stephietoronto

Hi, I did write them a note on my thoughts, and they have not written back with any explanation. I understand the splitting cost, I'm more aghast at charging for water! But even the splitting cost it should be mentioned at the point when you order too. At some restaurants, they charge for substitutions (e.g. changing the type of sauce, meat or pasta), but the waiter usually say at that point about this charge. That would be fine with me. I have written nothing more negative than to say exactly what happened, if people think this practice is fine, they should have no problems visiting the restaurant. I think people should be warned about this practice at CH though so no one else gets taken by surprise by these charges. I even said in my post, "food was solid as usual, nothing to complain about in that department" - I think I am being very fair to them.

I've been to Corner House a few times before, including Winterlicious, and had great experiences. It's my 4th time going back. However this time, it would probably be the last. Food was still good, but here's what happened. This was the first occasion where we did not order any wine. Plus the upstairs room was kind of cold, and my bf was just getting over a cold, so we both asked for hot water. We shared an appetizer, each had 1 main (steak and rack of lamb), and ordered 1 dessert to share. We were both stuffed and couldn't have ate more. When the bill came, they charged us 2 hot teas, $5, and $3 for the spliting of the appetizer. Now that is spare changed in comparison to the $32 mains we both had. I am not bothered because the bill came to $7 extra, but the principle of it. It really bothered me that they did not say anything or try to charge for hot water which is normally free at most restaurants. Just charge me more for my mains or raise the menu prices, if you feel you need to make more money. When I asked about the hot tea, saying we just had hot water and perhaps the waiter made a mistake, they came back with a "fixed" bill that literally said 2 HOT H2O service, $4 (so hot water with lemon apparently costs $2 each). I cannot believe that. It wasn't the amount, as we were not there on a budget. It was the audacity to charge for what would be normal service that is expected at any restaurant, and without a word beforehand. Should that not be what the tip is for? Simple water service that should come with any meal at ANY restaurant? We tipped them well as normal, and bid the place audieu. I am not sure if management changed or whatever the reason was for this, but I don't like the way they work, and I will not be going back. Food was solid as usual, nothing to complain about in that department.

Vanilla beans for baking etc? I know William Sonoma carries Madagascar vanilla beans, but so expensive (2 for $12.50). Right now I use it with a mix of another vanilla bean I get from Micheal Angelos (Select, Tosca). Have to admit the madagascar has a deeper darker taste.

I've had great experience with it (and some not so great). It is probably not the best way to judge a restaurant's true colours and flare, and there have been years where laziness and a busy schedule resulted me in not making ANY bookings, and other times with different groups of friends interested I have attended more than I actually care to, but I see it was more of a chance for groups to get together and dine out. I go with a grain of salt and I am not expecting world-class service world-class food at $35 price. I am pleasant surprised and delighted when it happens, which it has.

I travel there a few times a year for business, and I like Trattoria Corrado (yes, Italian ) for lunch take-out. Dinner I prefer to dine in. The quality is much better than a lot of the places in the area IMO. They are located across from Rutherford station. www.trattoriacorrado.com Otherwise, it's hotel room-service food and hoagies!

Visitor looking to bring home 2 bottles. Unfortunately I won't have time to go to the wineries... is Sydney strictly regulated as we are here or will I be able to pick up wine from just about anywhere? I'm bringing home 1 red and 1 white (no preferences for the white), mid-range prices (approx $20-$100)

Where can I find edible gold flakes/leaves for baking/decorating? Thanks in advance.

Everything!! Not many desserts I don't like, except I guess items that are too sweet. Most likely, I'm only going to be doing travelling in Sydney though...

What can I say, I have a big sweet tooth. Recommendations for delicious dessert sit-down places or good bakeries would be much appreciated.

I'm a first timer to Sydeny & Australia, besides going through good food while I'm there, I also want to take home some good eats to share. I love giving out food souvenirs. Read all the past posts and did some research. So far on the list is: - Tazmanian honey (any recommended brands?) - Fig jam (we have figs here, but I've not seen fig jam). Someone also recommended lillipini and riberries jam as well. I've never had those before so I will check that out, maybe try the fresh fruit myself too. - I might also check out Simon Johnson. What would you recommend from there or from his private brand? - And David Jones Food Hall (at Market Street). I know there's 2 brands of chocolate, Belle Fleur and Colefax, but I was in NYC recently and loaded up on a lot of good chocolates already (Jacque Torres, Kee). Is it still worth a visit? Thanks in advance!! (I would love to take home some fresh oysters too but I don't think they will survive a long +15hr flight!)