The Corner, Port Macquarie

I usually love The Corner, but this time my meal wasn't the best. And, like always, the service was uninspiring and distant. To a degree, I think that the staff at The Corner care too much about sophistication, which comes at the cost of warm, friendly service.

The Corner rotates their menu quite frequently but, it seems, not frequently enough for me. I've tried all the dishes that best meet my palate: the chicken burger, the pancakes, the chilli caramel glazed pork belly (YUM!), the mushroom risotto and the smoked chicken salad. Next on my list was the salmon. I must say, after conquering it I was severely disappointed.

For one of the most expensive items on the lunch menu, the seared Atlantic salmon w/ pomegranate and parsley salad and hazelnut dressing ($22) neither had the most intricate, well-paired elements nor a decent serving size. The salmon itself was delicious, seared perfectly with a touch of salt and oil. The salad, on the other hand, I barely touched. Their was too much pomegranate, making it overpowering and, apart from the three hazelnuts on the plate, no evidence of hazelnut dressing. The serving size was also horrible: hardly any greens, a tiny slab of salmon and three hazelnuts. The dish really didn't leave anything to be admired.

Nonetheless, the smoked chicken salad w/ avocado, Ricardo Tomatoes, haloumi and orange dressing ($17) was a hit with mum. She usually hates haloumi, but she loved the way The Corner had cooked it. The chicken was also tender. But again, the serving size was small, especially for a salad that usually doesn't make one feel full. My brother had the grilled chicken burger on Turkish w/ bacon, tomato, The Corner chutney and served w/ beer battered fries ($17) - seriously, what is with teenage boys and burgers?! - and was content with his choice. Looking at the picture, I would have been too - it looks divine, as does the beer battered chips (this coming from a girl who hasn't consumed chips in over three years and only recently became hooked on burgers).

To be honest, I think The Corner needs to lift their game. The quality of their dining experience is slipping and customers won't return if the unfriendly, dull service continues.

The Corner, 11 Clarence St, Port Macquarie