Basq {CLOSED}

It was certainly a case of “The Hunger Games” when we tried the new Spanish Style restaurant in Currambine – next to Grand Cinemas. Chef and I were on a double date with his brother (the pastry chef) and his girlfriend, the lovely K. First was a movie and then (though we had stuffed ourselves with popcorn) we went for some drinks and food to share at Basq.

We really enjoyed the ambiance. It’s a very airy place, with huge open window, that
is wonderful on a warm summers night. Basq is the kind of restaurant that you’d usually only find in the inner suburbs of Perth or Fremantle. I liked the rustic vibe and it matched the tapas menu perfectly.

Lemon Pepper & paprika fried squid, parsley & lime $14 Perfectly cooked squid

Jamon & manchego cheese croquettes, spiced paprika aioli $9 Very tasty – I loved the use of this Spanish cheese, made from sheep’s milk. chef and I fought over the last one!

Chicken Liver pate and toasts $9 This was also tasty, with a smoky aftertaste. Chef noted that the pate was a little overcooked – as it felt grainy in our mouths.

Coconut panna cotta, black olive caramel & chocolate granita $14 This dessert really intrigued all of us, given the use of black olives. Presented in a glass, this was a good-looking dish. We all agreed that the flavour of the olive (though surprisingly pleasant) was very strong against the coconut panna cotta. Coconut is a subtle, delicate flavour and the olive completely overpowered it.

The service was very friendly and though I think they were probably towards the end of service when we arrived, they warmly welcomed us.

Head Chef Neil Herbert, formally of Bistro Felix (Subiaco), is certainly on the right track. It’s a bustling, funky restaurant – so rare in the outer northern suburbs. When we visited, the restaurant had only been open about 2 weeks, so there were a few very minor things that we turned a blind eye to – given that everyone would be still fining their feet. It’s a welcome addition to the dining scene in the Joondalup area. We’ll most definitely be back 🙂