24th March 2009 3:46 am
Misty's isn't just about great food, it can be an absolutely great time out. This was my 3rd time coming here (only because my boyfriend and I are trying to lose some weight :) otherwise we'd be back every week), So i can say with some authority that the service, style and experience are consistently, well, so good that it is unheard of anywhere else that i have been or told about.
First time my boyfriend and I came to the Diner, we waited briefly (a matter of seconds) while the Waitress; Whom I believe is named Ruby, tended to another customer (and for the record, while Misty is truly a wonderful host, I think this little lady does not get nearly enough credit as well) I looked over to the Kitchen and caught the eye of a young woman (Misty) who shone with a beaming smile and warm, welcoming eyes upon meeting mine. Believe me, as someone who has done their years in hospitality, as soon as I saw that kind of friendliness in someone who was busily preparing away for the various tables, it was obvious this place was different. Tonight while seated chatting and laughing with friends, I caught Misty's eye again as she busily attended to the Diner, that didn't stop her friendly smile and "how's it going?", like (again) being greeted by a friend
Chatting away with Ruby about the menu, the diner and anything else that came up in passing (no bum's rush in here), as well as Misty who appeared to make a point of greeting each and every table, making sure customers were satisfied and happily answered any questions that came up, made the entire experience feel like you were visiting your local haunt in a quaint USA suburban based film. Which i personally find rather relaxing and comforting.
On to the food. Well, the rest of the comments here seem to sum it up. Everything is wonderful, sure as with any meal it's a matter of personal preference, but with fresh produce, authentic recipes and style and a not only varied, but novel menu, there is something for everyone. Sure those dieting may want to consider the American attitude toward food, but for anyone willing to put conservatism on hold for a meal will not walk away disappointed.
*an impressive extra was during our visit tonight. A friend of mine ordered a particular item on the menu, while respecting the customers choice, our lovely waitress, who obviously cared far more for customer satisfaction than just getting the order in, let us know that while almost everything on the menu was made 'in house', that the particular item ordered, was in this instance, made off premises, and that she may prefer something else. There was nothing wrong with the item ordered, and there was absolutely no obligation for staff to follow this up, but it was obvious there was a desire to see each customer fully satisfied. Where else do you get that kind of service? to be treated not only with respect (a fleeting quality in melbourne dining) but treated almost as a friend.
Food servings are always more than I can get through, and while I don't have the largest appetite, I doubt many would walk away unfulfilled. It is worth noting though that the Thickshakes can be a meal unto themselves, so factor that in when deciding how hungry you are.
trying to think of a few bad points so that I don't come off as some paid off sycophant... well to be honest I think the week day, day time staff, while still perfectly acceptable, may be a little more of a 'phoned in' version of the evening experience. Pricing of the locally based items are well within standard range, and could even be considered cheap by chapel street standards. Imported items are at a decent premium, but go to their stockist (USAFoods in Bentleigh) and you'll see the mark up is not at the Misty's end, it's just what importation costs.
Finally would be nice to see (in time) the booth jukeboxes replaced with, say, $1 pay systems that queue to the main sound system (like Johnny Rockets back in the day, I hear Soda Rock isn't even a shadow of it's former glory) and the open hours extended a little, earlier in the week (mainly so friends and I can spend half the night soaking in the venue) but I'm sure as it becomes more successful, we'll see even more improvement.
Everyone with a sense of fun, food appreciation, variation, or even just having been brought up by American tv and culture, deserves to try out Misty's at least once.
P.S. the other two US or diner based establishments in the area that I can think of, TGIs and Soda Rock, don't hold a candle to Misty's. seriously, I have no plan to actively go back to either venue after experiencing what Misty's has to offer
The Good:
Misty and Ruby (I hope I got your name right, hon... You know who you are :) ) are the two most exceptional hostesses anywhere, any time.
The Bad:
That it isn't just a touch busier so that this fantastic spot was open a bit later