Back in the day, I used to work in South Perth, so having secured accommodation in the same suburb, felt it would be right to have dinner, as it turned out not too far from either the hotel, nor my old stomping ground, (which has...changed ALOT, by the way).
One thing I did not miss about Perth was the frustration trying to find parking, - I thought that being so nearby that it wouldn't be a problem, then saw the sign about a fish and chip fest? (More about that later). Once again, I was lucky to secure a bay and managed to walk (very quickly) and arrived a bit more flushed and sweaty than I wanted to. Another thing I forgot, the sun is still very much up and bright even by 7pm.
The lovely staff attended to me promptly and as I stood there in the entryway, I gazed up to the pitched roof with its dark beams, reminded of being in a bow of a ship, looking out through the large windows across the water to the city straight ahead. The ambience was very laidback with the patrons (groups of family and friends) with the sounds of happy voices and the look of those who are spending their money making it very pleasant.
I was seated directly in front of the pier with the city as a backdrop and I could feel very relaxed while I watched a few punters try their luck with their reels and rods.
I particularly loved the family of black swans I saw follow eachother around the pier, trying their luck as well. At times like this, I feel very lucky to be in Perth.
Travelling the same day made me very hungry, but battling the heat during the drive had given me restraint so settled on the Beef Carpaccio and the Sous Vide Salmon with a coke on the side.
Once ordered, I waited and noticed that there was a small enclosed space for children and was told the same building housed a cafe as well. It was closed at the time I was there.
The 'Smoked Beef Carpaccio' was smartly presented, dressed and ready to go.
I could smell the truffle oil before I saw the plate, and the meat was fridge cold, but quickly realised that was an advantage as the seasonisg was initially strong but the flavour came through thanks to the texture and colour of the beef was darker than expected. The parmesan and rocket balanced eachother and it was altogether a lovely dish. Before I had finished eating, the Sous Vide Salmon arrived which was also fridge cold. I didn't mind - it was a very hot day. The cucumber sitting at the bottom of the dish within the yuzu broth were sweet and tender but the wasabi dotted around the plate was very mild. Had I been less tired and more hungry, I would have ordered more. But I was very pleased overall. But I was perked up by the walk back to the car. The 'Fish and Chip Fest' which turned out to be South Perth Streats, (a food truck night) was going on and according to the locals I talked to and what I saw is well worth going. It all added to the atmosphere, the families, pets and kids, (little and big) and the restaurant all reminded me of how lucky we are in this part of the city.More