The Independent Restaurant & Bar

The food was simple, but adequate and well executed. The wait staff were generally good and the couple that lacked experience made up for it with enthusiasm. But, the entire evening was ruined because one person (Laura the manager) was in a job they shouldn’t really be in.
I was there with around 40 people who had paid $ 110 each to hear Australia’s foremost expert on orangutans and orangutan conservation give a short talk. As the presentation began, I asked Laura the manager if the speaker directly above where we were located could be turned down so we could hear the presentation. Upon, being told that the speaker could not be isolated, I then asked if the music could be turned down a little as it was very difficult to hear the talk.
Her reply, in the most arrogant and disdainful tone, was «You haven’t booked out the whole restaurant you know».
This was of course true, but by this time of the evening there were only two tables of four left in the entire building and they all seemed engrossed in their own conversations and so reducing the volume of their (very bland, generic) music would almost certainly not adversely effect them and therefore, did not seem an unreasonable request.
Laura did not see it that way, this was ‘her’ restaurant, she was in charge, things would only be done when she decided.
The twenty people who sat closest to the presenter heard just fine and will no doubt go forth and spread the pearls of wisdom that were imparted upon them as to how to save this incredible species from seemingly imminent extinction. The other twenty of us will have to hazard a guess, all because Laura the snooty manager decided that she was too important to consider the wishes of (many) others and was too inexperienced to know how to compromise and prioritise.
Some people are just not suited to the hospitality industry.

Who would have thought little old Gembrook could host such sophistication? Built in half the old garage and preserving a lot of the fittings, this place is a standout in every way. The food is interesting and hearty. Many people would prefer to share a meat/​fish platter and add sides or entrees. Loved the crunchy chicken and the potatoes but my dream dish is the chocolate trifle with meringue, berries and crumbled dark chocolate. The wine list is extensive and interesting. There is a long list by the glass too –both Argentinian and Australian. Service is tight and friendly. This will not be my only visit.
*specialises in gluten free and other dietary restrictions.

This restaurant is fabulous. A few weeks ago friends and I caught the Puffing Billy Train to Gembrook and found this restaurant for lunch. Some weeks later my parents are visiting from interstate so I took them for lunch today.
An absolute winner.
The lunch special is great value, 3 smallish (but by no means tiny) plates each and a glass of wine, beer or soft drink for just $ 25. The food is prepared at the time of ordering and is fresh and delicious. The variety of dishes to choose from is great.
I had a mini Chorizo burger, lightly salted calamari with aioli and mozzarella with cucumber (kind of pickled).
The other items were Argentinian pasties, chicken and corn, and smoky maple flavoured baby carrots just to name the few my family had.
These items are all on the main menu, along with a large variety of other dishes.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
I will be telling anyone I know about this place and definitely going back again!
Thanks for a lovely meal.