Rendezvous Scarborough and Chef go way back. Back when he was a 4th year apprentice – probably about 2002, he was “Executive Chef” for one night in the Rendezvous kitchen – leading a brigade of HGT apprentice chefs to cook a banquet feast at the HGT annual ball. That year the ball was held at Rendezvous (or “Ob City”). We stayed the night, and had a swim in the rooftop pool. It was nice, but starting to look a bit tired.
Fast forward 12 years and Rendezvous is all shiny and new. Its muti-million dollar refurb over the past couple of years has injected new life into the 1980s hotel. Scarborough as a whole is enjoying a resurgence, with a new café or bar opening every other week and the City of Stirling starting a much needed upgrade to the beachfront in a matter of weeks. In another year or two Scarborough should be back to it’s bustling heyday.
I was kindly invited to the winter menu launch at the Straits Cafe. I’d been to Rendezvous for my work Christmas party last year and was keen to see more of the impressive make over. We met in one of the stunning 25th floor suites for canapés, oysters and espresso martinis. The view, by night, from the top floor was stunning.
We then headed back down to Straits Café (formerly The Pines). It has a contemporary feel with floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It would be a stunning venue for a sunset dinner. We met a fellow Perth blogger Kristy – the “Queen of Bad timing”. It was great to finally meet her and have a natter about food with her and her partner Jeremy. You should check out her wonderful blog at http://www.queenofbadtiming.com
We had some moreish Truffle Popcorn to nibble on whilst we looked over the menu. Executive Chef, Wendelin Ulrich (formerly of PCEC) welcomed us and explained that the winter menu was made up of simple comfort food, with earthy flavours.
For entrée we had;
Chorizo croquettes ($16) with a spiced cauliflower puree and crispy sweet potato Chef thought these were flavoursome – the smokiness of the chorizo enhanced the flavour of the cauliflower.
Twice cooked free range pork belly ($23) seared scallops, honey & cinnamon infused pumpkin (gf) The pork was cooked perfectly and I just love the combination of belly and scallop. The honey and cinnamon pumpkin was a wonderful warming flavour – perfect for a winter menu.
Roast duck breast ($39) grilled asparagus, pangrattato, kipfler, shallot and agrumes dressing The duck was succulent and I loved the batons of kipfler.
Oven roasted lamb rump ($37) served with soufflé potato, seasonal baby vegetables & jus Chef enjoyed this meaty dish. The lamb was very juicy.
After our lovely dinner, feeling rather full, we went to the lobby bar for some srumtious mini desserts and nightcaps.
los acones origin dark chocolate fondant ($15) vanilla bean ice cream & coffee sauce
mandarin & coconut mascarpone cream ($16) meringue, candied orange & citrus gel (g/f)
The Rendezvous is an absolute knock out. Hardly recognisable from a few years ago. It would be great to treat yourself to a date night or overnight stay.
Chef and I would like to thank Natasha, Wendelin, Matthew and their teams for a wonderful night.
2014 /15 ENTERTAINMENT BOOK DISCOUNTS
* 25% off with gold card
