Low Key in Leederville

On Saturday afternoon, we took advantage of the sunshine and strolled into Leederville for lunch. I was alerted to a $13 Bloody Mary special at Bill’s Bar and Bites, so we decided to have lunch elsewhere before grabbing a cocktail there. Low Key Chow House opened in Leederville a few weeks ago, replacing that overpriced, snobby boutique that was there for years right next door to Unison Clothing.

My boyfriend wasn’t feeling too well and was in no mood to make decisions thus leaving the ordering up to me. Brilliant. The waitperson said that the dishes were tapas-style dishes for sharing so I ordered the sticky pork buns, lemongrass pork fresh spring rolls, glutinous rice with chicken and lap cheong, and papaya salad. I thought the servings would be rather small, but they were actually quite generous.

The food came out super fast, and was super tasty. The rice dish was full bodied and rich, which was well-countered by the fresh spring rolls. When the papaya salad came out, I quickly noticed how drastically my tolerance to chilli had decreased. The nice waiter saw us struggling and brought out some pickled cucumber to soothe our burning mouths. The sticky pork buns were out of this world, perhaps the best open bao I have ever tasted in my life. The pork was crispy and salty, while the sweet hoisin and fresh cucumber balanced the overall flavours.

We were suitably chuffed with our (read: my) choices which is more than I can say for my boyfriend’s recent choice in movies (i.e. Transcendence and Under the Skin were both his picks and I wouldn’t recommend either), but were disappointed that we were too full, and in too much agony, to finish the papaya salad. The total bill came to just $55 which I think is reasonably good value.

We then headed off to Bill’s Bar and Bites to bask in the sunshine and enjoy our $13 Bloody Marys. They had a choice of vodka, tequila or bourbon Bloody Marys (I’d never heard of a Bloody Mary with anything but vodka before) so I went with the traditional and my boyfriend chose the bourbon variety. Both were really well made and surprisingly the bourbon BM was delicious.

All in all, a very successful spontaneous Saturday in the sun.

 

 

Low Key Chow House

140 Oxford Street, Leederville WA

08 9443 9305

 

http://www.keepitlowkey.com.au

 

Bill’s Bar and Bites

742 Newcastle Street, Leederville WA

08 9202 8222

http://www.billsbarandbites.com.au

 

RECIPE: Zucchini and Potato Pancakes with Avocado Salad

I made this recipe the day after Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday. It was adapted from a recipe found on taste.com.au and is surprisingly quick and easy.

Zucchini and Potato Pancakes with Avocado Salad

 

INGREDIENTS

150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 egg
310ml (1 1/2 cups) buttermilk
½ (about 75g) zucchini, coarsely grated
1 large potato, coarsely grated
Olive oil spray
3 rindless bacon rashers
250g punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 small avocado, stone removed, peeled, sliced
2 tsp fresh dill, coarsely chopped
1/2 small red onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper and aioli to serve
METHOD

Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Spray with oil. Add zucchini and potato and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until soft.

Combine the flour and baking powder in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Make a well in the centre. Whisk in the egg and buttermilk until just combined. Add the zucchini and potato, and stir to combine.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spray with oil. Spoon one-quarter of the zucchini/potato mixture into the pan. Tilt the pan to form a 13cm-diameter pancake. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Turn and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining pancake mixture, reheating the pan between batches.

Meanwhile, heat a small non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon for 3-4 minutes each side or until crisp. Tear into large pieces. Combine the tomato, avocado, dill, onion and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the salad and bacon with the pancakes and a dollop of aioli.

Serene Sunday at Stewart’s in the Swan Valley

Deciding that it would be a nice day to spend out in the Swan Valley, I headed to my friend’s place in Ellenbrook on Sunday in search of quality food and a relaxing way to while away the afternoon.

Remembering that Sandalford Winery was in the Entertainment Book, we moseyed on down in hopes of achieving our culinary goals for the afternoon. Unfortunately, we were unable to get a table as the restaurant was fully booked. The next on the list was Stewart’s at Brookleigh, the restaurant at which my friend originally had a reservation for that day with another group of friends but the plans fell through. We decided to call before we arrived just to make sure we would get a table, and it was lucky that we did as they were almost fully booked, too.

It was a beautiful day to be out amongst the wineries, farms and breweries in the valley. We were seated at a table close to the window with the warm sun beaming down on us. As we perused the menu, we realised that this was going to take a long time. Every single dish sounded incredibly delicious, including the starters and sides. The waitress came to tell us the specials and the fish of the day, and to take our order. We were agonising over the decision so we asked for more time.

In the end, my friend settled on an entree (in a main size) of pressed pork belly and crackling with butternut confit, morcilla and Fremantle scallops. Indulging my propensity to ordering duck, I went with the roasted duck breast, duck leg croquette with citrus fruits, beetroot and Grand Marnier sauce. We also ordered a side of greens (asparagus, green beans and broccoli) to satisfy the good angel sitting on our shoulders.

The presentation of the dishes were exquisite. The flavours and textures were perfect. We were both so enamoured with our food that the conversation slowed dramatically. Even the side of greens was a delectable accompaniment to the main meal.

Feeling exceptionally satisfied with our selection and lapping up the friendly service we had a quick look at the dessert menu, but decided against it in favour of a takeaway coffee from Jezebelle in Guildford.

With the Entertainment Card the cost of the meal was $30 each; a price I’d willingly pay for the standard of food and service provided by Stewart’s.

After lunch we made our way down to the Guildford Road cafe strip and spent the afternoon strolling around the many antique and secondhand shops in the area.

Stewart’s at Brookleigh

1235 Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan 6069

(08) 9296 6966

www.brookleigh.com.au/stewarts-introduction.html

Jenga Fever!

Last night, I was invited to join three of my friends in an Xtreme Jenga competition at Ya-Ya’s in Northbridge. I had heard about the competition, but having never played Jenga before it never really took my interest.

Xtreme Jenga involves a team of two people against another pair until the regular-sized Jenga blocks fall. The winning teams plays against each other till there are two teams left in the finals. The teams face-off in a game of Xtreme Jenga using oversized novelty blocks. The victor earns the coveted Xtreme Jenga Champions title and a handy $100 bar card.

After hearing that my friends aka Drunken Masters were reigning champions ready to defend their title, I thought I might as well go along for moral support.

As we entered the dimly lit venue, we were persuaded by the title holders that we should form a team of our own and attempt a finals face-off between friends. We decided on the team name Jenga Fever, originating from a joke that induced a few belly laughs on the car ride in.

We primed ourselves with a pint and settled in for a few practice rounds. Drunken Masters offered us a few tips on Jenga strategy which would hold us in good stead. Or so we thought.

My nerves were heightened upon commencement of the first game. We were up against a pair of girls who had never met each other. I thought it could go either way. They may be poorly matched in terms of skill level and completely throw the game. Or, more worryingly, they could both be blessed with the steady hand and tactical mind required for true Jenga glory…

The game began with very basic and unambitious moves by both teams. As more pieces were moved from the bottom of the tower and placed on top, the strategies became more thought-out and purposeful. In between turns we hear a huge crash and angry groan coming from our right. The reigning champions Drunken Masters had taken a disappointing tumble in the first round!

We reset our concentration and set about representing both teams in the finals. We were looking like we had reached match point. There were no more pieces that could be moved without toppling the tower. With our poise thus far, I was confident we could make it to the next round.

The next turn was ours. The fate of Jenga Fever laid in the steady, delicate hands of my team mate. She slowly worked the Jenga block out of position with aplomb, making sure no other blocks were following through. Time slowed to a crawl and as the piece came free from the tower, the onslaught of plummeting blocks crushed our hopes of making the finals.

So there it was. Both Jenga Fever and the title holders Drunken Masters were out in the first round. What a disappointment. The glory and fame ripped away from us so swiftly.

After two failed attempts at getting back into the game through a Pick the Song game and a round of two-up, we settled in with another round and watched as the Jenga competition transpired around us.

The two teams in the finals just happened to be the two teams Jenga Fever and Drunken Masters had conceded to in the first round, so we were happy to declare that we were beaten by the best.

We ended the night with a delicious feast at Uncle Billy’s and traipsed home with full bellies and a challenge to become champions again next week.

Ya-Ya’s

Cnr Lake and James Sts

Northbridge

www.facebook.com/yayasbar

Uncle Billy’s Chinese Restaurant

Chinatown, Shop 9

66 Roe Street

Northbridge

08 9228 9388

www.uncle-billys.com.au

Succulent Symphony

A friend and I went to Beethoven’s Restaurant in Applecross last Thursday night for dinner. She had been telling me about this place for ages but every time we thought to go there it was a last minute decision and we would never be able to get a table.

We were super starving so we ordered the pork knuckle and the rack of lamb with a side of dumplings and a serve of green beans and carrots.

Boy, were our eyes bigger than our stomachs! We would have been more than satisfied if we had have ordered one main and one side. The pork knuckle was enormous. I had about a third of the meat and some veggies in a takeaway container for lunch the next day!

 

 

The lamb rack was also enough to feed two people on its own, especially with the accompanying red cabbage and potatoes fried in goose fat.

The quality of the food matched the quantity. The flavours were strong but not overpowering. I was surprised by the fact that the almost-perfect pork crackling on the knuckle was not too salty at all. The pork meat was so tender and the lamb was cooked perfectly.

The only small gripe I have with the restaurant was that I was dying for a glass of water (which was never offered to us in the first place) and no one came to check if we needed any despite my attempts at making eye contact. In the end, I walked up to the bar to ask for some water for the table and the waitress came back a few minutes later with a $10 bottle of Antipodes sparkling water. Not exactly what I asked for.

Other than that, the service was pleasant and I would definitely go back. It was also a huge bonus that we could use the Entertainment Card for a buy one main, get one free deal.

 

Beethoven’s German Restaurant

4 Sleat Road  Applecross WA 6153, Australia

(08) 9364 4206

www.beethovens.com.au

 

The Non-Partisan

A couple of weekends ago, my friend and I were craving breakfast-style food for lunch so we headed to my old favourite, Toast in East Perth. To our dismay, Toast was closed due to unforeseen circumstances so we decided (against all my better judgement) to try out The Partisan just next door. I’d heard pretty average things about the place but we’d already paid for parking and were starving by that stage.

We loitered around the counter waiting for one of the three waitstaff to acknowledge and seat us. After about a five minute wait (which seems like a lifetime when you’re hungry) we were told that they aren’t serving lunch till 12.15pm. It was 12.05pm so we weren’t too fussed. We sat in the sun and waited for a menu. It never came. When my friend went to the counter to get one she was reminded that they weren’t serving lunch until 12.15pm so they weren’t giving out menus until then. Huh? My friend managed to wrangle a couple of menus off the girl and we perused what was on offer.

The meals looked quite interesting. Good produce and interesting combinations. When they finally decided that they were serving lunch I ordered the braised beans, morcilla sausage and poached eggs with toast. My friend ordered garlic and white wine mussels. As we waited for our food we saw about five or six other groups of people walk up to Toast, read the sign and look around in disarray and disappointment. Wisely, only one of those groups also settled for The Partisan.

When the meals came we had to ask the waitress for some cutlery, which seemed like an exceptionally tedious task for her. My poached eggs were heavily overcooked. The yolk was completely solid and the braised beans were highly unremarkable. The chef was particularly economical with the amount of sausage on the plate. I begrudgingly paid $18 for my below-par meal. My friend’s mussel dish was tasty, but after finding about five mussels with the beards still attached she her satisfaction began to wane and she too was not impressed with the $22 outlay.

If you value quality food and good service, I wouldn’t recommend The Partisan. The only plus point is the beautiful location but when Toast is open, The Partisan has no competitive advantage whatsoever.

RECIPE: Prawn and Chorizo Risoni

This is a quick and easy alternative to paella.

INGREDIENTS

600g prawns, peeled

1 chorizo sausage

1/2 red onion, finely sliced

2 tsp minced garlic

2 cups risoni

200mL chicken stock

1 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp turmeric

coriander

lime

salt and pepper

 

Prawn Marinade

1/2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp paprika

chilli flakes, to taste

 

METHOD

1) To marinate prawns, toss with olive oil, turmeric, paprika and chilli flakes.

2) Sauté onion and garlic over medium high heat in a large pan.

3) Add chorizo and cook for 3 mins.

4) Push onion, garlic and chorizo to side of pan.

5) Fry prawns till just cooked. Remove from pan.

6) Cook risoni in boiling water for 5 minutes.

7) Add chicken stock to cover bottom of pan, stir to mix with chorizo and simmer.

8) Add salt and pepper to taste, tomato paste and turmeric to pan and stir.

9) Drain risoni and add to pan with stock.

10) Stir constantly for 3 mins or until risoni is cooked through.

11) Place prawns back into pan and toss through risoni, stirring until prawns are warmed through.

12) Serve with coriander and a wedge of lime.

RECIPE: Orange and Ginger Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 150g unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup castor sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 & 2/3 cups plain flour, sifted
• 1/4 tsp ginger ground
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp orange rind

Method

Ok so I completely stuffed this up and accidentally put the flour in too early. Consequently I winged it and instead of creaming the butter and sugar first I did this:

1) Place softened butter, brown and white sugar, vanilla essence, sifted flour, cinnamon, ginger and orange rind in a large mixing bowl.

 
2) Rub butter together with other ingredients with the tips of your fingers till mixture is completely combined and sticky.

 
3) Roll into two large balls and cover with lightly floured cling wrap.

 
4) Refrigerate for 30 mins.

 
5) Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius.

 
6) On a lightly floured surface, roll one ball of dough out to about 1cm thickness.

 
7) Cut out shapes and place on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper allowing room for cookies to spread.

 
8) Bake for 15 mins or until golden around the edges.

 
9) Place on cooling rack until completely cooled.

 

The result wasn’t bad texture-wise, but next time I try this recipe I’ll add a bit more sugar (possibly 1/8 cup of each), orange rind (1 tsp extra) and cinnamon (1/8 tsp extra).

Excuse the Panthe

Last Thursday evening, my beautiful cousin Sandra celebrated her birthday. Here is a photo of her looking suitably chuffed.

My mum decided to try her hand at a traditional Burmese dish called panthe kaukswe (pun-theh cow-sweh) which, up until now, has not been in our family’s regular Burmese noodle dish rotation. After this meal, I spiritedly questioned why this had been left out for so long.

The dish is served in the familiar format consisting of noodles, meat curry, soup and condiments. In this case the curry is a chicken curry with a bit more body than the typical Burmese fare courtesy of a smattering of Kalarlay spice mix (http://kalarlayspicemix.com). The noodles used are thick egg noodles similar to those used in ohno kaukswe. In fact, the entire dish bears a some similarity to ohno kaukswe.

The soup is a very thick consistency and is made with roasted gram dahl (chick pea flour) and lentils. The condiments for panthe kaukswe include coriander, spring onion, finely sliced white onion, finely sliced cabbage, sliced hard-boiled egg, fish sauce, lime juice, dried chilli flakes and roasted gram dahl.

The result of this combination of ingredients is a most tasty and delicious Burmese noodle dish. As the soup component of panthe kaukswe is rather thick, the dish ends up being more of an athoke (dry mixture of ingredients)  rather than a noodle soup.

I personally prefer an athoke over a soupy mixture.

Unfortunately, we were all so hungry that I wasn’t quick enough to take a photo of the dish presented in a bowl.

Fortunately, we have added a new recipe to the Burmese noodle rotation!

Nepalese, Sir! I Want Some More!

Last Friday night after a fierce session of brain-straining at my work’s social club quiz night,  the husband and I decided to cruise down Beaufort Street to see if we had a hankering for any of the culinary delights on offer.

After an enthusiastic review of the appropriately (albeit unimaginatively) named Himalayan Nepalese Cafe & Restaurant courtesy of my manager, we thought we’d swing past to see if we could wrangle a table. I had never gotten around to trying out the first Himalayan Nepalaese Cafe & Restaurant in Vic Park but had heard great things about it also.

A quick assessment of the place as we drove past suggested we may be out of luck with bums on practically every seat in the house. We decided it was worth a shot, parked the car and ran inside when a couple vacated one of two tables located out the front of the restaurant.

I heard a little voice calling my name and lo and behold, my manager who was raving about the place just 8 hours earlier was there and very pleased to find that I had taken her advice to try the place out. She suggested we try the hot Himalayan chicken and the french lamb cutlets.

We were chuffed to find we were able to nab the table and settled in. We were served complementary spiced nuts which went down very well.

After checking out the menu and realising there were too many dishes we really wanted to try, we settled on the hot Himalayan beef and a tandoori-style chicken (unfortunately, I can’t remember the exact name of this but it was the first on the list in the chicken category on the menu) with parathas as an accompaniment. To my husband’s delight, when we asked for a drinks list we were told that they were BYO. So off he skipped to the bottle-o for a six pack of Corona.

Considering how hungry we were, the lengthy 1 hour wait for our food didn’t seem to bother us. Ordinarily I would have complained, or at least enquired, but it was quite clearly very busy and the atmosphere seemed to dampen our potential irritation.

When the dishes came out, we both agreed they were more than worth the wait.

The hot Himalayan beef curry was exactly that. Hot. But it was so beautifully seasoned and worked well with the parathas which were light and flaky, not dense or oily. The Coronas also went down a treat with these flavours.

The chicken dish also sported a perfect balance of flavours and was served with a tasty yoghurt and herb sauce. The chicken itself was cooked to perfection; exceptionally juicy.

To our dismay, we were so full by the end of our meal that we couldn’t even look at the dessert menu.

After forking out a mere $50 for the total bill, we waddled back to the car certain that we would be back to sample the plethora of dishes on offer at our local Himalayan curry house. Next time, we’ll go in a group so we can try a few more dishes without overindulging too much!

(Photo courtesy of http://www.himalayanrestaurant.com.au)

Himalayan Nepalaese Cafe & Restaurant

840 Beaufort Street, Inglewood

(08) 6161 9509

www.himalayanrestaurant.com.au