Review of an Experience
Following through on the Review Series (Part 1 and Part 2), we will now learn about writing reviews on an experience. The experience could be visiting a restaurant or staying at a hotel. In the following example, we look at reviewing a restaurant.
Cavanaugh Cafe for your Cuppa!
Located at the corner of the High Street and Mains at Sandringham is a quaint little cafe called Cavanaugh Heights. The cafe opens its doors at 07:00 a.m. and is known for the best latte in the neighbourhood. At a stone's throw away is the Sandringham train station, and the cafe buzzes like bees between the hours of 07-09:00 a.m. In fact, every other person that hops onto the train from Sandringham station carries a cuppa that reads, 'Come to Cavanaugh to find your cuppa!’ Quite a catchy one at that, don’t you think? The cafe runs through Tuesday to Sunday from 07:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.
As soon as you turn the corner of Main Street, a waft of waffles, scones and latte invites you to the white-walled cafe with French windows. A lovely woman at the coffee counter sweeps in and registers your order on the computer in the blink of an eye. You are then directed to stand in the waiting bay for about three and a half (3.5) minutes precisely, before handing out your order. The cafe owner is quite charming. Every time you visit, he entertains you with his short, riveting stories. It really gets you going for the day.
Cavanaugh Heights is famous for its butter croissants and sourdough bread. Last weekend, I tried their 'Big Boy Brekky,’ and indeed, it was a big boy! Served with creamy mashed potatoes, burnt tomato, stir-fried mushrooms and baked beans are sourdough breads that are so soft that they melt in your mouth like chocolate. The best part, you can choose how you like your eggs (sunny side up, poached, boiled, etc). They even club it (poached or fried with a sunny side up), if you are in the mood to have more than two eggs. With a secret dash of herbs added to sausages and salamis, they cook the meat to the perfect temperature. Interestingly, it gets your palette craving for more.
There are about six tables in total: three inside and three outside on the pavement where you can hear the waves splashing against the rocks in the ocean, soak in the midday sun, hear the whistling of the trains and enjoy your leisurely day. One downside to the cafe is that during weekends, the place is packed to the brim. Sometimes it's difficult to enjoy your breakfast that way. However, the snow-white interior with wooden bookshelves on the sides, cosy couches at each table, smiling servers, and of course the ever-charming owner who knows almost everyone by name, is something no other cafe can beat. It's the charm, warm nature and the special care that each customer receives that makes one go over and over to the cafe.
My overall experience in the cafe is awesome and I make sure I visit the cafe at least twice a month to try the various items on the menu (sandwiches, burgers, pastries, etc.). The cafe even goes creative during the weekends by introducing some specials such as exotic smoothies (Kiwi is my personal favourite), carrot and walnut pastries, spinach and corn sandwiches, etc. Besides the lively charm of the cafe, the pricing too is nominal. An average price for two would be £30.00. I would rate the cafe as 4.5/5. Next time you are in the Sandringham neighbourhood, step in for a taste of butter croissant and latte—it’d make your day!
The example covers an overall opinion of the restaurant/cafe, in addition to presenting the mood of the cafe. The review also covers the best as well as the downside. Key elements to notice in the example are location, timings, price, service and a summary of overall feelings. If you are planning to visit a restaurant this weekend, keep a note of the mentioned elements. You could possibly write a review about it later.