Monthly Archives: March 2014

Mar 30 2014

Catalina Restaurant – Novotel Brisbane Airport-DFO

Enjoyed a Saturday breakfast here recently. The food is superb and for the shoppers out there it’s right next to DFO. Enjoy breakfast before heading off for a shopping spree, or shop first and finish here for an enjoyable lunch.

The setting is lovely, very relaxing. One side of the restaurant is mainly glass. Tables have plenty of room between. There is after all nothing worse than having to negotiate chair movements with your neighbour just to get in and out of your table.

For the gadget lover, there is a pancake machine, which, with the push of a button, will produce a freshly made pancakes. With a choice for breakfast of full or part buffet, or a la carte, the restaurant caters for everyone. Food choices include gluten free.

A full buffet will set you back $29 but is most definitely worth it. The food is fresher, full of variety – including the beverage selection of hot and cold drinks. I particularly enjoy the smoothie shots. Very tasty. A large choice of pastries and muffins, which I did not try, however they did look deliciously fresh.

Staff were friendly, helpful and cleared plates regularly. I would be keen to try a lunch or dinner here sometime.

Another big plus are the sparkling clean bathrooms.

For the early bird, this one opens at 5,30am and you do not need to be staying a the hotel to dine here.

Mar 24 2014

Picnic Time

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Take a drive to Mt Mee, near The Gap on Brisbane’s north side. A lovely view like this will greet you at the lookout. Head down towards The Gap and a short drive will bring you to the turnoff to Bellbird Grove. Follow the road through and find a multitude of picnic/BBQ areas, shade huts, picnic tables, plenty of clear space for the kids to play, bathroom facilities near each area and walking tracks for those wishing to explore.

At the bottom of the mountain road you will find Walkabout Creek Reserve. Very cheap entry, only $6.60 per adult. Here there is a cafe plus plenty of wildlife and a visitor centre.

If you’re looking to fill in a Sunday, try these places. Enjoy !

Mar 22 2014

Lunch at Portside, Hamilton, Brisbane

Awesome lunch today..fabulous service, lovely setting and the food was so fresh. To top it off the prices are very reasonable. Top dining at an affordable cost…it doesn’t get much better than this !

We were straight to mains with a large seafood chowder and a salmon & avocado salad. The seafood chowder I’m told was the best which also sported some fabulously big hunks of seafood throughout.

Salmon & avocado salad was mixed with the right balance of ingredients throughout. The salad was fresh which most certainly helped this to be such a delightfully light yet fulfilling meal. Salad partnered well with a couple of glasses of Italian Chardonnay and hubby was delighted to find his favourite beer on the menu.

With a tantalising dessert menu priced with $8 desserts who could resist finishing with a sweet. Red velvet cheesecake and raspberry and cream sponge were dutifully delivered to the table. Cheesecake was delightful and partnered well with a Mars bar chocolate shake. Not wanting too much sweet I settled for the green tea with my dessert, which although very nice was a little dry.

Table service was superb throughout, even the glasses of water were continually filled by passing staff. Well done, this a fabulous place to visit. We will return to Cruisers cafe bar & grill, superb!!

Mar 2 2014

Sunday Brekky

Awesome location in Chermside with a simple breakfast menu. Great food, service and nice to be sitting outside, under cover.   QuIet too, especially first thing on a Sunday morning.  Open 8-11am for Saturday & Sunday breakfast.

Love the Mushroom Ciabatta.  Prices average $7-$15 and for this you will receive a hearty breakfast.

I’m told by hubby, this venue has the best caramel latte in Brisbane he has so far tasted. Well done to the staff, especially Alana, we do enjoy a relaxing Sunday breakfast at Chermside Tavern.