Who makes the better steak???

This is going to be a bit of a different review comparing the big meat ones at eagle street – I am a meat eater… I am also learning about Buddhism  which causes severe inner conflicts on my dietary requirements, however in order to try and ease my conscience I have now gone for a quality vs. quantity approach. Less meat but better quality (which also impacts on my home cooking – definitely not buying any more Coles meat).

Anyway, back to the reviews – I am a fan of good steak places and have been going to Kingsleys for a while. I simply love the place. It has a good menu at a good price, great river views and some of the best service (constantly, even when they are really busy).

So, I never really understood why Cha Cha Char constantly scored better reviews. I guess I was stuck between wanting to go and see what the fuss was about but also not wanting to verge onto the unknown just in case it was not as good as what I was used to. I did go to Cha Cha Char and my latter thought was correct – it was not worth leaving the safe haven of Kingsleys for.

a. The ambiance – it is a bright, noisy restaurant with not much atmosphere and although it is on the river you really cannot see much in the dark, plus there is no outside dining. Kingsleys has both inside and outside dining (with heaters for the winter) and is just on the river with Story Bridge views (plus its good for people spotting at the Boardwalk just downstairs).

b. The food – I like being able to order a plain steak, with my own sauce, chips and greens – a kind of make your own which you can do at Kingsleys. CCC’s menu comes with a few trimmings – never a naked steak. Of course you can ask for this but I did get a funny look when I did. The side portions also seemed to be a bit smaller than expected. Although I asked for the meat to be medium it did come out as well done so I was also not too happy with that – not annoyed enough to complain.

You also get free bread and butter at Kingsleys – a nice warm small loaf which you can cut yourself!

Oh and the dessert – we ordered a semifreddo at CCC – it was the worst dessert I had ever had anywhere. The semifreddo I make at home tastes better and that is saying something! Definitely not worth the money.

c. The service – I have never had any complaints at Kingsleys – even when once was an error in the order they apologised and removed a course from the bill. They have always been really attentive, pouring drinks as soon as the glasses are half full etc. CCC service wasn’t so attentive overall, definitely not warranting a big tip.

d. The bill – CCC came out a bit more on the expensive side for exactly the same number of plates, sides, deserts, drinks etc. It seemed like every plate was slightly higher up the scale which did impact on the overall number.

All in all there is nothing wrong with either restaurant but I do find that Kingsleys present a better dining option for a slightly smaller bill in the same location. So I still do not get why the reviews for Cha Cha Char are much better – would anyone care to explain??

PS – Kingsleys are currently offering an $18 Sunday Roast which is what we ate today and what prompted me to write this review. It turned out to be a good lazy Sunday lunch complete with wine and a Banoffee Tart for dessert. Definitely a winner if you would like a good roast or simply a cheaper plate.

Bare Essentials

Kingsleys
Address: Riparian Plaza, 71 Eagle Str Brisbane
Phone: 1300 546 475
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12.00 – 22.00
Web:www.kingsleys.com.au

Cha Cha Char Wine Bar and Grill
Address: Eagle Street Pier, Shop 5, Brisbane
Phone: 07 3211 9944
Web:www.chachachar.com.au
Drinks Licensed
Phone: $$$

Opening Hourse
Mon – Fri: 12.00 – 23.00
Sat Sun: 18.00 – 23.00