Quick lunch review

El Fresco cafe, Centre Road, Bentleigh.

Maybe the notice in the front window saying they need experienced staff should have been an omen.

Stools in the window to watch the passing parade — excellent. Smokers’ tables far enough away that smoke shouldn’t be a problem except during a strong southerly.

The drinks arrived quickly. Tasty, but small. $6 for a banana smoothie that size? Yikes.

The food took ages. Even after they said they’d check on its progress it seemed to take ages. How long can an omelette and pancakes take?

They did apologise when it eventually arrived, and my omelette was tasty — a tad more well done than I’d like, but no complaints (especially compared to my own disaster-area-like creations). M’s pancake okay, though suspected not real maple syrup.

I’ve been there before and it was okay without being remarkable, with the feeling that it was a tad overpriced for what it was, underscored today.

Not entirely sure it was open, but shoulda just walked down to the Spotted Dog.