i just re-read the write up in your blog and can relate to a couple of points made.

front of house was a little distracted when we arrived – about 4 different parties arrived so we were all a little cramped near the meat locker (i really love that room!). Took a little while to be seated but had one of the banquettes near the kitchen.

service didn’t seem as smooth as last time (leaning over you to take dishes, not clearing space on the table for all the side dishes before they arrived, leaving empty plates on the table a little too long, didn’t get a thank you on the way out)

a major gripe…water. yeah you get the still or sparkling option but they now have a thing where they charge a flat fee of 8.50 a head for free pouring water all night. That wasn’t made clear to us when we ordered the sparkling and genuinely didn’t want more water when they cracked open a second bottle and started pouring so said we don’t want any more thank you (friends recently got stung at No.8 for $50 worth of water!!!). A more senior waitress came over to see what the problem was. Problem solved and we got charged for one bottle. Then only one of us was given a glass of tap water when their glass of sparkling was empty.
Cheap.

We got a cut down version of “the philosophy” which did sound a bit wanky. They didn’t do it the first time i went there so maybe they feel the need to really tell us why we’re there!

Anyway, food was great. Didn’t do entrees so straight to mains. It was steaks all round…can’t remember the various cuts others had but i had a 500g t-bone done medium which was just melt in the mouth. everyone else really enjoyed their steaks. on mine i had a combination of harissa (heaven!!), bernaise (just perfect) and seeded mustard (yeah yeah all at once…i’m a gemini)

Sides were mac and cheese (so decadent and so delicious), zucchini in a light lemon something, the beans you had, onion rings (probably the dish that didn’t work for me at all) and a delicious potato and cabbage gratin (heaven).

Two bottles of stonier creek pinot ($55).

Shared a pav (thank god we didn’t order one each – it was enormous!!) which was great. Lots of meringue, wonderful cream and just the right amount of finely diced strawberries, kiwi and lots of passionfruit pulp. The other two had a strawberry “cheesecake”…which was (and I quote the waitress) a “deconstructed cheesecake”…apparently very nice for something so post-modern!

Worked out to $120 head including tip which i thought was excellent value.

So all in a great experience. Food couldn’t really be faulted. Service was a little below my expectations and while the room was about 2/3 full, that doesn’t really explain it (or maybe because it was a monday). or maybe i’m looking to make excuses on their behalf when i really shouldn’t!

Keen to try their cellar bar for lunch one day…

Hey there Squishy – well I think you should fly down to Melbourne for a long weekend and make yourself a booking Being the foodie you are, I’m sure you will love it. And thanks for your compliments! Likewise, you have a wonderful blog. I have been loving your entries about “what food means to me”. I certainly echo most of your sentiments!

Hey EG baby (xx) – we so have to go back, and soon. I have already chosen what I want to order!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t identify all of the components of the dressing, but then I lacked Lethlean’s ability to review on the molecular level! (meow! yes, I am still frothing at the Shamiana review since ’02!!)

And THAT STEAK! oh my God that steak!