boxo

Post in the wiki if you'd like to meet up with any OzFesters.

boxo

May I suggest The Waiting Room at the Crown Casino Complex for Monday, 26 May?

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-waiting-room-southbank

chchkiwi

The Waiting Room looks fantastic - and especially because it offers Mexican fare!

boxo

Awww, I wish I could bring you some Mexican food from California.

I didn't see anything Mexican, except for the condiment words "salsa" and "chipotle". http://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/......m%20Bar%20Menu[1].pdf

If our schedules mesh anytime on the 27th, let's have a quick bite at an actual Mexican restaurant. Might even be able to talk Noelene into coming in from the suburbs. http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...#sortby=rating

penegal

Australia is slowly warming up to Mexican food, but it certainly isn't CA or TX.

Mamasita is a good city option, although their "no reservations" style of service is a PITA (you can expect long waits, but they often take your number so you can visit a nearby bar). They do have 1 large table, which can be reserved in advance if we have the right number of people.

Touche Hombre is a good night out (and takes reservations), but their drinks (cocktail jugs) add up very quickly.

A friend of mine owns La Tortilleria out in Kensington which would be another option, although less conveniently located.

Of the chain restaurants I think Amigos is okay, but a little expensive for what you get (my last meal was $150 for 2 people). Guzman Y Gomez is essentially fast food, but the quality is good. I often do Guzman for a quick burrito for lunch (about $11).

chchkiwi

I read about the Mexican food on the Yelp reviews, but they were from 2012 so it seems they've dropped the tacos, etc. from the current menu. It still looks fantastic though and what an enormous drinks menu! Anyone for a single malt Macallan 1946 at $495/30 ml?

boxo

Thanks very much for your MEL Mexican food insight. I wouldn't mind taking a trip outside the CBD.

My plans have changed, so I'll be free 26th and 27th 6:45-ish if not earlier.

boxo

Ack, that's pissing 500 bucks down the toilet.

The Waiting Room looks swanky and has live music to boot.

boxo

penegal, would you mind posting on AFF to see if anyone over there is available on the 26th? Very much appreciated.

penegal

Done. I shall also PM the usual suspects...

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.c...eat-60122.html

penegal

I will be travelling next week, returning to Melbourne on Thursday evening (22nd), so I may be able to do dinner that evening, but more likely I will meet you all at the airport on the morning of the 23rd.

I can guest 2 into any of the QF lounges.

basske

I'll be about SYD and intend to enjoy a couple of cool Beverages at the HI Old Sydney on thursday the 22nd if anyone is interested?

I intend to be about 1900 - 1930 onwards

boxo

penegal, thanks again for being the gracious FT-AFF go-between.

Do you have thoughts on The Waiting Room, or going to Crown in general? I'm not a gambler, but I'd like to see it and it's not somewhere I'd go on my own. But I trust your opinion.

penegal

I have never eaten at The Waiting Room, so can't vouch for its quality, but I have walked past many times. I am happy to "go with the flow" regarding venues. There are plenty of places in and around the casino complex.

The Crown Casino complex is huge. It is not my favourite place, but it is worth a visit to say you have been there. Crown is the largest casino in (Melbourne / Australia). The main gaming floor is rather large. It is a good walk from end to end. The "real" VIP tables are tucked away on a different floor away from prying eyes. There are many restaurants & bars, several nightclubs, numerous function spaces, a cinema, a bowling alley, a gaming arcade and more. The "gas brigades" (fire towers) along the river promenade are a crowd pleaser. (Link). Search for "Crown Fire Towers" for some good YouTube videos.

If the weather is good, the areas along the river are lovely in the early evening (Southbank promenade / Crown Casino promenade / South Wharf).



My friend plays an acoustic set at one of the bars on the gaming floor on Monday nights from 6-9, if anyone wants to hear some tunes.

Efrem

I'm looking forward to this, wherever it ends up being ... but one question about the Waiting Room. Its Web page stresses elegance, luxury and all that. I, and I suspect others, will be traveling with one carry-on and a wardrobe optimized for Alice Springs and airplanes. In other words, not exactly elegant. Will we be seriously out of place there?