Empire Bar

So this place has replaced the Rivervale, and as my friend so polietely put it "Stab proof vests now optional". I'd never been to the Rivervale, but I heard it had a bad reputation, but this place was really nice. It was big, with wide open spaces, high back chairs and interesting decorations.The lights that looked like cassette tapes, seem worth mentioning.

Food Choices

I didn't have much time to look at the menu, as I had been running late, so I've looked over it now. There are 3 pizzas* ($18-$20) and one main Red quinoa risotto, fontina and haloumi croquettes, Swiss mushroom and truffled celeriac*($25). I went for one of the pizzas containing roasted pumpkin, Spanish onion, corn, piquillo peppers, goat’s cheese and pine nuts.

Food Quality

I actually really enjoyed my pizza. It tastied good and was healthy. The friend I was sharing it with was surprised by the quality that a vegetarian pizza could have. I really enjoyed the mixture of flavours. The saltiness of the cheese mixed with the sweetness of the peppers and the crunchy pine nuts were completely satisfying. I was quite impressed.

Not as impressed though, as I was with my friend's dinner.

Red quinoa risotto, fontina and haloumi croquettes, Swiss mushroom and truffled celeriac

It was really delicious. The mushrooms were cooked just how I like them, and the whole dish just worked. I wish that I had ordered it, and I am planning on going back just in order to eat one for myself. I didn't get to try the cheese croquettes, but I hear they were really nice too.

Overall Rating

1 point per vegetarian choice (max 3): 3 - Three options for pizza, one main (over budget, but worth it)

Quality of meal (1-3): 3 - Delicious!

Value for money (1-3): 2 - Prices were pretty good.

X-factor (0-1): 0 - It was a nice enough place, but I just didn't think it was special

Total: 80%

Guess I won't have to drink my calories tonight...

*cheese warning