Pancake Parlour

550 Doncaster Road, Doncaster

Pancake Parlour is a restaurant that has become one of the most popular hangout spots in Doncaster. I find myself here with friends quite often, purely due to the fact that they are open 24/7 and have a convenient location. Although we visit Pancake Parlour quite often, the experience is almost always negative and the only reason we continue to visit is because of their hours.

Traditional bacon & eggs $17.60

The traditional bacon & eggs is something my friends like to order no matter what time it is during the day. While the dish is nothing spectacular, you can't really beat bacon and eggs paired with some pancakes and butter.

Hot buttered walnuts  $19.90

The hot buttered walnuts were one of the best things that I have ordered at Pancake Parlour so far. The warm, buttered walnuts combined with the cinnamon, which was an amazing flavour when combined with the vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate & chocolate swiss mountain malt

Hot Chocolate

Although I was expecting a bad experience food wise, I was pleasantly surprised on this visit. The dishes and drinks we ordered this time were made well and the service was decent although they were busy. If they continue like this, then I may visit again with more confidence in the future. 

Food Rating 7/10

Overall Rating 7/10

Bhoj

New Quay, 4/54 New Quay Promenade, Docklands

Bhoj is a long standing Indian restaurant with many years of history in Melbourne's Indian restaurant scene behind it. Having started out as a restaurant in Templestowe in Melbourne's east, Bhoj soon moved to the current waterfront location in the Docklands and has been there for 13 years now. While the first thing that people think of when it comes to Indian cuisine is curry, chef and owner Rajesh Mehta has brought out more than that in Bhoj, with Indian street food favourites and other regional dishes. 

Bhoj

Papadums

Red chilli, coriander & mint and sweet tamarind chutney

The chutney served with the papadums showcased a variety of different flavours found in Indian cuisine. The contrasting flavours of the spicy red chilli, refreshing coriander and sweet tamarind chutneys were an excellent beginning the to meal, as it worked wonders on our appetite.

Pani puri

Pani puri is an Indian street-side favourite. The rice crisps, also known as puri are served with the pani, which is a hot and tangy coriander infused water. We were informed that as it was our first time trying the pani puri, it might be slightly strange, so we were served it with some sweet tamarind chutney. The dish itself was a fun mixture of flavours and textures, which when combined with the refreshing hit of the pani, was quite enjoyable.

Hoshiapuri champaan 

The hoshiapuri champaan were hot lamb cutlets marinated in malt vinegar, cumin powder and medium spices, barbequed and finished with a tangy sauce. One of my favourite dishes of the night, the spiced lamb cutlets were cooked very nicely, albeit slightly dry and were absolutely bursting with flavour.

Sounth palak papdi

Gunpowder chicken

The gunpowder chicken was coated in a South Indian five spice gunpowder batter, then deep fried. The chicken itself was quite tender and the spice left the chicken with a good amount of seasoning and flavour. The problem with the dish was that the batter was very thick and absorbed some of the oil, which caused the coating to be dense and unpleasant.

Selection of curries

After we finished our entrees we were already quite satisfied and full. However, as we were just starting to relax, our mains arrived. Although all of the curries that we were served each had a unique set of flavours from the spices and aromatics, our favourite would have to be creamy butter chicken. The dish was smooth yet mild which meant you could taste the flavours without it being overpowering.

Raita

The food at Bhoj was a vibrant display of much of what Indian cuisine has to offer. The meal we were offered had both large bold and large flavours as well as portions, as we could barely finish it. There are many different dishes to try at Bhoj and the relaxed atmosphere as well as the waterfront location make it a must try if you love Indian cuisine!

We were invited and dined courtesy of Bhoj.

Food Rating 8/10

Overall Rating 8.5/10

Steakhouse 66

66 New Quay Promenade, Docklands

As a steakhouse located in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands, Steakhouse 66 has a great view of the waterfront. The restaurant itself was relatively large, with features such as an open grill where you can see the food being prepared as well as a large bar area.

Grill area

Cajun chicken ribs $8.50

We ordered the cajun chicken ribs to start while we were waiting for the mains. The chicken ribs were cooked well so they weren't dry and had a spice packed coating. Great finger food which I would definitely order again.

Lamb pot pie $30.00

My friend ordered the lamb pot pie for their main. The pot pie had a beautifully browned crust which made it appear very appetising. The mash on the side was quite smooth and was buttery, which I like in a mash. The filling however, was a watery lamb stew which, according to my friend that ordered it, was "like the stew my dad made" which is not a particularly good thing.

Pork spare rib $36.00

I ordered the pork spare ribs, as I have always enjoyed ribs and have not had a good rib dish in a while. The dish was presented nicely which filled me with anticipation, but when I started eating it, the flavours did not have the same impact. The ribs were tender and easy to eat, but the glaze was a bit sweet and did not have any real depth to the flavour. As for the rest of the dish, the chips were slightly undercooked and the pickles were shredded too thinly so there was not really any texture to them.

The service was attentive and there was a lot of variety on the menu, as well as a section which offered half price discounts for a main and dessert combo on Tuesdays. The restaurant has a lot of potential but had just a few issues with their food.

Food Rating 6.5/10

Overall Rating 7/10