Wow – can you believe this is my first restaurant blog since March?! The last six months have been an absolute rollercoaster for all of us. For me, I’ve been getting over a debilitating back injury, dealing with the fallout from my work disappearing overnight, managing parenting during lockdown and lots more. I’ve even sold and moved my home during a global pandemic – which I can assure you was NOT fun.
Once restrictions were lifted in June, I needed a little longer. My energy levels were non-existent, my mental load was out of control and my motivation 0. I needed to take stock of 2020 and fill my cup with family, friends, fun and excellent FOOD! I’ve been out and about to a few places, post-lockdown. You’ll know about them if you follow me on Instagram stories (@thechefswifeperth), which I update regularly.
The last thing I wanted to do, on my first time dining out, was spoil everyone’s else experience with taking intrusive food photos. Instead I relished a bite of normality, revisiting some of my favourites, and taking a couple of sneaky pics (how could I not!). So here’s a quick run-down of where I have been dining in Perth over the last couple of months:
Quarter Acre Hotel, Applecross
My very first outing, at a new-ish spot in Applecross. That “normal” feeling was soon replaced with the new norm of writing down our contact details and hand sanitizing – which helped with the feeling of safety. The venue was pumping, with people of all ages enjoying the vibrant courtyard’s winter sunshine. I couldn’t have topped the dish – a moreish slice of porchetta.
Lala Rookh, Perth CBD
Lala Rookh, a celebrated city mod-Italian, had long been on my “to dine list”. I finally got to check it out, whilst meeting up with lovely friends. I got to go out at night! It had seemed an age since I’d gone OUT in the evening and I was super excited!
Though the city streets seemed pretty deserted, Lala Rookh was bustling, and booking a table was a must. I loved the food, and was pleasantly surprised by the number of GF dishes on the menu – I just had to order the TFC – that’s Tuscan fried chicken. Crispy fried food is something I don’t eat much these days, and this was SO delicious. I’ll be back for more.
Kapitol Kitchen, Wanneroo
Being a glu-tard (that’s a gluten intolerant person) having the choice of an entire menu is such a novelty for me, and so appreciated. Everything on the menu at Kapitol Kitchen is both gluten and processed sugar free – making it a great café for a healthy meal – even if you don’t have a food intolerance. I brunched here in June and the … was as good as always!
Sushi Wawa, Innaloo
My most favourite Perth sushi train is Sushi Wawa, a great place for fresh sushi rolls, and an alternative to neighboring Ikea’s meatballs! Sushi Wawa is always busy, which means a high turnover and super fresh options. I love the Aussie style beetroot and cream cheese sushi rolls.
Charlies BBQ, Currambine
I first visited Charlies BBQ (aka Charcoal Charlies) when it first opened, since then the popular burger spot has gone from strength to strength. In the midst of my house move, we did eat take away a little more than usual and enjoyed “The Big Tex” with a crisp smash beef patty, fried chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheddar, chipotle mayo, espresso BBQ sauce, onion rings, in a toasted potato bun – epic!
Buns & Co, Lesmurdie
We relished a healthier take away from Buns & Co, an off the beaten track. By the legends behind Mistelle, here there’s a bounty of burgers, as well as bao and house made soft tacos. I loved the pork belly tacos and just couldn’t resist grabbing a take away creme brulee too – talk about treating myself!
Telegram Coffee, Perth CBD
I love any excuse to visit the stunning State buildings and the legends at Telegram coffee make a quick and quality take away!
Strange Grains, Shenton Park
I finally made it to this 100% gluten free bakery. It would have been easy to spend up big – I treated myself to a couple of loafs of bread.
I also stocked up on GF pasta and arancini from the Gluten Free Lab, which havea big range of goodies there.
The Vault, Kalamunda
We headed to one of Little Chef’s favourites to celebrate a family birthday. And good news – their hearty, soul-warming lasagna is as good as ever!
Mason & Bird, Kalamunda
Another Kalamunda favourite – this fab little café always delivers the goods when it comes to a cheff-y style brunch. A couple of weeks ago I devoured this epic crispy pork brunch, served with chili jam, hummus and perfectly poached eggs. The Little Owl coffee roast is tops too.
Carmel Tea Rooms, Carmel
Gorgeous Perth Hills newbie Carmel Tea rooms was open just a couple of months before lock-down saw it close it’s doors. It’s now reopened and we are so happy to see they’re offering the same delicious brunches and a cabinet choc-full of house made cakes.
Where have you been dining post-lockdown in Perth? Are you dining out more, or less? And most importantly – how are you feeling? Positive about the future? I need to save my pennies now more than ever – but treating myself to a good ol’ brunch is essential for warming my soul – as well as supporting our wonderful Perth hospitality industry who need us more than ever.
Go on, do it for your country! Book a table at your favourite Perth restaurant or café this week.