Assume that you're on a weekend trip through the beautiful SEQ countryside and you're longing for something that reminds you of the comforts of the city (that 'thing' being a delicious brekkie). Well, it will seem obvious that "Julies at the Rectory" in Esk is that place. The establishment is housed in a beautiful repurposed home and the displays and menu look great. Even the prices are similar to what you're used to in the city. This must be just what you were looking for!
Well, not so fast. Feel free to call us city-snobs, but food is not quite up to par with expectations. We had eggs benedict, sausage and eggs, and some coffees. Both meals were pretty standard; really pretty average. We hoped that the pastries (purchased for the road ahead) would bail this place out but the muffin was not really as advertised (too dry and too little sugar), and the pistachio pastry was so-so.
The place gets some bonus points for location, ambiance, friendly service (water on the tables would be nice though!), and comfy seats, which brings it back up to three stars for us. read more