tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post256064353174607028..comments2023-10-08T20:53:14.164+11:00Comments on Deep Dish Dreams: The Swallows Vs Nacionalstickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861830835308131738noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-55612743752690466982009-02-07T11:36:00.000+11:002009-02-07T11:36:00.000+11:00Hi Sticky-We dont do small plates as such but our ...Hi Sticky-We dont do small plates as such but our daily menu has nibbly items which progress to moer substantial stuff to the more trad main courses.<BR/>On Fid & sat nights I do a completely different menu to that of lunchtime. The cafe takes on a more 'dining' ambience & the food goes up a notch, as do the prices.<BR/>We dont have the no bookings issue here, in fact we encourage people to book, a culture that is in its infancy in this part of Tassie, wher people just rock up.<BR/>We have had no one booked on occasion & eneded up doing many a full house. This makes it tricky to staff & cater for.<BR/>Conversely we have had some very irate punters one night, who were incredulous & affronted that we couldn't accomodate them on a busy night when they rocked up. When I suggested that they might book to be certain of a table next time, they dismissivly said they didn't need to as there was always space.<BR/>Not much I can do in that situation?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-21961752839067165742009-02-06T00:33:00.000+11:002009-02-06T00:33:00.000+11:00Sorry if that last comment rambled...fatigue has s...Sorry if that last comment rambled...fatigue has set in.<BR/><BR/>Forgot to ask Steve, does RVL do small plates too?stickyfingershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14861830835308131738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-2615304511009354752009-02-05T23:17:00.000+11:002009-02-05T23:17:00.000+11:00I noticed that Matt Preston's review of The Swallo...I noticed that Matt Preston's review of The Swallows appeared in my local rag today. He went at lunch time and gave it the thumbs up - but it does sound as though he was known to the Rubira's.<BR/><BR/>I hope that both venues will cope in these tough times and that the local community supports them with their patronage.<BR/><BR/>Yes Steve - this incarnation of Swallows has its place in the market and that is amongst those with unadventurous palates and no inclination to cook seafood themselves ... and of course, cash to burn. Boomers++? Definitely. They will feel right at home. <BR/><BR/>Personally I'm not fussed by the decor of a venue, I'm happy to sit in a gutter(and have done) as long as the food is really good.<BR/><BR/>In response to your question on small plates, in this instance I found the more traditional format meant we tried less dishes, drank less vino and paid more overall. But it appeals more to those less rigid in their mindset.<BR/><BR/>At 88, Mr Stickyfinger's Mum would most probably like Rubiras - as long as she could bring along her trusty bottle of BBQ sauce - while she would be confused by Nacional and grumble.<BR/><BR/>I know that in regards to bookings, people organising 'the big night out' are eschewing the no-bookings places. Whilst those unhindered by babysitting bookings seem to care not. So again the split will be determined somewhat by age group.stickyfingershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14861830835308131738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700505313257578551.post-73390213603743913422009-02-05T07:58:00.000+11:002009-02-05T07:58:00.000+11:00Hi Sticky, nice to hear your perspectives on these...Hi Sticky, nice to hear your perspectives on these two places.<BR/>What a shame that Rubira has clutched the once hallowed turf that was the Swallows & condemmed whatever aspirations it had over the years to a steady march to the lower middle. For years I have scratched my head in disbelief at the tide of punters who frequent their places-perhaps you are right, a totally different demographic, being general I would suggest they are baby boomer +. This might explain why the decor & food at Nacional agreeably reflect your preferences in these matters? <BR/><BR/>On another issue, <BR/>I am interested in the notion that the new-ish wave of rest & cafes offering small plates instead of the more trad entree, main, dessert, format & the impact it has on your wallet. The nenotion last week. I would suggest that younger generations take to this way of eating better than baby boomers+<BR/><BR/>Also what of the backlash of restaurant no-bookings policies?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com