Narelle
2006-05-24 09:38:26 UTC
I lunched at Solitary:
http://www.solitary.com.au/flashEnabled.asp
for Sunday lunch, last.
This restaurant has a beautiful setting. Couldn't ask for better views.
I arrived around 1pm Sunday. They have a choice of silver-service
restaurant, or kiosk dining. I chose kiosk, as I was on my own, and it
is outdoor dining.
On arrival, I was told that there was approx 15min wait for a table, and
offered a "garden table". This seemed lovely gesture, and I was given a
rattan upside-down basket sort of thing to take to the garden to sit and
wait. They gave me a menu and assured me they would serve me a drink as
I waited. Took my novel and my menu and waited for someone to take my
chardy order. And waited. And waited. Still, the view and the setting
was gorgeous. After about 10-15min I noticed a couple of tables being
vacated. I stood, just as another couple came in and took the
prime-spot table. I heard the waiter explain to the man that in fact I
had been waiting a while and this table was mine. He refused to budge,
and not wanting to cause a fuss, I took a seat behind him. Still a
beautiful view, but *that guy* then chose to sit with his back to the
view the whole time. Loser. They took my order (Asian beef salad), and
the meal arrived in quite good time: it was presented well, and cooked
nicely. I was slightly alarmed that it came covered in crushed nuts.
No prob for me, but considering how many people have allergies these
days, I was surprised there was no mention of this in the menu. I
finished the meal, and was looking forward to a coffee. Unfortunately I
was completely ignored for quite some time and eventually just got up
and went inside to settle the bill.
Overall, a beautiful place to dine (9/10), but don't expect too much in
the way of service. Another point for parents to bear in mind would be
that the gardens are not fenced, and there is a big drop onto the road
below. The family dining there with a toddler was constantly up and
down and watching. The staff were friendly, just not very attentive
(5/10). The food was ok-ish (maybe 5/10).
The restaurant part seemed a little over-priced for what it was. I went
intending to dine there, but it didn't do all that much for me, although
it was full; couples and older ladies by what I saw.
Recommendation: Give it a go if you are in the area and have an hour or
so to spend. Relaxing setting, pleasant staff; just make sure you are
prepared to be loud or obnoxious if necessary.
N
http://www.solitary.com.au/flashEnabled.asp
for Sunday lunch, last.
This restaurant has a beautiful setting. Couldn't ask for better views.
I arrived around 1pm Sunday. They have a choice of silver-service
restaurant, or kiosk dining. I chose kiosk, as I was on my own, and it
is outdoor dining.
On arrival, I was told that there was approx 15min wait for a table, and
offered a "garden table". This seemed lovely gesture, and I was given a
rattan upside-down basket sort of thing to take to the garden to sit and
wait. They gave me a menu and assured me they would serve me a drink as
I waited. Took my novel and my menu and waited for someone to take my
chardy order. And waited. And waited. Still, the view and the setting
was gorgeous. After about 10-15min I noticed a couple of tables being
vacated. I stood, just as another couple came in and took the
prime-spot table. I heard the waiter explain to the man that in fact I
had been waiting a while and this table was mine. He refused to budge,
and not wanting to cause a fuss, I took a seat behind him. Still a
beautiful view, but *that guy* then chose to sit with his back to the
view the whole time. Loser. They took my order (Asian beef salad), and
the meal arrived in quite good time: it was presented well, and cooked
nicely. I was slightly alarmed that it came covered in crushed nuts.
No prob for me, but considering how many people have allergies these
days, I was surprised there was no mention of this in the menu. I
finished the meal, and was looking forward to a coffee. Unfortunately I
was completely ignored for quite some time and eventually just got up
and went inside to settle the bill.
Overall, a beautiful place to dine (9/10), but don't expect too much in
the way of service. Another point for parents to bear in mind would be
that the gardens are not fenced, and there is a big drop onto the road
below. The family dining there with a toddler was constantly up and
down and watching. The staff were friendly, just not very attentive
(5/10). The food was ok-ish (maybe 5/10).
The restaurant part seemed a little over-priced for what it was. I went
intending to dine there, but it didn't do all that much for me, although
it was full; couples and older ladies by what I saw.
Recommendation: Give it a go if you are in the area and have an hour or
so to spend. Relaxing setting, pleasant staff; just make sure you are
prepared to be loud or obnoxious if necessary.
N