The Service Critic: ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?

The Service Critic: ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?: Wednesday evening just gone I ventured to Mikes Kitchen, a South African restaurant on the Gold Coast, at 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac (M...

ECONOMIC CRISIS.....What economic crisis?

Wednesday evening just gone I ventured to Mikes Kitchen, a South African restaurant on the Gold Coast, at 2 Gooding Drive, Merrimac (M1 end by exit 77). We were joining a large group for a birthday celebration dinner and the place was packed!

Believe it or not I was the first guest to arrive, that’s a first in a long (long) time. Greeted by friendly faces and shown to the table. I was offered a drink, to which I kindly accepted!

I ordered the Lamb shanks, served with a creamy mash. Can I just say…. I was in heaven!. The shanks fell of the bone and melted in the mouth.  The mash was just perfect and the flavor of the meat and the jus was amazing. I moaned through out the entire meal, just fab!

These guys run a tight ship that results in a smooth sail. Considering how busy they were on a mid week evening, the wait for our food seemed short and we all got our meals at the same time.

I found the prices reasonable, and a good selection on the menu. (My shanks were $24.95. ) My son enjoyed his rib burger that came with chips (fries). I just asked him what he thought of his meal, he said it was a good size and tasty.

I would highly recommend this restaurant for ribs, steaks and good ole hearty meals. Very family friendly with kids meals and colouring in, and a skilled team that comfortably handle the larger groups.

The parking is plentiful and wheel chair/ pram friendly.

I say its work a try!

Shanks for reading and have a great week.

p.s sorry I didn't take pics for you... too busy moaning over shanks and talking...next time I take heaps of pics!

The Service Critic: BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!

The Service Critic: BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!: Feeling less guilty about downing so many hits of caffeine per day after hearing about an american study that has been running for approx 13...

BUZZING FROM MY COFFEE FIX, and its good for me!!

Feeling less guilty about downing so many hits of caffeine per day after hearing about an american study that has been running for approx 13 years. In this study (of hundreds of thousands of people aged between 50 to 70 year olds) it showed people that consume 5 cups a day are between 12 and 16 per cent less likely to have died by the time the study ended.


 Having a coffee right now, may have another before heading off to work, and then will no doubt have coffee from the cafe before I start! 

HIDDEN GOLD COAST GEM

I have been visiting this little hidden gem for some months now, and it’s about time I shared with you my secret!

Kukuzkidz is a quaint little children’s wear and homewares shop tucked away in Station Street Currumbin.

They serve up THE BEST coffee, afghan biscuits, brownies and of course Joe’s famous steamed dim sims (hand made and delicious!)

Deb and Joe are always so friendly and welcoming, Deb runs the children’s wear side of things while Joe is the barista and cook from heaven.

They stock the most divine children’s clothing range, and always have a unique range of gorgeous toys, and homewears for little ones.

The position of this shop is awesome for grabbing coffee on the run, you can literally park right by the door of the shop, take a few steps, and your there.

Deb and Joe have even told me if I ring in advanced they would have the coffee ready for me, how cool is that!

This is a great place to find unique gifts, or items to make over your little ones room. They seem to have a beautiful range suitable for all budgets. From lamps, mirros, wall hangings and bunting to books, wooden toys, lunch bags and so much more.

I definitely recommend a visit here next time you come to Currumbin. Kukuzkidz also have an online shop. I will find a link to their website and facebook page, so you can take a peek. 

http://www.kukuzkidz.com.au/component/content/frontpage

Currumbin Valley a perfect Sunday escape

One gorgeous Sunday just recently, we decided to take a country drive. Hubby and I rounded up the kids, and headed into the Currumbin Valley.  Currumbin Valley is a short drive from the famous Currumbin Beach. Such a gorgeous drive, catching glimpses of the Currumbin estuary, as it  rambles it's way and joins a running fresh water creek. Past huge Norfolk Pines, rolling hills of greenery, grassy paddocks, Kangaroos, horses, ducks and geese.

The road winds its way to the eastern section of the Springbrook national park, where you can park your car, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the rainforest. The tracks are well maintained and perfect for wheelchair and prams.

The walking track itself runs parallel to the fresh water creek, waterfalls and rock pools. At a few stages along the walk there are some off shoot stairs leading to viewing platforms, allowing for some awesome photo opportunities of the gorgeous scenery. The track eventually leads you to the remnants of an old sawmill.

Crystal Cottage

Take a picnic, and make use of the chair and table facilities (and the drop zone toilet!! ewwww)  We often take this drive and enjoy this lovely walk, however this time we noticed the old Crystal Cottage, on Currumbin Creek Road, had reopened. So we headed back there in hope for a nice lunch.

Cafe area

It has reopened after 18 months of being closed, after the original owner / operator had passed away. This place is an alternative styled, crystal healingish (is that a word?), quirky place. After walking through the shop you can be seated out on the back verandah for refreshments.

Inside, buy a crystal!

Garden area

They only offered cakes and drinks. We decided to take a seat and have a healthy cake lunch!! Hubby and I went for Devonshire tea (yummiest scones!!) kids had chocolate mud cake and banana bread. Everyone was very happy, (although the coffees were only so so )

Apparently they are getting in a Thai chef,and will soon be serving up Thai lunches. I shall keep you posted!!

Cute garden and creek

There is a fresh water creek running right by the property and amazing lion statues in the garden. My daughter loved the back garden, I would say this is a perfect place to visit with the kids, so long as you can control them around the crystal clutter with in the shop.