Bluey's Cafe - Kaleen
Bluey's Cafe
Description
Situated in the heart of the Dickson food precinct, Essence at The Tradies is a unique club bistro offering exceptional meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Our dedication to showcasing Canberra's local produce extends to our wine selection, featuring exclusive options from renowned cool climate winemakers such as Graeme Shaw, Tim Kirk, Ken Helm, and Nick O'Leary. With a focus on quality ingredients and personalized service, dining at Essence promises more than just a meal - it's an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
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Was told by a local to come here for a good schnitzel. No free parking nearby unless you 're a member, the car park across the road is free after 5:30 Monday to Thursday! Came early, and decided to have a beer whilst waiting for Essence to open. This is a club where you must sign in using I.D. And I 'm now wondering how they get away with charging $8.90 for a beer! My local charges $5.50 and even cheaper if you 're a member. I go to the restaurant at 5.30pm and they can 't find my booking even though I booked at 6am and got an email confirmation! Fortunately as I was early there was a free seat. Tuesday 's is members special schnitzel night and with the savings it 's worth joining just for the discount. I ordered the Legendary with meat lovers topping, chips and salad, normally $37 but $18 for members. Membership is just $6 for 1 year for non-locals. The meal was as described, legendary size, not the salad as it must have been the smallest I 've ever seen, chips were a little soggy but the schnitzel was breast meat and very tasty. I had trouble finishing the meal.
The dinner was mediocre, with dishes that appeared and tasted like they were reheated. However, the standout aspect of the experience was the friendly and accommodating staff.
I visited this restaurant before and after a Canberra Raiders game, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I noticed that the meals being brought out were generous and delicious. Although I didn't have a meal myself, I can say that the service provided by the bar and serving staff was exceptional. The staff were extremely busy but still managed to maintain a sense of humor, which I appreciated. Despite my lack of humor, they were patient and served me with a smile and a laugh. I highly recommend giving them all a pay rise.
The beer selection is decent and basic, with good prices for members. The restaurant offers vegan options, and the vegan schnitzel parmigiana is quite tasty. However, there are no vegan options at the bar; if you avoid meat and dairy, your only option is chips, which were a bit oily. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the service was quick. I’ll definitely return for the beers.
I had a great experience at this pub during my visit to Canberra, thanks to a recommendation from a family friend. The food and service were both excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant with a well-designed dining area. I especially enjoyed the Mexican chicken parma, which offered great value for the price.
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