URBAN LOCAVORE | CHEESE DREAMS

Urban Locavore got all organised on us putting together a delicious cheeseboard for August.  

BAHEN & CO - from bean to bar

Who hasn't flipped over a chocolate bar to peer at the nutritional table before you start snapping off each square.  Those little calories might grab your eye but right next door is the long list of stuff that resides in your foil wrapped block of artificial taste.  I prefer my chocolate stripped right back, no purple wrappers in this house. 
 
Bahen & Co use vintage chocolate equipment and you will only find two ingredients, cacao and cane sugar.   Each bar is beautifully adorned its own special paper holding chocolate that smells like it should and tastes even better.   I have been lucky enough to meet Josh and his lovely wife Jacq and witness all the good things they do.  I always make the effort to stock up whilst in Margaret River.

Watch this little video and you too will be racing down south to get your hands on the real stuff.

Bahen & Co Chocolate from Commoner Films on Vimeo.

Mary Street Mixer

So excited for another Beaufort Street food adventure this time raising funds for the Beaufort Street Network and the Beaufort Street Festival.  The amazing folk at Mary Street Bakery have kindly offered up their kitchen skills to host our mixer of food, wines and friends.   Tickets are on sale now and going like cronuts so get in quick.  You can buy them here.

The Bivs

'A bivouac is designed for rest and recuperation and that’s what we’re all about.'

Many a night have seen us take shelter at Bivouac, hiding from the merciless amount of dishes I create whilst cooking and the food shop that I should have done yesterday.  

The menu boasts Middle Eastern flavours, with delicious little pomegranate gems finding their way through many dishes.  The Bivs, as we affectionately call it, is the perfect place to retreat with friends.

Last time we tucked into:  

porcini & goat cheese croquettes, truffle mayo
pizza ~ sucuk turkish sausage, red pepper, wild iranian fig, ricotta, dukkah
spiced cauliflower, goat curd, currants
 slow cooked beef cheeks, jester potato, brussel sprouts, braising liquor, carrot jam & harissa
 egyptian spiced panna cotta, dried persian fruit compote, candied popcorn

West End Deli

It is safe to say that we are now spoilt for choice when it comes to good eating.  Whilst all the new digs popping up make me a little giddy, there is something so satisfying about visiting an old flame.  

West End Deli holds so many wonderful memories which would make your tummy rumble. Poached quinoa with stewed rhubard or pulled beef hash and a glass of cherry coloured ice tea with star anise that bobs its way to the top after every sip ... ahhhhh.

Sometimes you just want to stick with what you know and love.  

West End Deli with it's brooding blue walls and antique bric-a-brac was doing that rustic look long before the rest.  Each morning they serve up brunch and you can enjoy their dinner menu in the later parts of the week.  Tucked away on the North Perth side of Carr Street you often forget it is there.  We ventured here for a lazy Sunday morning indulgence.

Just when you think bacon and eggs is erring on the boring side, a monster serving of Elmar's double smoked (extra thick) bacon hits the table.  Served with perky poached eggs, freshly baked baguette and a disc of salty butter.  A side of smoked creamed corn brought me back to childhood breakfasts with my dad just this time without a side of chops, chips and eggs.  The mushroom terrine with blue cheese butter was a rich explosion calling for a tart glass of ice tea to break through the decadence.

The Tasmanian salmon is not your usual breky suspect.  Served Japanese style with sesame, spinach, slow egg and enoki mushrooms.  The miso broth giving the dish a smooth hit of umami.  It tasted like heaven and for once I actually left breakfast with a spring in my step rather than waddling out ready for the couch.

West End Deli is one of those venues that has stood the test of time. Homely with a lively atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted menu topped with baked goods that will having you coming back again.

Zambrero's Northbridge

If you were avoiding the Mexican cartel that has taken over the streets, then the Northbridge zone is also no longer safe.  On Thursday, Zambrero opened its doors on James Street welcoming its fourth store to WA.  Day 1 saw Zambrero's giving away 1000 burritos, whispers say it was one every fifteen seconds.  
 
I have been lucky enough to get to know the owners of Mt Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco really well.  Jamie and Eli opened their first store in Mt Lawley just in time for the Beaufort Street Festival 2011, the year that 80,000 attendees took us by surprise.  It's been a huge two years for these two with three successful stores under their belts.  I went along to the James Street opening party to down salt rimmed margaritas and play catch ups (eat burritos).   

The James Street store is beautifully fitted with earthy, wood features and feels oh so spacious thanks to the high ceiling with its original pressed tin.  The owners are new to the Zambrero scene and they have big plans for many more in the West. These plans include the ENEX dining hall which opens rather soon and will be giving the likes of Sumo Salad a run for its money. 

James Street will be the first to keep the doors open late into the night.  I imagine the drinking crowd will be pouring in.  Even when drunk the math is quite simple: burrito > kebab.  

As I write this on Sunday night I can honestly say that I have eaten at Zambrero three times this week. My favourite and failsafe option for when I need something fresh,  healthy and in a hurry.   Oh and you can leave feeling just that little bit more satisfied knowing that each time you eat at a Zambrero they donate a plate to someone in need.  

URBAN LOCAVORE | JUNE

The June tasting box was the perfect Winter night and I think we demolished it within 24 hours! 

The Wine Store

Mary Street Bakery

Did someone say bread? Actually, make that artisan bread.  

Mary Street Bakery will soon be dominating your newsfeed as everyone scrambles to try the latest offering from the food gods of Beaufort Street.  The only thing you will be sacrificing is your waistline as you tuck into baked goodies, breads, donuts and other tasty morsels.  But don't worry you can gulp it all down with their cold pressed juice and simply wash your sins away.  

I am still yet to fit in a breakfast or brunch with friends and Mary Street Bakery is definitely on my eating agenda this week. So in the meantime here are some snaps from a week or two ago. They sure know how to throw an house warming with guests leaving laden with freshly baked goods. Happy opening guys! 

Pinot Noir & Black Truffle Dinner

Winter.  Nothing warms the soul like a glass of wine and the comforts of the season.   Cold nights were made for pinot noir and truffles, Perigord black truffles to be precise.  

Must Winebar hosted their annual Pinot Noir & Black Truffle Dinner on a cold Thursday night.  Five courses showcasing seasonal produce rich with Al Blakers' Manjimup truffles.  Each dish creatively designed by Russell Blaikie and matched with local and imported gems carefully selected by Must's wine consultant, Paul McArdle.  

First Course
Truffled Sweet corn Croquette
Clemens Hill Pinot Noir Coal River Tasmania 2010

Second Course
Salt Roasted Celeriac, Jamon Iberico, Truffle Mayonnaise, Sourdough Toast
Hudelot-Noellat Bourgogne Rouge Burgundy France 2011
  

Third Course
Truffled Charcuterie Plate: Chicken Liver Parfait with Black Truffles & Truffled Pate en Croute of Plantagenet Pork, Truffle Mayonnaise
Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir Central Otago NZ

Fourth Course
16 Hour Butterfield Beef Rib, Truffled Parish Mash, Sweet Baby Carrots, Pinot Noir-Black Truffle Jus
 Dugat-Py V.V Gevrey Chambertin Burgundy France 2009

Fifth Course
Truffled French Brie, Lavoche, Truffle-Salted Nuts
Littorai Savoy Anderson Valley California USA 201  

A trip to Must is now not complete without finishing the evening on the unique flavours of a Hattori Hanzo.  Served martini style and packed with a punch HH is a blend of Mutemuka shuzo sake, chili infused absolut vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur finished off with crème de violette. 

Typika

Tucked away in the heart of Claremont is an artisan coffee roaster and café.  Open seven days a week Typika oozes a sophisticated laid back style that not many cafés nail.  

Chapels on Whatley

I love impromptu breakfasts.  Especially those with friends who have just returned from honeymoons with plenty of adventures to share.  We caught up Hayleigh and Stephen over breakfast and the hugest mug of coffee I have ever seen at Chapels on Whatley.  Chapels is a furniture store come cafe known for its diverse menu with an Asian flair complimenting the extensive selection of tea available.  

I didn't feel like anything too breakfast-y so I ordered the Asian noodle omelette.  I drowned it in extra chilli and soy sauce and it hit the spot.   I must admit I did feel a little sullen when the pancake stack arrived.  

There is something so damn magical about the ménage à trois of banana, bacon and maple syrup.  Add these cheeky three to a stack of fluffy pancakes and you are in absolute bliss.  God bless America! 

Miss Kitty's Saloon

Bloody Mary's + comfort food.  Enough said.   

G: a wild performance of your greenest dreams

Considered the Hamlet of ballet, Giselle deals with all spectrums of life even its darkest corners. G is Gary Stewart’s raw deconstruction of traditional Giselle.  The classic elements of death, gender, jealousy, the supernatural, betrayal and hysteria are stunningly captured in this jaw-dropping production. 

A rolling LED screen leads each dancer onto stage introducing each character, lighting the stage a vivid green.   The plot unravels in a flood of green and the stage is suddenly held hostage by this high-octane physical performance. The dancers only enter the stage from the left and only exit on the right.  They move left to right, each dancer as utterly captivating as the last.  

G is highly energetic and immeasurably engaging.  The 11 dancers of Australian Dance Theatre push themselves to their physical limits breathing fire and fresh life into ballet. Hauntingly beautiful movements are suddenly shadowed by the twist and contortion of bodies.  Every movement is explored with a stunning heart racing score of electronic music.  The most enthralling element being the dancer’s expressions.   Anguish, hatred, shock and every possible raw emotion were clear as day to the audience already mesmerised by the explosive choreography.

G is the wildest performance of your greenest dreams.  Showing at the State Theatre for another two nights G will have very few tickets left so be sure to start sprinting to the box office. G will leave you short of breath, wanting to take another hit.  

The Everleigh

'Bartending is an old and honourable trade.  It is not a profession and I have no sympathy with those who try to make it anything but what it was.  The idea of calling a bartender a professor or a mixologist is nonsense.'

Official Mixers Manual Patrick Gavin Duffy, 1934

A postcard from The Everleigh

Homecooked Chilli Mussels

Sunday night in with Hanni, Tals and Ryan, before we kicked Ryan out for the company of a man of the same name. 

Tuesday Night Crew

Every so often on a Tuesday evening someone in our friendship circle puts on their hosting hat and cooks dinner for a long table of friends. 

chef
Ciara with assistant chefs: Ike & Willy
entrees
 fetta and sundried tomato tarts, corn fritters with smoked salmon capers and creme fraiche 
 mains
haloumi salad, chicken, chorizo and potato bake with fresh herbs
 dessert  
brandy snap baskets filled with custard and berries

Kettle Cafe

Every pocket of the globe needs a great local cafe.  Somewhere to walk to on a Sunday morning knowing the smell of coffee and a paper await.  Kettle Cafe has recently popped up in Lathlain much to the delight the locals piling in for honest home cooked fare.   

Our friends who all live close have been singing Kettle's praises since it opened.  Breakfasts are my favourite catch ups so we quickly snapped up the opportunity to check it out.  The cafe has a breezy neighbourhood feel with warm furnishings and welcoming staff.  There are cosy and intimate tables for lovebirds, larger tables for groups and the rustic communal table is perfect for spreading out the paper.  The rugrat friendly corner is right by the low, lounge style seating for parents to enjoy their meal whilst the little ones play.   

The breakfast menu is short and simple and the counter filled with sweets and muffins for those wanting a sweeter start to the day.  

I can never understand my boyfriend at breakfast time.  He always orders what I think is the boring option, this time the classic free range eggs poached with avocado and bacon which was wolfed down in seconds. The lemon and thyme polenta served with creamy mushrooms, rocket, thick shavings of parmesan and a drizzle of basil oil caught my eye so I added a serve of poached eggs on top.  It was warming and hearty, tasting like a Winter breakfast should. 

 Kettle Cafe is a quaint little cafe just perfect for this corner of the world.