Poachers Pantry, Hall NSW

Poachers Pantry

http://www.poacherspantry.com.au/

Food: 3/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Service: 2.5/5

Poachers Pantry is set within a lovely location in Hall, just over the border from ACT. It was a pleasant drive from Gungahlin to the farm itself, which made for a lazy start to our Sunday. My friend loved the scenery and complimented on the area as we drove through the property.

We arrived in the carpark on quite a bleak looking day,as it began to rain as we exited the car. As we strolled down the path to the restaurant I couldn't wait to be seated and browse through the menu, as I had only heard good words about this place. Unfortunately, my first impressions were tainted by the service. Yes, it was prompt, but dull. There was no conversation made by our waiter/esses, and we were not asked ''how our meal was'' at any point during our brunch.

My friend ordered the Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Potato and Chive Rosti ($18), and it was absolutely delicious! The serving size was also a reflection of the price. On the other hand, I was disappointed at the much smaller portion size of the Baked Eggs with Washed Rind Cheese and Prosciutto. To my dismay, this was also $18 for two small slices of multigrain toast accompanied by a small ramiken of two baked eggs, a miniscule piece of cheese (although very delectable) and a thin slice of meat.

Overall, the brunch experience was great, but the difference in serving sizes was a real let down. Poachers Pantry also offers a delightful array of gourmet products and goods. Upon my next visit I intend to purchase some of these goodies, however I will NOT be ordering the Baked Eggs again. It is also a goal of mine to dine here for dinner in the future. Hopefully, my first impressions can be turned around.

Skinny flat white.

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Potato and Chive Rosti  $18

Baked Eggs with Washed Rind Cheese and Proscuttio  $18

Disappointing serving size.

Yolky lusciousness.

....for next time.

 

Jaws, East Perth WA (Sushi Train)

Jaws, East Perth

http://www.jawssushi.com.au/restaurant/east_perth/

Food: 3/5
Atmosphere: 1.5/5
Service: 3/5

Jaws East Perth is a sushi train, and a sushi train only. Don't expect to turn up to this 'restaurant' and expect modern decor or a chic atmosphere. The sushi and plates of food weren't too bad, however I've experienced a higher quality of japanese cuisine in the past. As this was my first experience of dining at a sushi train, it was quite exciting, but the excitement quickly dissipated. I'm sure I remember seeing other sushi trains around the place that packed slightly more oomph than this particular one. Maybe it was the dull atmosphere that made this dining experience a tad drab?

 

I can only imagine this sushi train really catering to couples who want a quick dinner with cheap bottle of wine (yes, it's BYO), or business people on the run during their lunchbreaks. For our party of three, I found it hard to hold a conversation involving all of us, due to the design of the sushi train itself. As for the food, the dishes seemed authentic, although I felt that the menu wasn't as varied as advertised on their website. The service was extremely efficient, yet impersonable.

 

 

The prices of plates are listed below:

 

70's decor perhaps?

Miso soup.

Soy sauce, wasabi and ginger.

Tempura vegetables?

Deep fried crab claw ball. This was fantastic!

Pork Gyoza.

The Beaufort Street Merchant, Perth WA

The Beaufort Street Merchant

http://www.beaufortmerchant.com/

Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 2.5/5

As their website states, this is one of Perth's most unique venues. My brother's partner suggested this venue for breakfast, and this was one of the best I've had! I was in my element when I walked in and realised that not only was this an upperclass cafe, but it was also a bar, brasserie, fine wine store and gourmet provedore, all in one.

I was completely satisfied with the large, fresh meal and excellent coffee, however the service could have been better. If I hadn't have waited at least 50 minutes for my much awaited Bloody Mary (after reminding the waiters twice), this establishment would have been deserved of a much higher rating for overall service. Having said that, this was the only single let down of the dining experience, and I will certainly be visiting here again when in Perth.

Street view.

Fried Eggs and Bacon on Ciabatta   $20

Eggs Benendict with Salmon  $20

This hollandaise sauce tasted obviously homemade.

The eggs were perfectly poached.

Although over priced, this Bloody Mary was delish!  $15

Arirang Korean Restaurant, Gungahlin ACT

Arirang

Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 1.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Cost: Excellent value!!!

This small restaurant doesn't look much, but boy does it have great food! Arirang offers authentic Korean at a cheap price. On a past occasion we've had a substantial feast here for no more than $20 each, not forgetting the free condiments that come with every meal. I personally like the value for money at Arirang, and apart from the fantastic food, this was one of the many reasons I returned.

The service is friendly and efficient, and the meals are non-greasy and well presented. With many Koreans eating here regularly, you know it has to be great!

The various condiments are served first, just before the first course arrives.

Not sure what this was, but it seemed like raw potato marinated in a type of mild chilli sauce (similar to kimchi)

Dipping sauce to accompany the dumplings.

Kimchi!! A Korean staple.

Sliced fishcake. I could eat this everyday without complaint.

Radish.

Fried pork and vegetable dumpling - 6 pieces 

$9.00

Beef Bulgogi - Korean sizzling BBQ beef in a special sauce

$15.00

Fresh, fabulous and non-greasy!

The pieces of cabbage were cooked perfectly.

Jabche (Japchae) - Stir fried potato noodles with vegetables and beef

$13.50

I've always wanted to try authentic Japchae, and I can assure you, this was everything I hoped it would be.