Oct 2000 Volume 81 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
Thumbs Up For Plates And Platters
By Jason Squire

My partner and I had to look after my 14-year-old nephew and 12-year-old niece recently. We realized inner-city apartments aren’t the scene for this age group and so took them out for a meal. This proved problematic, in light of the eating requirements of all four of us. Thankfully, we found our way to Plates and Platters at Payneham.

As we walked into the restaurant we felt instant vindication of our decision. The place was brimming with happy-looking families. We were promptly seated within close range of the food. This made Master very happy: “Not far to pig out,” I was told. The concept of Plates and Platters is a simple, continuous supply of buffet food which includes soups, salads, a carvery, vegetables, Asian dishes and hot and cold desserts.

It wasn’t long before Master wanted to “check out” the food. As he performed this mission my partner and I had a look at the drinks menu. Thankfully this is well stocked. The choice of bottled wine and beer is extensive. We both had a glass of red to settle the nerves. Master returned giving the food the thumbs up.

I suggested to Master and Miss that they start with one of the soups while we made our way to the buffet. This was met with a look which suggested I had two heads. Master went straight to the chips and schnitzels and Miss to the soft serve ice cream. Thankfully, Miss was redirected to the vegetables by my ever-vigilant partner. I had the soup and my partner the spring roles and pickings of the Asian dishes. These were filling, and a good start to the meal. By the time my partner and I returned to the table, Master had devoured his first plate and was looking for more.

Both Master and Miss had combinations like roast pork with cheese and bread and butter pudding. My partner and I stuck to the more traditional combinations of roasted meats and stir-frys. These were all good and filling. Miss started to crumble soon after her third bowl of ice cream with chocolate mousse. I left this in the capable hands of my partner and engaged Master in conversation. I soon came to the conclusion I knew nothing about anything and he knew everything. I was “ill”, “sick” and “gnarly”, which I took to mean hip and chic.

The restaurant is designed to accommodate family groups and has little touches like televisions in the corners to keep restless patrons occupied. The supply of food is fresh and continuous. Master seemed to have hollow legs as he kept shovelling in the food. He became a great source of entertainment for my partner and me. What struck us most was the unlimited combinations he developed, like chocolate pudding, rock melon, ice cream and spring roles. He continued to pack it away while Miss remained occupied by the television.

Master eventually came to a grinding halt and Miss started to look very tired. We delivered them to their parents after being labelled “cool”, and settling the relatively small bill. My partner and I agreed Plates and Platters was the best place to have taken Master and Miss. We also thought it was the ideal place for those who wanted a quick and inexpensive meal before the pictures or a party.

Where:	Plates and Platters, corner of Portrush and Payneham Roads Payneham. Ph: 8365 3001.
Lunch:	$9.90pp (Monday - Saturday).
Dinner:	$12.90pp (Monday - Friday), $13.90pp (Saturday night, Sunday and public holidays).
Children:	$4 (ages 2 - 7), $6 (ages 8 - 12).

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