Ross Rosco

Review of Equiem Eastland RIngwood

When I discovered that Eastland was intending to c...

When I discovered that Eastland was intending to conduct a major shopping centre upgrade if David Jones committed to leasing a space within the Eastland redevelopment and that quality chefs (Neil Perry) would also complement the upgrade with new restaurant spaces and offerings, I was quite excited given there is a distinct lack of quality restaurant choices within the Park Orchards area. To say I am disappointed with the approach and lack achievement of Queensland Investment Corporation is a understatement. The restaurants in the new food area are substandard, overpriced (which is probably reflected in the inflated rents charged) and are certainly not value for money. The prices charged are more than Camberwell and the CBD. Cheap takeaway would have been better. QIC have not delivered on their promises and they won't be getting my families dollar until they change their tact. Their CEO should be moved on! My wife and I dinned at The Cellar Door Deli and Wine Store for dinner. The floor staff were pleasant and helpful, we dinned in the restaurant area. My wife struggled to find a menu option that was appealing as did the couple sitting next to us. The seafood pasta option read well on the menu and given the price tag of $38 I thought I was in for a treat. My wife chose the cheesy polenta. $20. A floating liquid polenta cheese plate with a poached egg in the middle. When my seafood pasta arrived I thought they had mad a mistake. No love, seafood hidden or missing, a sea of, not spinach leaves, rather rocket which was bitter and wide under cooked squid ink paster tossed over the top of the rocket leaves. The seafood consisted of 2 prawns, and 6 pippies. No calamari, no fish, and no scallops. And for this they charged $38. We often dine at Georges in Burke Road Camberwell and the food is consistent, absolute quality and the seafood risotto is more than you can eat. Cooked perfectly, cheaper and contains calamari, prawns, fish, scallops. We will never dine at Eastland again until QIC get it right. I can only assume that the The Cellar Door Deli and Wine Store are under financial stress as a result of the exorbitant rents QIC charge in an endeavorer to recoup their investment for their share holders at the expense of their tenants remaining viable. What a disappointment and what a mistake we made in visiting Eastland! I must state that when I raised the issue with the manager he immediately offered a refund and apologised. I accepted a refund for the food only.