tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20260666685987315022024-03-14T15:14:11.694+11:00Caesar Salad ReviewsWhen there's nothing else on the menu you can eat, comparisons just come naturally...Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-75374412459596457432010-04-12T21:49:00.005+10:002010-04-12T22:38:34.132+10:00Review #15 - Zeps Cafe<strong>Sunday April 11, 2010<br />Zeps Cafe<br />Campbell Town, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />We've been to the north of Tasmania, and we've had plenty of meals in the south, but this time we stopped in the middle to enjoy a lunch at Zeps in Campbell Town. I ordered a steak sandwich, while Julianne ordered...wait for it...a Caesar Salad.<br /><br />I did manage to snap a pic of the Caesar Salad in question, so here it is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8MMiEN1C4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Rrkpa5LP8Hk/s1600/Caesar+Salad+110410.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8MMiEN1C4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Rrkpa5LP8Hk/s320/Caesar+Salad+110410.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459220952690002818" /></a><br />How did it taste? As Julianne put it, "the egg and the bacon were really good. The rest of it...was of a bit...meh." So she gave it 2 out of 4.<br /><br />The ingredients were a standard affair: no chicken, anchovies or croutons. The lettuce was a little old, and the cheese was cheap. Julianne had a nasty suspicion the "home-made" dressing had a lot of cream in it, leaving Julianne feeling a bit "blurgh". 1½ out of 3.<br /><br />Presentation was "a little ho hum". It wasn't the most appealing of Caesar Salads, but we have seen worse. ½ out of 1.<br /><br />So we've got "meh", "blurgh", and "ho hum" so far. Let's see if things can improve with our last two categories.<br /><br />Julianne did give 1 out of 1 mark for service, so there's a plus. This despite the waitress, when asked if the dressing was gluten free, replying "No - it has egg in it."<br /><br />At $13, it wasn't the best value for money ever, but it was still in the realm of decent, so 1 out of 1 for value.<br /><br />That, unfortunately, leaves the Caesar Salad at Zeps tied for last on our <a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-score-list.html">score list</a> with a score of 6 out of 10.<br /><br />So a little disappointing there, but Campbell Town is still worth a stop over on your way north or south across Tasmania, especially for the lolly and ice cream shop that is quite accurately named A Little Piece of Heaven.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8MRyaKg4JI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Er2HfDMQHDs/s1600/taste-2.jpg" alt="2" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3102502244_bf99cfb96d_m.jpg" alt="1.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3102502366_ea8b17d0f0_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>6/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-65406967734762633322010-04-12T21:17:00.002+10:002010-04-12T21:48:07.348+10:00Review #14 - The Stables<strong>Sunday April 4, 2010<br />The Stables<br />Oatlands, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />'Twas Easter Sunday, and Julianne and I travelled to Oatlands for a family gathering. While we were there, we had lunch at The Stables. <br /><br />No photo this time, so we'll get straight into the scoring for the Chicken Caesar Salad consumed by Julianne.<br /><br />Firstly, as is traditional in these reviews, is taste.<br /><br />Julianne: "My impressions were that it was very, very nice. It looked fantastic and it tasted fantastic. It was extremely tangy which, while it tasted nice, did strip some of the skin off my gum."<br /><br />Despite the gum issues, Julianne did rate this as one of the top three tasting Caesar Salads she's had. A big call, and it would have been awarded full marks had it not been for the tang (which, we should point out, is entirely down to Julianne's well documented food issues, and not a reflection of the quality of the tang itself). 3½ out of 4.<br /><br />Ingredients wise, this was a regular Chicken Caesar, without croutons. Once again, one small issue prevented full points here: the salad was advertised on the menu as having anchovies, yet there was no sign of the little critters in the dish. 2½ out of 3.<br /><br />With the four chicken strips perched at the major compass points, the dish was well presented; the service was very friendly and accommodating to Julianne's "issues"; and at $10.50, the salad was great value for money. Top marks for each of these.<br /><br />That gives us a total of 9 out of 10, and places the Chicken Caesar Salad at The Stables in a thoroughly deserved top four spot on our <a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-score-list.html">review score list</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3102502492_90d2788e81_m.jpg" alt="3.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>9/10</h2></td></tr></table><br /> Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-19508935417555917092010-04-12T17:48:00.004+10:002010-04-12T19:29:04.951+10:00Review #13 - The Boulevard<strong>Tuesday February 17, 2009<br />The Boulevard<br />Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand</strong><br /><br />This review could quite easily be titled "From the vault" because, having done a couple of reviews in recent days (postings to follow), Julianne remembered that while we were holidaying in New Zealand in February last year she reviewed a Caesar Salad at <a href="http://www.boulevardrestaurant.co.nz/">The Boulevard</a>, one of a number of restaurants along the Oxford Terrace strip beside the Avon River.<br /><br />A search of Julianne's computer found the recording we made at the restaurant, as well as a couple of photos, so here, more than 12 months after the fact, is that review.<br /><br />Firstly, the menu offered a gluten free Caesar Salad, meaning Julianne did not have to ask for the usual regular Caesar with the croutons left off - they were left off "automatically". A promising start. <br /><br />The promise didn't last too long. I'll jump to the presentation score first. Here's how it looked: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8Ldu2CI4zI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6Q4viHDUGlA/s1600/Caesar+Salad+170209+-+Pic+01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8Ldu2CI4zI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6Q4viHDUGlA/s320/Caesar+Salad+170209+-+Pic+01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459169495174669106" /></a><br />Not particularly well presented one might say. I felt a bit sorry for the poor saggy egg. Julianne agreed with that assessment, awarding her first ever 0 (out of 1) for presentation.<br /><br />Presentation isn't everything, though. We do give up to 4 points for taste. Julianne commented that the lettuce was a little watery but the rest was OK. Nothing special. 3 out of 4.<br /><br />As for the ingredients, other than the lettuce (pictured below), everything was good so only half a mark was deducted, giving a score of 2½ out of 3.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8LdveSQdyI/AAAAAAAAAXY/85pSlEOEOtI/s1600/Caesar+Salad+170209+-+Pic+02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xm67CVL8YhI/S8LdveSQdyI/AAAAAAAAAXY/85pSlEOEOtI/s320/Caesar+Salad+170209+-+Pic+02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459169505979692834" /></a><br />On the value for money side of things, the meal faltered once again. It cost $5 extra to make the regular Caesar into a Chicken Caesar just for a couple of extra mouthfuls. That made the meal $22 all up, and with Julianne left feeling hungry afterwards, value for money scores a disappointing 0 out of 1.<br /><br />On the up side, the service at The Boulevard was good, so Julianne awarded a full 1 point for that.<br /><br />The final score of 6½ out of 10 reflects how disappointing the meal was, and unfortunately ranks this salad down at the lower end of our <a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-score-list.html">score list</a>.<br /><br />As an aside, I will say that Julianne and I did enjoy one of the best meals we have ever had while on our New Zealand trip. We both highly recommend <a href-"http://www.thekiln.co.nz/">The Kiln</a> in Invercargill. Great food and great beer. Oh, and if you feel like pizza, <a href="http://hellpizza.co.nz/">Hell Pizza</a> is fantastic, <i>and</i> they also make gluten free bases!<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3101667643_1459bc9598_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>6½/10</h2></td></tr></table><br /> Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-49744010042807434772008-12-12T22:20:00.009+11:002008-12-13T00:31:04.946+11:00Review #12 - Sals on the Square<strong>Friday December 12, 2008<br />Sals on the Square<br />Salamanca Square, Hobart</strong><br /><br />It's been a very long time between reviews, so for that reason, I knew I couldn't go past the Caesar Salad once I saw it on the menu.<br /><br />We were taken out for lunch as a Christmas "thank you" by a project manager at work. He picked the venue and I knew it would be good as I've been there before and loved it.<br /><br />A drum roll please.... this is quite a momentous occasion. I seem to have found the "perfect 10" Caesar Salad!!<br /><br />I took a photo of the menu, but it was too blurry to include, so I'll transcribe it:<br /><blockquote><strong>Caesar      $14.40</strong><br>Roast bacon, croutons, shaved parmesan, anchovy, cos lettuce & a warm poached egg</blockquote><br />The chicken was an optional extra for $2.<br /><br />There was nothing to complain about. The service was excellent - the staff seemed to be truly concerned that we enjoy our meals which was a lovely experience. It was worth every cent - true value for money. It was beautifully presented as you can see...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/SUJMJt7O3cI/AAAAAAAAAB0/2SYVHMH5h-8/s1600-h/12-12-08_1239.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/SUJMJt7O3cI/AAAAAAAAAB0/2SYVHMH5h-8/s200/12-12-08_1239.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278865443062209986" /></a><br />The ingredients were all very high quality and tasted amazing. They didn't have gluten-free croutons, so there is no bonus point, but they didn't need the bonus point as I can't find anything to mark down. A full 10 points here!<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3101667653_77cea7771f_m.jpg" alt="4" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3101667469_65f7263000_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>10/10</h2></td></tr></table>Juliannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02602456664127078126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-73527851963560133772008-04-19T10:43:00.005+10:002008-12-13T00:30:40.906+11:00Who would have thought?<strong>Thursday April 10, 2008<br />Leo's Coffee Lounge Restaurant<br />Rosny Park, Tasmania </strong><br /><br />I'm still in a state of shock. Who would have thought it could happen so soon??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/SAlBL4BS4OI/AAAAAAAAAA0/x9y4YrCOYWs/s1600-h/Leo%27s+Coffee+Lounge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/SAlBL4BS4OI/AAAAAAAAAA0/x9y4YrCOYWs/s200/Leo%27s+Coffee+Lounge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190751717793390818" /></a><br />See those croutons??? They are GLUTEN-FREE croutons!! They DO exist!<br /><br />Unfortunately, that's not my salad, so I can't provide a review. But Mum said it was very tasty, and I'm definitely going back there to give it a try. It was such a lovely surprise for her, because she'd asked for no croutons, but did mention that she was gluten intolerant. There was that moment of "Excuse me, that wasn't supposed to have croutons" followed by the delight of discovering that this place ROCKS!<br /><br />Mum did say that the croutons could be improved by being oven-baked instead of toasted, but who cares? They are gluten-free!!<br /><br />So, in anticipation of the review that is to come, I'm awarding Leo's Coffee Lounge Restaurant the bonus crouton point.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3102502226_978aec7966_m.jpg"></center><br /><br />To quote Arnie...."I'll be back"Juliannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02602456664127078126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-60483545304589690172008-03-19T16:00:00.009+11:002008-12-13T00:27:05.060+11:00Review #11 - The Pancake Parlour Restaurant<strong>Monday March 17, 2008<br />The Pancake Parlour Restaurant<br />Bourke St Mall, Melbourne, Victoria</strong><br /><br />On another stupidly hot shopping day in Melbourne (we weren't trying to punish ourselves - we just visited in the middle of a heat wave) we were looking for a cool place to have a drink and some lunch and I remembered that we had both liked this place on a previous trip, and suggested it. We decided to give it a go. Obviously I couldn't get any pancakes, so I decided to have...surprise, surprise, the caesar salad!<br /><br />This time I remembered to get a photo of the menu, but I think there was a fingerprint on the lens of the mobile phone's camera, because it came out very blurry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-Cfb1NU0JI/AAAAAAAAAAk/t9JnoNsacHA/s1600-h/Pancake+Parlour+Mar+17+2008+-+menu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-Cfb1NU0JI/AAAAAAAAAAk/t9JnoNsacHA/s200/Pancake+Parlour+Mar+17+2008+-+menu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179314871964323986" /></a><br />Just in case you can't read that it actually says<blockquote>Crumbed chicken pieces, a hard boiled free-range egg, crisp bacon bits served on a bed of cos lettuce with anchovy dressing and shaved parmesan cheese<br /><center>Entree...$15.90 Main...$23.90</center></blockquote><br />Obviously, the crumbed chicken pieces were going to be a bit of a problem. I asked if the chicken could be done without the crumbs due to my gluten intolerance, and was told that no, the chicken was pre-prepared with crumbs. The waitress said that she would go check, and when she came back she said it was possible to have the chicken sans crumbs.<br /><br />Here is a photo of the salad:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-ChFlNU0KI/AAAAAAAAAAs/pW0CWnoeVsQ/s1600-h/Pancake+Parlour+Mar+17+2008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-ChFlNU0KI/AAAAAAAAAAs/pW0CWnoeVsQ/s200/Pancake+Parlour+Mar+17+2008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179316688735490210" /></a><br />As you can see, it is nicely presented, so I gave it full marks on presentation. I also scored it full marks for taste, as it was delicious.<br /><br />Now we get to the tricky bits. I have given this one zero for value for money. Priced at $23.90 it was too expensive. While it was very tasty, I didn't feel that it deserved its price tag. I would consider paying that price for a salad the quality of <a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-6-elaia.html">Elaia's</a>, but this one wasn't <i>that</i> good, and as far as quantity goes, it wasn't any bigger than any of the $15 salads I've had.<br /><br />For ingredients, most were very good. The egg was boiled, but as it was advertised that way, I'm not deducting anything for that. What I am deducting half a mark for is the chicken. I suspect that the pre-prepared crumbed chicken had its crumbs washed off before cooking. There were some chicken pieces that looked like they had crumbs on them, which I cut off before eating them. For that reason, I'm also deducting half a mark for service. I would have preferred being told that the chicken was not an option for me rather than being left with the uneasy feeling that maybe I shouldn't be eating it.<br /><br />In total, this salad scores 8 out of 10. Well done.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 320px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3101667653_77cea7771f_m.jpg" alt="4" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3101667565_dfe08d8765_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>8/10</h2></td></tr></table>Juliannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02602456664127078126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-57766336843604620592008-03-19T15:02:00.007+11:002008-12-13T00:20:20.285+11:00Review #10 - elfresco<strong>Thursday March 13, 2008<br />Caesar Salad<br />Bentleigh, Victoria</strong><br /><br />It was the second day of our trip to Melbourne and we had ventured out (some would say kind of stupidly) on a shopping trip on a day with a forecast maximum of 39°C. To say it was hot is a little bit of an understatement. The trip involved a bus trip to the train station and two train trips, followed by a short walk from the station through Bentleigh.<br /><br />After Jeremy had made his purchases, we ventured across the street to find a cold drink and a place to hide from the sun for a while. We found a little cafe that looked quiet-ish and friendly and found a nice breezy table by the window.<br /><br />Being a Thursday, it was of course Caesar Salad Thursday! Plus, I am finding that sometimes I now purposely seek out caesar salads just so that I can blog about them. It's fun.<br /><br />Since we were a little heat affected, we forgot about taking a photo of the menu, and we also didn't think to write down what it said, but there were two options available. A regular caesar salad, or a marinated chicken caesar salad. Since the marinated chicken didn't really sound like a good option for me, I chose the regular salad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-CXKVNU0II/AAAAAAAAAAc/5cV4rpXYabA/s1600-h/elfresco+Mar+13+2008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R-CXKVNU0II/AAAAAAAAAAc/5cV4rpXYabA/s200/elfresco+Mar+13+2008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179305775223591042" /></a><br />When Jeremy ordered for me, he asked for the standard "hold the croutons" and the owner <i>very</i> kindly offered to throw in some extra anchovies. Who am I to say no to that?!?<br /><br />Overall, it was a very tasty salad. I thoroughly enjoyed it.<br /><br />As far as scoring this one, we'll start with ingredients. Full marks here. All the important components were present and accounted for, and all were good quality. The poached egg in particular was fantastic.<br /><br />I'm deducting a half mark for taste, because although nice, the dressing was too tangy and it had a tendency to overpower the other tastes.<br /><br />I'm giving full marks for presentation, because as you can see from the photo, it was beautifully arranged.<br /><br />For value for money, I deducted half a mark, because it was very small. I neglected to write down the price, but I seem to remember that it was over $15, which for such a small quantity is on the expensive side.<br /><br />Last but not least, we get to service. Unfortunately there is another loss of half a mark here due to an unfortunate incident with my iced chocolate. Jeremy ordered a soy iced chocolate for me, and asked them to leave out the cream, but the lady that made it up missed the "soy" part of the order. It was a regular cow's milk drink. Lucky for me I realised on the first mouthful, and they very apologetically made up a soy drink for me instead.<br /><br />So this one scores a very respectable and well deserved 8½ out of 10. Just a pity the service score let it down, because the salad really was delicious.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 320px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3102502492_90d2788e81_m.jpg" alt="3.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3101667469_65f7263000_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3101667565_dfe08d8765_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3102502580_182f9ea260_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>8½/10</h2></td></tr></table>Juliannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02602456664127078126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-69960953398678062832008-03-01T17:01:00.003+11:002008-12-12T23:11:27.803+11:00Review #9 - Beaujangles<strong>Thursday February 28, 2008<br />Caesar Salad at Beaujangles<br />Hobart, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />Being a Thursday, it was the day for our regular lunch date at Liveat in the Elizabeth St Mall. However Hobart, being its usual unpredictable self, turned on a typical winter's day complete with mountain snow and heavy rain, somewhat uncharacteristically in February. Liveat being a takeaway-style establishment with mostly outdoor seating didn't seem as attractive as normal.<br /><br />Not to be outdone, Jeremy and I regrouped and booked a table at Beaujangles, a little further down the mall, with lots of indoor seating and an electric fireplace. Since it was Caesar Salad Thursday, I seized the opportunity before me and ordered the caesar salad.<br /><br />For the benefit of qey (see comments on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2026066668598731502&postID=2265891611096690257">Review #4</a>) the menu description simply said:<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><blockquote>Caesar Salad (no egg)</blockquote></span><br />Sorry it's not more interesting!<br /><br />To make up for the lack of textual description, I have this photo for posterity. Note the lovely little school of anchovies gathered on the side of the bowl. If you look closely at the bottom of the bowl at the front, you might catch sight of the bonus piece of bacon that I discovered lurking under the edge after I took the photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R8ZLgyNhzhI/AAAAAAAAAAM/PNpzdodWZRk/s1600-h/small+Beaujangles+-+Feb+28+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_D6RrDagNe9o/R8ZLgyNhzhI/AAAAAAAAAAM/PNpzdodWZRk/s200/small+Beaujangles+-+Feb+28+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171904248688004626" border="0" /></a><br />I'll start by saying that overall it was a very nice salad. Not the best I've had, but better than most. I scored it a full point for presentation, as it looked very appetising. The service was good, so that gets a full point as well.<br /><br />The ingredients scored quite well. There was no egg, but as it was advertised this way, it did not lose any score for that. In general the ingredients were good, except for the cheese, which while correct in being Parmesan, was the cheap supermarket variety that you don't expect on a $14.90 salad. Also, the dressing was quite sparse. These two factors resulted in the loss of half a point for ingredients.<br /><br />The taste scored a healthy 3 out of 4 points. The bacon was very tasty as were the anchovies. I think the anchovies rescued it slightly, since the dressing let it down a little. Can I go on a bit more about the anchovies? They were divine!<br /><br />Lastly we get to value for money. This only scored half a point, as at $14.90 for a basic salad without egg and chicken, it's a bit pricey. The quality of the Parmesan was an influence here as well.<br /><br />So, getting down to business, this one scored 8 out of 10. Overall, it was an enjoyable lunch.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td><br /></td><td><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3101667643_1459bc9598_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td><br /></td><td><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td><br /></td><td><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td><br /></td><td><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td><br /></td><td><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3102502580_182f9ea260_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td><br /></td><td><h2>8/10</h2></td></tr></tbody></table>Juliannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02602456664127078126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-60767484637857947912008-03-01T14:52:00.021+11:002010-04-12T22:48:52.680+10:00Review Score List<strong>Sorted by Total Score</strong><table><tr></tr><tr><td> </td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Taste" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3101667589_fbd4675556_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Ingredients" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3102502258_29f8f3f54a_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Presentation" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Service" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Value for Money" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><strong>Total</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/12/review-12-sals-on-square.html">Sals on the Square</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>10</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-6-elaia.html">Elaia</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-7-segreto.html">Segreto</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-14-stables.html">The Stables</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-10-elfresco.html">elfresco</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>8½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-9-beaujangles.html">Beaujangles</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>8</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-11-pancake-parlour-restaurant.html">Pancake Parlour</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>8</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-8-shoreline-hotel.html">Shoreline</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>7½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-4-berwick-inn.html">Berwick Inn</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-1-blue-skies.html">Blue Skies</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/tuesday-august-28-2007-and-many-many.html">Liveat</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><br /><br /><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-13-boulevard.html">The Boulevard</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>6½</strong></td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-3-c-bar.html">C Bar</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-5-new-sydney-hotel.html">New Sydney</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-15-zeps-cafe.html">Zeps Cafe</a></td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr></table><br /><br /><strong>Sorted Alphabetically</strong><table><tr></tr><tr><td> </td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Taste" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3101667589_fbd4675556_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Ingredients" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3102502258_29f8f3f54a_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Presentation" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Service" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><img style="border: 0px" alt="Value for Money" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" /></td><td align="center"><strong>Total</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-9-beaujangles.html">Beaujangles</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>8</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-4-berwick-inn.html">Berwick Inn</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-1-blue-skies.html">Blue Skies</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-13-boulevard.html">The Boulevard</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>6½</strong></td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-3-c-bar.html">C Bar</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-6-elaia.html">Elaia</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-10-elfresco.html">elfresco</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>8½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/tuesday-august-28-2007-and-many-many.html">Liveat</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>7</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-5-new-sydney-hotel.html">New Sydney</a></td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-11-pancake-parlour-restaurant.html">Pancake Parlour</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center"><strong>8</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/12/review-12-sals-on-square.html">Sals on the Square</a></td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>10</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-7-segreto.html">Segreto</a></td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-8-shoreline-hotel.html">Shoreline</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center"><strong>7½</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-14-stables.html">The Stables</a></td><td align="center">3½</td><td align="center">2½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>9</strong></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://caesarsalads.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-15-zeps-cafe.html">Zeps Cafe</a></td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">1½</td><td align="center">½</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center"><strong>6</strong></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-84978709629994483962008-03-01T14:30:00.005+11:002008-12-12T23:03:27.606+11:00Review #8 - Shoreline Hotel<strong>Monday February 11, 2008<br />Chicken Caesar Salad at the Shoreline Hotel<br />Howrah, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />It was a large family gathering that called us to the Shoreline Hotel on Monday, February 11, 2008. The coming Thursday (14th) would mark the 60th wedding anniversary of Julianne's maternal grandparents. Other festivities were planned for Thursday, so Julianne's grandparents' extended family outing was held on the Monday.<br /><br />After the meal, we recorded a very brief review. Here's the edited transcript:<br /><br />JEREMY: <i>Shoreline Hotel, 11th of February 2008...Chicken caesar salad – no croutons. What’s your score for taste?</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: <i>3½</i><br /><br />JEREMY: <i>3½ out of 4. Ingredients out of 3?</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: <i>Egg was boiled not poached...So I’d deduct ½ a mark for that. Everything else about the ingredients was good.</i><br /><br />JEREMY: <i>...Presentation?</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: <i>Presentation – didn’t like the skewers. ½ a mark.</i><br /><br />JEREMY: <i>½ for presentation. Um, value for money?</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: [Indistinct]<br /><br />JEREMY: <i>½ for that...And that gives us just service.</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: [Indistinct]<br /><br />JEREMY: <i>Meh…½ for that as well. 7½. Is that 7½ then?</i><br /><br />JULIANNE: <i>Yep.</i><br /><br />JEREMY: <i>7½ out of 10.</i><br /><br />On a somewhat amusing side note, when we were discussing the service after the recording I said a little too loudly that I thought the service sucked. And yes, the waitress was right behind me when I said it. Oops.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 320px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3102502492_90d2788e81_m.jpg" alt="3.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3102502366_ea8b17d0f0_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3101667565_dfe08d8765_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3102502580_182f9ea260_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>7½/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-67592123724405722362008-03-01T14:15:00.003+11:002008-12-12T23:00:11.187+11:00Review #7 - Segreto<strong>Friday December 21, 2007<br />Tasmanian Char-Grilled Bacon Salad at Segreto<br />North Hobart, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />Segreto is one of our favourite restaurants. found in North Hobart, it's owned by Marty Zucco whose daughter is also gluten intolerant. They provide a number of gluten-free options, including pizzas. <br /><br />One of the menu options is the Tasmanain Char-Grilled Bacon Salad, which is effectively a caesar salad with a spiffy name.<br /><br />On the taste front, Julianne was heading towards a score of 4 out of 4 to begin with, but when she got into it, it slipped a little. Some of the lettuce left a bitter after taste, and she found the dressing a bit too creamy which meant she couldn't actually finish the salad. Apart from those two minor quibbles, it tasted very nice.<br /><br />She couldn't fault the ingredients. All the core ingredents of a caesar salad were present. it came with anchovy dressing instead of actual anchovies, but we can't mark it down for that.<br /><br />Everything else scored 1 out of 1. The service, as always, was excellent. Marty Zucco is an attentive and amicable host.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 320px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3101667643_1459bc9598_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3101667469_65f7263000_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>9/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-62226399088109721792008-02-28T18:41:00.004+11:002008-12-12T22:56:17.851+11:00Review #6 - Elaia<strong>Saturday December 15, 2007<br />Cos Salad at Elaia<br />Launceston, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />On the way to visit my step-sister Michelle in George Town, we met up with her in Launceston for lunch.<br /><br />Unfortunately we didn't take any notes, but then we really didn't need to. We'd previously been noting things that were wrong with caesar salads, and with this one there just wasn't anything bad to say.<br /><br />The salad was so good and so nice that it lost only half a point, and that was because of the pepper on it. Julianne was quite willing to give this one a perfect score if it came without pepper.<br /><br />While there were no optional anchovies - only anchovy dressing - we can't mark it down for that.<br /><br />Elaia's Cos Salad is easily the best caesar salad yet. Very highly recommended.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 320px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3101667653_77cea7771f_m.jpg" alt="4" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>9½/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-70765211126742227612008-02-28T17:56:00.003+11:002008-12-12T22:49:26.222+11:00Review #5 - New Sydney Hotel<strong>Wednesday November 28, 2007<br />Chicken Caesar Salad at the New Sydney Hotel<br />Hobart, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />Julianne and I went along to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/blitlp">Big Laughs in the Little Pub</a> at the New Sydney to see some local comedians strut their funny stuff.<br /><br />We decided to get there early and have a meal before the show. Once again, I recorded the review (in a very dodgy Irish accent to mark the fact we were in an Irish pub) on Julianne's mobile phone. Here's a tasty exerpt of what was said on the night:<br /><i><br />We're in the New Sydney Hotel. Julianne's just had a chicken caesar salad and it wasn't very good, and we're about to find out just exactly why.<br /><br />We’re gonna start out with a mark out of 4 for taste. Now, the big problem we have with it is that the taste wasn’t a caesar salad taste because of the ingredients – we’ll get to the ingredients shortly. But, as far as taste goes, it did taste quite reasonable – it just wasn’t the right taste. So...because it just wasn’t the right taste...she can’t mark it up at all. So it’s 2½ out of 4 for the taste.<br /><br />Moving on to the ingredients...the ingredients were all wrong. The sauce was completely wrong. It was wrong sauce. There was no egg at all...The lettuce was wrong...There was extra spinach that shouldn’t have been there...[The cheese] was mozzarella not parmesan, so it was the wrong cheese. Cor blimey, was there anything that was alright in this thing? The anchovies – how were the anchovies?...The anchovies was </i>[sic]<i> too small – she couldn’t find that. The bacon was good though wasn’t it?...OK – good bacon. Anything else good about it?...The chicken was good but it had weird spices on it so marked down for that...I’m thinkin’ here that the ingredients score is not going to be very high...</i>[Julianne:<i> ½ a point</i>]<i>...½ a point out of 3 for ingredients, oh my goodness. That’s for the bacon right, the ½ a point? OK.<br /><br />Alright, so we’re currently sitting at 3 out of 7. It’s not looking good for the New Sydney here at all.<br /><br />Next, we’re going on to presentation. The presentation from me looking at it – it looks very symmetrical. You had the four chicken pieces pointing in towards the middle there</i> [if memory serves correctly, this was accompanied by hand gestures].<i> Presentation was good...1 out of 1 for presentation.<br /><br />...Now we’ve got value for money...Good value for money. The cost of it was...</i>[here I turned and looked at the menu board behind me]<i>...$14.50, and quite a big bowl...so 1 out of 1 for that.<br /><br />...What’s the last one? Service. Excellent service. 1 out of 1.<br /><br />There we go – 6 out of 10 for the chicken caesar salad...no bonus point for croutons.<br /></i><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3101667605_259b8de00b_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3101667487_2a0cbf8ff4_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>6/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-22658916110966902572008-02-27T17:27:00.003+11:002008-12-12T22:45:34.474+11:00Review #4 - Berwick Inn<strong>Saturday November 4, 2007<br />Chicken Caesar Salad at the Berwick Inn<br />Berwick, Victoria</strong><br /><br />This time around Julianne and I were visiting her sister in Melbourne. We went to their local - the Berwick Inn - for dinner.<br /><br />Once again, comments are minimal.<br /><br />The bacon came in strips/rashers rather than the usual crispy diced pieces, and it was hard to cut in the bowl.<br /><br />The anchovies on the other hand were sliced into small pieces and hard to find.<br /><br />The chicken was on skewers and hard to eat.<br /><br />The dressing was watery and tasteless.<br /><br />To prevent this entry from devolving into one big negative review, there were positives. The lettuce and the egg were good, and it did taste pretty nice.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3101667643_1459bc9598_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3102502244_bf99cfb96d_m.jpg" alt="1.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3102502366_ea8b17d0f0_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>7/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-88620683950437933052008-02-23T21:52:00.003+11:002008-12-12T22:41:08.531+11:00Review #3 - C Bar<strong>Wednesday November 14, 2007<br />Caesar salad at C Bar<br />Bellerive, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />Julianne and I were out with my soon-to-be step-brother-in-law Michal (he's marrying my step-sister Michelle this coming May) who was visiting Hobart for a few days.<br /><br />The three of us went to C Bar at the Waterfront Hotel in Bellerive for a drink and a counter meal.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the notes jotted down afterwards are relatively scant of details, but there really wasn't much to say about the caesar salad that Julianne had.<br /><br />The dressing was completely tasteless, as was everything else except the prosciutto which was "brilliant".<br /><br />She did have to mark the salad down on the ingredients score as there was prosciutto instead of bacon, but it was still an inspired choice. It's a pity she couldn't say the same for the rest of the salad.<br /><br />Presentation was unremarkable, as was the service, so both scored only half a point.<br /><br />As for value for money, there was hardly anything on the plate, and Julianne was still hungry afterwards. As a result, she has awarded her first 0.<br /><br />Overall, a rather unimpressive effort, even for a counter meal.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3101667605_259b8de00b_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3102502274_f70715636f_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3102502366_ea8b17d0f0_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3101667565_dfe08d8765_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>6/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-92231108279837242662008-02-19T18:46:00.001+11:002008-12-12T22:37:19.305+11:00Review #2 - Liveat<strong>Tuesday August 28, 2007 (and many many times since then)<br />Chicken caesar salad at Liveat<br />Hobart, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />Julianne and I meet for lunch at Liveat almost every Thursday. Julianne usually visits at least one other time each week. She always has the chicken caesar, and I usually do as well.<br /><br />Liveat is a salad bar in the mall in Hobart. As such, it's not a fine dining experience. The salad is thrown together in seconds and shoved in a plastic container so it does score lower on presentation because of this. However, it is a take-away salad bar so the same expectations as a proper restaurant should not be applied.<br /><br />Ingredient wise, chicken is an optional extra, though while it adds to the taste, it's debateable whether it's worth the extra two dollars. it comes in very thin slices of the sort you would have in a sandwich rather than a salad.<br /><br />The egg is boiled, and sometimes they use iceberg lettuce instead of cos lettuce. There is no option for anchovies, and the dressing is more like mayonnaise. <br /><br />Having said that, for what it is, it's very tasty. I can vouch for that as well.<br /><br />As mentioned above, presentation isn't great, but you don't expect take-aways to look fantastic. The service, however, is excellent. The staff are all very friendly and most of them now know Julianne well enough to make her a chicken caesar (no croutons) without prompting.<br /><br />As far as caesars go, this one is not supremely expensive but it <i>is</i> on the dearer side for a lunch - though with the loyalty card, Julianne gets one free salad out of every twelve. Bonus.<br /><br />Overall, my vote is: yummy.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/3101667643_1459bc9598_m.jpg" alt="3" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3101667457_e6893085f6_m.jpg" alt="2" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3102502366_ea8b17d0f0_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3102502580_182f9ea260_m.jpg" alt="0.5" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>7/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-83133029490218096752008-02-18T18:23:00.001+11:002008-12-12T22:33:58.819+11:00Review #1 - Blue Skies<strong>Saturday August 25, 2007<br />Caesar salad (entrée) at Blue Skies<br />Hobart, Tasmania</strong><br /><br />We kick off the reviews with a caesar from one of our favourite restaurants - Blue Skies, on the water front in Hobart.<br /><br />The dinner was our six monthiversary from when we had our first date, so it was an auspicious occasion all around.<br /><br />I will also preface the review by saying that as this was six months ago, and our first foray into the world of culinary reviews, not to mention the fact that this blog wasn't even conceived back then, the review may be a little light on. We hope to correct this with future reviews.<br /><br />Anyway, after Julianne had finished her entrée caesar salad, I recorded the review on my mobile phone, and while I have the full transcript of the review, I'll just provide the pertinent points here.<br /><br />Taste: Unfortunately, no comments were recorded for taste - only the score of 2½/4. We'll rectify that if we stop by Blue Skies for a caesar salad again.<br /><br />Ingredients: The salad only achieved half marks (1½/3) for ingredients because it was unfortunately eggless. It was also marked down for unadvertised chicken and the wrong dressing. It did, however have anchovies which improved the taste. As you can tell, Julianne likes anchovies. I, on the other hand, can't stand the things.<br /><br />Presentation, Service and Value for Money were all given 1/1. No issues with any of them.<br /><br />I mentioned earlier that the salad was had as an entrée. Unfortunately it wasn't offered as a main course, but that did not detract from the overall impression.<br /><br /><strong>Score Summary</strong><br /><table style="width: 300px"><tr></tr><tr><td>Taste:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3101667605_259b8de00b_m.jpg" alt="2.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Ingredients:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3102502244_bf99cfb96d_m.jpg" alt="1.5" /></td></tr><tr><td>Presentation:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Service:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td>Value for Money:</td><td> </td><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="1" /></td></tr><tr><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total:</strong></td><td> </td><td><h2>7/10</h2></td></tr></table>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-35597789164622279972008-02-17T12:51:00.001+11:002008-12-12T22:29:06.868+11:00Scoring SystemAfter deciding we needed a scoring system for the caesar salad reviews, we had an in-depth brain storm, and after much toing and froing we came up with the following somewhat arbitrary scoring system:<br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3101667589_fbd4675556_m.jpg" alt="taste-1" /></td><td>Taste, being the most important factor will be given the biggest weight in the score. Taste will be scored out of 4.</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3102502258_29f8f3f54a_m.jpg" alt="ingredients-1" /></td><td>Ingredients are also important. If something is missing, or added inappropriately then expect a lower score. Ingredients will be scored out of 3.</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3101667507_f825956d11_m.jpg" alt="presentation-1" /></td><td>We believe a meal has to look appetising. Presentation will be scored out of 1.</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3101667557_03431d05b0_m.jpg" alt="service-1" /></td><td>A meal can be great, but if the service sucks it detracts from the whole experience. Service will be scored out of 1.</td></tr><tr></tr><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3102502574_be1a63c966_m.jpg" alt="value-1" /></td><td>Good food is one thing, but we want it to be reasonably priced. Value for money will be scored out of 1.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Oh would you look at that - the maximum score is a convenient 10. It makes things nice and easy. We debated having a different total as it was initially difficult to fit the weighted scores we wanted into 10, but in the end we settled with what you see above.<br /><br />Having said that, we have also allowed for the holy grail of gluten-free caesar salads:<br /><br /><table><tr><td><img style="border: 0px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3102502226_978aec7966_m.jpg" alt="bonus-1" /></td><td>1 bonus point will be given if ever gluten-free croutons are on offer.</td></tr></table><br />The theoretical maximum is therefore 11. If a caesar salad achieves that score, then it will truly be the emperor of all salads.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026066668598731502.post-89390507399299465512008-02-16T11:42:00.000+11:002008-02-17T17:37:47.882+11:00Why Caesar Salads?When your life is ruled by the limited food choices you can make, eating out can be a problem. Eating the wrong thing can result in certain unpleasant or damaging reactions in your body.<br /><br />Julianne is ruled by such issues. She is gluten intolerant, lactose intolerant, and has nasty reactions to salicylates and amines. What are these things that have such a high disregard for Julianne's body?<br /><br /><li>Gluten is a composite of proteins found in grass-related grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Nearly all breads contain gluten.<br /><br /><li>Lactose is a sugar that occurs in milk.<br /><br /><li>Salicylates are radicals of salicylic acid, an organic acid that functions as a plant hormone. Salicylic acid is also used in the manufacture of aspirin.<br /><br /><li>Amine is a compound formed from ammonia.</li><br /><br />Salicylates are found in high amounts in foods such as berries, most citrus fruits, pineapples, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.<br /><br />Amines are found in high amounts in foods such as avocados, most citrus fruits, kiwi fruits, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, bacon, oysters, pork, anchovies, and some fish.<br /><br />Small amounts of these foods are OK for Julianne, or at least the effects are less extreme. For example, a caesar salad with a few anchovies and some bacon is generally OK if her amine and salicylate intake for the rest of the day is low, but any croutons at all will make her very sorry later.<br /><br />What this all means is that the safest option on a menu is often the caesar salad. A traditional caesar salad consists of cos lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, egg (usually poached), and bacon pieces. Anchovies and chicken are common extras.<br /><br />With the exception of croutons, the caesar salad is safe for Julianne. Some cafes and restaurants add their own little bits and pieces that make it somewhat dodgy, but most places are agreeable to modifying the ingredients. This usually comes down to simply not including croutons. If Julianne ever finds a caesar salad with gluten-free croutons, she's going to be one happy lass.<br /><br />This blog was created with the intention of recording Julianne's impressions of the caesar salads of which she has partaken. The views expressed in the reviews are hers (and occasionally Jeremy's) and have no affiliation with anyone else.<br /><br />Enjoy.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00774657030371055872noreply@blogger.com0