Wine and Truffle co.

For those that read my blog, a few weekends ago I went down south to Manjimup to my bf's family reunion and 100 years of his family farm. During that weekend, we managed to go to a truffle farm, and if you didn't know Manjimup is one of the only places in the Southern Hemisphere that is able to successful produce truffles worth their weight in gold. The weekend that we went was luckily in the truffle season!

We ventured to Wine and Truffle Co. which of course farms truffles (and you can even go on a truffle hunt in the morning - which we didn't do because we weren't there long enough, although learning about how it's farmed and hunting with the dogs would be an experience, maybe next time). They also have a small winery. 

We were a little early for our booking so tried bits of their truffle products. One of them was this amazing and I mean beautifully amazing truffle mustard. The aroma and taste of the truffle was present in each bite and spread of the mustard. But at $18.00 a 100g jar, I don't know if I like it that much to get it. 

When everyone came and the menu was placed in front of us, they had two options - one was sharing plate and the other was a la carte. We all decided the a la carte menu was the way to go. Their a la carte menu was simple and sweet with options of homemade pie, duck and gnocchi.

Bf's dad, Bf's brother and I wanted something hearty and warm seeing as it was rather cold and cloudy outside so opted for the homemade steak pie with wine sauce and truffle mash potatoes. The mash potatoes was lovely and there was a generous amount of truffle through the whole mash, which gave this rich amazing flavour. The pie on the other hand was slightly dry and the steak was tough. I think my cousin makes it better. However, it was hearty and it was huge. A struggle to finish it.

Bf's mum and Bf's brother's gf on the other hand had the duck breast. She said it was perfectly cooked and big flakes of truffles were placed on top of the dish. The duck dish was infused with herbs and spices and she and bf's brother's gf were both satisfied and delighted. Bf's mum said it was the perfect lunch size.

 

 Bf opted for the gnocchi dish. It was very creamy and the blue cheese was rather strong. The gnocchi itself was a little under cook - too sticky. But the truffle and blue cheese did go well together. I don't think I would have been able to finish his dish had I gotten it, as it was far too creamy for my liking.

Of course, lunch is never complete without dessert. There was the baked cheese cake which bf's dad, bf's brother and his gf had. All of them couldn't stop ranting and raving about how good it was. Poor bf was rather devo about not having it seeing as it had a nut base.

Bf opted instead, for the scones with cream and jam. A rather boring choice for a dessert if you ask me.

Even though I was stuffed, and it was cold outside, I felt like having ice-cream was went for the truffle ice-cream. It was actually rather heavenly. Although, I have to admit I don't like the smell of truffle in ice-cream, it's just not right. But cream and truffle seemed to go so well together, it was almost like cookies and cream ice-cream, minus the chunky crunchy texture.

Overall, Wine and Truffle co. wasn't too bad. The prices were extremely reasonable. The food was hearty. The service was lacking. The room seemed rather sterile because it was so white despite the paintings on the wall. It needs more of an ambiance. And the whole place leading up to the restaurant really needs to get a face lift and tidying. But apart from the superficial comment, the food was alright for a small country cafe. Definitely not like eating truffle at a fine dining place where they give you a small amount you can't even see in the food, but rather decent servings of truffle.

So if you want to know what truffle is and the fuss surrounding it and want to taste it and learn more about it, Wine and Truffle Co. is probably the place to do it!

Sherbet

OH SHERBERT! A local favourite in the heart of a changing face of Maylands. Opposite the Maylands train station there is a row of stores, cafes and shops. From a deli (which was sizzling away sausages on this particular sunny yet chilly winter Saturday) to a oriental-themed cafe, Chapels, a bar (shut on a Saturday morning) called Sparrow, the corner Mrs. S brunch cafe (which I can never seem to get a table at!) and then there is Sherbet the wonderous cake and pastry store. A little Paris in a suburb that could be so much more than what it is at present. Give it time perhaps.

Decked in mint green, pinks, baby blues with photos of Paris, the little cakery is packed on the weekends. Luckily bf and I were able to get a table outside in the sunshine. With an arry of cakes on display, all housemade may I add, it makes it a tough choice.

 However, I was keen to get their 3-layer fabulous Red Velvet Cake. Their signature. It was a monster of a piece and bf and I should have known better and should have shared, alas, we didn't. It came with a side of homemade vanilla bean cream (you can see the vanilla black dots through it! - that always makes me excited!!). 

It was rich, it was indulgent, it was well deserved on this Saturday early afternoon, having faced a horrible week at work.

Bf, had the lemon slice. It was zesty and sweet. But the one coffee cart at work sells lemon slice and his one seems better. I think the Lemon slice at Sherbet is missing something. It seemed a little stale? Not enough balance of the two zesty and sweetness I think. It also came with a side of cream.

Then we had a take-away red velvet for my parents. Carefully wrapped in brown paper bag with their stamp logo, it was the perfect present!

OH just to let you know, they also make pastries and warm food. But I recommend that you come here for coffee and a slice of any of their range of cakes. Afternoon tea anyone?

The Tuck Shop Cafe and Delicatessen

I have been waiting for weeks to go to the Tuck Shop. The last time was wanting to go before work (which ended up not happening!). This time around, I took some family friends who are from overseas and have been studying here for a while and who have never had an "Australian" breakfast. So I decided it was the most opportune time to go to Tuck Shop and try their menu. 

Located in the new revamped Newcastle street in Northbridge, The Tuck Shop Cafe and Delicatessen is located on the corner of Money street. They are known for their great breakfasts, pies, popularity and line. I was a little scared of the waiting time, they told us it was 20 minutes, but in fact it was less than that - it actually resulted in them calling me on my phone as we were busy rummaging through the boutiques of Northbridge (not that many of the stores were open). 

Upon getting our table, water was brought to the table quickly and our drinks were taken. I was a little hesitant about the coffee, as past reviews have stated that it is bad. But I had no such problems. I had a flat white, great coffee taste, smooth Toby coffee blend and milk perfectly frothed and at the temperature that I like. And nothing was burnt!

The menu posed a bit of a problem for us, mainly because it's rather extensive and with so many delicious sounding options and the pies at the front looking amazing we were stuck as to what to chose. But alas, we agreed that meant that we had to come back another time to try different things.

At the end we settled for the Moroccan meatballs with flatbread, tomato, hummus and za'atar fried egg. 

The flavours of the meatballs were amazing. Filled with spices, not too zesty and were delicious. It didn't feel like it was full of fat, but rather meat and you can see the spices and herbs mixed through the meat ball. It was well marinated as well. The strong flavours of the meatballs complemented the subtle flavours of the hummus and the flatbread was crunchy, despite the sauces. The fried egg was a little runny when first cut into, which I think is fantastic. Overall, the dish had amazing dish and one that definitely gave you the kick start that was needed for the day. And hey it was beautifully presented!

BB had the Hashbrown slow cooked lamb, mushrooms, spinach and herbs with poached egg. I had a decent taste of her meal and I must say it was definitely milder in flavours than mine, but the hashbrown was homemade. I felt as though the hashies lacked a bit of flavour and tasted a little doughy (which was a bit odd? too much flour of something that binds the potatoes together??). The lamb however was rather beautiful and didn't have that lamb smell that puts people off. She was satisfied.

 MC ended up having the Chirozo, Paprika potatoes, peppers and spinach onions with crispy pork belly and fried egg. And this was amazing. The potatoes were sauteed with the paprika spice, the chirozo was of good quality, the pork belly was tender with amazing crispy crackling. Although because it came in bite size pieces it reminded me of the roast pork that you get from the chinese restaurant like Good Fortune and Hong Kong BBQ. But hey, either one tastes great.

 Apart from their amazing breakfast menu, they do have an array of cakes on display. We were unable to tuck into anymore so skipped the sweets after our walk around the city. But look at the cabinet! Doesn't it look great?? And you can't forget their famous pie range - which were huge and something that I will have to try at a later date. (hopefully it won't be much later).

The Tuck Shop Cafe and Delicatessen is a great addition to Perth's changing restaurant landscape. It's popular because it's value for money, has great flavoured food. For a place so busy they serve their dishes quickly. Although the waiters can be a bit abrupt and almost to the rude side, I can somewhat forgive as the place is rather small and they are rushed of their feet. The atmosphere there is cozy and loud, but it gives you fantastic hearty meal. I can't wait to go back.

Weekend delights

Weekend of delights...

Friday night watching Pixars latest animation, Brave with my younger cousins at the kids session, which was actually filled with adults and then my 10 year old cousin. Pixar didn't disappoint in it's animation, amazing! But unlike other pixar films it is a little childish and the story ended so quickly, felt as though the story could have been developed more (as other pixar films the characters were definitely more interesting and 3D).

Then the awesome waffle at Superstar waffles on Saturday afternoon with JJ. Sweet milk flavour - condense milk goodness with yummy warm waffles and lovely latte.



This was then followed by dinner at Steve's Cafe before laughing my head off at "Wilarious" Will Anderson show with Wells, MM, JJ and bf. Or as my mum says "OH the ABC guy from spicks and specks..." with me going "mm..no.. gruen transfer".... and then she goes.. "oh right from my generation game show on channel ten..he moved to channel 10 right"...Me; "umm.. no still on ABC.." OH dear.. all comedians look like Will Anderson??.. T_T

Then headed to my aunty's were we watched Liv wedding video. Finally! 6 months later. It was however, very well edited and very beautiful and sweet (and totally not boring at all!).

Of course my cold is getting worse.. Sniffles cough and sneezes!

But nothing bets cake after lunch on Sunday! Can even somewhat cure a cold. Red velvet cake for me and a lemon slice for the boy from Sherbet! yummo! Although boy ended up eating majority of my slice! Heh I am suppose to on a diet so he is helping.


Weekends like the one just past are amazing. Relaxing, indulgent and filled to the brim with friends and family.

Superstar Waffles

Superstar waffles! What better way to spend a chilly weekend afternoon than in a tucked away waffle shop in Northbridge.



You never know the gems you find in side street arcades that you forever walk past but never go down.. and when you do the surprise awaiting there is amazing! Located in an arcade off William street (arcade next to the hairdresser K3G and near Jus Burgers), Superstar Waffles is beaming with cuteness and little bit harajuku or as a workmate put it when she saw the photos.. almost like a laboratory. A laboratory making amazing waffles!

The menu filled with savoury and sweet waffles (whether it's the normal waffle way or on a stick!). You can even have the waffle with ice-cream!

They also make hot drinks, coffees, teas, hot chocolate and milkshakes.

I really did fall in love with the place, it's terribly cute, the waffles are pretty fantastic (We had the sweet milk one with yummy condense milk!).

One very happy customer!

Next time we try peanut better, banaoffe pie, apple pie and perhaps the berry ones too!

The vibe is so chilled, relaxed and cosy. It's lovely, makes you feel warm inside and out and makes you smile ear to ear. I can just chill with a book in a corner eating waffle on a stick and drinking coffee! Not bad for a waffle place right?


And hey to top it off it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner! So go check it out.

ADDITION (21/07/2012):

So I ended up coming here again with my family friends. We tried the Berrilious Waffle and the S'mores Waffles.

The S'mores waffle was amazing with the nuttella and melted mashmallows sandwiched between the waffles, topped with chocolate ice cream and cream on the side. Although, it can get a little sweet - perfect for the sweet toothed  kind.

The Berrilious, compared to S'mores, was a little tangy. It had nuts/museli sprinkled at the top of the waffles, but overall it was refreshing. Although I felt that it was a little dry, and perhaps a little too tangy. I think it required syrup of some sort on top.

We didn't end up finishing our waffles, because we were all full from the brunch we had at the lovely tuck shop cafe. Even after the walk around the city and quick window shopping.

 To wash down the waffles, I ordered iced matcha and MC had iced coffee both had ice cream in it. The Matcha iced was rather nice! Although I really wish the taste of the matcha was a little stronger.

and I still think it's so cute! LOOK AT THAT DECO AT THE BACK!?!

Santi's

I'm glad a cafe that is friendly and is happy to cater for the people that work near Hampden road is finally here.

Santi is a very cute cafe with a beautiful colour scheme of baby blue/cyan, black and white. Owned by a mother daughter team, it makes great coffee, scones with cream and jam and their breakfast and lunch menu is hearty and reasonably priced.

I'm just really glad that the coffee is amazing and Dianella always takes our order with a smile and is ever so friendly. So when I heard that they do bookings and allows us to pre-order our lunch so when we get there it's all ready, bunch of girls decided to try it for Friday Girl's Lunch. To top it off they were offering specials! Buy a la carte meal and get a coffee free for the month of July! w00t! BONUS.

J ordered the Santi Burger with side of homemade cut chips. It looked devine and massive. The chips were definately great!

We ordered the pasta special - which was fettuccine with chicken and bacon with flakes of chilli through it in a napolitana sacue. The spices through the sauce was amazing and it wasn't too rich (I hate that about the creamy sauaces) and it wasn't drowning in sauce. Although I wish there was a little more of the sauce. The chicken was a little tough and chewy, slightly overcook, but not complaining.

Overall, Santi's is a great addition to Hampden road with a warm, friendly atmosphere. It offers delicious a la carte meals at resonable prices and to top it off has great coffee! I think next time I want to try their pork belly.

ADDITION (20/07/2012): I just went there again on Thursday with a bigger group of girls from work and although the food was great we were grossly disappointed by the fact that the addition of chicken/squid to our salads ordered by some of the girls was $5.50. Seems a little on the expensive side. I was also a tend disappointed with my pasta special because the supposed braised beef I was to have in the pasta was NON-EXISTENT. The soup of the day - potatoe and leek, however was beautiful. Despite this, Santi is still a good lunch spot, especially when I want something a little bit fancy, and the atmosphere is great. But perhaps I might chose my dishes a little more carefully next time.

100 years of family

Bf and I drove down a few Friday afternoons ago, after work to go to Manjimup for a massive family reunion for his family. A hundreds years since his family migrated to Australia from England. Not a bad achievement!

So before spending time with bf's family and before the festivities of the main event, we did a few quick "touristy" things. Mainly at my need to stock up on red wine (which I am ashamed to say is now down to one bottle - mostly because I didn't buy a lot and mostly because I have taken them along to friends' and family dinner parties). 

We ventured to Silkwood wineries. Amazing views from their cafe, which also doubles as their tasting area (I think it's great marketing! - you wine taste - you get whoozy so you stay a while and fill up on food - in our case coffee/milkshake).

Silkwood wineries was a rather peaceful, pretty and serene place. And as the cafe lady said, a favourite wedding venues, especially now that they have completed their gardens. We didn't see their garden because after tasting, buying of wine then having a coffee enjoying the views we had to make our way to our next destination - Wine and Truffle Co. for some truffle-filled lunch at their cafe, which I will talk about at a later time. 

Then the day ended with visiting bf's brother's house and watching Captain America, while the temperature outside dropped, but luckily there was a fireplace. God I love fireplaces on cold winter's nights. They just add a touch of romance and coziness. All that was needed was hot chocolate.

So, the next day, was the main event. I learnt a fair bit about bf's family history and I think he did too. His uncle did an awesome job finding the "descendants" of the family members that migrated to Australia. There was at least 70+ people. Luckily it didn't rain, although it threatened, because I don't think the marquee would have held if it pelted down. 

It makes me wonder what it would be like if my whole entire family were to gather. I know a few years ago there was a sort of family reunion and that was already like 70+ and it was still "immediate" family and people we know. If my family traced back the family tree I wonder what we would find. 

There was so much food, but I would have to say the thing that impressed me most was bf's cousin cooking BBQ on an open wood fire (of course there was a metal tray on top which held the meat). 

 

 

It gave the meat a bit of a woody flavour through it, which made the steak fantastic. I was a little disappointed in myself for not having more meat, or at least having the lamb. 

 

I have to say thought, the person or rather an animal stole the show, and it was a little golden Labrador puppy. So fluffy and such a cutie! Also rather into play fighting with another adolescent dog which was about five times the pup's size. He hasn't got a name yet though.

He is the softest thing you ever felt! So adorable. Totally like the toilet paper ad! Cuddly!

But before we knew it, it was time for us to head back home. With the colour of the sky changing as we drove home, we were both tired and yet felt slightly refreshed to have gotten away from work and everything else for at least 48 hours. Nevertheless, the colours were rather lovely.