Slices Family Restaurant (Caroline Springs)

Reviews about Slices Family Restaurant (Caroline Springs)

• 1 / 5

  By Michael Wilson
  This is my 3rd, and possibly last review of Slices Caroline Springs after many, MANY visits over the years. The first (a few years ago) I recall was quite deservedly positive. The 2nd (about 8 mths ago), not very good at all and now our most recent visit was the most disappointing to date. Our last Friday visit was yet another in which my wife continually insists on ordering the Linguine Al Mare (seafood pasta with White Wine) although on previous 2 occasions the pasta has been significantly overcooked. After politely re-iterating to our courteous & friendly Italian waiter of these previous issues she had, he rolled his eyes and insisted in his strong Italian restaurant that "trust me, I am '' from Italy, I too can only eat el-dente pasta so you don't have to tell me, I know *exactly* what you mean".
  
  After about 5 mins he came back to the table, dropped to eye level and proudly stated to my wife that "the pasta is sometimes pre-cooked but the chefs will make a fresh batch for you to ensure it comes out as you have asked!" After a short while our cheesy garlic bread came out, mildly warm with hard rubbery, half-melted cheese on it which was very unappealing and not like the previous times we’ve visited.
  
  However most bemusing of all was what transpired next. Our waiter brought out the Linguine and stood by asking my wife to validate what we thought must be a proud accomplishment of all involved in this magnificent feat of simply providing a non-overcooked, firm al-dente pasta. Alas, it was not to be. Not even close. After having a few bites myself after seeing the utter disappointment in my wife’s face, I have to say the main issue was not simply the case of it being one of the most soggy & overcooked pasta dishes I have tasted in many years, but the response of our authentic Italian al-dente expert, whom stated, and I'm not kidding here, "I'm sorry there's nothing we can really do, as the pasta is pre-cooked at our other restaurant, pre-portioned and transported here for final cooking." My stunned, shocked appearance after hearing these words left him visibly embarrassed (and I kind of felt sorry for the guy) but had to repeat what he said so I could take it in.
  
  "Yes that's correct" he said, confirming that they don't cook their 'home-made pasta' fresh, and ship it from their other restaurant (presumably @ Keilor) and just re-heat in the pan as per the selected sauce option. I was so shocked by this, I didn't have the presence of mind to ask him to please re-iterate the conversation we had less than 15 mins ago whereby he proudly told me the pasta would be cooked 'fresh' for us. We were offered (and supplied) a free glass of white wine for our troubles, and that was the end of it.
  
  As for my Chicken Parma, it was uninspiring, dry and overcooked. Nothing quite like what they used to dish up in the early days. If there was one positive of the night, the wait staff were quite attentive, friendly and great with our son whom loved interacting with them. I just feel sorry they seem to be part of an establishment whereby shortcuts in the kitchen seem to be resulting in an obvious decline in the quality of food coming out of it. For a restaurant (with an Italian influence) and a pretty significant part of their menu proudly proclaiming "home made pasta" to not have the capacity to boil pasta to order, is simply farcical in this day and age.
  
  I would suggest the reduced patronage I noticed on this Friday night compared to many previous occasions we have been here might be indicative that others may have noticed similar declines in the quality Slices now brings to Caroline Springs in recent months, in which I truly hope they take note of and restore themselves to the greatness they once had.
  March 05, 2017
• 5 / 5

  By Rick Hyde
  Fabulous food and Good View overlooking the lake. Family friendly and a smokers section well sealed off... Parking can be an issue. Reasonable prices and Good Service!
  December 24, 2016
• 1 / 5

  By Sophie I
  Bi-lingual waitress accused my family and I of ordering wrong meals that came to the table.
  Meals were of poor quality.
  E.g. Ceaser salad: way too much Parmesan and sauce in the ceaser, cold poached egg from the fridge
  Steak: mushroom sauce had whole mushrooms and was served cold with some cartilage like material throughout the steak - poor quality meat
  Parma: hardly any cheese and chips
  The last few times we have visited we have been very disappointed!
  September 23, 2016