Sunday, January 10, 2010

Venice - CBD

Situated just up from Customs House right on the river, Venice is definitely well positioned for fine city dining. On the whole we were pleased with the meal, but were far more impressed with the general decor and ambience.

It wasn’t an excellent meal but the restaurant is definitely worth a visit – even if only for the decor! But keep in mind, it’s not cheap so perhaps one to save for a romantic occasion.

Rating

Food

Dessert

Service

Ambience

Value

3

4

4

5

3.5

Food

With a name like Venice, it’s safe to assume that the menu is wholly Italian. We are both lovers of Italian food but on this particular menu it was hard to choose a meal. We felt that many of the dishes included the same ingredients (too bad if you don’t like tomato, mushroom, or fish)!

In the end Jaz settled on the tomato chicken fettuccini and Meredith had the risotto with asparagus. Not exactly thrilling choices – I know. But they were well presented and proved to be quite tasty. But then again, it’s hard to mess up a simple pasta/risotto.

Dessert

We had the ‘Venice’ tasting plate of desserts, including macadamia nut crème brulee, apple pie, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, and berry fairy floss. A great idea to give you a taste for everything, but the desserts aren’t all for everyone – but luckily what one of us didn’t want the other did, so the dessert plate was near empty by the end.

Service

Service was pleasant and prompt. Impressive considering how full the restaurant was! If you are not a fan of crowds we don't recommend going on a Friday night.

Ambience

All seating it indoors at comfortable chairs and large tables. The roof is scattered with decorative scarves and unique lights. The walls are painted beautifully and there is even a small indoor fountain which really adds a spacious vibe to the busy dining area.

Price Range

High

Average $25 entree, $35 mains, $17 desserts

Les Amis – Fortitude Valley

Les Amis is an impressive restaurant that holds it own on St. Pauls Terrace in Fortitude Valley. Just opposite the entrance to the Ekka, and below a new office complex it is surely a little diamond in the rough. Our new favourite!


Rating









Food


Dessert


Service


Ambience


Value


4.5


4.5


4.5


4.5


4.5


Food


We both agreed that the food was exquisite. The variety on the menu was fabulous and made for some tough decisions. In the end, Meredith settled on her favourite, the confit duck with potato fondant, and Jaz had the herbed lamb rump with ratatouille. Both were cooked to perfection and well presented.


Les Amis also serves breakfast daily, and after being so impressed with dinner we will definitely go back to try it!



Dessert


The dessert menu was well priced and featured many of the usual suspects, including Creme brulee, lemon tart and pannacotta. Meredith had the creme brulee which passed the 3 crack test, and Jaz enjoyed the chocolate fondant. These desserts managed to beat us on this occassion, so rich and big, but definitely worth it. On the whole the meals served throughout the evening were flawless.


Service


The service surpassed our expectations as the matron was most attentive and pleasant. It really topped off the whole dining experience.


Ambience


Inside and outside courtyard dining flow seamlessly into each other, making for a very open yet intimate dining experience. Inside is elaborate wall coverings, open bar and kitchen views with and bistro style seating. The ambience here can not be faulted.


Price Range


Med-High


Average $16 entree, $29 mains, $12 desserts