Botticelli Restaurant and Bar - Brighton Vic.

 Celebrating the sister-in-laws birthday (again) with dinner out and family and friends. Botticelli’s in Brighton’s main street is the place to go for good Italian food. Traditional, I cant answer that but good eating, you bet. Inside has a European charm about it and there is plenty of seating. We ate outside it being a warm night with only minimal walking traffic going past. Very pleasant. 

Though a quiet night, from a service point of view, our table service, was a little slow. But we got there. Meals are not only delicious but good size. Plenty of Italian wines and beers to choose from and meals selection is OK. I felt though there was not a lot of non meat selections. Veggies are cheap and if the menu contains lots of vegetable based meals, I feel, more profit to the establishment. Regardless I did enjoy my food. 

By accident I ordered two mains which was meant to be entree and main or the waitress stuffed the order. At one point, when meals were being served, confusion of what was shared and what wasn’t and who ordered what reined. Go, go and enjoy good food in a good setting, great night out for all of us. 

Ipsos Restaurant and Bar - Lorne, Victoria.

 I enjoy most European food especially Greek and Italian. I’m lucky to be able to saver both reasonably often and just for a change sneak in some Indian from our local. While in Lorne celebrating my sister-lin-law’s birthday we booked into Ipsos. This is right in the middle of the shopping strip and is a good size restaurant. 

Like most busy eateries these days noise is a real issue with few patrons speaking at reasonable levels. A large room with hard floors and high ceiling makes for a noisy eat. Pick the non-busy times to go. Even the staff were loud. But, but, the food more than compensates for the discomfort. Big servings of very delicious Greek food. Not sure it’s 100% traditional but who cares it was very easy eating and big serves. 

Decor is a little strange not really taking you to Greece or any other country but it was simple and non-imposing on the pleasure of eating. Plenty of parking even in peak times but you may have a short walk back. We were on a table of seven which worried the life out of our waiter who expressed his concerns for timely serving to the birthday girl. Unnecessary and in the end all meals arrived in a timely fashion without any real concerns. 

Food quality, presentation, taste and quantity were all very good. It is a place I would recommended if you want a taste of kalos (good) Greek food. Drinks menu has an extended selection of Greek wines, cocktails and beers etc. You should have no problems picking a partnering drink. Go, enjoy but if you’re on a date and want to impress pick your time to ensure an intimate and quiet dinning experience. 

Longwarry Hotel - Southern Vic.

 As it goes for country pubs this hotel has to be a prime example in looks (inside and out),  service, food and decor. The decor is extremely dated and like most of the interior, tired. There is a bar where I would imagine a half dozen or so of the locals sit at daily, sports section and three dinning area. Also an outside area. A couple of tables near the bar will get you a window seat, we were lucky, it was ours. 

For a sunny Saturday afternoon, except for the bar, it was very quiet. Not much beer selection on tap but the locals have predicted what sells well here. Nothing flashy, just beer. Service at the bar is good and meals delivered to your table. The Longwarry Hotel has the usual pub fare when it comes to meals with a reasonable choice for mains, daily specials and a few entrees. 

The food quality is just OK but not to the standard of other country pubs we have dined at. My wife did say, though, her sauce was good as was my gravy. They are good size meals, you won’t go hungry and wash it down with the tap beer and you will be content. 

Would I rush back for another dining experience, definitely not. From the outside looking up at the pub you feel you are in for a great country pub experience but unfortunately the excitement stops at the front door. With possibly minimal local support and the occasional drop-ins this local probably won’t change. But at least for the locals sake let’s hope its still around in the years to come.