Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The Tea Room

Level 3, North End, QVB,
455 George St, Sydney NSW 1230
http://www.thetearoom.com.au

Click to view larger pictures
Ratings
Food: 5
Ambience: 4.5
Service: 5
Value: 4.5

Overall Rating: 4.75

Comments
The decor is the first thing you'll notice when you walk in to this grand room. It is very elegant and royal. The china is precious and delicate, with a sweet floral design found on the teacups and plates. The customer service is flawless; the waitresses are kind, gentle, and curteous, asking if we need any help, refilling glasses of water and teapots, and describing the delicious things that we will be eating. There is lounge music played very very faintly in the background to add to the pleasantness of the room and the sound of people's conversations. The large hall does not amplify the sound, so you can pleasantly have a conversation with your friend at a normal volume, and hear them perfectly. The food is served in bitesize pieces, each taste is different and rich.

Menu Recommendations
The afternoon tea tray is a perfect choice because it includes a little of everything. There is a perfect mix of a variety of flavours and textures and is surpsiringly filling. It is served in a sweet gold tray with three 'levels'. The plate on the top has 2 savoury tartlets and 4 finger sandwiches. The next plate down has several different desserts, 2 of each (see picture above). The last plate down has 2 scones, that are served with jam and cream, and 2 spinach and cheese pastries. It is a perfect meal to share with a friend, as there is two of everything.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Silk Road Chinese Restaurant.

QG13/8 Prince Centre,
Quay Street, Sydney NSW 2000

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Ratings
Food: 5
Ambience: 4
Service: 3.5
Value: 5

Overall Rating: 4.4

Comments
It is a nice, quaint little restaurant, conveniently located just minutes' walk from Central and Railway Square. The decor is very down-to-earth, creating a comfortable "homely" atmosphere. The vines of artificial grapes hanging from the ceiling add to the restaurant's uniqueness, giving a sense of being outside in lush greenery. Several tapestries depicting cultural scenes compliment the menu, which is a fusion of middle eastern and chinese cuisines. The 80s/90's chinese music that plays faintly is calming and mellow, adding to the comfortable mood, and the waitresses are polite. The food is brought quickly after ordering.

Menu Recommendations
The Braised handmade noodles with beef (seen above) is one of the best things on the menu. We order it every time, and keep coming back for more.