and always have a unique range of gorgeous toys, and homewears for little ones.

The position of this shop is awesome for grabbing coffee on the run, you can literally park right by the door of the shop, take a few steps, and your there.

Deb and Joe have even told me if I ring in advanced they would have the coffee ready for me, how cool is that!

This is a great place to find unique gifts, or items to make over your little ones room. They seem to have a beautiful range suitable for all budgets. From lamps, mirros, wall hangings and bunting to books, wooden toys, lunch bags and so much more.

I definitely recommend a visit here next time you come to Currumbin. Kukuzkidz also have an online shop. I will find a link to their website and facebook page, so you can take a peek.

http://www.kukuzkidz.com.au/component/content/frontpage

Currumbin Valley a perfect Sunday escape

2012-05-14T23:14:00.002-07:00

One gorgeous Sunday just recently, we decided to take a country drive. Hubby and I rounded up the kids, and headed into the Currumbin Valley. Currumbin Valley is a short drive from the famous Currumbin Beach. Such a gorgeous drive, catching glimpses of the Currumbin estuary, as it rambles it's way and joins a running fresh water creek. Past huge Norfolk Pines, rolling hills of greenery, grassy paddocks, Kangaroos, horses, ducks and geese.

The road winds its way to the eastern section of the Springbrook national park, where you can park your car, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the rainforest. The tracks are well maintained and perfect for wheelchair and prams.

The walking track itself runs parallel to the fresh water creek, waterfalls and rock pools. At a few stages along the walk there are some off shoot stairs leading to viewing platforms, allowing for some awesome photo opportunities of the gorgeous scenery. The track eventually leads you to the remnants of an old sawmill.

Crystal Cottage

Take a picnic, and make use of the chair and table facilities (and the drop zone toilet!! ewwww) We often take this drive and enjoy this lovely walk, however this time we noticed the old Crystal Cottage, on Currumbin Creek Road, had reopened. So we headed back there in hope for a nice lunch.

Cafe area

It has reopened after 18 months of being closed, after the original owner / operator had passed away. This place is an alternative styled, crystal healingish (is that a word?), quirky place. After walking through the shop you can be seated out on the back verandah for refreshments.

Inside, buy a crystal!

Garden area

They only offered cakes and drinks. We decided to take a seat and have a healthy cake lunch!! Hubby and I went for Devonshire tea (yummiest scones!!) kids had chocolate mud cake and banana bread. Everyone was very happy, (although the coffees were only so so )

Apparently they are getting in a Thai chef,and will soon be serving up Thai lunches. I shall keep you posted!!

Cute garden and creek

There is a fresh water creek running right by the property and amazing lion statues in the garden. My daughter loved the back garden, I would say this is a perfect place to visit with the kids, so long as you can control them around the crystal clutter with in the shop.

FRUSTRATION!!!!!!!!

2011-03-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have been having issues with my bigpond email. I keep getting a messages from bigpond administrator saying that I reached my quota and my inbox is full. Even though I have deleted all messages, and have removed all my deleted files.

So I made my first call to bigpond over a week ago, after 56minutes the representative (who I could barley understand) told me all he could suggest was, that I continue to delete messages after they come through. Well that is not a solution, I am missing out on my emails and I am getting rather annoyed.

So yesterday I decided to call bigpond again…. Again I spoke to a male rep who I had so much difficulty understanding. He has told me after trying to remotely control my computer, asking me to click this and click that…that my problem has been escalated and I will be contacted within 24 hours!! (that phone call took 1 hour and 4 mins)

Guess what??? No call as yet! It has now been about 32 hours. The occasional email gets through to me, however most of the emails coming through are that annoying message…your inbox is full…you have reached your quota!!!!

Nothing like paying for a service that you don’t get!! Let’s hope they ring today and sort this out. I will keep you posted.

BREAKFAST AT THE BEACH SHACK

2011-03-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at the shack!!

views

Friday was a gorgeous blue sky, sunny day on the Goldie , the ocean looked amazing! A group of four of us met at the beach shack for a catch up. We were welcomed with smiles from the owner who was busy making coffees and told we were welcome to sit were ever we wanted. We ventured up stairs (to our fav spot) with the great ocean views.

Our waitress was nice enough but just lacked something… We had to ask for water, we had to ask for extra glasses and water when other guests arrived. She was really keen to get the order in and possibly one of those waitresses that over stresses when busy.

views from restaurant upstairs

This time I tried a new dish, I had a salmon omelette . If you are a salmon fan like myself, you will really love this dish. The omelette was light and fluffy, and tasted amazing with the salmon. Coffee was ok, normally I love the coffee at this place, and it could have been our slightly stressed waitress, who was a speed demon on the coffee machine!

my salmon omelette

views

Little St Kilda Cafe

2011-03-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

Service critic - in short

Service – 5/5

Ambience – 4/5
Quality of product – 4/5
Price - reasonable

Wheelchair access - yes
Position and outlook – Street and distant ocean glimpses
Parking - Close by
Amenities, bathrooms – on Premises

The review

Little St Kilda café, on 7^th av in Palm beach.(Gold Coast, Australia) A little gem, eclectic , odds and ends every where, a real funky twist. Definitely NOT BORING!! Really friendly staff, great vibe, music is clearly important to these guys.

You just can’t stop darting your eyes around every where, so much to look at, both old & new. This place is tiny…but it works!! We sat out on the road side, we could see down the road out to the ocean. I love how they have used the wacky chairs, worked into the side of the step by the pathway.

My meal was really good. I had to have what she was having (my chicky friend that is) the steak sanga. It was very nice, served with yumo chips.

I would love to go back on a Friday night, sounds like they have live music.. And I am a huge fan of the live stuff. So keep an eye out..I intend on returning to this joint and blogging about it.

A place you must visit!

Montezumas Mexican Restaurant - LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS!!

2011-03-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I needed a mexicano hit, so ventured to Montezumas Burleigh Heads, for a bite to eat...OKAY…so I shared two mains with a girlfriend.

Lets get back to the food.. well as per usual... It was YUMO!! . We shared a chicken delight, and is was just that…A DELIGHT!! If you love salad with a twist, this will definitely be a dish for you.

We also shared the seafood enchilada…again YUMO. The enchilada comes with a mex salad and rice. And lets not forget to mention the beautiful midori margarita..mmmmmm. Our bill came to $62.00, which I think for having a cocktail and a lovely healthy (very filling) meal is reasonable.

I would love to know if you have ventured to any of the Montezuma restaurants, If so, did you like it?

Is it a place you visit regularly?

Do you have a favorite on the menu? Or do you have another Mexican restaurant you think I should visit?

I would love to hear what you have to say, so please leave a comment!!!

Montezumas is hidden away in the back of the Old Burleigh Theatre arcade, Goodwin Terr, Burleigh heads. It has been there for as long as I can remember, I recall having dinner there with friends back in my high school years. That was probably about 5 years ago (huh...you don’t believe me???) alright then... would you believe 10 years ago?? Time for the truth then, back in about 1986.

I just read some info on this restaurant's web site, Burleigh was their first restaurant, and they opened it in 1978. In 1991they started to franchise, and now have restaurants right around Australia.

The Continental Shelf Deli & Café, Elanora, Gold coast, Queensland, Australia.

2011-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

The Continental Shelf Deli & Café, at The Pines Shopping Centre, Elanora.

Service critic - in short

Toasted?

Service - 1/5

Ambience – 3/5

Quality of product – 2/5
Price – 3/5

Wheelchair access - yes
Position and outlook – shopping center
Parking - Close by
Amenities, bathrooms - Short walk

My children and I popped into this café for some lunch on Saturday. They offer counter service, so we lined up, and got served by a lady whom appeared flustered. She was direct and straight to the point, no smiles and certainly not welcoming.

We ordered some toasted sandwiches & shakes, The Pines shopping center was rather busy, and it was tricky finding an available table, we found one that was dirty and covered in dirty cups and plates. I understood that they were busy and assumed it would eventually get sorted out by the staff.

Now this is what amazes me, I sat and watched a staff member deliver coffees to the lady right beside me, and she walked back into the kitchen area empty handed. We continued to sit with the dirty setting, another staff member serves smoothies to the table on the other side of us, again, she returns to the kitchen empty handed.?????

The customer beside me, made a comment about how that sort of service annoyed her, and she insisted on taking the dirty plates and placing them on the now spare table beside her. Sweet lady!

Finally our food came out and the order was incorrect, the toasted sandwiches were looking a little sad, although the shakes were good.

So at this stage I can’t really say that I am very impressed. I will have to go back and try them again, when they are not so busy. Their window display did look nice with salads, Turkish bread sandwiches, and a selection of sweets.

Not hot and where's the onion and peper I ordered??