Daisie's of Cottesloe, 6011

Picture your typical corner deli. Add bakery quality goods, some alfresco seating, sprinkle a bit of nautical blue and white, center it in afffluent coastal suburbia and give it a cutesy name - and you have Daisie's Of Cottesloe.

Daisies' are famed for their home baked muffins. From Banana, Blueberry, Mocha, Apple & Cinnamon; I chose the Raspberry White Chocolate. The muffin was a beefy thing with fluffy insides that were spot with white-choco buttons and delicious raspberries. It was clear they used the best quality ingredients and baked it to golden perfection.


White choc-raspberry muffin $4.50

At $4.50 a pop - this is not a cheap muffin but I half expected that for this neighbourhood. The glad wrapped slices are not made on site but you can be certain you're getting the real deal with the muffins at Daisie's.

RAAH, 6003

There's a bit of a shortage of Middle Eastern restaurants in Perth and so I find RAAH worthy of its spot on our well-loved and ever lively Beaufort St.  The restaurant is very ambient inside, draped with Moorish trinkets and carved wooden furnishings. Veiled (literally, veiled) from the bustle of Beaufort St, you feel very secluded from the happenings outside which I though was a bit odd. I would say the best part of this location is the buzz of Beaufort St., no? Forgetting this, the dimmed red lighting and covered windows make for a different kind of exotic ambience which is still as appealing. Tip: If you book ahead - ask for a cosy and comfortable booth.

For starters we ordered the Silky hummus with minted lamb, almonds and turkish bread $10. The hummus was definitely silky smooth - a pleasure to eat, but I would have like a bit more garlic.

Silk hummus, turkish bread $10

My favourite entree was suprisingly the Pastirma and goats cheese gozleme, although they were nothing like the gozleme I know. I'd describe these better as a samosas. The Patrami - which Wikipedia has just told me is "highly seasoned, air-dried cured beef"; was salty, rich and delicious.

Pastirma, goats cheese gozleme $12

The preserved lemon, chilli and coriander prawns were my least favourite. I couldn't really taste any of the seasoning nor could I appreciate the would-be-tender prawn. I think these were overcooked - a little bit tough and quite a strong charred taste.

Preserved lemon, chilli and coriander prawns $14 for 4

For mains we shared the Yoghurt Marinated Goat, $30 and the Sweet potato, lentil and sweet raisin tagine $26. The Goat was the consensus as the dish of the night. Between four of us three entrees and two mains was just enough, give or take a side of pilaf.

Yoghurt marinated Goat $30

Sweet potato, lentil tagine $26

RAAH was an enjoyable meal and the service was one of the better experiences I've had lately. The total bill was $96 for four of us - not bad.  I think there's still room for amazement though. There were no Oh-My-God moments.

Food: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Ambience: 4/5

The Juicy Beetroot Cafe, 6160

Tricky to spot, The Juicy Beetroot Cafe is buried down Tum Tum Tree Lane (can you get a more adorable street name?!) that runs off High Street.

It's vegetarian, vegan, healthy and well priced! 

The Juicy Beetroot display a confetti of salads that get snapped up for take-away lunches by nearby workers (myself included). It's $7 for small and Juicy put no limit to how many different kinds you want to stuff into that plastic container.

beetroot, lentils, broccoli, carrot!

If you want something a but more filling and warm  - go for one of the hot dishes that rotate from the bain-marie. Last week I eyed off some Dahl and a Cauliflower curry.

Theres dine in seating provided - set to the backdrop of some cross-cultural decorations.

If you're tempted for something sweet - pick up one of the Chocolate Brazil nut slices. They're crumbly, chocolately and delicious and only $2.50.

The Bonsai Restaurant, 6003

I'm not sure how long this place has been around but something about it says "new"; and not in that sterile, unfamiliar way.  I think it's the space and the staff. The building is much like a New York City warehouse, spiffed up with slick black surfaces and subdued lighting.  Tables are large and spaced apart, so you really have a sense of privacy and luxury about your dining. Service is warm, organized, attentive; matched with a pleasant "let's stay all night" atmosphere.

In addition to sushi and sashimi, The Bonsai has some Japanese dishes you wont find regularly. The menu is divided into sushi, cold shares, hot shares, fried shares, salads, mains and extras. You can choose to have a night of tapas or a meal to your own. Everyones happy!

California Roll $9.90

We ordered California sushi rolls – “Blanched prawn and avocado sushi coated with tobiko, and finally dressed with caramel soy & aioli” ($9.90 for 6 pcs) to start; and for main I went for the “Pan fried eggplant dressed with goma miso sauce, served with a side of red capsicum and enoki salad. Garnished with leek julienne and alfalfa sprouts” (16.90). The eggplant is a wonderful healthy, vegetarian dish that does not sacrifice on taste! I would order this again and again.

Miso Eggplant $16.90

Also ordered –“Sashimi grade salmon slices marinated in a light lemon and olive oil dressing, mixed with witlof julienne and salmon roe". ($13.90)

Salmon Ceviche $13.90

And “Beef Asparagus - Thinly sliced MSA grade scotch fillet beef, wrapped around asparagus and pan fried. Served with caramel soy, and seeded-mustard tomato relish” ($16.90)

Beef Asparagus $16.90

Finding ourselves still peckish, we ordered the “Teri-chicken”. “Pan fried chicken Maryland thigh fillet paired with a side of steamed broccoli and carrot, dressed with lemon shallot vinaigrette and teriyaki sauce, garnished with chives.” ($16.90) – was light and tender; if a little mild on the teriyaki flavour. 

Teri-chicken $16.90

Every single dish was prepared and presented beautifully. Serves were slightly on the small side but this is good reason to try a few different things – there are so many promising options!

Chocolate Temptation $8.90

For dessert we had two “Chocolate Temptations” – a decadent mousse like cake; and a “Green Tea Martini” (each $8.90 and only available on Friday and Saturday nights). The Martini was a layered dessert of green tea sponge, green tea mousse; finished with whipped cream. Both delectable. 

Green Tea Martini $8.90

The Bonsai is a perfect option to start a Friday or Saturday night – the mood is a bit a bit “special occasion” but still comfortable and you wont feel rushed at all. It’s a bit more unique from your common Japanese - ideal if you want to impress someone a bit special. The Sneaky Pidge will be back…and soon!

Food: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Service: 4/5