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Food Styling and Photography Workshops with Billy Law @ The Terrace Hotel

Posted by  | Categories: Accommodation, Events, Featured, Modern Australian, Perth, Restaurants

As I approach my blog’s second birthday in September this year, I have been reflecting back on what I have achieved in these past two years. Starting from humble and amateurish beginnings I have strived to improve both my writing and photography style and understand this will forever be a learning curve for me. This constant growth and development gives a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Blogging is and always will be my hobby and finding enough time alongside my day job as a small animal vet can sometimes be a bit of a challenge!

"The rule of thirds" "pears" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

The “rule of thirds”

"Turkish Bread" "Hummus" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Turkish Bread & Hummus

One of the aspects of my blog that I want to improve is my food photography skills. I look at my hideously boring food styling and poor quality restaurant photos and dream wistfully that I had natural talent. Billy Law from A Table For Two is one of those people blessed with such a gift. His photos are always clean and crisp, enticing you to dive deeper and deeper into his blog. He was a finalist on Master Chef and has scored that all elusive book deal that so many bloggers dream of.

"Gourmet Tastes Platter" "Duck wontons" "San Daniele prosciutto" "chicken liver parfait" "pork rillettes" "squids cones" " "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Gourmet Tastes Platter: Duck wontons, San Daniele prosciutto, chicken liver parfait, pork rillettes, squids cones

"Gourmet Tastes Platter" "Duck wontons" "San Daniele prosciutto" "chicken liver parfait" "pork rillettes" "squids cones" " "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Ugh – square plates are so hard to shoot!

His food photography workshops are well known by foodies over east and generally sell out well in advance. So when he announced that he was planning to bring the workshop over West I took no hesitation in signing up. Held at The Terrace Hotel we were treated to a two day insight into his trade secrets paired with good food, wine and lots of laughter.

"Pan fried salmon" "Asian greens" "cucumber & coriander salad" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Pan fried salmon, Asian greens, cucumber & coriander salad (GF)

"Linley Valley pork belly" "chorizo" "broccoli salad" "Spanish black pudding" "Butternut pumpkin" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Slow cooked crispy Linley Valley pork belly, chorizo & broccoli salad, Spanish black pudding & Butternut pumpkin

"Amelia Park Lamb rack" "sweet potato fondant" "spinach puree" "confit shoulder" "white wine" "rosemary jus" "lamb" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Amelia Park Lamb rack, sweet potato fondant, spinach puree, confit shoulder, white wine & rosemary jus (GF)

The first day was aimed at a beginner’s level teaching us how to get the most of our cameras regardless of whether it was a point-and-shoot compact or a niftier DSLR. We went through the basics of composition, white balance and he provided some helpful post processing tips. Billy went around the table and individually looked at each of our cameras to help us familiar ourselves with the manual settings. I was able to put his suggestions straight to work as food was continuously being brought to us. We certainly didn’t go home hungry!

"dessert" "Creme caramel" "mango sorbet" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Creme caramel with mango sorbet (GF)

"Bitter chocolate" "orange tart" "creme fraiche" "honeycomb" "dessert" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Bitter chocolate & orange tart, creme fraiche & honeycomb

"dessert" "Sticky date pudding" "toffee ice cream" "vanilla ice cream" "toffee sauce" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

Sticky date pudding, toffee ice cream, vanilla ice cream, toffee sauce

The second day was aimed at a more intermediate level and Billy showed us how to utilise props and lighting to get the best out of our shots at home. The attendees at this day included a wide range of people from passionate foodies and bloggers to professional photographers. The atmosphere was very informal and friendly and many of us exchanged business cards and twitter handles at the end of each day.

"Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Perth bars" "Perth restaurants" "Perth food reviews" "Perth Luxury Accommodation" "The Terrace Hotel" "Terrace Hotel" "billy Law" "Billy Law photography workshops" "Billy law food photography workshops" "A Table for two" "Master chef" "Perth City" "food photography"

The Terrace Hotel staff knew they were serving a roomful of bloggers so I have refrained from reviewing these meals as it would be impossible for me to give an accurate unbiased review. Throughout the day we were treated to very personalised and friendly service and I walked away impressed with the level of attention. I am keen to return for a meal incognito to discover whether this is true for all patrons.

A big thank you to Billy for making the trip over to Perth!

The Terrace Hotel
237 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 | (08) 9214 4444 | http://www.terracehotelperth.com.au/

The Terrace Hotel on Urbanspoon

Christmas Eve at Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne

Posted by  | Categories: Degustation/Fine dining, Featured, Melbourne, Modern Australian, Restaurants

I have to apologise to you my dear readers for my recent habit of taking you back and forth in a time machine of my life. This ping ponging through space will continue until I finally manage catch up on sharing all the wonderful food experiences from these past few months.  I blame my horrendous blogging back log on our wedding. Although tremendous fun, wedding planning was very time consuming stuff and something just had to give.

Today I take you back to one of my most favourite times of the year: Christmas. Every few years the Boy and I take a return trip back home to Melbourne to spend this festive time with my family. Last year I tallied our trip up with my wedding dress fitting.  Strategically I ensured the fitting was done first thing on my arrival so I could let loose for the rest of our stay and make an absolute glutton of myself. It was Christmas after all!

"Kitchenside" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Our view to the heart of deliciousness

In the lead up to our wedding we were faced with a number of difficult family dramas. It really is true what they say; weddings bring out the best and the worst in people. These sad events meant we were unable to spend Christmas Day with my Mum and were thus allocated time with her on Christmas Eve instead. The Boy and I were trying so hard to save all our pennies for Thailand so we agreed that there was no need to spoil each other with Christmas presents. We decided that our gift to each other was to be our Christmas Eve dinner with dearest Mum. To make the most of this occasion I booked us a reservation at Rockpool Bar & Grill in the Melbourne Crown Casino.

Every year we go completely over the top lavishing gifts for each other so seeing as this meal was our only opportunity to do so we took the liberty to order a lot of food! We really should have remembered that Rockpool’s meal sizes are not exactly tiny as by the end of the night we could barely walk!

"Sautéed White Asparagus" "vegetarian" "Shiitake Mushrooms" "Slow Cooked Egg" "Parmesan" "cheese" "onsen egg" "Burnt Butter" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Sautéed White Asparagus

I ordered the sautéed white asparagus for my starter.  The dish combined my two favourite obsessions for the year; shiitake mushrooms and slow cooked eggs. How could it ever get better than this? The gentle flavours of translucent Onsen style eggs and earthy ‘shrooms are fine for a breakfast dish but add in the sharp bite of melted parmesan cheese and this seemingly simple entrée became so much more exciting. Burnt butter was drizzled over it coating every part of my asparagus in salty deliciousness. At least for my first course I was sticking to my Meatless Monday vow!

"Warm salad" "Wood fired Grilled Quail" "Smoked tomatoes" "black olives" "game bird" "quail" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Warm salad of Wood fired Grilled Quail

The Boy ordered the warm salad of wood fired grilled quail with smoked tomatoes and black olives.  The dark meat flaked off the bone without encouragement and his plate promptly filled with its juices as he continued to cut the bird apart.

"Redgate Farm Partridge" "Roasted Eshallot" "Peas" "House Cured Pigs Cheek" "partridge" "game bird" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Redgate Farm Partridge with Pigs Cheek

Mum decided not to order an entrée and was happy to wait for her mains as her choice sounded quite substantial.  She ordered the Redgate Farm partridge with roasted eschalots, peas and house cured pigs cheek.  Partridge is a pale pink coloured meat and has very tender flesh with a light but gamy flavour. I didn’t get a great deal of adjectives from her describing her dish but I can assure you that her plate was clean by the end.  My mum is a light eater so I think that is saying something!

"Duck Confit" "Grilled Mango" "Apple Balsamic" "duck" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Duck Confit with Grilled Mango

Where I go a bit nutty for my mushrooms and my slow cooked eggs, the Boy goes nuts for mangoes. Fresh mangoes, grilled mangoes, mango daiquiris, mango ice-cream you name it, he will love it. The duck confit was served very simply with a grilled slice of mango and apple balsamic. The skin was thin with a slight crunch yet the meat was smooth like butter. Total dish envy!

"Seared Grouper" "Tomatoes" "Peppers" "Capers" "Fratelli Prosciutto" "seafood" "sustainable fish" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Seared Grouper with Tomatoes, Peppers, Capers and Fratelli Prosciutto

"Seared Grouper" "Tomatoes" "Peppers" "Capers" "Fratelli Prosciutto" "seafood" "sustainable fish" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Seared Grouper with Tomatoes, Peppers, Capers and Fratelli Prosciutto

I confess that my dedication to the Meatless Monday movements went out the window for my main dish. Rockpool source their seafood from sustainable sources and although this wasn’t a vegetarian dish, I felt at least I wasn’t contributing to the demise of our fish stocks. My grouper was seared and served with tomatoes, peppers, capers and delicious crispy Fratelli prosciutto.

"Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms" "mushrooms" "vegetarian" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms

"Pumpkin" "Sweet Potato" "Burnt Butter" "garlic Yoghurt" "vegetarian"  "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Pumpkin and Sweet Potato with Burnt Butter and garlic Yoghurt

"Pumpkin" "Sweet Potato" "Burnt Butter" "garlic Yoghurt" "vegetarian"  "Lebanese Zucchini" "Garlic and Mint" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

The feasting begins

A meal at Rockpool is never complete without some of their sides. The problem with this is that they are all so good it is hard to choose. As always we order too many and struggle to finish all three. My two favourites that I order everything are the sautéed mixed mushroom and more importantly the pumpkin and sweet potato. They are not to be missed I tell you!

"Profiteroles" "desserts" "choux" "dessert" "Vanilla Ice-cream" "Hazelnuts" "Chocolate" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice-cream, Hazelnuts and Chocolate

Despite all of us protesting loudly to our fun and friendly waitress that we had no room for dessert she still discreetly left us the dessert menus on our table for perusal. Curiosity always kills the cat and none of us could resist a quick peek to see what was on offer.  Before we could stop ourselves we had ordered not one dessert to share, not even two desserts to split amongst ourselves, but proceeded to greedily order one each! Mum and the Boy ordered the profiteroles. Crispy outer shells of Choux pastry were piped with homemade vanilla ice-cream topped with hardened chocolate and hazelnuts set on top. They bore some resemblance to a classier version of the movie cinemas Choc-Tops.

"Crème Caramel" "custard" "dessert" "desserts" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Crème Caramel

My only gluten free option other than ice cream was the crème caramel.  Not a bad choice to be left with but I do like to have a selection of gluten free dessert options. Growing up in a household with a French father, crème caramel was a dessert that was made to perfection at home.  Flawlessly set like a slice of heaven Perry’s rendition of it was a match for my family’s chefs!

"Salted Caramels" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Salted Caramels

"Caramel Corn" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "food photos" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "travel blog" "Melbourne food blog" "melbourne restaurant reviews" "Melbourne fine dining" "Melbourne casino" "Melbourne gluten free" "Melbourne Crown" "Melbourne Rockpool" "Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne" "Neil Perry" "Steakhouse" "celebrity chef" "master chef"

Caramel Corn

It was creeping past midnight and we all needed to head home to allow our bodies to perform some serious digesting before we would be able to have any room for the following day’s festivities. Once again, reliable Rockpool left me filled to the brim with a beaming smile on my face; a successful fine dining experience without the pretension and fanfare.

Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne
Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006 | (03) 8648 1900 | www.rockpool.com
 
Price:                     $$$$ (Entrees $19-30, Mains $23-115)
Food:                    5/5 (can I say perfection? This time round it was truly faultless)
Service:                4/5 (impeccable and entertaining without being obtrusive)
Ambience:          4/5 (relaxed but spacious with views right through the shining kitchen)
Drinks:                  4.5/5 (successful wine matching by the sommelier meant I could relax and enjoy the company)
Total:                     17.5/20

 Rockpool Bar and Grill on Urbanspoon

Amphoras Bar, Villa D'Este and the Birthday Boy

Posted by  | Categories: Italian, Perth, Restaurants, Tapas Bar, Wine Bar

It is always amazes me how quickly winter creeps up in Perth.  Maybe it’s because we’re a little spoilt here in this sunny city. We have long glorious summers and comparably short winters meaning we never really get acclimatised to the concept of being cold so when it does come it really hits us with a shock. Notoriously the Boy’s birthday always comes about at just that point in time when the very first cold snap arrives.  Not that we have ever let cold weather stand in the way of good fun mind you, in fact one year I remember he decided it a grand idea to jump in our pool with the bestie! So this year out we went in the freezing rain for some birthday celebrations.  As we left the house he excitedly reminded me again that the next time we celebrate our birthdays together we will be husband and wife! It still gives me goose bumps of joy saying that!

A number of weeks ago in an attempt to adhere to our wedding budget I had purchased a Spreets coupon for Villa D’Este. It was a very good deal: a three course meal for two for only $99.  Quite a few years ago our bank took us out for dinner here. We all had a wonderful meal back then so I figured that this place had some potential to be a much better coupon experience than our previous recent outings.

One thing that really drives the Boy crazy is feeling like he is being ripped off by cab drivers.  As soon as we climb into a taxi no matter where we are, he is as sharp as a tack in noticing any dodgy tactics they might use to make extra money. As I naïvely chatted away to him on our way over to West Perth, I could feel that something was really bothering him yet I couldn’t quite work out what. I continued to remain completely oblivious for long enough for him to become a little impatient and frustrated with me. Finally as I noticed what a long winded route we were taking the penny dropped and I nodded my head knowingly at him.

After our scenic route we eventually arrived at our pre-dinner destination Amphoras Bar.  The driver proceeded to slowly and deliberately remove our change coin by coin and placed it on the centre console.   He even stopped mid-counting coins a couple of times to fiddle with his phone, Navman and a few other knobs in his car.  The Boy was convinced that the driver was pretending to have difficulty hoping we would say not to worry and he could keep the change.  Being a very perceptive type he was probably right.

"La Parta Sur" "Larios Gin" "fresh mint leaf" "lime juice and gomme" "Alhambra beer" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

La Parta Sur (Larios Gin, fresh mint leaf, lime juice and gomme, shaken and served) and Alhambra beer

After the tension in the taxi it was a relief to walk into the cosy and warm atmosphere of Amphoras.  I was literally freezing to my bones and I wanted a strong drink to defrost myself. I decided against ordering wine and chose a cocktail called La Parta Sur; it filled the spot wonderfully with no ice to chill me.

"Spanish queen olives" "wild ligurian olives" "kalamata marinated olives" "Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Spanish queen, wild ligurian & kalamata marinated olives

The mixed marinated olives contained a suitable mix of types and texture for variety; fleshy, firm Spanish olives, soft and flavoursome Kalamata and some little wild Ligurian olives. Not wanting too much food before we headed over to Villa D’Este, we selected a couple of little tapas dishes to keep us going until our late dinner reservation.

"Seared local scallops" "pickled cucumber" "corn relish" "seafood" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Seared local scallops, pickled cucumber, corn relish

The scallops were a buttery treat served with sweet pickled cucumber and a corn relish. The flavours balanced beautifully without drowning out the enjoyment of the brilliant little mouthfuls of tender scallops.  We also ordered some Pedro Ximenez glazed Rosa’s chorizo.  Unfortunately the lighting didn’t allow my photos to be viewable so dear readers, you miss out on checking out this dish but I’ll let you know it’s worth going back for.  The chorizo was literally bursting in meaty juiciness and had a slight caramelised surface due to the glaze. Thankfully this is my last post using my point-and-shoot so fuzzy photos will (hopefully) be a thing of Chompchomp’s past!

"Seared local scallops" "pickled cucumber" "corn relish" "seafood" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Seared local scallops, pickled cucumber, corn relish

After a few rounds of drinks my bones had sufficiently thawed out enough to briefly brave the cold once again and walk quickly around the corner to Villa D’Este. Despite it being a fairly late booking the restaurant was totally packed and alive with noisy atmosphere.  Our table wasn’t ready so we were shown to the bar to enjoy another round of drinks while we waited.

"Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Lumache alla Tellina" "escargot" "snails cooked in their shells" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Lumache alla Tellina (snails cooked in their shells)

The Boy loves snails.  You can be sure if they are on the menu he will order them guaranteed.  These ones were cooked in the shells and served with a mixture of red wine, butter, garlic and parsley. The little suckers didn’t disappoint him and were soft, succulent and oozing in garlicky flavours.

"Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "tableside service' "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

My beef carpaccio had a lot of potential as the meat was exquisitely sliced and had a rich deep colour to it.  Unfortunately I felt it was left a little drowned in the lemon dressing which overpowered any flavour or the meat leaving my mouth feeling pickled and sour.

"Piccata Tartufata" "Medallions of veal" "prosciutto" "soft cheese" "truffle flavoured barbera wine sauce" "Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Piccata Tartufata (Medallions of veal topped with a slice of prosciutto, soft cheese served with a truffle flavoured barbera wine sauce)

The Boy ordered the Piccata Tartufata: medallions of veal which was topped with a slice of prosciutto, soft cheese and served with a truffle flavoured barbera wine sauce.  He wasn’t very impressed with his choice, his meat was a little tough and the sauce lacked the rich flavours one would expect.  He also commented that he could barely taste any truffle flavour.

"Prosciutto wrapped rabbit" "roasted chestnuts" "risotto cake" "Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Special of the Day: Prosciutto wrapped rabbit with roasted chestnuts and risotto cake

I chose the Special of the Day which was prosciutto wrapped rabbit with roasted chestnuts and risotto cake.  I hadn’t eaten roasted chestnuts since walking along the streets of Paris many years ago where they are sold by street vendors in cones of newspaper. It brought back wonderful memories of our time backpacking through Europe and although the rabbit was ever so slightly overcooked I still really enjoyed this dish.

"desserts" "Duetto di Panna e Caramello" "Duet of panna cotta and cream caramel" "Baileys" "berry compote and orange tulle" "Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

Duetto di Panna e Caramello (Duet of panna cotta and cream caramel flavoured with baileys, accompanied with berry compote and orange tulle)

For dessert I ordered the Duetto di Panna e Caramello which  was a match made in heaven: consisting of a layer of pannacotta topped with a layer of crème caramel and drizzled with tart berry compote. Combining these two standouts from Italian and French cuisine and was by far and by large one of the highlights of the evening for me. I was so full that I was nearly on the verge of nausea yet I still managed to gobble most of it.  In fact if it wasn’t the boy’s birthday, I would have been very reluctant to share any of it but seeing as it was meant to be his night to enjoy I meekly let his help me polish it off.

Of course I’m sure my regular dear readers could probably guess what he ordered for his own birthday dessert….yes you guess it, gelati! As expected in a fine dining Italian restaurant the gelati was smooth and towards the end I thought I spotted him nearly licking his bowl clean.

Happy Birthday my love, I hope you had a fabulous night out. Here’s to many more amazing birthdays together xx

"gelati" Gelato" "desserts" "icecream" "Amphoras Bar & Villa D'Este" "Perth Restaurant Reviews" "Perth food blog" "food blog" "Chompchomp" "Gluten free" "Fructose malabsorption" "Amphoras Bar Villa D'Este" "villa D'Este" "amphoras Bar" "tapas" "Italian" "West Perth" "wine bar" "Spreets" "Voucher deals" "Spanish"

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Amphoras Bar
1303 Hay St, West Perth 6005 | (08) 9226 4666 | www.amphorasbar.com.au
 
Price:                     $$$ (Tapas dishes range from $7-39 per plate)
Food:                    4/5 (we only sampled a few dishes and must return to make a true judgment)
Service:                3/5 (waiter not very knowledgeable about the menu ingredients/details)
Ambience:           4/5 (warm, cosy & didn’t want to leave)
Drinks:                  4/5 (great wine list, fabulous cocktails)
Total:                     15/20
 

Amphoras Bar on Urbanspoon

Villa D’Este Restaurant
49 Outram St, West Perth 6005 | (08) 9322 6262 | www.villadeste.com.au
 
Price:                     $$$$ (Entrees $26-39, Mains $39-54. We bought a $99 Spreets voucher which gave us a
                                            three course meal for two)
Food:                    3/5 (a little hit and miss in its execution)
Service:                4.5/5 (brilliant, helpful & accommodating for my allergies)
Ambience:           4.5/5 (feels like I’m in Italy)
Drinks:                  4/5 (extensive list of Australian and Italian wines)
Total:                     16/20

Villa D'Este Restaurant on Urbanspoon