Cumulus Inc

Cumulus Inc was a popular choice for breakfast amongst us as we had heard a lot about this place.  We arrived about 8.30 am but as it was a long weekend, we were told that they would not be opened until 9am.  We adjourned to Hotel Sofitel across the road to bide some time and to check out their lobby, sitting around reading our papers and watching the group of Japanese tourist checking out from the hotel.

We then headed towards Cumulus Inc around 9am and we were startled to see that the place was nearly three quarters full.  How could that be?  We asked ourselves... we felt quite annoyed with the service in that we were not offered the chance to grab a table while waiting for the restaurant to open and yet, at just past 9am, the place was already bustling with activity.

We managed to get their last table for 4 and sat down to check the menu. The Turkish baked eggs with the spiced tomato, dukkah and labne was tasty while my spreads were full of fruits and tasted like home made preserves.  The selection of breads were fresh and dense.  The breakfast made up for the lack of service and our impressions of the wait staff.

Ezard

On a recent trip to Melbourne, my girlfriend and I decided to try this 2 hatted restaurant (2009 The Age Good Food Guide), Ezard.  This restaurant is tucked away in the Adelphi Hotel, you need to go down the stairs which leads to the restaurant.  Not sure if it was normal or if it was in support of Earth Hour but the restaurant was quite dimly lit.

As my other girlfriend was already waiting for us, we were ushered to our table quickly.  The service was impeccable, we were asked if we wanted drinks and then given the menus.

We opted for the ala carte rather than the degustation menu.  Once we ordered, the bread was served on our plate with an explaination of what the dips were.  Don't ask me what the dips were - it was a bit hard to understand our waiting staff... anyway, they were very nice.  The staff was very attentive and were not stingy with their breads.  They were refilled quickly... as was the dips. 

We were each served an amuse bouche prior to our entrees being served.  Our entrees arrived promptly... the pictures might not turn out very good as we were not allowed to use the flash.  Anyway, we ordered, the "Steamed queensland tiger prawns roll", the "Bangalow pork belly" and the "Kingfish sashimi".  The servings were not large but it was very tasty.

For mains, we ordered the "Roasted Barramundi", "Roast Duck with green chilli and shallot sauce" and the "Seven score Wagyu beef".  They were tasty although I thought the sauce for my roast duck was quite salty.  Nevertheless, we finished everything on our plate...

It was time for dessert... 2 of us opted out - we didn't have anymore room while the others ordered a cheese platter and a great serving of crackers and the "Five spiced honeycomb ice cream".

This restaurant is well worth a try - the service is great and the food very tasty and plated well.