Nine Fine Food

It's been really hard for bf and I lately, with me working so much (head down bum up), then when I'm not working I'm too busy trying to catch up with friends, have a date night with the boy, see my family, fit some gym sessions and then I'm exhausted. Neither of which really helps getting alone time with me myself and I or hey blog updates for that matter.

This is one of those rare occurrences, where I have managed to finish work on time, have a post-work paranoid panic attack, skip the gym (for the 10th or so time in the last 3 weeks - which is so bad, as I usually go 3-4 times a week), managed to fit in an interview with one of my favourite local shoe designer duo (if you follow my instagram @sprinklespice you would know who it is by now!) sort out some pressing house-related matters and omg look at that it's not even 9pm yet and I am now able to sit down and start blogging. Yes. It is very exhausting. It's a miracle I'm upright typing this.

 A couple of weeks ago on a week night where the wind howled and the skies cried bf and I braved the weather and greeted the middle of spring in style by going to an old favourite of mine, Nine Fine Food. 

I haven't been here for a good three years, due to the crazy list of restaurants I have had to tried. But in between all that, I have been more than happy enough to recommend this place to everyone. But having recommended it to so many people I had to make sure and check that one of my favourites is still up to scratch, or have the competition of it all gotten too much for them... have they slipped?

The one thing I noticed is how they have improved the lighting! (THANK GOD! We can now see what we are eating!). The layout of the restaurant is still a little awkward, but with the space that they've got it's done well, with an almost oragami like design (think corner, knooks, lines, squares, shapes), minimalistic, modern and yet cosy.

The menu as always gives attention to detail and flavours, with the usual suspects of fresh sashimi and tempura on show, but the most exciting dishes are the ones where the flavours and textures of food are explored and complimented together, which really is the heart of Japanese cuisine and cooking. 

Nine Fine Food have incorporated a couple of set menus (3 or 4 courses - $53 and $63 respectively) where there is a choice of 3-4 dishes per course, or you can go all out and have the degustation menu (24 hours notice must be given) or you can opt for the a la carte. 

Bf  and I decided that since we wanted 3 courses and all of what we wanted from the a la carte menu are the choices on the set 3 course menu, it only makes sense to get 3 course set menu (it also worked out to be budget friendlier). Oh and a side of soft shell crab as bf was craving it!

 Entrees consisted of bf's favourite meat dish - pork, the dish was aptly named pork and pork.

  

 

Pork and Pork

 

The pork meat was proudly displayed with the pride and joy, pork belly, twice cooked milk braised took centre stage. The crackling wasn't that perfect crunch, the pork belly had too much fat compared to meat. Along side it was the grilled pork fillets with tempura bacon, salad and this amazing sweet, tangy, chilli apple mango sauce. It wasn't outstanding by any means, but then again, you are at a Japanese restaurant so pork may not be the dish they do best in.

I opted for the agedashi toothfish soup. The patagonian toothfish was lightly fried, it was nice and crunchy on the outside, the fish melted like butter on first touch and the agedashi soy broth added a bit more flavour to the dish. Then there was the tofu, mushroom and wakame seaweed complementing the dish. The whole thing reminded me of Japan. It was very much a modern twist on a traditional Japanese style cuisine. 

 

Agedashi toothfish soup

We also opted for soft shell crab, as an addition to our entree or a side to our mains (however you look at it). It came with a lovely waisabi mayo sauce and salad. The crab were rather meaty and less batter which I liked, but I felt as though they left it out too long that it was a little soggy and wasn't as crunchy as it would've been.

Soft Shell Crab

I really have to remind you before we get to the mains that my bf's idea of Japanese is pretty much fusion Japanese. Think along the lines of teriyaki chicken. So for him to even like Japanese cuisine in its traditional form and ideals is a little too far-fetched. The closest he came to was at Fuku.

So it's not surprise really when he went for the duck. It was a confit duck leg on top of sweet potato mash covered in red wine and mirine reduction with beautifully grilled scallops, which had flakes of tempura onion on top. The duck itself was beautiful and sweet potato mash was just lovely (better than mash potato). A dish enjoyed thoroughly by the boy.

Confit Duck

I went for the Salmon and Scallop. The dish took me by surprise because it was something I did not envision. It was a beautiful deconstructed dish with so many elements, flavours and textures on the plate it was an exciting foodie journey. The salmon fillet was divinely sauced with this creamy rice wine vinegar reduction. The fillet also went superbly with the mash sweet potato. There was also grilled scallop with a slight passionfruit sticky sauce (which actually worked really well), a radish and pomegranate display when eaten with the fried seafood log cut through the oil nicely. I liked the dish with all the elements on it, but the salmon if eaten itself would have been rather dull indeed but with all the different textures, flavours complementing each other I enjoyed it. 

Salmon and Scallop

The best of the night would have to be dessert. I had been craving mattcha brulee for ages so I was excited about. Bf on the other hand ordered the tiramisu. When it came out, he realised he had forgotten to ask about nuts in the tiramisu and it looked as though the top might be sprinkled with it. So alas we did a swap (but lucky for me he shared!). 

The mattcha brulee is just amazing. It cracked beautifully. The mattcha flavour was throughout the dish without it overpowering the brulee taste. It wasn't too eggy either nor was it too sweet that there wasn't any mattcha flavour. Silky goodness.

 

Mattcha Brulee

I must say the tiramisu was a great interpretation. It was very creamy, almost mousse like and there was chocolate and possibly nuts (something crunchy) throughout it. I felt as though there wasn't enough espresso through it, but it was very much an asian-style tiramisu and not so much the Italian style. It wasn't bad, but it didn't satisfy my craving for a mattcha brulee.

 

Tiramisu

It was a lovely date night at Nine Fine Food. The staff were friendly, courteous and welcoming. The food came out in a timely manner, although it seemed like eternity in between ordering and the entree (partly because we were famished from not having eaten since lunch!). The price is just right. In fact, for what you are paying presently in Perth and for the quality of the dishes and produce used, Nine Fine Food is better than a lot of them. So I can safely say I can still recommend this little Japanese place on the corner of Bulwer and Lake streets.

 

Epp..

Oh dear another long haitus.

So sorry to all my readers. I've been so flat out I barely have time for sleep let alone blog!

There are so many exciting things I want to share with you!

So please be patient with me. It will be better once September is done (trust me I can't wait to get my life back!)

xo

Art Gallery of Western Australia

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is one of my favourite places in Perth. Apart from being a lover of artwork, I love the different exhibitions that they display and host.

At the moment they have been able to transport pieces from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City to have a rotating display of artwork of different themes (a MOMA series, perhaps you caught the photography one?). The latest one is the evolution of art forms of the twentieth century from impressionism, cubism, surrealism and beyond, from Van Goh to Dali then the movement towards photography as an art form, as well as sculptures and abstract art. 

The displays were rather extensive and if you want you can hire audio or better yet wait around until the tour and get more information on the pieces than just the little description on the side of the piece. Understanding the context of the artist and the artwork enhances the experience and gives you a better idea of the head space the artist was in at the time it was produced.

The MOMA series is $19 for adults and $9 for juniors (students between years 1 to 12) and children under 5 is free. There is also a voucher in the entertainment book which gives up to 25% off the tickets for up to 4 tickets.

Once you are done with the exhibition there are plenty more to explore at the Art Gallery and I love all the different rooms. Some of the works are so spectacular. Stay for a while and take it all in (I assure you it won't take as long as the Lourve!). If you get a chance head down to the basement, you see some amazing Australian artwork and a Rodin sculpture. You'll also discover that the art gallery was once the law courts and the basement still retains the court room and a couple of the cells (which I swear is size of the bedrooms of today!). 

bf with the Rodin artwork

So LIFE LIKE. It's uncanny!

The mascot for the Art Gallery of WA - the bushman such a beautiful artwork, conjures so much feeling.

So make it a day, go to the art gallery explore all that it has to offer, see the MOMA series, have lunch or better yet complete it with ice cream at the Ben and Jerry's ice cream scoop van just a few meters away. And HEY it's cheaper than going to the movies! 

Merry date night at Merrywell

I feel fitting that I should post about Merrywell, as this "Men's up-scaled pub" recently turned ONE and has been a hit with may Perthians. Bf and I braved the cold, the wind and the rain to visit Merrywell for our mid-week date night. We originally didn't plan to go there, simply because the parking at Crown Casino is the biggest pain in the butt (even on weeknights.. do people not go home??!) and I've had craving for Ciao Italia's tiramisu and was hoping to go there, but the line for the restaurant is the worst I have ever seen! I guess I also had to satisfy the boy's need for MEN FOOD.

I'm suppose to be on health-kick but I've jumped off the bandwagon for a while and it's been hard trying to climb back onto it, so I figured a night (or more) of bad food can't be too bad for your soul (even if it is bad for your waistline).  

The Merrywell is decked out in almost a semi-circle and I love how you can access the place from inside the casino (blackjack is just outside) or go from the outside (it's opposite the main entrance to the hotel). The outdoor area is rather stylish and I prefer it to the indoors. Either way, it's dark and it's moody and LOUD. It can get hard to find seats so prepare to share a table with randoms.

After hunting for a seat we ended up getting one in that's away from the bar and a little more secluded (making it a little bit lower on the decibels). We ordered our mains and I really wanted to try one of their share plate and opted for the grilled ham and cheese pops with cuban-style mustard dip.

Ham and Cheese Pops with cuban-style mustard dip

These were an absolute delight to eat. The cheese wasn't like mozzarella so there wasn't that trail of mess everywhere, but it was lovely, almost light in texture. The mustard dip just gave it that zap to the pops and the dip had the right amount of mustard to give it that little spice kick.

The Merrywell Angus Burger

The boy had the burger and I may have stuffed up his order as I forgot to ask for extra egg.. opps.. my bad. The burger with the chips accompaniment is the usual suspects at Merrywell and suffice to say, why wouldn't it bad as it's fairly delicious and they have won awards for their burgers. 

My choice of meal for the night was somewhat inspire by my up and coming travel adventures to the states and to Vancouver. I got myself the fried chicken with red velvet waffles with honey. 

Fried Chicken with Red Velvet Waffles and Honey

This is probably the most unhealthy meal ever, but damn it was good. Whoever came up with this dish and concept is damn smart. The touch of red velvet to the waffles is also rather nice. The melted butter on the waffles added a little something special and the fried chicken drizzled with the sweet honey yum. Now to try it with maple syrup when I get to Vancouver! I can't wait. If it tastes so good here it must be amazing there. Anyone that can recommend me a place to visit that serves these sort of dishes in Vancouver please comment or send me an email!

It's not hard to see why Merrywell, even in it's infancy of pub/restaurant dining the place is abuzz with people. They are probably one of the perfect watering-hole with a great selection of beers, wines, sparkling, cocktails and jugs to share along with some mouth-watering food from burgers, to buffalo wings, steaks to salads there is something for everyone on the menu (except a little limited to those that are vegetarian and vegan). I hope it stays true to it's laidback, very Australian vibe with very American-Style Food.

After the Merrywell, we detoured to Ciao Italia in South Perth to satisfy my craving and have takeaway dessert consisting of tiramisu. And anyway, the desserts at Merrywell I've tried already (if you didn't recall or didn't get a chance to read it the link is here).

Can't get better than that - fried chicken, red velvet goodness and heavenly tiramisu shared with my boo.

Eat like an Egyptian

Life is hectic when you work 6 days a week and then trying to fit in errands on the one day that you are free. Then on the weeknights you have to push yourself to go to the gym so you don't get fat from all the catch-ups breakfasts/lunches/brunches/high teas/dinners that occur. To top it off Perth's weather hasn't been the best with lots of lovely pitter patter of rain drops. So all I want to do is curl up in front of the telly and catch up on movies/tv shows and fall asleep listening to the sound of rain.

Lucky for me I have amazing bunches of friends that drag me out of my hermit cave. One of the things I love doing indoors away from the cold, the wet and the heat is checking out the museum exhibition at the Western Australia Museum in Northbridge at the Cultural Centre. 

At the moment, until 22nd of September Secrets of the Afterlife exhibition is on, which if a journey into ancient Egypt and the world of magic, mummies, and afterlife. It features over 100 objects from amulets and jewellery to coffins, painted texts and spells for the dead, as well as rituals for the perfect afterlife. 

It was amazing to see objects and artifacts from thousands of years ago (and how they survived!) and just reading about the believes of the ancient Egyptians. It's worth checking out! Oh and the duck may not be thousands of years old but it's still hella cute.

After we had our education session on obtaining that perfect afterlife, we made our way to the Muse Cafe situated behind the main museum entrance. Muse Cafe is offering Egyptian Style High Tea. 

They decked out the room into a very Egypt theme with posters, camels and ancient Egypt themed chess pieces. They offer 3 sessions for the high tea at 11am-12:30pm, 1:00pm-2:30pm, 3:00pm-4:00pm. The cost of the high tea is reasonable as it includes the tickets to the exhibition ($65 or $75 if you want a cocktail along with the high tea). 

The Muse Cafe also offered a variety of different high tea menus to suit people's dietary requirements, which I think is brilliant! I'm so glad they take allergies and food intolerance very seriously. They have a vegetarian, nut free, gluten free, and low risk pregnancy menus. 

We started of with a refreshing watermelon and coconut salad with honey mint syrup appetizer, which had the sweetness of the watermelon, coconut flakes provided the texture and the mint (couldn't really taste the honey syrup bit of it) left you refreshingly cool. 

Then the tea order was taken (they also do coffee), but their range of teas is pretty impressive, there is about 10-15 different types of teas and they come in proper "made-to-share" teapots which can be topped up or if you are sick of the tea you are trying they will just swap over the pot for you. We ended up trying cinnamon and orange tea, pomegranate green tea and rooibos tea. The teapots are ultra cute too, most likely sourced from many an antique shop or vintage markets. I love it. 

Then the high tea delights came out (fairly quickly too might I add). We started off with the sandwiches. They were in plain white bread but the filling was rather delicious, with hints of spices and herbs to keep to our Egyptian theme. There was the cumin sandwich, the Moroccan chicken, and cucumber and rocket with goat's cheese sandwich . They were all rather delicious, although I wish the cumin sandwich had more cumin in it, because it really lacked oomph. But the waitress did warn us that the amount of cumin may be a little as people have been finding it a bit strong. They might have overdone removing it.

Then the scones came out - yum! Mixed fruit scones with the best fig compote to go with it. So delicious. So fluffy and nicely warmed.

After scones comes the warm food, consisting of eggplant masaka tart and the bay and cardamon braised lamb pie. They smelt so delicious and the flavours in both the tart and the lamb pie transported you to the hot bazaar of Egypt. Perfect to eat on a rainy day. Warms your soul.

Then the best of the high tea - the dessert. This consisted of pomegranate chocolate cake, rose marshmallow, pistachio and apricot baklava. 

The pomegranate chocolate cake was this dense, rich, moist chocolate cake, an absolute indulgence. The rose marshmallow was the complete contrast to this its light airy texture, sweet rose smells and just melt in your mouth moment of sweetness. The pistachio and apricot baklava (if eaten last) didn't taste as sweet as baklavas tend to be, which is something that I really appreciated. The nuts and apricot added textural interest and it just seemed to round out the high tea very nicely.

The Muse cafe is a lovely place with a massive outdoor area. It's perfect for the warmer climates. But even in winter and with the rain the indoor area is so cosy and warm it's just the perfect place to hide away. I love how they do their teas in large pots and with such a variety of selection. The service is lovely and as attentive as possible, and I love how they cater for dietary requirements and allergies. More places in Perth needs to take that up. It's definitely one to go to especially if there is an exhibition on at the Museum and they have themed their high tea accordingly. Why not have a day out? Go see the Egyptian Exhibition (on until 22nd September) and have the high tea as well (as a lunch perhaps?). You can get tickets to the exhibition here and for the combined experience of high tea and exhibition click here.