Post #17509 by tikibars on Sun, Dec 29, 2002 7:43 PM

Smorgy’s

(299 Burwood Hwy., East Burwood; 1091 Plenty Rd., Bundoora; 523 Maroodah Hwy., Ringwood; 415 Warrigal Rd., Burwood; and Cunningham Pier, Corio Bay, Geelong), vicinity of Melbourne, Australia

The Smorgy’s chain was originally dubbed “The Island Trader”, and has existed since the mid-1980’s, when it was created by Eric Schwaiger. At that time, the five locations were decked out with A-frame entranceways, plenty of thatch, and a generally tropical atmosphere (with the exception of the Geelong store, which is a more straight forward nautical theme).
During the middle-1990’s, the decor was expanded, with spectacular results. Several life-sized Moai were added to each location, detailed in a realistic manner that respects the original Rapa Nui Moai builders. A huge rock volcano now sits in front of the A-frame entrance; you must walk through the middle of it (via a bridge over a moat) to get into the restaurant.
The three-story tall interior of each location boasts an excellent TiPSY Factor with Tikis and other objects carved in the styles of New Guinea, Hawai’i, and New Zealand. Every half hour, the volcano ‘erupts’, and the Moai spew flames from their noses(!), as lights flash, and thunderstorm effects fill the room. This lasts for about five minutes.
The $12.95 all-you-can-eat buffet is nothing special, but you’re not really going to care...