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

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