MOO (Money Order Office)

Posted by: gb00 | 14 August 2009, 10.10am

Did the Age's winter special menu where you get $45pp for two courses. We chose to go to MOO because we saw on their online menu that the 200g steak was an option and thought it would be good to try. Well, it wasn't on the menu the night we were there, but OK, we could deal with that.

So we ordered the blue-eye and the pork belly. OMG, I couldn't believe how small the portions were when they arrived. We asked ourselves if we were getting such small portions because we were getting a special deal. Surely not??

The pork belly was a 3xm x 3cm square of pork accompanied by a tbsp of mash. It was adequate but not what you'd expect of a good restaurant. The blue-eye sat in a broth so flavourless and bland, it was embarrassing. How could a chef dish up something that bad?

The desserts were lovely, but we were just sooo peeved beyond words by the stinginess of the mains. It wouldn't have been so bad if they tasted great, but they were below average, particularly so for a restaurant that charges those prices as well. We were hoping for a tasty meal that would entice up to come back for a full meal with the works but instead, even with the special, we felt cheated. We ended up having to go get another meal after MOO.

The service was competent but so cold. It would've been nice if the waitress smiled a little. No conversation needed, just something a little welcoming. The restaurant was cold and didn't have much atmosphere to it. Definitely won't be coming back.

Food:			Visit: Fri 14 August 2009 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Food Nut | 2 July 2009, 11.21am

Imagine two couples catching up after a long absense ...where to go? Somewhere to talk with good food and non intrusive service.
They had been to MOO and wanted to share their fave restaurant with us.
I am so glad they did ... we spoke so much about the space, the food and the seamless service.
We were offered an entree sharing plate which had several tastings od the entree menu ... way to go ... although the seared Canadian scallops with shaved fennel and orange were a standout.
Mains of braised Blue Eye, vongole were well constructed and presented with delicate flavours that highlighted the superb fish. Others ate the lamb, pork and duck dishes. All raved about the food and claimed they were the "winners".
The wine list is huge but easy to follow. I checked the prices of some drops I have had of late and found the prices about 10% less ... good news for me.
We particularly enjoyed the Mount Camel shiraz from Heathcote ($69).
Dessert was a shared platter again ... with a glass of French sticky .... coffee and then in a blissful state I scaled the stairs and embraced Melbournes' cold night air.
I've eaten better food, had better service and enjoyed some amazing views whilst eating ..... but MOO delivers on the TOTAL DINING EXPERIENCE.

Food:			Visit: Sat 27 June 2009 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Anna-Louise | 28 May 2009, 6.05pm

The atmosphere is wonderful, which continues with discreet but attentive service and food that goes down nicely. It is the perfect restuarant for good conversations.

Food:			Visit: Thu 21 May 2009 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: TaschyB | 5 April 2009, 11.31am

Worst meal / experience we've had in a long time - go elsewhere
MOO, Saturday night (28th of March). A group of 9 of us celebrating the birthday of one of our friends, chose MOO for dinner. It was a very disappointing experience. Very.
In short:
- clueless waitress - our waitress while sweet, seemed to be on her first or maybe second night on the job. She was very sweet but completely clueless about the meals, when questioned about basic ingredients on the menu she said she didn't know what they were - repeatedly not knowing about how meals were prepared and what certain items on the menu were - even more unfortunately she did not go to ask the kitchen. She seemed very new at being a waitress and wasn't even sure what side the bread plate was meant to go on and therefore served everybody on the wrong side??! When we arrived, the table had crockery and cutlery missing... thus adding to her confusion. There were only 2 larger tables with people dining (as in not the booths) so not a super busy night to have so many things go wrong.
- only one piece of bread for you! : we all got one piece of bread and then when about an hour later we requested more bread, were informed that in fact the kitchen had run out?! Seriously? How can you run out of bread?
- continuously asked for water and wine refills, continuously
- entree scallops = cold, not yum!
- main fillets - a number of our table ordered the same fillet with various degrees of well-done to rare... the wrong dishes were given to the wrong people
- no vegetarian main meal option
- no fruit for you! : one of our party requested just fruit for dessert and was told that there was no fruit. When our cheese platter arrived, it in fact had fruit on it
- large amounts of wines on the list were missing - in fact whole sections were not available even though still on the menu
- mains side dishes did not arrive till after all the mains had been served, eaten and taken away and arrived to an empty table where we were considering desserts
- tiniest dry martini ever - martini came out with about 2 cms in the bottom of the glass, when remarked to staff, they brushed our guest off and said that was the standard pour
- one of the waiters came out announcing chicken, chicken... chicken! No reply... when one of our party said is that maybe the fish, he went, yes. Man, that is good service.
- Service all over the place - The waiting staff seemed to have no concept of what side to serve from, with arms darting left, right and often straight in front of our faces as they collected plates, glasses, etc.
- 1 wine list for 9 people - it's fun sharing, NOT!
- 1 dessert list for 9 people
There seemed to be no semblance of what a cockup it was on the part of the staff, even though we were quite vocal about it and have subsequently emailed MOO wanting an explanation from management. To date (a week), there has been no reply.

Food:			Visit: Sat 28 March 2009
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: dell8 | 19 January 2009, 4.51pm

Went to MOO to celebrate a friend's birthday and was incredibly disappointed. Experience was similar to hch below. The evening started well, taking in the cool atmosphere and despite the inexperience of our waitresses; her managers were overseeing her and amending any mistakes. However after our entrees, the service diminished. From their magnificently long wine list, we ordered our 2nd bottle to be told not available (this happened for our 1st order too) so ordered another. The waitress opened the wine then showed us and it was the wrong year. We asked about this, and after she referred to her managers, came back with 2 bottles selected by the managers saying the year we wanted wasn't available. A member of our group said he would prefer to select his own from the wine list but we never received a wine list and finally asked for the manager. By the time this had all transpired, we were half way through our average main courses and very thirsty. The manager didn't appear interested and just tried to sell us the bottle of wine already opened and left us the wine list. No one returned to ask our next wine selection or provided any level of service until we asked for the bill after finishing our main meal. It is the worst level of service I have ever experienced by an establishment which charges prices that you expect good service. Ruined what was meant to be a lovely evening with friends.

Food:			Visit: Sat 17 January 2009 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: hch | 14 December 2008, 11.02am

The food was great for a limited menu. The wine list was extensive, we just happened to pick a white that they didn't have. The surroundings and the atmosphere was lovely. We dined with business associates and were looking forward to a wonderful night, but due to poor service it upset the evening. I don't approve of waitresses chewing gum whilst speaking to you and her attitude towards us was unpleasant. I don't know why the service deteriorated over the evening, towards the end of our dinner, we had to ask to be served.

When it came to coffee, the machine had broken down. I did query this as the next table had coffee obtained from upstairs. It was amazing how a short time after that, the coffee machine made an immediate recovery and we were able to get coffee. My husband and I dine out all the time and I have never been treated as we were last night. I will not return, such a shame as it was only the staff that let the restaurant down.

Food:			Visit: Sat 13 December 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Gozzy | 1 November 2008, 4.08pm

Having recently arrived in Melbourne from glitzy Sydney town we decided to check out a bit of local culture. MOO has all the astomosphere you could want, down a lane, underground combined with great cocktails. Dinner was relaxed, not rushed and food was just perfect. Highly recommended for a night out with that special person in your life or maybe a bunch of gals for a great meal with great wine. Got the last bottle of a 1998 Cullens Cab Merlot - just to top it off.

Food:			Visit: Fri 15 August 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: hillary | 28 September 2007, 5.06pm

As a relative newcomer to Melbourne, I've been very keen to check out the city's laneways for interesting bars and restaurants. I'm very happy to say that in the Money Order Office I found an absolute bottler on one of my first excursions. Stepping down into this basement eatery off Little Bourke Street, the first impression is very very Melbourne - tastefully decorated, warm and welcoming. Diners can choose a standard table or an intimate alcove while passing comment on the tasteful decoration, most notably a very impressive set of wrought iron gates which enclose the dining area.

An excellent selection of wines (available by the glass) and beer on tap is on offer to complement a small but varied menu which caters to all tastes. Our table enjoyed dishes of quail, duck and one of the most tender pieces of rump this writer has ever had, while the bruleed rice pudding is not to be missed.

With mains priced around $35 and desserts at $14 plus, it's not the cheapest night out however I have no hesitation in recommending MOO to friends and colleagues. I'm putting this one in the little black book, it's worth going back to.

Food:			Visit: Thu 20 September 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere: