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!! ^_^
