Reviews by hervey

Overall 8.8 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 8, Service 9

I recently dined at Est with my partner. We booked a table for 730pm, were seated on arrival and offered a pre-dinner drink. We chose a French Sparkling Pink Rose but weren't told it was $28 per glass - we stopped at one. We perused three menus; the Tasting Menu, A La Carte and the Wine List and decided on the Tasting Menu of eight courses with matching wines. The sashimi of ocean trout was amazingly good, was served w a 1999 dom perignon, epernay france; as was the tranche of duck foie gras, served w a 2005 a to z pinot gris, willamette valley usa The roasted, boned squab pigeon a little fiddly but tasty and the pan roasted rib eye a little disappointing. However, the desserts were fabulous The green apple sorbet & the feuillantine of grilled plums were a delicious finish to the meal. Some complimentary wines were ordinary, eg the pinot gris fr usa and there was a conspicuous absence of wines from Australia. We spoke briefly about this with the sommelier who informed us that no Australian wines were good enough to compliment the Tasting Menu. A poor show we thought! Our bill came to $600. The service was impeccable and quite theatrical - Est. appealed all the senses.   (hervey - May, 2008)

Overall 9.5 - Food 9, Ambience 10, Value 9, Service 10

We had heard that Toque were to launch their new menu on Saturday evening of the Anzac long weekend so we made a booking at a local B & B. We arrived at 7pm and were seated by the window. The view was spectacular, the restaurant was packed & had a great vibe. I ordered a salad to start and my partner ordered freshly baked bread with blue cheese butter - both were delicious. I went straight to the main and ordered a roquefort & leek flan, my partner ordered the skirt steak and we shared a side of winter greens. Both dishes were superb, the flan was light but fulfilling and the steak cooked to perfection. I had peeped at the dessert menu and had resolved to try the warm chocolate profiteroles and my partner ordered the creme caramel. I finished the meal with a housemade chai and my partner ordered a short black. Boy, what a sensational menu, the food and service were perfect and staff helpful. Some wines on the wine list weren't available but were more than happy with a delicious shiraz from WA. I would walk over hot coals to dine at Toque! We've dined there twice now and can't wait until the next long weekend so we can visit again.   (hervey - April, 2008)