Big Boiz Cafe — Restaurant in Port Macquarie

Noticed the restaurant driving past a couple of times. Mental note: must go there, looks nice. On my way to Panthers, oh yes, Emanuel's; excited to try somewhere new! First timer, no googling, no idea about the menu, and opening hours. 5.30pm. The lights are dim; the chef, two wait persons, and a bartender are behind the counter. At the door, are they closed or open? People inside watching me. Look for opening hours on the door and windows 🤷‍♀️ Open the door, inquire, yes, they're open. Yay. I'm the first customer. Young lady smiling, walks forward with ipad, inquires if I have a reservation, no, how many? one. Turns around to inquire with the chef, he asks, how many? Again I say, one, he doesn't seem happy but nods and indicates to the tables for two. Waitress asks, which one, he waves his hand around indicating any, without cracking a smile the whole time. I choose my table. I'm told about the $10 cocktails; bargain! Choice made 😃 Look at the menu; I usually go for the salmon but not at $45! Next choice, Ravioli at $33; nope, not paying that much for pasta. I never buy steak; I make that at home. I'm ready to walk out but remember the cocktail, so reluctantly choose the chicken snitz (which I also make at home). Waiting, waiting, waiting for someone to take my order. Young man arrives with a smile. Tell him my choices. He asks which side dish, I choose, the steak chips and beetroot salad. Told, you have to pay extra for the salad. No thank you but thanks for telling me. The meal arrives, looks like a decent size; includes tomato sauce. Hmmm, I don't remember being asked what choice of sauce; maybe there wasn't any other choice. Take my first bite of each; both bland. Snitz is thin so has a crusty edge; normal knife, not easily cutting through, need a steak knife. Waiter inquires later, I need salt and pepper, please. Brings those. Pepper ✔️ Salt ❌️ Get up, go to the counter, chef asks, is everything all right? No. Exchanges the salt grinder. Salt ✔️ I'm not usually a tomato sauce gal, to get more flavour, I dipped for every bite but half-way through, I ran out 😕 Then discover a baby fly in my cocktail 😭 I'm sure it wasn't there to start with. The little bug(ger) wanted to share my drink; that was fatal, it drowned 😔 At least I'm not left hungry. I would of happily exchanged some chips for a few green salad leaves that was on offer as too much fried food. Done. Now sit and contemplate the experience whilst finishing my cocktail 🍸 All I could think of was, please don't ask me how my meal was in front of all your other customers. I paid my bill at the counter with my waiter. I thanked him, he thanked me. I walked out thinking, phew, he didn't ask about my meal. I walked past the new doner kebab place next door, thinking, I should try this next. Got into my car, debriefed with a friend, then checked the reviews. I was happy to read most others had a great experience but not for me. It left a sour taste in my mouth. I know this is long-winded, but it was one thing after another. I hope this review is taken as constructive...

OVERALL COMMENT: The price-to-quantity ratio was inconsistent. Some dishes favoured price without reflecting quantity, while others struck a good balance. The quality of the ingredients was good, and their incorporation into the meals was agreeable. Some niche peculiarities proved unsavoury. The drinks were all wonderful.

COMPANION 1 COMMENT: Bacon & Egg Burger ($14) + Cappuccino + Hashbrown ($4)

The meal adhered to the traditional B&E Roll, and was nicely done. The chilli relish was a simple yet worthwhile addition. The cappuccino was superb. Considering the cost, the portion size was lacking

COMPANION COMMENT 2: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich + Mac & Cheese ($24) + Cappuccino

The meal was nicely seasoned with a balanced and harmonious collection of herbs. The ingredients were fresh and of high quality. A variety of cheeses were used which ensured the Mac’N’Cheese didn’t get bland. The cappuccino was great. The portion size was equal in reflection to the cost.

COMPANION COMMENT 3: Poached Eggs & Toast ($14)+ Mushroom ($5)

The considerable amount of toast did not correspond to the two eggs and the mere two portobello mushrooms. The eggs were cooked well and the seasoning was perfect. While the meal was simple, it had capacity for brilliance, which in this case was not attained.

COMPANION COMMENT 4: Eggs Benedict + Hashbrown + Banana Milkshake ($30)

The presentation of the meal was appreciated, however, such was at the expense of accessible edibility. The hollandaise was pleasantly homemade and the amount provided was proportionate to the other elements. The hollandaise was thick which made it difficult to spread evenly. The hollandaise had a tangy flavour which became overpowering throughout consumption. The bacon was crispy and the croissant was fresh. The banana milkshake was great.

MY COMMENT: GF Eggs Benedict + Hot Chocolate ($29)

The eggs were poached perfectly, and the dish was served fresh and warm. The amount of bacon provided was decent. The deviation from the standard spinach was disliked. The tang in the hollandaise, caused by paprika and Dijon mustard, eventually became overpowering. Its oiliness also caused it to clump and stick together. The gluten-free bread was standard, but the portion was too large compared to the smaller quantities of the other elements. The balsamic glaze was unnecessary and contradictory to the dish’s flavours. The hot chocolate was great,...

I think if you really enjoy a farm to plate understanding for produce this is a great place to go for a steak.

It's not about an over seasoned charred piece of meat but good quality meat cooked to showcase what kind of produce we have here in australia.

Both dishes i had we're made to what i had ordered.

The steak tartare was decent especially for the price they charge. I can't say it was the best i've had but it was good value for money if that's what you're after when it comes to steak tartare

I had ordered the Flank steak, i was very curious if they could pull it off. As to cook this cut it does require good attention to detail to do it right, and I was very happy with the result of their team. The blue cheese sauce wasn't overpowering and the steak was cooked to perfection however if you're looking for a bit more S&P just ask the waiter.

So if you're planning a night out and everyone is going for a steak it's definitely one to try out as their pricing is quite fair for what they're offering when it comes to steak dining compared to many steakhouses I've been to.

Note: I went on what would have been a quiet night that turned out quite busy so i can't fault them on being short staffed and a little bit of longer waits for food. For those who want the best of good restaurant service always book in a table so they know how much staff they need for the day. Besides that i hope anyone whos in Port Macquarie I hope you have time...