Vanilla Bean Cafe and Restaurant

A hello is free, and should be given when a guest arrives, or at least acknowledged in some way. We booked for a group of 12 but only 8 turned up, perhaps that is why we got ignored. Anyway, the place is BYO, (we find out later it's just for wine) as well as a few select alcoholic beverages, as they don't serve a cider (which is fine) I left after 10 min to purchase at a close bottlo. When I returned staff had still not approached the table...so waiting..for someone to come over I opened my own bottle as 25 min is a long time to sit without a drink or any offer of water or essentially; not seeing waitstaff at the table. We had to catch someone's attention for water, and then wait again till I had to go and get it myself from the bar. It was only then that they got annoyed with me standing there enough to come over and VERY loudly state to our table that there was a $3 dollar corkage ( there was no one to open our bottles thank you: or offer a glass to have it in). I'm sure the whole place heard. It was quite embarrassing.Your waitstaff was obviously put out, he and she were rude, sullen and gave no effort, demanded we hand her the plates and clear any extra from the table. We didn't get spoons with the rice and once agin was put out by us asking, and we said 'please', that's just good manners. You as the owner were away on holiday, the food was quite good and flavoursome, I didn't get the chilli I asked for even when I asked which duck curry contained the extra chilli, quite honestly there was a severe lack of detail and attention.

We called in here quite by chance today, I think my wife liked the name, firstly the staff were so polite and efficient, we asked several questions and nothing was a problem, that today is nice to see.The meals were very professionally presented, large plates and well covered, not just a dob in the middle of a large plate, the chef had cooked our meals to perfection, along with the sauce accompaniment, another thing that impressed us was the salt and pepper were on the table, more often than not, these days, if you wish salt and pepper you have to chase around for it.Finally the atmosphere was friendly, this we believe is a reflection of the attitude of the staff, when they are happy and jovial the atmosphere is the same.Gareth & HeidiMudgee

We've been here many times and today was for Mother's Day. The restaurant was really full and busy as you'd expect but the staff, although certainly under pressure, handled themselves well and maintained a cheerful attitude throughout. Three of our party had Salt & Pepper Squid which for the most part was excellent but a few pieces were a little chewy but we just put that down to being so busy. Meal sizes are quite large and two of us couldn't finish them.Desserts were lovely but they'd run out of some again due to Mother's Day patronage. We will certainly be back again.

Everything we had was made fresh even the entrees which is unusual for Thai restaurants I have visited. Atmosphere and service were excellent. Highly recommend both hand made local entrees and mains.

Helpful staff - most other places to eat in Bathurst had closed the night before the big race weekend. Tasty stir fries. Interesting and comfortable decor.