Tong 86, 6000

Cutting to the chase - this place is pretty cool. I have never experienced the world of Korean BBQ before and if you’d ask me what I though of it after my time at Tong 86, I’d say I’m a bit of a fan! I like the cook-it-yourself ritual, but it was really the atmosphere that had me sold on this place. 

The first thing I said when I walked in Tong 86 is “I don’t feel like I’m in Perth”. It’s a warehouse style restaurant, with pen-scribbled walls; dim, amber lighting and the place is buzzing with a full house of Korean peeps! It seems as if you’ve stepped into the underground. There’s also Korean pop music videos projected onto one of the walls. 

For those not clued up on the Korean BBQ; it’s all about the meat. A pretty clear-cut menu that lists various carves and chops of meats. You make your order and the meat is brought to your table raw, along with typical sides, for you to engage in some DIY cooking! 

We ordered a serve of Scotch Filet, Brisket, Spicy noodles, Mushroom and Kimchi (cabbage) pancake.  Kimchi is like pickled vegetables; a famously Korean side dish.  The Kimchi cabbage pancake was my favourite; I recommend you order this one!

I didn't care much for the scotch filet and found it a bit chewy (this may be on account of our rookie BBQ-ing skills) but I did like the thin shavings of brisket.

Scotch Filet, Brisket, Mushroom and sides

If you’re looking for a fun but inexpensive night, with an alternative mood, and you don't like to be rushed through your dinner; then beeline to Tong 86 with your favourite non-vegetarian buddies! 

Spicy Noodle

 

Kimchi Pancake

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Service: 4/5

The Soul Tree Organic Store & Cafe, 6071

I discovered this raw, organic food sanctuary, when I picked up an odd flyer at a rec centre a couple of years ago. It was only the other week that I made the long, picturesque drive out to the hills to actually see what this mystery place was all about.

Hushed away in a woody pocket of the Mundaring hills; Soul Tree is one part café, and one part organic food store - although the store aspect feels a little like it’s been put on the back burner, for now anyway. The kitchen is really where the magic happens. Magic, being the operative word here. I am always delighted, and often mystified by the tasty and tempting creations that raw food chefs craft without the use of any stove, oven or modern processed ingredient. Case in point: The “chocolate tart” I tried at The Soul Tree Café recently. It was formed in three distinct layers made of raw cocoa, nuts and a myriad of other South American “super foods”, the names of which names I cannot recall.  This tart was some kind of Hocus-Pocus. A delicious mix of nuttiness, cocoa, creaminess and brittle; yet without the inclusion of sugar, cream, butter, milk or eggs. Just puuuure, natural goodness!

Raw Cacao, nut tart

For brunchers, there is an everyday breakfast board from which to oder, as well as a vegetarian burger menu. I ordered the tempeh burger ($13) and substituted the usual Sourdough bun for a gluten-free dehydrated version. I love vegetarian food and so this burger hit the spot for me.  The fillings were fresh and the tempeh pattie was hearty and filling.

Tempeh burger with dehydrated, gluten-free bun,  raw carrot, beetroot, greens and pesto $13

I also swished down one of their date, raw cacao, maca, almond milk and banana smoothies ($9.80). Again; a dairy and sugar free creation, but you wouldn’t miss the refined sweeteners.

"Heaven" smoothie - Almond Milk, Cacao, Maca, Dates, Banana $9.8

A burger + smoothie + dessert left me sufficiently stuffed. Those with cave man appetites however, might find the burger a little modest without the sourdough bread.

The changing counter foods are really what keeps this café interesting; comprising whatever seems to take the chef’s fancy that morning, there’s a mix of savoury and sweet ready-made dishes. I saw mixed salads, tofu and mushroom stuffed cabbage leaves, brown rice sushi, veggie patties as well as a pretty arrangement of The Soul Tree’s organic house-made, heart-shaped chocolates.

 

The inside setting is nothing swish but it has a heart-n-home vibe conducive with their food philosophy. The outdoor seating is actually set in a car park but the surrounding trees and tranquil remoteness makes it a really relaxing place to lunch. 

 

The owner and chef is completely chipper and endearing too, especially with her mega-watt smile and cute doo-rag and apron get-up.  

All in all The Soul Tree is a worthwhile trip to the hills. If you love The Raw Kitchen in Fremantle; this place is definitely for you. I’m only regretful I took two years for me to make it there.

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

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

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

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