Search

Restaurant charges diners $95 to slice up birthday cake

A restaurant in Italy has been slammed online after charging a group of diners a hefty cost to simply cut a birthday cake into slices. A family attended the high-end restaurant in the southern area of Arezzo to celebrate their mother's birthday, after they had asked the restaurant in advance if they could bring in an outside cake. After enjoying their meal, which came to a whopping €659 or $1,083 AUD, they were slapped with another fee of €58 or $95 to cut the cake and bring it to the table. Local news outlet <a href="https://corrierefiorentino.corriere.it/notizie/24_agosto_26/arezzo-ristorante-chiede-58-euro-solo-per-tagliare-la-torta-lo-scontrino-diventa-virale-e-il-gestore-quasi-si-scusa-267975fd-2227-4beb-9621-3bffb3aa4xlk.shtml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Corriere Fiorentino</a> reported that the cost of slicing the cake was more than the cake itself. Two of the dinner guests shared the story of the expensive fee on a local Facebook page, claiming the restaurant said it is the rule of their establishment and they were required to pay it. The owner of the restaurant told the Italian media site, "We do not charge a cover charge and we mainly serve dishes of our own production, so we try to discourage those who bring things from outside." "If we consider that in Arezzo the average cover charge is 2.5 euros per person, there is not such a big difference," they said as they explained the group of diners was 13 people. "My restaurant has to pay for the waiter who serves at the table, the dishwasher and other related services. We have to recover them somehow." However, the owner did admit, "I wasn't there that evening and my employees were perhaps too fussy in managing the situation that had arisen, perhaps cutting the usual price a little or even not charging anything for the cake." "Better 50 euros less and people going home happy than this misunderstanding in which we are all damaged." Image credits: Corriere Fiorentino / Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Man behind viral "democracy manifest" arrest dies

Jack Karlson, the man behind one of Australia's most famous viral memes, has died aged 82. Karlson shot to fame after footage of his 1991 arrest outside the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane went viral in 2009 when someone uploaded it to the internet. "Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest," he said during the arrest. "What is the charge? Eating a meal - a succulent Chinese meal?" "Have a look at the headlock here. See that chap over there?" he went on. "Get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis before." Reports at the time suggested that Karlson had been arrested on suspicion of being criminal that was high on Queensland police's wanted list. While he did have a criminal history himself as he was known for several prison escapes throughout his life, he insisted that he was the wrong man. The reporter who reported Karlson's arrest 33 years ago, Chris Reason, confirmed Karlson's death in a social media post on X, tweeting that "Mr Democracy Manifest has died". A fundraiser had been set up for Karlson by his niece in June after he was reportedly diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery for cataracts. “I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, t-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,” his niece wrote on the fundraiser at the time. “He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer. “Hoping people can dig deep – I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.” In an update last week, his niece said that he wasn't doing well. “He has been in Hospital for two weeks now,” she wrote. “He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good. “One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.” A documentary about his life is currently in production and set to be released in early 2025. Images: 7News

Caring

Internet icon falls asleep during interview with Karl

An interview on the Today show has gone pear-shaped after the famous guest seemed to fall asleep live on air. Hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo were joined by Jack Karlson: the man behind the infamous “Democracy Manifest” news segment from 1991, which later became a much-loved online meme. Karlson, who appears in the vintage news clip being arrested outside a Brisbane restaurant after enjoying what he referred to as a “succulent Chinese meal”, was joined by one of his arresting officers on the morning show to discuss the incident. The interview kicked off and quickly went downhill, as the elderly gentlemen seemed to be having audio problems and couldn't hear Karl and Sarah's line of questioning. Then, as the former police officer began answering questions, Karlson closed his eyes for over a minute, seemingly having a nap live on air. Stefanovic noticed Karlson's impromptu kip, asking, “I just got a little worried there, Jack might’ve nodded off like Weekend at Bernies. You still with us, Jackie boy?” Karlson opened his eyes and rejoined the conversation to discuss the upcoming documentary The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal, based on Karlson’s life. Directed by Heath Davis and co-produced by Tim Randall and Mark Dapin, author of Carnage: A Succulent Chinese Meal based on the now-viral event, the film is currently set for release in March 2025. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PeihcfYft9w?si=QX2m9akJwHEwwBev" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The video of Karlson’s arrest became an meme when it was finally uploaded to the internet in 2009. In the video, Karlson declared while resisting arrest by police: “This is democracy manifest!”, “Get your hand off my penis!” and “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” Image credits: Today

Restaurant sparks debate over “age discrimination”

A US restaurant has gone viral for their "age policy" after they decided to ban young people in a bid to create a “grown and sexy” vibe. Bliss Restaurant opened its doors in St. Louis, Missouri last month and have already caused an uproar for their unique policy where men under 35 and women under 30 are not allowed in. Owners Marvin Pate and his wife, said that they created the rule to help them “maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambience”. Despite getting some backlash over the policy, they insist that they will stick to their code. “I think Bliss is a home away from home,” he told local news station KSDK. “You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation. “Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s OK. We’re sticking to our code.” Pate is so committed to providing a space for older people, that if anyone looks younger than 30, they will get their ID's checked. “The restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama,” assistant manager Erica Rhodes added. A few people have slammed the restaurant, suggesting that the rule was “age discrimination”. “The owner barely makes his own age requirement. Come on,” one vented online. “I’ve never seen a bar fight that wasn’t started by some drunk over 30,” another added. “I feel like it’s usually older people acting out nowadays," and another person replied: “Y’all ever seen a Karen under 30?” However, in the age of young influencers, many thought the restriction “makes sense". “Ah, Bliss, no influencers with those bright lights and filming while everyone else is trying to have a nice meal,” one said. “I like the concept, it’s time we mature adults can dine in a relaxing atmosphere without kids screaming, parents screaming, aggressive behaviours,” another added. “I love the age requirements. Please keep it like this. Don’t change it a lot of places back in the day had age requirements I’m glad that somebody finally taking it back protect your business I support,” a third wrote. “I love this idea!!!! Perfect!!!! And for all those gripping and complaining about it…..or have some smartelic comment….. just wait. One day your day is coming," another mused. Images: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Culinary legend closing famous restaurant

Australian chef and TV presenter Kylie Kwong is closing the doors of her famous restaurant after three years. The Sydney-based chef has been in the culinary industry for 30 years and is known for her unique blend of Cantonese cuisine and native Australian ingredients. Her restaurant, Lucky Kwong in South Eveleigh, will close on June 26, a tough decision that she had to make amid the high costs of running a business. “Everyone is feeling it. I have never seen the restaurant industry in such tough times as it is right now,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald. Despite this, Kwong said she was lucky to have been in the hospitality industry and that she plans to "relax and reflect" during her break from the restaurant business. "For all the many challenges that come with being in the hospitality industry, I consider myself fortunate for I have had far more positive experiences than negative," she said. Kwong opened her restaurant in 2021, after she shut the doors on her previous Sydney venue, Billy Kwong in 2019. She said that she also planned to further her work with charities focused on First Nations and multicultural communities, as she looks for more opportunities to “amplify other people’s stories”. “I’ll still be very much connected to the food industry, but just I’ll be doing it in a different way,” she told the ABC. She also announced that she's "hanging up my restaurateur hat" on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7KkTNgSXw9/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, and thanked everyone who has supported her throughout this journey. Celebrity chefs, Nigella Lawson and Darren Robertson shared their well-wishes on her post. “I feel a pang knowing that the next time I come back to Sydney there won’t be your restaurant to make a beeline for, but I’m so happy for you to have the time to do what’s right for you,” Lawson said. Robertson said he had massive respect for her contribution to Australian food and added: “Now try and get some bloody rest before your next adventures!" Image: Instagram

Food & Wine

Chinese zoo's "panda" display under fire

A zoo in China has come under fire after visitors noticed something strange about the baby panda display. Taizhou Zoo, in the eastern Jiangsu Province, advertised their baby panda enclosure, which was actually just two small Chow Chow dogs dyed black and white. The tickets to the display which are believed to have gone public late last week, read "Xiong Mao Quan" which translates to "panda dogs", Chinese newspaper The Global Times reported. Footage of the animals in the enclosure has gone viral, with many sharing their confusion over the zoo's special enclosure. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province dyed two chow chow puppies black and white and promoted them as so-called “panda dogs.” <a href="https://t.co/Jo7q1dBzZJ">pic.twitter.com/Jo7q1dBzZJ</a> — Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanghaidaily/status/1786948655880290806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote> A staff member at the zoo, Liu Qiuming, told the local publication the panda scheme was used to attract more visitors and better their experience, as the zoo does not have any pandas of its own. The display has reportedly raised concerns of fraud but another staffer has insisted the zoo has not tricked or manipulated its visitors, given the direct translation of the exhibit. "This is just a new display we offer to visitors. We are not charging extra," a ticket seller told The Global Times. "The wording featuring Chow Chow dogs is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors." Image credits: X (Twitter)

International Travel

Restaurant sparks outrage for "ridiculous" fee

As inflation rates continue to rise it is not surprising that restaurants are charging extra fees, but one disgruntled customer was particularly shocked to see this "ridiculous" fee on their bill. The customer, who dined at restaurant and cocktail bar in Georgia, USA shamed the restaurant for charging their customers a $20 fee for “live band entertainment”. They shared their complaints on Reddit with a copy of their receipt and an unexpected fee at the bottom which read: “Two Live Band Entertainment Fee — $20”. Most people in the comments were equally annoyed and called the fee "ridiculous". “This is one of those leave money on the table, hand the waiter a tip and leave, sorry but if I didn’t order it, I’m not paying for it,” one wrote. “Great way to not have repeat customers,” said another. “This will backfire for them, just be honest and upfront," a third added. Other commenters were less sympathetic and did not understand why the customer was complaining when it looked like they could afford it. “When you’re paying seven dollars for a bottle of water, you really don’t get to complain about ‘unexpected costs.’ You knew what you signed up for," one commenter wrote. “Imagine a live band getting paid, huh,” another added. “They’re buying $7 bottles of water, they can probably afford it,” added a third. Image: Getty/ Reddit

Money & Banking

Restaurant's kind act for struggling Aussies

As Aussies continue to adapt to the rising cost-of-living, one restaurant owner took it upon herself to give back to the "struggling" community. Aleeya Hamidan the owner of Manoosh & Co in Eagle Vale, southwest of Sydney, realised that a lot of people in the community are struggling to afford food. "Prices are going up in rent, and there are a lot of large families that live here as well. They don't have much spare money to go out and eat with their kids after school," she told Yahoo News Australia. So, she decided to implement a system where customers in need can get a free meal that has been paid for by other customers. The text: "Please take one if [you're] in need!! Already paid for from our beautiful customers" is written on a whiteboard, with six receipts containing various orders valued at around $10-$12 attached to it. Hamidan was the first to put up an order on the board a few weeks ago to encourage other customers to do the same, and the system has grown in popularity since. "One man came in a few weeks ago and took one of the free meals, but the following week when he did have money, he purchased one for someone else," she said. "We just didn't want it to be intimidating for people who can't afford our products. "It was just something we started doing for a little but have now continued to do. We've had such amazing feedback on it." The restaurant owner's kind deed was praised after local woman Amanda Mauga posted a picture of the board on social media. "If you are having a hard time and need a meal or coffee, go down to Manoosh Eagle Vale," she shared in a community Facebook page. "People buy food for people who need it. So if you're in need head down there, I have left you a coffee. Enjoy." Mauga said that she "felt inspired to help" after seeing the thoughtful gesture, and wanted to help those who were homeless and struggling in their community "in some small way". The post racked up thousands of likes and comments from people impressed by the "great initiative". "What a great idea! We need more like this. So many people are struggling, bravo," one wrote. "Well done folks... nice there are caring people around," another commented "What an amazing shop for even doing this," a third commented. Images: Manoosh & Co

Domestic Travel

Parents slapped with hefty fee over badly behaved children

Two parents have been slapped with a hefty fine tacked onto their restaurant bill after their children caused a ruckus during dinner. Kyle and Lyndsey Landmann were dining at a restaurant in Georgia, USA, when they were given a $50 fine for their allegedly badly behaved kids. Two weeks after the incident, Kyle took to Google to leave a negative review for the eatery to say he was “disappointed by the experience”. “The owner came out and told me he was adding $50 to my bill because of my children’s behaviour,” he wrote. “My kids watched a tablet until the food arrived, ate their food and my wife took them outside while I waited and paid the bill.” Lyndsey went on to tell Today that her kids were well behaved, although they were joined by other families, with 11 children in total at the table. “The kids were sitting at one end of the table and they were being so good,” Landmann said. “'I even commented halfway through the meal, ‘I can’t believe how well-behaved they are’.” After dinner, restaurant owner Tim Richter approached the table and told the party about the additional charge on the menu, which reads, “Adult surcharge: For adults unable to parent.” “Be Respectful to staff, property, and self. No Respect, No Service.” Landmann said she was expecting a compliment for the well behaved kids, but Richter said there would be $50 added to each bill at their table. When Landmann then asked for an explanation, she claimed Richter told her they were being “too loud”. He was angry that the kids were “running around outside” by the water after dinner, even though they were chaperoned by adults, she clarified. “I was like, ‘They were quiet the whole time’. He got in our faces and told us that we belonged at Burger King and not at his restaurant. We asked to speak to the owner and he said he was the owner,” Landmann explained. “I looked around the restaurant and everybody was frozen watching this show he was putting on. He was yelling.” The 61-year-old restaurant owner said that he implemented the rule during the pandemic, but never actually charged the couple, saying, “We want parents to be parents.” However, several other Google reviews blasted the quality of the service and the owner's attitude, including one that warns diners with children to steer clear. Image credits: Facebook

Money & Banking

"Unbelievable but true": Tourist outraged over shocking restaurant fee

A tourist in Italy has been hit with a shocking fee from an upscale eatery after he asked for his sandwich to be cut in half. The anonymous man was travelling in Italy's picturesque Lake Como region, and stopped in at Bar Pace in Gera Lario, at the lake’s northern end, for a vegetarian sandwich and fries for lunch. Travelling with a friend, the man asked for the meal to be cut in half so they could share. After polishing off their lunch, the traveller was shocked when he was given the bill, noticing a charge he had never seen before. The man paid without arguing, but later took to TripAdvisor to leave a negative review. “Unbelievable but true,” the man captioned a photo of the receipt on TripAdvisor. The receipt lists the sandwich for €7.50 ($12.60), Coca Cola for €3.50 ($5.90), water for €1.50 ($2.50) and espresso for €1.20 ($2), along with the debated “diviso da meta”, or “cutting in half” fee, amounting to 2 euros, or $3.40. The confused customer gave the restaurant one star on TripAdvisor, far below the average of four and a half stars, based on over 100 reviews. After the review garnered a lot of unexpected attention, the restaurant's owner defended the fee to a local news outlet. “Additional requests have a cost,” owner Cristina Biacchi told La Repubblica. “We had to use two plates instead of one and the time to wash them is doubled, and then two placemats. It wasn’t a simple toasted sandwich, there were also French fries inside. It took us time to cut it in two.” She also noted that the customer did not complain or question the charge and clarified that she would have removed the charge from the bill, if someone had raised an issue. The extra charge is not unheard of in expensive cities and popular tourist destinations, with some cities in the United States are sometimes hitting diners with a share charge, or a split plate charge, to make up for the lower check average at a table, while some New York City eateries even ban the practice of sharing all together. Image credit: TripAdvisor

Travel Trouble

"I can’t a fjord it": Inside one of the world’s most extreme restaurants

One of the world's most extreme restaurants has gone viral and not only for its unique location and shape, but also its exclusive dining experience that's eerily similar to 2022 horror film The Menu. Restaurant Iris is located inside a giant silvery orb in Hardangerfjord, the second largest Fjord in Norway. The four-storey structure, called the Salmon Eye is inspired by - you guessed it - the shape of a fish eye, and it is quite a sight to behold. The Salmon Eye is covered in 9,000 steel plates to emulate fish scales, weighing a whopping 1,256 tonnes and an impressive diameter of 25 metres, with one sub-surface floor that boasts a panoramic view of the Fjord. The restaurant itself can only be accessed by an electric boat off the shore of Rosendal, as guests are treated to "an exclusive expedition dining-journey" which offers an 18-course meal and panoramic views. The 24-seat restaurant is run by Head Chef Anika Madsen, and prior to having their main meal, guests are taken to the chef's boathouse on the nearby island of Snilstveitoy, for a "welcoming snack". The menu is designed to showcase "the most local ingredients possible", which reflects Madsen's "commitment to sustainability" and her "passion for discovering new ingredients from the ocean". Mari Eriksmoen posted the viral video on TikTok which has racked up over eight million views. "This spectacular just opened in the middle of the Hardangerfjord in Norway," she started in the clip with a shot of the structure floating in the middle of the fjord. She described the experience of walking into the restaurant "like entering a spaceship," and was mesmerised by the "insane views". Once the evening kicks off, guests indulge in a multi-sensory experience where they were instructed to pick a "cracker" hanging from the ceiling after watching a "short movie about food waste". Another TikTok user compared it to the extraterrestrial spacecraft from the 2016 sci-fi film Arrival. However many other users compared the dining experience to 2022 horror film The Menu, where a group of guests eat at an exclusive restaurant on a remote island and face dire consequences. "Did we learn nothing from The Menu?" commented one user with the crying face emoji. "I know how this movie ends," wrote another user. "I can’t a fjord it," joked a third. The dining experience aims to "blend gastronomy and activism on a global scale" as they hope to raise awareness on the the challenges and threats to the global food system. "The menu at Iris reads like a story, " a statement said. "A story about the challenges and threats to the global food system, but also with ideas and suggestions for future innovations, that can help bring us closer to solving them." The tasting menu itself is priced at 3,200 Norwegian Krone ($316) with an optional wine pairing for 2,500 Norwegian Krone ($247). For those who want to visit the Salmon Eye, but don't want to dine in, they can buy a ticket for a two-hour "learning experience" at the centre priced at 349 Norwegian Krone ($34). Images: Salmon Eye Website/ Instagram, TikTok

Food & Wine

George Calombaris bans "racist" diner

Celebrity chef George Calombaris has publicly slammed a diner's "racist" review of his Victorian restaurant, The Hellenic House Project, and banned them from visiting his business. The diner left a negative Google review of the restaurant yesterday, claiming that it was the "Worst 'non' dining experience ever!" The diner claimed they had to wait six weeks for a booking to arrive at the first sitting, and had issues with the manager who they ordered food from. They alleged that after 45 minutes of waiting for their food to arrive, they had to find a waiter themselves and was told the manager had "forgot" to put in the order. "Typically, we weren't offered any compensation except that our food would be out in 5 mins. Which it wasn't. I should've realised it was going to be a disaster when I had to ask for the menu after 10 [minutes]," wrote the customer. "Like others, we've dined in many, many restaurants and were keen to try this 'authentic Greek' experience. It was far from it. "Practically none of the staff were Greek (including' the Manager who was of Indian descent) and the menu didn't reflect what has been posted online. Calombaris - this place is a joke and you've certainly got a few people fooled," they concluded. They gave a one out of five star rating for everything. The celebrity chef hit back at the scathing review by posting a screenshot of it on Instagram with the caption: "Won't lie. I am 99 percent a very positive human. But this is horrible. "Yes. We made a mistake with your order. We are humans. And yes my manager is Indian. You know who you are guys. You're not welcome ever to @thehellenichouseproject," he added. "You don't have to speak Greek or be a Greek to work at THHP. You just have to be a good human. I am so proud of my team. I hate racism. F****n hate it." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvRLCjGSYZy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvRLCjGSYZy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by George Calombaris (@gcalombaris)</a> </div> </blockquote> Various celebrity chefs have come to his defence including, My Kitchen Rules judge Manu Feildel. "Well done George, people like this should just stay home. And that is a very polite way to say what I really feel like saying," he commented with an angry emoji. Calombaris' former MasterChef co-host and celebrity chef also came to his defence, with a quote from diplomat Mohamad Safa. "Our world is not divided by race, colour, gender or religion. Our world is divided into wise people and fools. And fools divided themselves by race, colour, gender, or religion," he commented Former MasterChef contestant Nicholas Fredrick Riewoldt also commented his support and said, "5/5 across the board when I visited @thehellenichouseproject love you GC ❤️". Another former MasterChef contestant Dan Churchill also defended Calombaris. "Standing up for your team mate, huge. You often ask if this kind of note means the individual needs a hug. Absolutely love @thehellenichouseproject," he commented. Images: Instagram

Food & Wine

“F**k vegans”: Top chef bans vegans from restaurant

Top Aussie chef John Mountain has banned all vegans from his restaurant in Connoly, Perth after an ugly dispute with a customer split the internet. The chef took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce that vegans won’t be catered to at his restaurant Fyre, which is a big missed steak for the vegans. “Sadly all vegans are now banned from Fyre (for mental health reasons),” he wrote. “We thank you for your understanding. Xx.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctq0GAXP1Lm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctq0GAXP1Lm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Fyre (@fyrerestaurant)</a> </div> </blockquote> The ban reportedly came after a diner complained about the lack of vegan options and was charged $32 for a vegetable dish that was “okay but not that filling”. The young woman also added a personal attack against Mountain and said that his lack of accommodation showed his “shortcomings as a chef”. She also added that she’s “seen many restaurants come and go from that building and none of them last. “If you don’t get with the times, I don’t hold out faith that your restaurant will be the one that does.” Mountain accepted the complaint but not the personal attack, so he replied: “Thanks for your negative review… please feel free to share your s**tty experience and I look forward to not seeing you again.” “How very childish. You and all your vegan mates can all go and enjoy your dishes in another venue. You are now banned” Mountain, who was all Fyred up, also said: “F**k vegans seriously … I’m done. At the end of the day, it’s not what I want to do, they can f**k off.” Since the entire ordeal Fyre has been flooded with one star reviews, but many others have awarded it five stars and flooded the comments with positive messages. “Because of your news article I'm now following you and intend to book ! Love your comments and your wit!” wrote one person. “Never been to your restaurant before but we sure will be coming for a steak soon!!! Good on you for standing up for your restaurant,” commented another. “I can’t understand why so many vegans behave like meatheads,” commented a third. Image: Nine/ Instagram

Food & Wine

Restaurant's "brutal" note divides customers

A restaurant has come under fire for their "brutal" note to difficult patrons, encouraging "privileged" customers who wish to "customise or modify" their menu, to stay home instead. A sign posted to the restaurant's front door urged customers with allergies to eat elsewhere as staff simply cannot "provide the service they require". While some applauded the restaurant's no-nonsense stance, others were shocked by the "rude and disgusting" message. "No means no. Are you one of the small group of people who have been living and entitled and privileged life?" The sign reads. "Maybe your mother has taken the onions out of your salad, put the dressing on the side, or substitute your vegetables. Here, however, all meals are served precisely the way we prepare them. We do not offer custom meals." "Remember, we are not your mother and we are definitely not genies that will make your every wish come true." Chef Jozef and restaurant owner Nathalie listed alternative choices for the "privileged" few including hiring a private chef, cooking for themselves "precisely the way you like", trying another establishment or accept their hospitality as it is offered. "We have been cooking for almost 50 years. We have many kind, friendly people, acquaintances and families that have been coming for many decades," they wrote. "So look around, it is a pleasure to see their happy smiles and provide them with our best food possible." The message also called out those with allergies and food sensitivities, encouraging them to take their business elsewhere. "It is simply not possible to guarantee each product used in this kitchen. Furthermore, we do not have the qualifications to provide you with the service you require," they said. The strongly worded sign caught the attention of many online, with some praising the restauranteurs as "honest" and "brilliant". "Amen, the public is not always right. And actually most of the time they're not. This establishment is well within their right to post this," one person commented. "You know from the very start how things are. It's one restaurant. If you don't like it, there are so many others you can go to instead... No need to have a sook. Just go elsewhere. Some of us would enjoy a restaurant like this," a second pointed out. Despite some support for the restaurant's honesty, others were taken aback with lots of people criticising the hard-line stance for being "snarky" and "rude". One disgruntled person commented, "If you are not able or willing to provide what your guests need or even give service, it might seem better to be honest but this message is rude and disgusting. Don't seek employment in service roles and then complain." Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Food & Wine

Restaurant under fire for denying entry to war veteran with service dog

A Perth restaurant has been slammed after denying entry to a US war veteran and his service dog. David Pearce and his English Labrador, Gunner, were denied entry to the Chinese restaurant Juice Bao Bao on May 19. Gunner is a certified service dog who assists Pearce through life as he suffers from PTSD, hearing loss and a brain injury. "I tried to explain he's a service dog and they have to allow us in and they said no service dogs, the owner doesn't want any dogs," Pearce said "It was embarrassing, [and] a bit humiliating.” Pearce sustained his injuries while serving in Iraq and Syria. He has served in the US military for nearly 20 years. He and Gunner have been “best buddies” for nine years. "He's saved my life a couple of times," Pearce said. Pearce has launched an official complaint to the Western Australian government following the ordeal. Juice Bao Bao manager Elaine Hsu took responsibility for the decision to refuse entry to Pearce. "That was my personal decision so that's my fault," she told 9News. "We want to sincerely apologise to him and we want to ask him to come here [for a] free meal. "[We will] make sure this [does] not happen again.” The restaurant has received a number of negative reviews since Pearce shared his story. "I'm not really interested in a free meal, although some dumplings would go down really nicely," Pearce said . "I'm just happy that they're changing their policy." Assistance and service dogs are legally allowed to enter any public venue if their certification is displayed on their vest and the owner can provide a service animal ID. Image credit: 9News / Nine

Travel Trouble

Restaurant owner weighs in on Jobseeker furore

A restaurant owner from Melbourne has made his thoughts on Jobseeker clear, just days after Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union president <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/get-a-job-ben-fordham-slammed-over-interview-with-welfare-recipient">Jez Heywood spoke to Ben Fordham in a tense interview</a>. Chris Lucas - the owner of a number of establishments including Chin Chin and Grill Americano - offered his take on that exchange, even informing Fordham that he had “plenty of opportunities” available should Heywood want to apply. “The good news is we’ve got over 150 full-time and part-time jobs currently vacant in Melbourne and about 30 vacancies in Sydney,” Lucas explained. His invitation took a turn, however, when he went on to add that those opportunities were for “anyone who wants to pull their finger out and get on with life and get a real job”, completely disregarding the numerous reasons someone may not be the right fit for - or able to take on - a specific role. “We’d obviously like to meet Jez and see what kind of character he is,” he continued, “but at the end of the day if you’ve got a good character and a good work ethic, and are serious about making a contribution to society rather than being a dole bludger, of course [we want to hear from you].” After noting that he was having a difficult time drawing in potential employees, Lucas asked why anyone would “at a time of record employment go and increase the dole by another $20 a week?” He declared that it “doesn’t make any sense to him”, and shared his opinion that “it’s like taking a slab of beer to an Alcoholics Anonymous picnic.” From there, he reiterated the fact that he had “nearly 200 vacancies” and that he knew of numerous other restaurants that had found themselves in a similar situation, “struggling to get workers”. Superior People Recruitment’s Graham Wynn agreed, noting that he’d “run this business for about 15 years, I’ve got more work on my books than I’ve ever had and yet we’re still finding it difficult to find people to fill these vacancies. “I’m happy to look at anybody’s resume at the moment, certainly to see if we can help them. We’re crying out for jobseekers. “I think we all accept there are people out there who don’t want to work, but if they do want to work there is work out there definitely. “For your own self esteem, getting back into work is critical.” Images: Twitter

Money & Banking

“It's like they hate customers”: Restaurant surcharge ignites the internet

It’s a common experience to look at a restaurant’s menu and find hidden charges laying in the fine print - from service fees to split bill and public holiday costs, it can feel like surcharges are everywhere. And while it’s legal for such establishments to expect as much from their customers, particularly when it comes to public holidays, one particular cafe has ignited a debate over what’s actually reasonable when it comes to such surcharges. An exasperated customer launched the conversation when they <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/134a652/how_much_is_too_much_for_a_public_holiday/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted to Reddit</a>, sharing an image of a menu they’d encountered while dining out in Brisbane, and the 25 per cent surcharge attached to it. “How much is too much for a public holiday surcharge?” they asked, before expanding with “what’s a fair go surcharge for a struggling business owner these days?” The comments flooded in from there, and one thing became clear: 25 per cent was well above what many were willing to pay, unless they could guarantee the extra fees were going directly into the wallets of the staff. One got right to the point when they declared, “25% = I eat elsewhere.” “I can understand [a] public holiday surcharge for 10% or 15%,” another said, “but isn't [it] that [being] open on public holidays often attracts much more business than usual, giving the restaurant an advantage such as higher cash flow?” “10% is fair, 25% is robbery,” one agreed. However, not all were of the opinion that walking away from such a cost was the only option, instead noting that “if I go out on a public holiday I am prepared for it to be exxy, I wouldn't have an issue with 25%.” And for some, the public holiday fee wasn’t the issue. Their problem? The extra 7% just to split a bill. “Even if I'm not split billing, f**k any place that charges extra for split billing, ESPECIALLY 7%,” one complained. “JFC, how are people not more upset about that part?” “25% is outrageous, as is 7% for splitting bills. It's like they hate customers,” said one. Another had a few questions about it, writing “that's higher than normal, but why is there a 7% surcharge for splitting the bill? It takes like an extra 30 seconds tops.” “Because people want it, and if they want anything you find a way to charge for it, even if it costs literally nothing,” came the reply. “Gotta get that hustle … Then they wonder why no-one comes back.” Unfortunately for the Redditors, restaurants and cafes in Australia have the freedom to set whatever surcharges they see fit as long as they don’t try to hide them on their menus. As the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has declared, “restaurants, cafes and bistros that charge a surcharge on certain days do not need to provide a separate menu or price list or have a separate price column with the surcharge factored in. “However, the menu must include the words ‘a surcharge of [percentage] applies on [the specified day or days]’ and these words must be displayed at least as prominently as the most prominent price on the menu. “If the menu does not have prices listed, these words must be displayed in a way that is conspicuous and visible to a reader. These measures apply to pricing for both food and beverages.” Images: Reddit

Money & Banking

Hilarious hiring sign tells it like it is

A restaurant scorched by unreliable employees has bluntly advertised what they’re searching for with an ad that reads, “Now hiring: non-stupid people.” Santino’s Pizzeria hung the all-caps banner outside its Columbus, Ohio, storefront in jest, according to local news outlet WSYX, but it’s just now come to the attention of the public after a customer posted a photo of it on social media. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/03/PIZZA-SIGN-FULL-HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Jayden Dunigan, whose family owns the pizzeria, told WSYX that the sign was meant to be a joke, explaining the struggle of spending the time and money to train new employees only for them not to turn up. “A lot of the people we’ve hired just don’t want to work,” Dunigan said. “There is no work ethic behind them, so that’s the meaning behind the ‘non-stupid’.” The sign was backed by the online community, with the restaurant receiving plenty of support after the sign went viral on social media. “They are 100 per cent correct,” one person commented. “In addition they should add non-lazy, also!” Another comment read, “Honest hiring practices are always best.” There were a few users who did not see the humour in the sign. “If that’s the first impression you choose to make as a business owner, don’t complain when your employees leave,” one person wrote on Twitter. The restaurant has faced some costly backlash, with the Pizzeria getting calls and pranks. Dunigan told the news outlet than someone called the restaurant to place a fake. Order that was over $100 in response to the sign. “It was about 10 pizzas. We made the order, he called back, he talked down to one of our employees. He said our pizza sucks, and he’s cancelling the order,” Dunigan said about the prankster. Instead of letting the food go to waste, Dunigan said they donated it. “Since we don’t enjoy wasting food here, we always think that someone else in need can enjoy the food,” Dunigan said. Another manager at Santino’s, Heather Stockton, told WBNS, “Instead of judging our signs, why don’t you come judge our pizzas? Our pizzas are really good.” Image credit: Twitter

Money & Banking

Russell Crowe and girlfriend denied entry at restaurant

Actor Russell Crowe and his girlfriend Britney Theriot were refused entry at a Melbourne restaurant for not meeting the smart-casual dress code, according to a report. The pair went to eat at Mr Myagi, a Japanese-fusion establishment in Melbourne, wearing outfits they had played tennis in earlier that day, and the staff were quick to deny them entry. “He went there wearing a brand new Ralph Lauren polo, having just played a game of tennis and was turned away,” Crowe’s manager Grant Vandenberg told the Daily Mail Australia. Mr Miyagi describes itself as “casual but fancy” where “work gear, activewear, singlets, and thongs” are forbidden. The restaurant’s management doubled down on their decision to deny the pair service, saying no one is above their rules. “We treat everyone the same. It doesn’t matter who you are or if you are Russell Crowe. We’ve got a dress code that we push across every level,” restaurant owner Kristian Klein told The Herald Sun. “We are consistent with it and I don’t feel like it’s unreasonable," Klein added. “But I know personally if I’m in my thongs and my boardies, I’m not going to try and go to a nice restaurant, because I wouldn’t be dressed appropriately.” Klein said the staff member that denied Crowe’s entry did not know who the Gladiator actor was, and it was a “very unfortunate situation for everyone”. The restaurant had some fun with the situation, posting an updated dress code policy on Instagram. “Dress smart casual, unless you’re Russell Crowe, then wear whatevs,” the sign read. Mr Myiagi also addressed Crowe to clear the air. “Dear Russell, During your last visit it seems we got off on the wrong foot. After much reflection on what occurred, we have made a permanent change to our dress code,” the caption read. “We would love to see you again in the future, you’re always welcome at Mr. Miyagi.” According to the Daily Mail, radio broadcaster Steve Price and his partner were turned away from Mr Miyagi just days later for the same reason. Crowe has now joined the list of recent A-listers who were denied service from restaurants. Talk show host James Corden was banned from Balthazar, Keith McNally’s restaurant in Manhattan, in October 2022 after he allegedly mistreated the restaurant’s staff. Other celebrities that have been turned away from establishments include Ariana Grande, who was banned from a California doughnut shop after being seen on a surveillance camera licking unattended pastries. Image credit: Getty

Food & Wine

Woman spots dead husband in restaurant's new promo video

A seemingly innocent promotional Facebook advertisement has prompted a slew of theories online, after a woman claims to have seen her dead husband sitting in a restaurant. An Indian restaurant by the name of Spice Cottage, located in West Sussex in the UK, has been flooded with social media comments after posting a video of their bustling business. The video shows happy diners tucking into meals as waiters attend to customers in the clip, which ends with a round of applause for the staff. After the video was shared to Facebook, a woman by the name of Lucy Watson commented a strange question, asking, "How old is the footage? My late husband and his son are on the first shot and he died in 2014??" A reply from the restaurant said, "Hi Lucy, sorry to hear this. This footage was recorded last week.'" The post has now amassed hundreds of comments from social media users, who swapped theories about the bizarre mystery. One person demanded an update from Ms Watson on her husband's death, while others chose to look on the lighter side as the jokes rolled in. One Facebook user said, "He wasn't dead. He was just in a korma." Another wrote, "I was there on this day and the flat bread that I ordered arrived after our main course, it was my late naan." Both Ms Watson and Spice Cottage have yet to comment further on the mystery. Image credits: Facebook

Family & Pets

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Restaurant charges diners $95 to slice up birthday cake

Man behind viral "democracy manifest" arrest dies

Internet icon falls asleep during interview with Karl

Restaurant sparks debate over “age discrimination”

Culinary legend closing famous restaurant

Chinese zoo's "panda" display under fire

Restaurant sparks outrage for "ridiculous" fee

Restaurant's kind act for struggling Aussies

Parents slapped with hefty fee over badly behaved children

"Unbelievable but true": Tourist outraged over shocking restaurant fee

"I can’t a fjord it": Inside one of the world’s most extreme restaurants

George Calombaris bans "racist" diner

“F**k vegans”: Top chef bans vegans from restaurant

Restaurant's "brutal" note divides customers

Restaurant under fire for denying entry to war veteran with service dog

Restaurant owner weighs in on Jobseeker furore

“It's like they hate customers”: Restaurant surcharge ignites the internet

Hilarious hiring sign tells it like it is

Russell Crowe and girlfriend denied entry at restaurant

Woman spots dead husband in restaurant's new promo video

Our Partners