Red Opium

I love a good Thai restaurant and especially so when you can share it with family and friends. So I was so glad to discover this place through a fellow blogger, maybe you have heard of them? Perth Food Engineers. Since I went with M, I've been raving about it and recommending it to everyone who is up for a little twist in Thai food... So what and where is this place you ask? Well, it's called Red Opium and it's on Hill street opposite the Perth Mint. 

When we entered Red Opium it was like we stumbled upon some old Chinese opium lair with huge paintings of Chinese ladies lazing around in couches smoking, lots of red chiffon drapes, wooden chairs and tables, "antique" Chinese decorations and a traditional opium smoking "bed". It reflected the name of the restaurant brilliantly!

When we got to our seat, the booking name was under M and her name was placed in a wooden frame, which I thought was such a nice, personal touch. 

Lucky for me, M had looked at the menu and seeing as we have similar taste it was easy to agree. Before we get into what we ordered, I love how they can adjust the spiciness of the dishes and as M has almost no tolerance to spicy foods we ordered extra spice on the side, which meant fresh cut chilli (generous amount at that) in a bowl. I recommend for those who can't tolerant spicy foods to definitely ask for less spice for most of the dishes, as chilli seemed to be present in almost everything.

The menu at Red Opium is crafted by head chef Jak. It marries fresh Australian produce with Thai-inspired cooking and fare with the flavours of Thai and ole school favourite Thai dishes expressed in an exquisite style.

We started off with the small plates - Yin and Yang. It was presented in a cute wicker basket scale that held two different dips - a white dip that was a creamy prawn and minced coconut balanced on the other side is the red dip of minced pork and tomato. The dips were accompanied by papadum-styled crackers and lettuce.

Yin and Yang dips

Apart from the gorgeous presentation of the Yin and Yang, the dips were spectacular. The white dip was the perfect mix of coconut and cream with chopped pieces of prawn through it. The chilli helped cut through the richness of the cream. The minced pork and tomato had hints of spices and chilli through it and was oddly similar to my parent's version of "minced meat spaghetti Asian style". 

The next dish to come out was surprisingly yummy. Son in Law Eggs - The eggs are boiled then lightly fried to have a crispy exterior drizzled with tamarind and topped with dried chillies and fried sweet garlic. The sweet-tart flavour of the tamarind, the creamy texture of the egg with the hints of chilli flavour was just divine. Just make sure you DO NOT EAT THE DRIED chillies because they are HOT (unless of course you like it like that). 

Son-in-law eggs

To offset the creamy rich Thai-infused dishes that were coming out, we decided to cut through it by ordering the Crudo tuna. The Crudo tuna was served on Chinese spoons. The tuna was fresh and the flavours of lemongrass, lime and hint of chilli was refreshing on the palate and was almost like a palate cleanser.

Crudo Tuna

Crab Crawl

The last small plate we ordered was the crab crawls. Golden and crunchy on the outside with succulent crab meat on the inside.  

If the small plates left you wanting more there are larger plates that on offer and they are also perfect to share.

We ordered two very different larger dishes for sharing. The first is a twist on the traditional Thai Red Curry. It was called F-Duck. Roasted duck and veggies in red curry flavours with sweet lychees throughout the dish. We made the F-Duck mild in chilli, but if you think you can handle it go up the heat radar. It was so delicious, the curry needs to be soaked up, so make sure you grab yourself a side of steamed rice!

F-Duck

Then there was the Kiss of Death with lightly fried king prawns with fried lotus leaves on homemade corn chips tossed through chilli flakes and coriander leaves. The prawns were plump and juicy with the perfect amount of heat, it was a beautiful kiss of death. 

Kiss of Death

The dishes at the Red Opium are fabulous and I can't wait to try more of the menu. Price wise it's reasonable and it's currently on the Entertainment Card. The service? It's fabulous. Friendly, personal, cheerful and informative. The only downside is that they are a cash only venue. If you get a chance, check out Red Opium, it's a little twist on traditional Thai dishes, but the flavours are most definitely there. 

Spotlight on Vangoh Shoes and Accessories

For those that don't know I'm very fussy with my shoes, mainly because I value comfort and quality in all my pair of shoes than style (although it helps that they look good). But I find it so hard to find the right mix of comfort, quality, style and at the right price, and that was when I discovered Vangoh. I was walking in the city and there it was *cue music* with beautiful sandals on display. Since then my collection has grown. In fact, a little too rapidly. I think I have about 7 pairs of Vangohs and I'm struggling to stop buying them! In fact you were privy to a couple of those shoes in a previous post here.

So I thought it was fitting that my second "Spotlight" featured my favourite shoe boutique in Perth, Vangoh.

I met up the lovely creative directors at the Perth city store for a quick chat, and I brought along their favourite snack, Tim Tams whilst I picked their brains. They also happen to stock gorgeous clutches, bags, and jewellery amongst their beautiful shoes.

Rollcall:

Hi my name is Raj and this is Vanessa we are a husband and wife team, creative directors, owners behind Vangoh shoes and accessories located in Perth CBD (Raine Square opposite Country Road) and Subiaco.

When did you start Vangoh? How did you learn to design?

Raj:  Vangoh was born in 2009 and have done more than 15 collections. The first collection was done mainly by me and wasn't released and wasn't the best. A year later Vanessa joined me, around mid-2010 and that was when the shoe designs really took off and headed in the right direction.

Vanessa: We are very push and pull, yin and yang. He (Raj) is the main designer and he's good at identifying and selecting styles that people would like, whereas I'm very creative and chose designs and style that are way  out there and not necessarily the ones the mass people would like.

Raj: We work very well together because I select the colour, style and everything associated with that and she (Vanessa) selects the practicality side of things, the comfort side of the shoes. For me it's more, I like the colour, I like the shoe, I want to get that. While, she thinks about the customers and whether they would like it and that is very important in business.

 I have a background in fashion business, accessories and bags mainly. I have worked with a couple of clothing brands, but I like buying and selecting. We both get inspired looking at fashion, women's shoes, jewellery, clothes and accessories and previously I mainly worked with women's jewellery and bags and that was something that allowed me to develop an eye for what is on trend.

Vanessa: I came from a design background, mainly graphic design, but I'm a shoe-holic and together, with a year of research in the art of shoe making, we got started. Although we don't make the shoes ourselves, we had an idea for the designs of the shoes and found the right people to make it for us. 

Raj: We have a love for fashion and we buy together and our first collection sold out.

Vanessa: It showed us that we were heading in the right direction and we are getting there. And really what makes all this worthwhile is when our customers come into our stores and tells us "we only buy Vangoh" or shows us photos of their Vangoh shoe collection. That is what is so rewarding, and that what we are doing means something to somebody. 

Raj: Being a small company and with both of us working in both of our stores and comparing to the bigger companies out there, where they have a team of designers and someone who selects the materials and everything, and for both us, with hard work, with God's blessing, right things at the right time, we are proud of where we are and what we have achieved and are excited about what is to come.

What do you hope to offer the ladies of Perth?

Vanessa: Our vision has always been to be fashionable and comfortable. None of our heels are too high, everything has a bit of a platform or a comfortable wedge or padding, while being fashionable. We specialise in sandals and flats. So summer will have to be our busiest season. We offer something unique and shoes that are not found in the big chain stores or other stores around Perth. With our shoes, the style or design won't be found anywhere else, the colour, the fabric. Each shoe is a signature piece and unique to Vangoh.

Raj: Each pair of shoes is made with love by both of us. We spend a lot of time, 18 hours a day, 7 days a week creating the perfect pair of shoe with love for the people.

Vanessa: Vangoh caters to the practical women. Women who are working, who are mums, young women who are just starting in the work force. Raj and I also works on the floor so we know what they want - comfort, practicality and style and I think that is what Vangoh shoes and designs give to them - elegantly designed and practical shoes. We also aim to make every woman feel like royalty. 

Any shoes for the gentlemen of Perth?

Vanessa: Raj does, and he has actually developed and designed a small collection, but we haven't released them, because we don't think it's the right time. We decided we need more women's shoes, more styles for women than trying to spread ourselves too thin.  

Raj: Eventually though we will definitely have  a man's collection. 

Three words to describe Vangoh?

Raj: Love, fashion, comfort. Love - that is the love between me and Vanessa. Fashion is the business and we make comfy shoes that are stylish.

Vanessa:  Happy, fashion, comfort - it's hard to condense it into three words. We always like to project happiness in our store, so happy and love.

Raj: Love is happy so yeh.

How would you describe the Vangoh style?

Vanessa:  Vangoh style is a bit more refined and elegant. We don't do blocks or something chunky. But we are also edgey. More than femininity - edgey elegance.

 Can you name three people that have influenced your personal style?

Vanessa: For me definitely my husband. He pretty much styles me. I actually do look up to him for style.

Raj: The person I look at, well it's not a person but rather their design and fashion, is Hugo Boss and Giorgio Armani inspires me. I'm throwing big names, but I'm really impressed by the look, the attire, the shop fit out is something very manly, it's almost like they could serve you a glass of whisky on the rocks while you shop around. That elegance and class is something I wanted to bring when designing the Vangoh shoes and even for the layout and fit out of the stores.

An interesting quirk about you?

Raj: I'm a man but I think like a woman, I'm not gay, but I can think like a woman.

Vanessa: I'm a complete clutz. I fall over the stupidest things.

Favourite tea?

Raj: Strong black tea, with a little bit of milk. 

Vanessa: I'm a juice and water person not a tea or coffee girl.

Where would we find you on your day off?

Raj: I like to have my day off with my wife. 

Vanessa: We are movie people. Ice cream and movies. 

Raj: When we have a day off. We haven't had a full day off in four years. 

But when we do, definitely ice cream and movies.

Vanessa: We just like simple things in life on our days off because we rarely have a day off.

Thank you, Vanessa and Raj for giving up your precise time to have the spotlight on you and your lovely store.

Check out Vangoh on their website here.

Follow their instagram: @vangohshoes

Like their facebook page here

or better yet, to see their full range of shoes, bags and accessories visit their Perth or Subiaco store.

Say hi, browse, grab  a coffee, they offer exceptional customer service, serving coffee, tea and makes every woman feel amazing!

Perth store is located at 300 Murray street (opposite Country Road), next door to Bankwest, Raine Square

Subiaco store is at 103 Rokeby Rd.

At the moment, Vanessa and Raj are having a competition where you can win $100 gift voucher when you visit on of their stores then tag them!

NOW I just need to head into one of their store soon to participate. 

**P.S: this competition is run by Vanessa and Raj and has no affiliations with this post or interview**

***P.P.S: We did however almost consumed the whole packet of tim tams during that time**

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Food Safari Night at Brookfield Plaza

I've been very much into revolving dinners. It allows me to try multiple restaurants at once and allows me to decide whether I want to go back there or not. Win win. The latest one involved a much needed catch up with a girlfriend of mine on a lovely Saturday night having a food safari / revolving dinner involving a couple of places in the Brookfield Plaza area. 

Nothing says "it's the weekend" like the a couple of cocktails and canapes! 

Dark, sexy, classy, and oh-so-elegant Bar Lafayette was the place to start off our night. Secrets and gossip can be whispered and shared amongst their many hidden corners, we sunk yourself into the leather seats and admire their gorgeous staircase centerpiece that can take us to anywhere (or nowhere?). They serve cocktails and spirits for those with serious palates (and so delicious!).   If Tiffany's was a place where Audrey had her breakfast, then LaFayette would have been her local bar where she caught up with her girls for some drinks (and where her bartenders knew her favourite drinks!)

Andre (one of the owners) welcomed and ushered us in and found us a lovely knook to start off the night. Before long we were greeted and served by a gorgeous bartender (I have rudely forgotten his name). He was so lovely, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and was able to recommend me a few cocktails to my liking (something on the citrus side, refreshing and light). He recommended me The Green Lady, with Hendrick's Gin and cointreau served up with hints of lime, fresh mint and a slice of cucumber with a dash of sugar I absolutely loved it. It was delicious, fresh and a great way to start the night. M got herself a Lafayette Collins (another winner in my books!).

 

Our drinks were accompanied by our entrees for the night.

Garlic and Chilli Prawns with lime salad and this beautiful coconutty sauce (which I wished was just a tad bit more creamy - personal preference) was lovely to eat. Beautifully cooked and marinated garlic prawns balanced the sweetness of the coconut sauce well.

 

Chilli and Garlic Prawns

The seafood dish was paired with the wagyu beef skewers which was tender juicy enclosed in a beautiful sticky marinade. Couldn't have enough of it. 

Wagyu beef skewers

They also have a rather lovely mixed charcuterie with quality cured meats, pickles, bread, lavosh and a yummy cheese board. After the food, it was round two of the drinks, which saw me have the Adam and Eve, which unfortunately had tequila in it, and as I have consumed too many a tequila sunrises and sunsets in my youth the hint of tequila was a little too strong for me, although M rather liked it. 

I have to applaud and give Bar Lafayette my love. The decor inside is warm and friendly, very practical and uses the very limited space they have to great affect. But really the thing that stands out the most about Lafayette is the staffs attentiveness, friendly and welcoming nature, which is something that is lacking in many of Perth's precinct. It's also great that they have lovely cocktails (with people who make them with love) and a pretty decent small bar menu.

After indulging our selves in yummy cocktails and seeing as we already moved our reservation for our main course to a later time (thanks to too much gossip and comfy seatings), at around 8pm we finally strutted a few buildings down to The Trustee Bar and Bistro. I have been popping into here for my dessert treat instead of eating at the restaurant I am at, simply because their desserts is just divine. But I have yet to actually have a meal here (crazy right?), so on this occasion M and I made it a mission to have our mains here (and possibly dessert again if we could fit it in). 

We entered below the street level entrance and found a very very busy loud Trustee. Lucky for us we were seated upstairs in the quieter bar area and had the whole bench to ourselves. I love the exposed wine library. The rolling ladder always reminds me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, except instead of books it's wine (either one is fabulous!). I also love the huge fan turned into chandelier. The whole set up makes me think of 1920s, Great Gatsby meets modern times.

 

We were looked after by this lovely young waiter from Roma who was just absolutely sweet with a cute accent and was courteous and friendly. In fact, I don't think I have had bad service at Trustee at all. Props to that.

We opted for one main dish to share between the two of us (really we could have shared this with two other girls!.. or with our other halves..), the chateaubriand for two, which was just amazing dish consisting of 600g of medium-rare, tenderloin, accompanied by sautéed bourguignon mushrooms, beautiful pear and walnut salad, refreshing small serve of celeraic salad (to cleanse the palate no doubt!), fat chips, bernaise and some fried bread-like thing. Of course all of this had to be paired with a glass of red. Seeing as one of us had to drive we decided against a bottle and their extensive list of wines had our heads spinning.

I'm not a huge fan of bone marrow, mainly because I barely have it in my diet, M loved it though. The fat chips were crispy and in small quantity as to not divert your stomach from the meat. The tenderloin was pink, tender, juicy and well rested. The bearnaise wasn't necessary as the meat was juicy enough, but it was delicious and rich. The bourguignon mushrooms were so lovely with a beautiful smokey scent and flavour with small chunks of smoked ham buried amongst them like hidden treasure. The pear salad and the celeriac salad were crisp and fresh and helped balanced out the meal (and somewhat palate cleansing).

Ready to tackle the meal

Wearing: Lover, YSL Arty, Seed Blazer (on chair), Mimco bag

The dish was huge. I barely finished my share. M fared better. Pity we so much of salads and mushrooms behind because they were lovely accompaniments. After consuming it, and having some what of a meat coma, we decided it could comfortably serve two very hungry people with large appetites or could fill bf and me/her and her bf, but if it was all four of us, we may have to order something else as we all seem to have a good appetite.

You can imagine after this we didn't have room for dessert. Instead we sat there talking about all things grown-up. ARGH going to be on the wrong side of the 20s this year is so depressing. But that in itself is another post. But hey, nothing is more romantic than dining over candlelight and whinging about how close we are to our 10 year high school reunion with your bff.

Until then, any ideas where can we go next for our revolving dinner and food safari?

Throw me ideas peoples! or better yet email me @::: sprinklingofspice@gmail.com

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.

 

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!