The Gala Restaurant

You know you are in good hands when one of the owners' Hans Lang, and a master chef (nothing like the tv series) hailing from Germany comes to your table to prepare the dessert - this restaurant does everything to perfection - except maybe the lack of views - but that's forgiven seeing as Perth's scenary is not crash hot.

Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that resides on the Southern end of the Narrows Bridge, in Applecross - The Gala Restaurant. Where I took one of my best girlfriends as a birthday celebration, along with two of my guy friends.

The entrance of the restaurant is a skip, hop and stroll along its drive-way where wall-climbing plants are planted nicely along the covers - reminding me of vineyards and cosy cottages - which is exactly where you end up - stepping into a romantic era styled housing interior - in a NICE wooden floor-ed charming restaurant - where classics meet modern times - where time slows down. The friendly waiter will take you to the set, smile, laugh and keep you amused, without invading your space or your company. Prestine service. Never had such service - We even tipped!

Lets get the exciting bits shall we? - We had a 3 course meal - where the four of us shared 2 entrees and 1 dessert and each of us with a main dish. We also had 2 side dishes and a complementary pre-entree bread (which may I add is no ordinary bread - it's pastry goodness!).

please be aware most of the photos do not have a flash on - because when you are in a fine dining area it's just plane rude to have flash on!

The menu was HUGE and very nicely presented - at the time we were there they were having an asparagus special/week and the last time I checked their website they were still having it (which was checked about 2 weeks ago) - should try it out!

 Pre-entree bread - it's cheesy warm and the better it came with had some spices in it too!

Entree # 1 - Salmon Carpaccio in Truffle Ponzu Dressing

truffle marshmallow and ponzu caviar
aka salmon with mashmallow truffle (yes, you guessed it the white fluffy things are the mashmallow truffles!)

The entree would have been brilliant if the salmon wasn't so drenched in soy sauce - I think the chief accidently split too much soy.

Entree # 2 - Tiger Prawns and Pork Belly with Granny Smith Apple Cloud - tiger prawns filled with shredded honey glazed pork belly, spicy plum sauce - one of their signature dishes

Absolutely heavenly!

The Side dishes - - steamned vegetables and Potato Gratin prepared with Tasmanian Royal Blue Potatoes - potatoe cheesy goodness ^_^

The potatoe was so yummy. Creamy, cheesy in just the right amounts.

and the vegetables made you feel slightly healthy for a change - somewhat.

Oven baked Barramundi a la Café de Paris

with king oyster mushrooms and smoked potato puree

According to M the fish was delictable!

Trio of Duck - pan-fried duck breast with orange salt - brioche filled duck neck in duck jus

and drumstick glazed with cumquat jam

I had a taste of one of the trio and I must say it is juicy sculent and perfect - When I come back and this dish is on the menu I'll be ordering it along with the Tiger prawns entree.

White Asparagus and Veal Medallion

shallot sauce, iced roquefort brule and quince jelly

S loved the dish - and I loved the asparagus - it was crunchy and NOT stringy.

Venison Loin Medallion with blueberry sauce

The blueberry sauce made the dish interesting in a good way - slightly sweet and yet a hint of blueberry-ness and the venison was cooked to perfection.

And the dessert - their signature crepes, especially prepared by the masterchef and one-half owner of Gala restaurant - Han Lang

Crepes with ice-cream, strawberrys and cramalised toffee cage!

There was two of the crepes - for us to share. PURE HAVEN! and it was fun watching him make it - he went through all the steps and why each step must be done and how it brings out the flavour. it's pure goodness.

Will I be coming back -- YES! when? I don't know, someone take me!! ^_^

Nine Fine Food is a definite 10!!

sorry no photo for this post - because I left my camera >.<"" and the phone photos turned out horrible - their lighting just wasn't right for phone cameras!!

Nine Fine Foods, located in Perth, on Bulwer street and lake street corner - near the mount lawley end. It is a small, discrete little japanese restaurant with a twist.

Unlike, most of the other Japanese restaurant, this place offers something much more special - firstly, don't expect it be like the fast food world of taka, it's more adventurous and definitely more FINE dining then Matsuri and offers FRESH YUMMY sashimi and is nicely priced compared to that one in Mosman Park. Furthermore, it's won so many awards!

I love the simple decorations with touches of japanese - very JAPAN. ^_^ The atmosphere is cosy, because hey this restaurant only sits 20-ish so a booking is a must and trust me it's hard to get booking - we were squeezed in!! and I'm glad they made room for us!

We had the Sashimi tasting plate to share as an entree and it was to die for. The seafood was FRESH, JUICY and oozing with goodness, especially the tuna and the oyster shot... mmm.. and believe me when I say that it is no ordinary sashimi - it has little pieces of modern-and-yet-totally-traditional japan all over it!

The mains are not overshadowed by the sashimi - they were just as brilliant. *SIGH* it's a pity I don't have photos, because describing food is not the same without the photos.

So I'll leave it at that, because I will be going back there and I WILL be bringing a camera. 

EDIT: click here for Nine Fine Food review 2

Ciao Italia

The little italian restaurant on the corner of Douglas street and Mill Point Road is one of my favourites, the name; Ciao Italia. The owners are Siclians and they make one mean authentic italian meal, with LARGE portions (trust me you'll bring home a doggie bag), great flavour, cosy atmosphere, and when I say little I mean LITTLE - expect to get to know your neighbouring table very very well!

They are always busy regardless of which nights you go to (all except Monday - they are not open). They don't except bookings, so expect to wait anywhere between 10minutes to 40 minutes but trust me it's worth it, especially for their Ciao Italia fetticuine and their tiramasu.

All I can say is, the waitstaff definitely recognises us and we've tried almost everything on the menu. The photos will do all the talking.

 Folded pizza

Seafood Spaghetti

Calamarri

Chicken Parmigiana

Ciao Italia Fetticine

Seafood Pizza with extra chilli!

This is Chocolate haven.. I can't remember what it's called

Hazelnut Ice-cream ball thing! It's delicious! =D

Gelato ice-cream

Raspberry Custard Tart ^_^

and finally.. the star..

TIramasu!!

I let you guys be the judge as to whether it's worth the wait or how good it is! =D

Must Winebar - a MUST hit on truffles

Truffles are one of the most expensive item possible on a menu at any restaurant and when the
Manjimup Black Truffle Week came around at the MUST winebar in Mt. Lawley in Perth, it was the perfect opportunity to suss out the fungi that creates such a frenzy.

I've always wanted to explore MUST winebar having walked across the place more times than I can count on my to Soto or Exomod and of course the car. The place was packed to the brim, even on a Sunday night. The place was split into two, a space just big enough for about 30 diners and a bar area where the loud 30-something-year-old sip their wines, champagnes, beers and a whole concoction of cocktails, while a cello and trumpet and keyboard player do their thing in the corner. When you first enter, your eyes need to adjust even if it is dark outside. The lighting in the place is next to none - adding to the enchanting, mysterious ambiance of the place.

My friends and I were situated in the front corner near the entrance of the dining area - I was afraid there was going to be a lot of traffic - with diners going in and out - but it wasn't too noticeable - even though it was such a small place. Nothing really interfered. I don't know if it was because we were busy gawking over how decadent the food was, or appreciating the good wines that were on offer or it was because the layout of the place really did allow you to have a quiet dining experience despite the loud, bar-like atmosphere.

The truffle week meant that the menu on offer was a special one.. and unfortunately, because it was at the end of the week.. not everything was available in all its glory. Nevertheless.. I settled for the entree (as I had a HUGE meal at Grand Palace for my dad's 50th the night before.. which in itself was a meal fit to feed a nation..); I had the Seared Esperance Scallops on the ½ shell,
Caramelised Duck Sausage, Petite Herb Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette - it was absolutely divine (especially the sauce.. and the duck was exquisite.. cooked to perfection). To go with the entree I had a Red; the Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2006 Willamette Valley Oregon.

Seared Esperance Scallops on the ½ shell, Caramelised Duck Sausage, Petite Herb Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette

After the delightful entree, the dessert just hit the spot - an exploration for my tastebuds! The Manjimup Black Truffle Panna Cotta, Apple Crumble, Black Truffle Infused Ice Cream. The Panna Cotta had the truffle taste right through it and who would have thought black truffles would taste so nice as an ice cream? Manuela had the creme brulee with tequila sorbet- it was absolutely delicious and the presentation was interesting. The creme brulee was warm while the tequila sorbet was nonetheless interesting. Sandy on the other hand had the chocolate pudding with warm chocolate oozing out of the pudding. It was every choco-holics dream dessert!

Manjimup Black Truffle Panna Cotta, Apple Crumble, Black Truffle Infused Ice Cream

Creme brulee with Tequila sorbet

Chocolate Pudding with Ice-Cream and Raspberry Sauce

A few of us; myself included went a couple of stores down to Soto to have a chat, catch up some more and debate about the meaning of life, fashion, food and experiment on tea - definitely try the Cocoa Tea - and if you like fruity taste - try the creme brulee - it's nothing like the coffee version!

Overall a good night. Everyone went home happy and satisfied. I will definitely be coming back to Must - but maybe just to try the wine list and chillax at the bar. The ambiance can't be beaten.