Thursday 29 March 2012

Matilda Bay Restaurant & Bar,

For special occasions or locals toting out-of-towners; Matilda Bay is a popular choice. An assemblage of pretty, white sailboats, bobbing in this quiet alcove of the Swan River; the location is equal parts tranquil, dainty and Western Australian. But does the kitchen match up to the views? 

Oysters, Ruby Grapefruit, Chilli Salsa $4ea


The menu spoils diners with choice. Along with a list of mains, there are various meats off the grill and fitting to the locaiton; stunning seafood options too. Vegetarian options exist but they're not extensive. Mains range from $38 for a shallot tart (an art piece) to; $78 (oh!) for a seafood platter for just one. 

Deeee-vinnee freshly baked bread and Olive Tepenade $6.50

Barramundi, Spiced Pumpkin Mash, Asparagus

Duck main of some sort, sorry can't recall!

I ordered the Hot Smoked Salmon fillet, Courgette, Caper and Confit Garlic, Lemon Aioli. When the dish was presented to me; it was even more enticing than the image i'd made in my mind. This was for sure, the finest seafood meal I had tasted in a some time! 

Hot smoked salmon, courgette, capers, lemon aioli 

Seafood Risotto

Mixed lettuce, green olive and cucnumber side salad $12

I was far too absorbed in my own meal to get any details on my fellow diners, but everyone was equally impressed. I think I can let the photos do the talking here. 
I should note that the menu changes very regularly and I'd guess that the kitchen has made some alterations and introductions since my visit. Regardless, I'm confident you'll find something as outstanding as we did.

Mixed tomato side salad $12

Shallot Tart $38
A decor that says "simple, modern, elegance" worked well. It allows for the waterfront views to take center stage.  Our waitress was well quipped, passionate even, on the menus offerings. She was professional but approachable and even a bit Aussie. It fit well with the setting actually. 

Amelia Park Lamb Scotch $38 (slow roasted for 18 hours)
I expected to put this in the "overhyped, overpriced" pile but Matilda Bay exceeded my expectations. It’s one of the few high-end restaurants that match stunning views with stunning food. And so to answer that first question; it's a big, whopping YES. 

Food: 5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Service: 4/5

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B R O T H E R, 6050

I'd called upon Brother before for their splendid $3 coffees, and at no extra charge for Soy milk might I add. Gotta love that. It wasn't until very recently I tried their breakfast menu.

Alfresco looking onto Walcott. St.

My friend ordered the classic poached eggs on toast $11. Which came with a side of fresh roquette leaves. I grant kudos to any cafe that adds surprise quality extras. And besides, it always makes a humble eggs on toast look a little more lively, no?  Poached eggs were cooked as you'd expect; until they had gooey, golden centres.

Poached eggs on toast $11

I went for the Omelette stuffed with Meredith goats cheese, pine nuts and spinach. It was HUGE. I could only finish half. The omelette came with a side of toast and was $15. It was quite enjoyable. The centre was just creamy and the browned pine nuts and luscious, salty goats cheese made it wholly satisfying.  They also had some more adventurous items on the menu like; smoked salmon with beetroot relish or corn fritters with avocado salsa, fried egg and coriander and a dish involving sardines.

My super sized omelette $15

Coffee, brewed with Toby Estate didn't disappoint either. Made-well and a stronger taste of espresso. I'm a fan. The man who made my coffee here on this morning - a smiley young guy, is an affable character too. His friendly manner is the kind you'd become a regular for.

Toby Estate coffee

The decor isn't anything to get chummy with and the alfresco dining opens onto a (really nicely paved) car park, but Bother is a good spot if you want to recluse from the main drags either side in Mt Lawley or Leederville. If anything, Brother is definitely worth a pit-stop if you drive down Walcott St. on your way to work for their cheap and excellent coffee!

Food: 3.5/5
Coffee: 4.5/5
Ambience: 2.5/5
Service: 5/5

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Monday 26 March 2012

The Junction Ice Creamery, 6056

The Junction is a childhood favourite of mine. And I'm delighted to report the old-fashioned ice creamery hasn't changed a bit, nor has it dropped it's standards in the fourteen years since i've been there!






The shop is clean and simple with a subtle retro California diner character. I love the mirrored vintage Coca-Cola advertisements that dress the walls, the traditional milkshake glasses, and the silver goblets they serve sundaes in.

 

I was warmed with a rush of saccharine nostalgia, just eyeing the ice cream freezer. The same classic, award-winning flavors have stood the test of time also.




A classic favourite is the Honeycomb Crunch; milky ice cream with giant squares of honeycomb.   The Mint Choc-Chip is one of the best of it's kind and I remember loving their Bubblegum as a kid too. Sadly they didn't have Smartie Surprise in the cabinet when I went - I hope this was only a temporary removal!




Almost as good as the ice cream itself, you must try their homemade chocolate sauce. They ladle the quality hot liquid onto your ice cream and it sets like ice magic- only far better! 


Premium ice magic chocolate sauce!

Cookie & Cream, Coconut


A old-school ice creamery would not be real without the classic sundae and and goold 'ol Banana Split! The Junction do them so right - topped with whip cream, syrup, crushed Hazelnuts and wafer triangles. 


take home tubs
love the retro logo




What's more awesome is that they sell all their award winning flavours (there are many!) in take-home tubs, in a variety of sizes. Joy!


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


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