7-8 Coffee Shop

A cosy suburban eatery serving mainly Japanese fare, with a range of set meals (all same price) that will see you get change from a tenner. Unless you add one of the fancy sounding drinks or some cake to your order, that is. The food is generally nice without being sensational, nevertheless I hope to return again soon and try a few other dishes.

Address: Shop 5/17 Barrett St (Robertson Village) Robertson 4109
Phone/fax: 3272 7878
Hours: 1200-1530, 1730-2130 (later Fri-Sun); closed Thursdays
Web: http://coffeeshop78.webnode.com
Email: coffeeshop_78@hotmail.com
Parking: Robertson Village car park - outdoors in front of shops and undercover below shops

I first knew of this little cafe's existence more than a year ago, when a friend suggested it for a dinner one evening. Unfortunately the place was full and couldn't take us, but I'd been curious to try it ever since. Sometimes things move pretty slowly in my world...

View of the interior, from near the entrance / waiting area.

The place is small, but not cramped. It has a nice and welcoming feel to it.

Ordering is a bit of a DIY affair whereby you fill out an order form. The menu is in Chinese and English, and there is a minimum order of $3.50 per head. One side is for food, the other drinks. Most meals are $9. Here's what we had:

Japanese deep fried chicken udon noodle set meal

Pumpkin pot dish meal with pork, served with rice and side dish of the day

Teriyaki chicken rice set meal, with soup and side dish of the day

One of the salads avaiable... forgot to get the details

The food is good and most of the drinks have exotic sounding names like Blossom Plum (black tea, plum juice), Irish Love (black tea, orange juice, yoghurt, lemon juice, honey, ice cream) and Pure Temptation (fresh watermelon, milk, grenadine syrup). This is definitely a place where you can hang out for hours chatting away while having a nice meal, sipping away at your drink, or having a spot of afternoon tea / dessert (a selection of cakes is available at the counter).

While I was there, I joined up for their VIP membership (free), which entitles you to a buy one, get one free beverage. Perfect excuse for a drink for two :)

Time of visit: Monday dinner
With: island, yung (and todd)
Trivia: miss the current lot of VIP cards, and you'll have to wait till 2009 for the next opportunity?!

La Quinta Mexican Cafe y Bar

A bustling Mexican restaurant in the heart of Bulimba's Oxford St food scene. We were a group of people looking for a place to go for dinner, and picked this from the Entertainment Book. Not a bad choice, I'd say, but I'm not sure if I'd be rushing to return.

Address: Shop 1/189 Oxford Street Bulimba
Phone: 3399 2800
Hours: lunch Wed-Sun, dinner 7 days till late
Web: http://www.laquinta.com.au/index.html
Parking: some off street parking available, otherwise on Oxford or nearby streets

They say theirs is authentic Mexican cuisine, not the "Tex Mex" variety most equate with Mexican. I can't say I knew the difference before my visit, nor am I much the wiser after. I think the Aussie 80's soundtrack playing during the night added to my confusion. Anyway, here are some photos from the night:

View from the interior - we were along one wall of the restaurant, and this is looking at the opposite wall

Choice of 3 dips served with corn chips and tortillas, $15. Can't remember what the actual dips were...

Pescado pibil - fillets of fish marinated in Mayan spices, wrapped in banana leaves and baked. Served with an onion and citrus marinade, corn fritters & baked potatoes (or fries). $23

Something someone else ordered...

I think everybody enjoyed their food, and a good night was had by all. The place is nice enough but it's not high on my list of return visit venues. This is the first time I've dined in Oxford St. If I'm in the area again I'd rather check out some of the other venues and compare offerings.

Time of visit: Saturday dinner.
With: misc. Clayers