Sitting by the lake on a Friday afternoon, waiting for the fountain to blow at 2pm, hubby and I…read morebroke off from the gallery paths to find a spot for afternoon tea.
Dom's might be new - I'm not a local, but I couldn't find any white pages or yellow pages listings. It's right on the walkway, though, within a hundred metres or so of another cafe, and close to the Gallery of Australian Design. There's parking around Parkes, but chances are you'll walk from a landmark along the lake to get here.
Ambience ***
This is a small 'hut'-like eatery. I wouldn't call it a dedicated espresso bar, or gelato stall, as there are light meals and cakes on offer. There are about four wooden tables with chairs set up in the shadow of the bar, and the view, along with the well built lakeside walkway make for a calm, quiet spot to sit down and enjoy the day.
The tables were full when we were there, and though there were two staff on, we were told we'd have to set up our own table and chairs of the fold up ones which were available leaning up against a wall. I've never had to set up my own table and chairs at a cafe/ espresso bar before, and was put off that the staff don't do this themselves for their customers. It did put a dampener on what would have been a relaxing afternoon tea sitting by the lake.
There are also signs saying that the bar is only counter service and that customers are expected to clean up after themselves. Again, it puts a dent into what should be a chilled experience.
Radio style music played in the background, and if the half hearted Italiano effort wants to be improved, then I would suggest changing to a more traditional Italian style music choice - people aren't coming here for the music, but I don't want to hear talkback radio while sitting in one of Canberra's most iconic scenic spots.
Service ***
Although the staff who were on were very polite, smiling, and quick, its probably because they don't have to interact with their patrons beyond that initial sale. My experience would have been much more pleasant if I'd seen one of them come around and tidy up tables and chairs, wipe a surface down, or come and take away a dirty dish or two - just an instance where they might have offered that extra smile or bit of conversation. There might have been upward of 20 customers, but the staff seem to use the stall as a retreat to keep distance between 'us' and 'them'.
Food **
I'm not a fan. Though to their credit, I never had a coffee, and can only vouch for the food. The panini lacked a few more fillings, and the wrap over-cheesed and under-lettuced, and I was, after much thought, very unhappy to have paid $23.50 for the two meals (a coke and a bottle of water included).
Although the lack of substance to the meals was a disappointment, I had been asked if I wanted my wrap toasted, and the over abundance of cheese might be explained that way. However it just overpowered anything else in the wrap, and I've made and sold enough wraps to know there would have been no hassle to shove another handful of lettuce or other fillings in there without compromising the wrap itself.
Hubby went back for gelato after finding his salami panini didn't quite hit the spot, and a few spoonfuls was all I needed to get a sugar high; its so sweet! To be expected with a flavour like mango, but the vanilla was almost flavourless because of the sugariness. The chocolate was, however, better. If not perfect, there are fun chunks of chocolate to be found in the gelato.
End notes:
Maybe it's my lack of local knowledge. Maybe the price for our meals is acceptable by Canberra standards. I can say that I've been, I've tried, and if I'm in the area again, I won't be avoiding the place because I don't want to go there, it will just be because there are other cafes around which I'll be curious to try.
