Long before Chef and I started to think about blogging, we had some very memorable meals around Perth. Unfortunately, not many happy snaps were taken. In that last 12 months we’ve dined at some outstanding restaurants and here are a few notes from them;
Clarkes of North Beach
Steven Clarke is a brilliant Chef. We LOVE his food. Chef has had the fantastic opportunity to work alongside him on a few occasions. Of course his signature pork belly dish is amazing and the degustation is a must! We were in food heaven from amuse bouche right through to dessert. We took along a great vintage bottle of Grange, to make it an extra special occasion, as Clarks is BYO. The wait staff are some of the most professional and attentive in Perth. This restaurant should be on everyone’s wish list!
The Trustee Bar & Bistro – (Brookfield Place) Perth CBD
We dined here just before Christmas with a group of friends. We really enjoyed the booths for 6. You could certainly have a good chat, slightly away from the bustling atmosphere of the bar and restaurant. The food was very good; it had quite a rustic feel. We loved the ice pops for dessert too. I suspect now that The Trustee has been up and running for close to a year, it will be even better. The only downside was that we didn’t get very lucky with our waiter. He let the venue down with, frankly, really crappy service. He forgot to order any of the sides for us, so we went without. He wasn’t apologetic. He also charged us for a more expensive bottle of Champagne than we ordered, which was rectified. However, it was the mistake of one person, so we wouldn’t blame the venue. We’d most certainly go back again.
*** The Trustee is in the 2013/14 Entertainment Book***
The Aviary – The Nest Rooftop Bar
We picked a beaut sunny day to visit the Aviary. It was a mid-week lunch, so it was busy, but not heaving. We found a table overlooking the Murray Street mall and we spent most of the time gazing at the impressive view. The bar itself is pretty funky with its fake grass and brightly coloured furniture. We also spent a lot of time marvelling at the fact that it took such a long time for rooftop bars to pop up in P-City. Thank god they are here now! The roof top bar should be as steeped in Perth tradition as the Sunday sesh, since we have such great weather to enjoy them. We both were after a casual pub style lunch, so we enjoyed our burger and pizza. While I wouldn’t absolutely rave about them, they were well cooked and good value for money ($18-$25ish). Its a top spot for a casual afternoon drink.
*** The Aviary is in the 2013/14 Entertainment Book***
Modo Mio – Crown Perth
We dined here as a group, celebrating a friend’s birthday. We sat at the oval table, at the back of the restaurant. Everyone noted that it was an excellent idea for a large table. On rectangular tables people seem to be lost down the ends. On round tables the people opposite are often too far away for a conversation. More oval tables please!!! Enough about table shapes… haha We really enjoy Modo Mio as a place for a group, as there is a wide variety of dishes, and more importantly a range of prices too. We hate to exclude friends by choosing a venue out of their budget. We have visited Modo Mio a few times now and found that it’s food quality is very consistent. In future though, I would only dine there if there isn’t a show on at the Crown Theatre. During those times, the dining times are shorter and the menu more limited.
MUST Wine Bar – Mount Lawley
We went to MUST Wine Bar for a special birthday celebration, last year. We were lucky to get a table in the separate dining room, as I find the main bar a bit noisy for dining. It was a really memorable meal. The wine list was sensational and I found myself a lovely, slightly spicy Gewürztraminer. The wait staff were very knowledgeable. For entrée we had the Rottnest scallops and pork belly. These were so plump and juicy. I was really impressed by the local produce! That is absolutely one of my all-time favourite dishes! The confit Duck main was also fantastic. Must wine bar is a MUST try!! Delish!
We enjoyed all of these venues – so I’m sure return trips (with pics this time) will pop up in the future!!