Michelle and I went back to Mille Cafe (at 1000 Beaufort St) for dinner recently and had ANOTHER disappointing experience. That makes 3 of them now, and you know that old saying about 3 strikes and your out! Well Mille, you're OUT!
Here's the review I tried to post on EatingWA's website, but got knocked back…
I moved into the area near Mille early last year, so it made sense that I
was going to eat there eventually…
This restaurant used to be excellent 3-5 years ago, when I had occasion to
go several times (in a different life…), but now days I'm REALLY
disappointed with it.
Last night, my lady and I went there for dinner, hoping to partake of their
yummy chilli mussels, but by the time we left, I was (once again) deeply
disappointed.
Firstly, the chilli mussels ARE excellent. Both times I have had them, they
were yummy! NO complaints here about them.
However, for my main, I ordered a steak, grilled and served on top of a bed
of rosemary parmesan mashed potato, and with a onion gravy, and my lady
ordered the Caesar Salad.
The potato was not to my liking - too much rosemary I think (and perhaps not
enough parmesan?), the gravy was very ?strong? (and had a slight undertone
of burnt meat) and not that enjoyable, and the steak was (for my liking) too
rare.
Now, I do realise that how your steak is cooked can vary from restaurant to
restaurant, and I was happy enough to send it back for a little more time on
the grill, but it still was disappointing.
Given the price ($28), I feel the steak was a let-down - it didn't overly
impress me, even when cooked more to my liking, and the rest of the meal was
very disappointing. I actually didn't even eat most of the mash or gravy
(rare for me).
As for my girlfriend's caesar salad, it was VERY below average in our
opinion. I could make a more tasty one at home for $3, instead of the $12 we
were charged.
It was saggy and not crisp, and the bacon should have been cooked more, plus
the dressing was rather unusual - certainly not like a typical caesar
dressing like I have had before.
When it comes to eating out, I'm a fussy bugger, whereas my gf prefers to
keep quiet & not complain about it, but by the time we left, we had both
agreed we would never come back to Mille for anything more than the chilli
mussels.
Oh, on our previous visit (less than 2 months ago), we had a similarly bad
experience. I had the pork loin which i did NOT enjoy (and I love pork!) and
she had a pasta which was OK, but not great.
Add in the bloody big cockroach that took an interest in our table (and the
waiter was uninterested in it when I told him, saying simply that it must
have got in thru the front!) and a fellow eater who nearly choked on her
meal near us, and it was a crappy experience allround (except for the chilli
mussels, again!)!
Lastly, the service of the staff - it needs more work. They are friendly
enough, but not what I would call attentive or helpful. When I sent my steak
back to be cooked a little more, the waitress didn't think to bring me a
knife (which was on the plate when she took it away), and just gave me the
plate & left. I had to go up to the counter and get a new knife, since there
was no-one nearby to ask for one!
As for the waiter with the cockroach experience, I think the less said, the
better! If it had been my restaurant, I would have sacked him for it!!!
I will not be eating at Mille again, except when I want chilli mussels.
Surprised at how many people think its great!