Maya Bar

 

 

 

DATE

 

Friday, 3 September 2010

 

ESTABLISHMENT

 

M Bar

 

ADDRESS

 

75-77 Market Street, Fremantle.

 

TAXI PROXIMITY

 

Deposited right on the main strip of Freo, taxis are plentiful and able to find you with ease.

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Maya, the award-winning Indian restaurant, that is, is already a tried and tested favourite with those who come from near and far to sample its delicious fare. These reviewers have been making the trip to Freo for years to dine in this warm and welcoming establishment, where the staff know their stuff and the food sets the senses (literally) on fire. So it was with delight that we discovered that Maya now boasts another feather in its cap.

Climb the stairs for some liquid satisfaction...

The top floor of the multi-level eatery has been transformed into a sweet little slice of a small bar. The lighting is deliciously dim, with long banquet seating, mirrored walls and a bar running down one side.

Luscious lighting offers a sweet escape from frenetic Freo below...

Reds, browns, purples and taupes wash the space with a warm elegance and, while the room is narrow, it is perfectly suited to that before-dinner brew or a stand-alone visit with companion/s. Lacy tealights dot the tiny tables and cling to the walls, while plump cushions add another element of cosiness to a room with high ceilings and two broad windows overlooking the bustling street below.

AMBIENCE

There is a small crowd gathered here tonight, mostly groups of two and three patrons, chatting over chilled beers or icy cocktails.

Alex, Astrid and Jess score a visit from Manager Gurps...

The room reverberates with laidback beats, which are just the right mix to get your party started while still allowing you to converse with your mates. Polished concrete floors add a touch of industrial and the backlit bar burns with blue neon, showcasing a decent range of drinks.

Fancy a tipple? Yes please...

MANAGER

His Awesomeness Gurpreet ‘Gurps’ Bagga

THEME

Indian Royale Express meets Freo funk.

CROWD

20 and beyond.

DRESS CODE

Dress for dinner, drinks or both.

DRINKS

Our bartender Brijesh is finishing up a degree, dreams of relocating to Toronto some time down the track (you didn’t read that Gurps!) and offers an insightful choice of cocktails when asked to whip up something special.

Brijesh mixes the magic...

To match the mood (and to conjure up memories of the homeland) we select the Mumbai Mojito which muddles a double shot of Havana rum, lime, mint leaves, brown sugar, soda, ice and the traditional Indian unrefined sugar jaggery. The result is a sweet and tangy explosion of flavour which definitely deserves a return visit!

The creamy coalescence of the Miss India...

The Goa Sunrise is introduced next…a sweet surprise of Peach Schnapps, vodka, OJ, PJ and a drizzle of Chambord over ice. To keep things on an even keel, G and R order India’s favourite beer, the Kingfisher.

Dreaming of lazy beach days in Goa...

All cocktails are capped at $15, the beers at $7 and the spirits at $8, and the wine list is extensive and unusual. Everyone satisfied? Indeed.

FOOD

Three words. Grazing. Bar. Menu. Three more words. Yes! Yes! Yes! It’s only fair that Maya’s bar patrons get to taste a few delicious morsels from the restaurant’s menu and this review crew had to seriously restrain themselves when deciding what to order.

Tigers and Tikka…killer combination…

From Masala Cashews to Wagyu Beef Samosas to plump Tiger Prawns to Maya’s exalted Chicken Tikka, we ordered too much, but of course ate everything. Even G, known for his odd aversion to seafood, picked out a prawn and went as far as proclaiming it ‘nice’. In G-speak, this equates to ‘super freaking awesome’. With the prices ranging from $10-$16, it needs to be said…when you go to drink, go to eat.

NOTABLE QUOTES

G: “I ate a prawn!”

GUEST REVIEWERS:

This was a ‘review crew only’ experience, although we did enjoy a brief visit from dear Dr B.

Thu-Sat: 6pm – midnight

Sun: 6pm – 10pm

Props must be paid to the restaurant’s impressive interior…

WEB

www.mayarestaurant.com.au

1907

DATE

Friday, 16 July 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

1907 Bar

ADDRESS

26 Queen Street, Perth

TAXI PROXIMITY

Access off Murray Street or Wellington Street ensures calling a cab won’t result in a major trek.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This review crew hit 1907 on the recommendation of guest reviewer P (and also because R’s merry-making denied us entry elsewhere…but we digress) at the tail end of Friday night. Descending a short flight of stairs, we emerge into a dim basement bar with a glow-y pink neon bar at its heart.

Lashings of leather...a tinge of pink...

Spotlit old-school black and white framed photographs adorn the walls, hovering over cosy leather booths built for up-close conversation. Velour cubes augment the seating options and long fringed curtains successfully separate space in the intimate venue. While 1907 is a little light on the crowd, we attribute this to the late hour and it doesn’t blemish our experience. After all, we have the run of the place and the undivided attention of one of the most interesting characters we’ve come across to date (see Manager).

ND & R quietly wait their turn...

AMBIENCE

Wicked beats ebb and flow across the chocolate-coated room, however 1907 has a chilled-out comfortable vibe – perfect for hosting a private soiree, after work drinks or a gathering for its famous Thursday night $10 cocktails.

Fringe dwellers...

MANAGER

Shannon

THEME

1st class bar on the Concord meets Tron.

A spotlight on old school glamour...

CROWD

20-40

DRESS CODE

Whatever you choose to wear, make it kinda nice and expect an added tinge of pink from the lighting.

DRINKS

A rectangular cabinet of light showcases 1907 Bar’s reason for being – this place celebrates quality cocktails, beer, spirits and wine. Manager Shannon is without doubt the most engaging and knowledgeable mixologist we have met yet and rises to the challenge of creating something special. The Moulin Rouge is a harmony of French blackberry liqueur, raspberry puree, Martini Brut bubbles and lemon juice.

Shannon's skills with the shaker are beyond compare...

P, our own expert on Bacardi, is more than satisfied with his Bacardi 8 Mojito, consisting of 8-year old Bacardi, palm sugar syrup, lime, mint and a whisper of soda. N and P hold up the bar while Shannon dispenses tidbits on all things alcohol.  Did you know, for instance, that famous souse Ernest Hemingway’s favourite drink was the Papa Double? Google for ingredients…or go see Shannon.  We recommend the latter.

P & N discuss the drink...

FOOD

1907 boasts a separate restaurant which promises a “…truly memorable dining experience…”

NOTABLE QUOTES

Shannon promises “If the drink doesn’t satisfy you, we will tweak it, or drink it ourselves and replace yours.”

An excellent selection...

GUEST REVIEWERS

ND and P.  (It must be said, this was one fun review night…ND and R giggling in corners, P devastating a poor English chick with a frizzy hair insult, karaoke, meeting Julia Gillard, unwarranted accusations by an Irish douche and P verbally decimating said douche with a flawless Irish brogue.)

OPEN

Wed-Thu: 4pm – midnight

Fri-Sat: 4pm – 1am [midnight lockout]

WEB

www.1907.com.au

Wolfe Lane

DATE

Friday, 16 July 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Wolfe Lane

ADDRESS

Wolf Lane (access from Murray Street), Perth.

TAXI PROXIMITY

The business end of Murray Street (west) so plenty of cabs are cruising the strip, at all hours.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A narrow laneway reveals black ropes, a tiny queue of peeps, an even tinier fur-hooded doorgirl (shout out to Luana) and a covert door leading into one of Perth’s more upmarket small bars. From the silhouette mural on one wall, to the silver tube downlights over the bar, to the black/white/red leather furnishings…Wolfe Lane is pure class. Exposed brick walls showcase black framed windows, underneath which patrons chat and swill in cosy groups.

Comfortable clusters of leather lounges...

Not surprisingly, the Friday timeslot has drawn the after-work city folk…ready to dismiss the working week in some serene surroundings. The sheer curtains, swivel bean bag chairs and attentive bar staff enhance a distinctive venue, which beckons a sociable crowd of suits and sophistication. Wolfe Lane’s main floor graduates up to the slightly raised bar, then rises even further to a semi-private elongated room, which houses an extended leather banquet and the tune-turning DJ booth.

AMBIENCE

The subtle lighting effects lend a casual yet classy air to the joint, which is perfect for meeting mates or whispering sweet nothings…take your pick.

MANAGER

The brilliant James.

N & James strike a pose...

THEME

Old Quaker barn meets New York loft.

CROWD

20-35

DRESS CODE

Glam girl lawyers mix it with stylish chaps (it is Friday night after all). We can definitely sense the dress-to-impress vibe in the air, but that doesn’t hinder the review crew’s G and R rocking t-shirts, jeans and kicks.

Terri & Camilla toast the finale of Friday...

Three chaps chatting: Alex, Sam & Matt...

DRINKS

We get the feeling that Manager James doesn’t often have to tend to drink requests from the patrons, but the review crew begs him for his version of awesome and he obliging gives it a fair crack. A Cherry Smash arrives soon after, awash with Cherry Heering (a Danish liqueur), VSOP Cognac, chocolate liqueur, brandied cherries and lemon.  Cherry overload you may think, but the cocktail was surprisingly light on the sweetness and packing a serious punch.

James splashes the Cherry Smash...

Guest reviewer P wanted to test the aged tequila and bartender Duncan obliged with a Waldorf. Cazadores Anejo tequila is added to Grand Marnier, Buffalo Trace Absinthe-infused Bourbon and…that’s…it. No kidding.  This concoction would have knocked Dean Martin on his arse…fortuitously it was no match for P, who has some serious street cred when it comes to the hard stuff.

FOOD

Wolfe Lane offers a petite menu – The Delicatessen – with meats, cheese and dips ranging from $6-$18.

NOTABLE QUOTES

Guest reviewer ND announces that Wolfe Lane “…smells like a typical bar…” (it didn’t), then proceeds to entertain us all with her tipsy antics.

Wolfe Lane's DJ hovers above the bar...

GUEST REVIEWERS

ND & P

OPEN

Wed-Sat: 2pm – midnight

Sun: 2pm – 10pm

WEB

www.wolfelane.com.au

Kitsch

DATE

Friday, 27 May 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Kitsch

ADDRESS

229 Oxford Street, Leederville

TAXI PROXIMITY

Just out of the Leederville central precinct, so taxis are either a short walk or phone call away.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Oh my, we liked Kitsch.

 

 

 

A sweet step...

Iain Lawless’ Leederville venture may be part restaurant and part bar, but it supplies a complete experience.  Adjacent to the popular Re Store, you would be forgiven for walking past it a million times, yet not really noticing it – during the day that is.  At night, this top spot is brimming with eager clientele and a … line.  Argh.  For those unperturbed at having to line up for one of the precious seats inside, Kitsch’s staff provide a drink and constant attention.  This review crew decided to revisit at a later time that night and got in straight away.  Stepping over the endearing chalk hopscotch drawn onto the floor, we were immediately captivated by Kitsch’s Asian-influenced parlour which is full of interesting recesses, both indoor and outdoor.

Hop hop hoppity-hop...

The outdoor area is dotted here and there with red leather armchairs, mismatched lamps, a full-blown courtyard tree, concrete stools, wooden tables, patterned chairs and leather banquets…Kitsch-y indeed.

An intimate dining passageway borders the main structure...

An old metal drum is mounted on a post and a quick peek revealed bottled beers resting on ice, ready for staff to grab for guests.  The space is tight, but cosy and several groups share seats and, at times, conversation.  A beaded door beckons to an inner sanctum housing the bar, an open kitchen, a small antechamber and the crazy cool comic-book doors to the toilets (we’ll let you see for yourself).

From garden...to bar...

AMBIENCE

The venue is packed, yet Kitsch still offers patrons a restful air and, even with winter nipping at our heels, we all felt as if we were on a brief sojourn to somewhere exotic.

MANAGER

Jamie (you rock!)

The magnificent Manager...

THEME

Balinese villa meets eclectic lounge

CROWD

20-beyond.

DRESS CODE

Winter: coats, boots and sequins.  Summer: floaty dresses, sandals and sequins.

A bevy of belles pose in front of the gorgeous entry mural...

DRINKS

Kitsch’s drinks menu covers the cocktails, the beers, the bubbles and the spirits and our review crew sampled some of all.  Bartender Andrew whipped up the Kitsch Thai Wai, a delectable combination of Liquor 43, citrus Aperol, Chivas, ruby grapefruit, lime, mint and sugar.

Andrew's skills are put to the test...10/10...

Needless to say, this reviewer had to revisit Kitsch (with special guest reviewer ND) to write the rest of the review…

FOOD

Heaven!  The food was so more-ish, so dreamy, so ‘ohhh’ inspiring – we ended up ordering most of the menu, and doubles of some items.  Favourites included sublime little pork dumplings topped with sticky soya and chilli sauce and spicy corn fritters with chilli plum caramel.  When the kitchen ran out of the scallop selection, our lovely waitress Chloe found one plump morsel to bring out to us, just so we could have a taste…superb service!

 

 

 

 

Kitsch crew gracefully perched in the frangipani especially for our pic!

While the tapas style servings are not cheap, you will be satisfied…over and over again.  (Unfortunately, we were so busy scoffing no-one thought to take any photos…boo!)

NOTABLE QUOTES

Chris from Brunei and Stephanie from Hong Kong were meeting friends and partaking of the 9.5/10 dessert of tapioca pearls with pandan ice cream and declared the dish “first class”.

Fabric covered polished wood lends a casual air...

GUEST REVIEWERS

Dr B, A & ND

Guest reviewer A finds a quiet moment to reflect on his evening...

OPEN

Bar

Tue: 5pm – 10.30pm

Wed: Sat: 5pm – midnight

Sun: 2pm – 10pm

Kitsch-n

Mon: Cooking School (what a swell idea!)

Tue: 6pm – 10pm

Wed: Sat: 6pm – 11:30pm

Sun: 3pm – 9:30pm

WEB

www.kitschbar.com.au

Double Lucky

DATE

Friday, 27 May 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Double Lucky

ADDRESS

U11, 663 Newcastle Street, Leederville

TAXI PROXIMITY

Leederville central, so taxis don’t pose a problem – particularly as they pull up frequently outside The Garden.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Blink and you’ll miss it – the doorway that is, not the impressive experience of one of Leederville’s finer establishments that is Double Lucky.  You would be forgiven if you’ve no idea where to find the entrance to this rabbit hole – although you’ve probably walked past it on the way to Niche. Double Lucky’s exterior walls are daubed in decorative and distinctive designs – an immediate hit with arty R.

The review crew examine the graphic exterior...

Manager Maria and Doordude Ken are sociable and welcoming and the review crew is ushered into the venue, sans line (yippee!). Although the night is young, Double Lucky has already drawn a decent sized crowd and the music has found its groove.

A shining chandelier highlights the crowd...

The shadowy interior walls provide a perfect backdrop to the gorgeous merging of quirky lamps, whirring metal fans, vintage mirrors and scattered sofas – the latter offering intimate corners for whispered conversations or crowd-watching.

Dr B and N sip and chat in a semi-quiet corner...

Oriental rugs add another spot of warmth to the interior and little groups of punters are bunkered down throughout the room ready to usher in another Friday night. A cluster of painted doors mounted on one wall is an interesting concept, as are the sequinned signs marking the ablutions and the leather cubes scattered here and there.

Subtle elegance...

The DJ booth in the corner is a transient structure which can be shifted to allow for live entertainment.

A painted mural provides a sexy backdrop to the DJ booth...

AMBIENCE

There is a hearty buzz in the room, drinks are being swirled and swilled, and the old school RNB tunes create a comfortable yet vibrant atmosphere.  The interior decor is enchanting and brazen all at the same time and a number of cliques would feel right at home in this space.

Wrought iron bird cages and flocked wallpaper frame the bar...

MANAGER

Maria

THEME

Dark den meets retro elegance.

CROWD

25-35 years.

Girlies cuddle with a cocktail...

DRESS CODE

Urban threads, casual sophistication, clean cut preppy…we saw it all.

Handsome fellas and a pretty gal...

DRINKS

Bartender Eric loved making drinks for his old man and we can say, with some authority, that Eric’s Pop was one lucky dude!  We sampled two of Eric’s brilliant beverages and they were both outstanding.  The Lucky Special was a concoction of lychee liquor, vanilla vodka, lychees and lime and had a sweet tang.  The Chocolate Special blended Tia Maria, Baileys, Chambord and cream in a boozy, creamy bond.  The cocktails range from $17-$22 and there are also a bunch of more manly brews to keep the fellas entertained.

The entertaining Eric mixes a mean brew...

FOOD

No food to be found, but this is definitely not a negative…Double Lucky exists to quench your various thirsts, not to provide needless nosh.

NOTABLE QUOTES

The magnificent Matt Moran deemed Double Lucky to have a “fantastic atmosphere and good music” however found the drinks queue took a little too long to recede.

I remember you Mr Moran!

GUEST REVIEWERS

Dr B & A.

OPEN

Wed-Thurs: 7pm – midnight

Fri: 7pm – 1am

Sat: 7pm – 1am

WEB

www.doublelucky.com.au

Andaluz Bar and Tapas

DATE

Saturday, 20 March 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Andaluz Bar & Tapas

ADDRESS

Basement, 21 Howard Street, Perth

TAXI PROXIMITY

Tumbleweed Town (aka Perth CBD), so you may need to duck into St George’s Terrace to summon the taxi service.  Whoa…deja vu!  Actually, you could take the “Perth Eye”, but we’ve heard it only goes around in circles.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The review crew aims to inform all bar managers of our visits, requesting permission to photograph their establishment, as well as gain a little background flavour of the venue.  Andaluz’ manager is ‘too busy’ to talk to us and a little terse, which is why we reviewed Helvetica first.  Hmpf.  (Note: Theo was in fact very busy that night and has proven to be a professional, friendly and helpful chap since.)

We head back nevertheless, determined to tick it off our list and decide to strike a path for ourselves.  Cosy little nooks and crannies abound and the crew is drawn in by rendered walls, red velvet divans and a perception of cosy character.

A cobbled lane leads to the door, lined by little tables and enthusiastic chit chat.  It’s crowded and elbow room is a little tight, but we manage to locate friends in a private alcove towards the back and settle in for the night.

Dear friends A, C, D, S, T & T have scored a snug seat in the back...

AMBIENCE

First date central – but not in the tacky way – you will be just as comfortable with your best mate or your sibling.  Not too sure about dining tables placed smack-dab in the middle of a bar space though…Andaluz maybe tries to be too many things.

MANAGER

Theo

THEME

Rustic meets royalty.

CROWD

20-45 years.

Muted tea lights cast a soft radiance...

DRESS CODE

Dress for the opera, the ballet, a date, a dinner or just a drink.

DRINKS

The amiable Andrea has been bartending for 7 years and is delighted to select N’s cocktail.  We are presented with The Green Lady which unites Hendricks gin, cucumber, mint and smashed sugar…simply scrumptious.

Andrea busy at blending...

FOOD

Aaah, so this is why there are tables in the middle of a bar…the tapas at Andaluz are delectable morsels of appealing texture and taste.

 

 

 

 

 

Cured slivers of meat-y goodness...

 

Slices of creamy and robust cheeses, pork cheek confit and Spanish deli cold cuts are some of the tidbits, which range from $6.50 to $14.50.

 

 

 

 

 

Crusty bread, gooey cheese and some Muscatels thrown in for sweetness...

 

Sweet treats are also available and this review crew will be making another visit in the very near future.

NOTABLE QUOTE

S-G laments the lack of urinals and claims that “…pissing requires a relay system…”.

GUEST REVIEWER

S-G is a former Perthite, currently visiting from overseas.

Damn you S-G...come home!

OPEN

Mon-Thu: Midday – midnight

Fri: Midday – 1am

Sat: 6pm – 1am

WEB

www.andaluzbar.com.au

 

Scribe: N

Helvetica

DATE

Saturday, 20 March 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Helvetica

ADDRESS

101 St George’s Terrace, Perth (laneway off Howard Street)

TAXI PROXIMITY

Tumbleweed Town (aka Perth CBD), so you may need to duck into St George’s Terrace to summon the taxi service.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The review crew (and guest reviewer S-G) traipse down a back alleyway into hidden gem Helvetica.

Going down the cobbled brick lane...

The alley, though dark, is punctuated by hanging tassled chandeliers and the owner waiting at Helvetica’s door.

I AM THE KING OF THE...laneway?

We are denied entry as the venue is over capacity (84 peeps maxes it out) and it’s a few minutes before S-G and G are admitted.  A few minutes longer, and R and N are in also…so the review begins.

We are impressed.  The space is just right – working a bar, a few tables and a couple of high benches into a clever combination of intimacy and privacy.  Hard wood floors, rough brick and ball lights strung randomly on ropes, work in unison to alternatively soothe and excite the senses.

An ale, a wine, a quiet banter...

Clusters of friends huddle in groups – chatting, sipping and relaxing.  One wall is covered in chocolate stripes, another is etched in silver and there are books and lamps to reinforce the cool lounge vibe.  “Welcome to Helvetica. Find your space and make yourself at home.”

AMBIENCE

Leave your pretensions at the door in this casual and sleek scene.  The unobtrusive tunes piped through the room enhance and energise the clientele and everyone looks like they’ve settled in for the evening.

Tiny tables beneath a nest of light...

MANAGER

(Sorry sir, we have lost your card and, hence, your name.  You were very nice though…so thanks!)

THEME

Designer Swede meets that havana in Cuba.

CROWD

20-35 years.

Exposed beams and hanging ceiling fans convey a Cuban feel...

DRESS CODE

Classic chic with an edge.

DRINKS

The bar staff are friendly, efficient and informed.  Our request of “make us something…good” leads bartender Candice to proffer the house special – the Fish House Punch.  Sure, you pay $35 for it, but 4 people can quite easily wallow in this jam jar for a while at least.

R & S-G await the Punch...

The concoction blends Appleton VX rum, Hennessy VS cognac, peach liqueur, sparkling wine, lemon, sugar, soda and soaked peach pieces.  To augment the experience, the jar is served with 4 mismatched divine tumblers and a ladle.  Just grand…

This dainty glass was re-filled many many times...

Wine is listed on the blackboard and ever changing, beer ranges from $7 to $14 and cocktails range from $9 to the Fish House Punch.  The bar also boasts a separate whiskey-only menu, focusing on single malts from around the world and encouraging visitors to buy a bottle which can be stored until the next visit.

FOOD

The bar snacks are simple and fuss-free, ranging from Spiced Peanuts ($2) to Marinated Feta and Baguette ($6).  This crew was too busy slurping up the Fish House to sample the fare.

NOTABLE QUOTE

Greg admires the “…funky little spot…” and vows to make a return appearance.

GUEST REVIEWER

S-G is visiting his hometown and gets roped into taking notes, schmoozing the door guards and obtaining quotes from the customers – he is well pleased.

Random homeless photoshoot...

OPEN

Sun & Mon by reservation

Tue-Thu: 3pm – midday

Fri: Midday – midnight

Sat: 6pm – midnight

WEB

www.helveticabar.com

 

Scribe: N (with a little help from S-G)

The Cabin Wine Bar and Bistro

DATE

Saturday, 6 February 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Cabin Wine Bar and Bistro

ADDRESS

Upstairs, 174 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

TAXI PROXIMITY

It’s quiet in these parts, which means it’s more likely that cabs will come when called.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It quickly becomes apparent as to why Jamie has been placed at the front door…every bar should have a dude like him greeting guests.  He might be as big as a bear, but a very friendly Yogi Bear.

Fitting, as it does seem as though we have stepped into a hunting lodge when we enter the place.  Deer (or is it moose) heads bedeck the walls (and the staff uniforms) and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Dining...Cabin-style...

The interior is bathed in a golden illumination, the tables are full and the outdoor terrace is adorned with string lights.  Dear Derek is obliging and cooperative, and only too happy for The Hidden Doorway review crew to case the joint.

Jewel spheres adorn the upper balcony...

G is branded ‘paparazzi’ by one excited punter and R charms the wait crew into keeping the drinks flowing.

AMBIENCE

Warm, seductive lighting casts a glow-y hue across the dining room, while outside, the bench seating encourages cosy conversation.

MANAGER

Derek

THEME

Colorado lodge meets smouldering chic.

The ornate stylings of the (ahem) water closet...

CROWD

20-40 years.

A deer reclines in the hearth...

DRESS CODE

Don’t let the lodge-look fool you – woolly boots won’t cut it here – so dress in modest glam.

DRINKS

Bartender Jo chooses the Moroccan Blanko (gin, lychee, harissa syrup and sugar) to entice the tastebuds but it’s the Espresso Martini (vodka, crème de cacao, Kahlua and espresso) that impresses.

Jo juggles the juice...

FOOD

It is a bistro after all, so there is a diverse range of eats with unusual ingredients (the Rabbit & Black Pudding surely deserves a mention).  Guest reviewer C chooses the Charcutrie Plate including tasty morsels which are now a faded memory at the cost of too many Espresso Martinis.

NOTABLE QUOTE

Jamie divulges that The Cabin is ‘…still trying to figure out where we sit on the small bar scene…”, while New Zealand waitress Briar insists we “…chuck a ‘bro’ on the end…” of any quote we credit to her.  We thought that was quote enough.

The engaging Briar was friendly, funny and fabulous...

GUEST REVIEWERS

C (fresh out of Sydney), S (becoming quite the regular),  and S (who writes a blog herself).

OPEN

Mon-Fri: Midday – 12am

Sat: Midday – 12am

Sun: Midday – 10pm

WEB

www.darkhorsedevelopments.com.au

 

Scribe: N

Greenhouse

DATE

Friday, 29 January 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

Greenhouse

ADDRESS

100 St George’s Terrace, Perth

TAXI PROXIMITY

It’s CBD so hailing a cab shouldn’t be a problem.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The environmentally conscious Greenhouse is a tall, cool drink of water.

Strawberry walls forever...

Growing strawberry plants climbing the walls on the outside naturally draw the eye in an otherwise concrete jungle of not-quite skyscrapers in downtown Perth city.  The concept, while not new, is still an unusual sight for visitors to this groovy creation which aims to offer the people of Perth an alternative venue.

Part owner, and altogether delightful chap, Paul Aron, tells our review crew of the art installation that is the Greenhouse.  Recycled materials have been utilised to form its exterior, the dining area at ground level exudes warmth and comfort, and boasts an open kitchen. The review crew were especially pleased with the ‘lone diner’ pull down tables at the bottom bar.

Easy dining...

To the rear, a glorious mural stretches across one wall, casting a glow over further seating options.  But there’s more…

Climbing the stairs to the rooftop bar delivers another veritable treat.  The bartenders up top are well versed in what pleases the palate and don’t hesitate when asked to mix up something special.  Wooden boxes serve as tables and seats and, while the view over the Terrace is a little lacklustre, patrons to the place will feel cut off from the maddening crowd below.

AMBIENCE

Breezy, balmy and blissful.

OWNER

Paul Aron (partnering with Joost Bakker and Jason Chan – both in Melbourne at time of our visit).

THEME

Environmental elegance.

CROWD

20-35 years

Drinking party deluxe...

DRESS CODE

Friday night brought out some laid back suits, glam PAs and a few curious travellers (you know who you are…Chris & Matt!).

DRINKS

So they don’t do pints of beer here (ponies only)…we can survive.  The delectable cocktails alone will keep a bevy of beauties coming back for more.

'Adsy' struggles with the pony...

Bartender Dan, when asked to mix up a surprise, presents a chilled glass loaded with gin, ginger liquor, lemon juice, pink grapefruit, honey and a surprise ingredient – lavender.  Verdict?  Heavenly.

Dan Dan...you are indeed the man...

It was Bartender Bill’s turn next – he decided to turn out an Earl Grey Sour (Plymouth gin, ginger liquor, lemon juice, a dash of egg white, and a swirl of Earl Grey tea).  It was an acquired taste but he got extra points for including egg in the sweet infusion.

FOOD

Yes, you can drink here, but the place has some serious food on the menu too with the bottom floor devoted to diners wishing to sample the fare.

Evening eats take advantage of good produce with Piquillo Pepper & Manchego Croquettes ($9), Duck Rillette w/ Sourdough ($12.50) and Fried, Spiced Cauliflower ($9).  Diners wanting to share can test the 24hr Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder w/ Tabouli and Yoghurt ($78 – serves 4 people).

The dining wall's marvellous mural...

NOTABLE QUOTE

Chris and Matt praised the “…mellow but friendly atmosphere…” but noted that “…the plants need a bit of watering…”.  Thanks fellas.

Chris and Matt exchange gardening tips...

INTERESTING TIDBIT

Watch your spike heels in the rooftop bar ladies, the floor is covered in spike-heel-sized holes which could prove an issue if trying to navigate while sozzled.

GUEST REVIEWERS

S & B

Farewell house-that-is-green...we shall return...

OPEN

Mon & Tues: 7am – late
Wed – Sat: 7am – 12am

WEB

www.greenhouseperth.com

 

Scribe: N

The George

 

DATE

Friday, 29 January 2010

ESTABLISHMENT

The George

ADDRESS

216 St George’s Terrace, Perth

TAXI PROXIMITY

A little wander across the road will land you in front of the Parmelia Hilton Hotel and its rank of cabs.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The review crew are greeted by some serious security at the front door and our first impression of The George is somewhat tainted.

It’s the business end of Perth, Friday night and, apart from the occasional tumble weed, not much to see. Sure, The George’s facade is impressive, but so is R and G’s ability to smash a pint.

The George boasts a full house on Friday nights...

General Manager, Caroline, is summoned and, although a mite confused at what exactly we intend to do, is courteous enough to take us through and provide contact details.  We are told that all pics will require approval by management…we thought we were conducting an amateur review, not casting the Zagat’s Guide.  Anyhoo…

There’s no doubt The George is brimming with clientele and the interior is an assault on the senses.  But something is missing…

Certainly not in the demeanour of the staff, who are accommodating, helpful and full of smiles.  Law student, Rhett, has been serving behind the bar for 10 months and sweetly raves about the “good clientele”.

Rhett wows the crowd...

Certainly not awards, The George has taken the 2009 Gold Plate for ‘Restaurant Within a Tavern”.

Something just failed to impress this crew…we’ll let you decide for yourself.

AMBIENCE

It’s Friday night, after-work noisy and the punters have come out in droves to shrug off the working week.  If it’s a quiet drink you’re after, on Friday at least, perhaps investigate other means to quench your thirst.

Catching up for a chilled out drink...

MANAGER

Caroline

THEME

Soho brasserie meets Carter Pewterschmidt’s mansion.

CROWD

20-50 years.  R didn’t mind his little chat with Chad’s group and felt it was the highlight of the night – the rest of his  experience at The George was somewhat forgettable.

The enclosed booths offer a private place for chit chat...

DRESS CODE

Slick suits with a twist of sexy librarian.

DRINKS

Bartender Graeme, not to be confused with our own G, exhibits a striking flair with the cocktail shaker and dispenses a blend of peach bitters (Fee Brothers), Bombay Sapphire gin (be still my heart), pomegranate liquor, orange and fresh lime.  We like it, we like it a lot.

Graeme Gins up The George...

Wine ranges from $38-$900 a bottle and the beer catalogue is inventive and diverse.

Wine aplenty...

FOOD

The George offers breakfast, a la carte, tapas (available on Friday from 4pm until late) and external catering.

NOTABLE QUOTE

“Coolest bar on St George’s Terrace.” – Els.  Clearly, dear Els has not visited the Greenhouse just up the road…

INTERESTING TIDBIT

Sorry, we couldn’t actually unearth one.

GUEST REVIEWERS

S & B

OPEN

Mon-Fri: 7am – late

Sat: 5pm – late

WEB

www.thegeorgeperth.com.au

 

 

Scribe: N