January 22, 2019 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Hotel Rottnest

Hotel Rottnest has been a Rotto favourite for generations of Perthies. Found at the main settlement of Thompson Bay, the former Governor’s Residence was restored and transformed about a decade ago.

Park your bike at the gate and find a table in the shady beer garden, which has to enjoy one of the best beach views in WA. It’s very easy to lose a few hours in the relaxed, lively courtyard.

I was enjoying a day trip to Rotto along with some travel writers from all around Australia and we were there to sample the brand new Head Chef’s menu. The seasonal lunch and dinner menu is brimming with pub favourites made with WA produce. It offers something for everyone, be it a snack, share food, gourmet pizza or a more substantial meal. We were very hungry after a morning of quokka selfies! (It had to be done!).

The beachside location begs for a summery glass of wine or cocktail. I loved this fruity cocktail.

First our group enjoyed a share plate – romano salami, cured pork loin, aged serrano, ashed goats cheese, vintage cheddar, creamy brie, crusty sourdough sticks, pickles and honeycomb.

I loved the meaty, freshly steamed Exmouth prawns with chopped herbs and lemon.

The Arkady lamb shoulder, braised for six hours, was oh so tender and tasty. Served with caviar lentils, golden shallots, black cabbage and shitake butter.

Perfectly pan fried WA Cone Bay Barramundi fillet is served with a delicious charred cauliflower, roasted pistachios and green raisin dish, as well as a creamy basil butter.

Hotel Rottnest is a stunning location to finish up a day-trip to the island, with drinks overlooking the white sands of scenic Thompson Bay.

Rottnest Cruises – Wild Seafood Experience

Rottnest Cruises (together with mother nature) provide what is quite possibly the very best view I’ve EVER had from a dining table! I’m a big seafood lover. We’re really blessed in WA to have an ocean chokkas with bountiful fish and shellfish, but it can be difficult to find this quality local produce at Perth restaurants. There’s really nothing like eating freshly caught seafood.

That’s where Rottnest Cruises new Wild Seafood Experience comes in. It’s a unique, hands on and exhilarating tour where you cruise around Rotto’s stunning coastline, catch your Western Rock Lobsters (crayfish) which are then cooked right before your eyes and devoured in a long table seafood feast.

The family owned charter company (who also operate the brilliant Mandurah Cruises) have recently started the luxury boat tours on the sparkling blue-green waters of Rottnest. Step aboard on the boat at the Thompson Bay Fuel Jetty and you’re greeted by the friendly crew with a drink and canapes. Soon, we cruise off to the area where the cray pots are located.

The Catch

On the Rottnest Cruises Wild Seafood Experience, you’re encouraged to have a go at pulling the pots (about 28 meters under the ocean’s surface) and fingers crossed… there’s some big, juicy Western Rock Lobsters to be found inside!

Chef and I both had a go at lugging the pots up to the boat with rope – we had a lot of fun catching our lunch! In my pot there were three crays. First we determine if the lobster is male or female – females that have eggs are thrown back into the ocean.

Luckily, I got to keep a male for lunch. I got my gloves on and wrestled the wriggly sucker from the pot. And the other people on the cruise successfully pulled more pots with hauls of big lobsters – and even a brakesea cod!

While the crayfish were being prepared and cooked on the bbqs, we moored up in the sheltered Little Parakeet Bay (one of my favourite Rottnest spots). The view from our table was quite possibly THE BEST I’ve ever had ever. And trust me, I’ve had some amazing sights from the likes of Le Jules Verne Restaurant (Eiffel Tower) and ARIA (Sydney).

The Feast

While we smell the aromas of our crayfish being cooked ocean-side, we tuck into a three-course seafood feast with unlimited local wine, beer and soft drink. We have a lovely group of locals and international tourists on the cruise.

A seafood platter brimming with whole prawns, crab, octopus and freshly shucked oysters is delicious.

Next up, are fresh fish and slaw tacos. There are plenty of tasty salads and bread too.

Then it was the star of the show… the barbequed western rock lobster, smothered in a herb butter and perfectly cooked. I enthusiastically tackle my massive cray. The soft, juicy flesh easily tearing away from the shell. Hands down it’s the freshest, tastiest crayfish I’ve enjoyed.

And of course, seafood is best washed down with a glass of Margaret River wine. The freshly cooked seafood, Mad Fish SBS and view was heaven on earth. How will we ever top this?!

We finish our feast with a light dessert of strawberries dipped in chocolate and a little chocolate cake.

The adventure tour is a must for foodies, as well as being able to see Rottnest from a different perspective, I loved the ocean to plate experience. I had a pinch-myself moment when I was munching on the juicy lobster, gazing over the clear turquoise ocean to the white dunes of Rotto. We certainly lived the high life during the two and a half hour cruise.

I highly recommend this day trip with a difference on Rottnest Cruises’ interactive Wild Seafood Experience – for us it will be an afternoon we’ll long remember!

Find out more about Rottnest Cruises on their website.

Thanks to Rottnest Cruises for inviting us to be their guests. All words and opinions are my own.

January 7, 2019 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Fishbone Wines, Wilyabrup

There are many, many quality winery restaurants in the Margaret River region. Recently, we tried a winery that’s quite different to the usual south west spot. Fishbone has your classic offering of superb Margaret River wines, but here there’s a little twist – we enjoyed the wines in their sushi restaurant.

The Wine

I always like to begin a winery lunch with a wine tasting, to suss out my favourite drop to enjoy with our meal. The Fishbone cellar door has some cracking wines! Though it’s no surprise, as their Winemaker Stuart Pierce has won many awards, including the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2010. My pick is their fruity 2017 chardonnay.

At Fishbone, there’s casual dining outside on the terrace, with a view over the rolling lawns and countryside.

We sat in the modern dining room, by the vibrant fishtanks and artworks.

The Food

The Japanese-Korean fusion menu has so many tasty morsels to choose from and the food is very easy to share. Larger meals like ramen bowls, salad and fried rice sound mouth-watering too. The sushi roll portions come in half (4 rolls) and full (8 rolls). The Bulgogi Barbeque rolls GF ($17/$30) are stuffed with marinated Wagyu beef, lettuce, avocado, and spring onion.

Double salmon rolls GF ($17/$30) are filled with fresh salmon, avocado, onion, spring onion, topped with lightly torched, aburi salmon and sparkling fish roe, with teriyaki sauce, mayo.

The miso pork, with crisp katsu pork was also popular on our table of 3.

On the specials board were Bulgogi fries ($12) topped with the moreish bbq beef, sour cream and spicy mayo. These were bloody delicious and I’m so happy to see they’ve now made it to the main menu.

Desserts are by locals Tucker and co. These all-raw treats are totally guilt free too as they are gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. We shared three. White Choc and Blueberry Cake ($8.50) Cashew and coconut flesh, with white choc and berry. Topped with white choc cream and coconut beetroot sprinkles

My favourite was the orange blossom and raspberry square ($10). A wild orange and vanilla slice on an almond biscuit base, topped with raspberry, lemon curd and dried edible flowers. The peanut butter wheel ($7.50) is also delicious. Simple, raw handmade peanut butter and caramel coated in chocolate. These were scrumptious desserts to enjoy a little something sweet, without feeling like you’ve overeaten.

We loved our light lunch at Fishbone. The friendly, chatty service is really something special, as is the food and wine. Bookings are highly recommended at the popular spot. I’d absolutely go back for seconds (and thirds!).

Find out more on Fishbone Wines here.

January 2, 2019 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

White Elephant Café, Gnarabup

When I’m dreaming about my next break in Margs, images of leafy wineries, lush forests and the untouched, rugged beach terrain dance around in my head. The ocean is so popular here, though there aren’t too many spots where you can dine by the sea… which is what makes White Elephant Cafe in Gnarabup so darn popular! The ocean view dining spot in the Margaret River region enjoys stunning views over Gnarabup Beach and serves up healthy and hearty breakfasts, lunches and coffee n’ cake.

We were staying just 5 minutes away at the beautiful air bnb Retreat on Roxburgh. A big breakfast at White Elephant Cafe was in order, before a busy day of wine tastings! The beach side spot is incredibly popular, which is no surprise when you spot that view! The 2 car parks get packed out in Summer. We visited mid-week, and there were plenty of shaded outside tables, there’s also space indoors for when it gets a bit breezy.

The breakfast menu is served until 12 noon and includes bircher muesli, Spanish eggs, Freo sardines and more. Service is minimal but friendly, with orders taken at the window and drinks orders picked up via buzzer from the main serving counter. There’s a good range of coffee, tea, smoothies and juices.

The Food

I loved the smashed pumpkin on toasted sourdough ($19.50), with fresh avocado, feta, runny poached eggs and spiced pumpkin seeds. I don’t mind a veggie dish, but I couldn’t resist a side of bacon.

My Dad chose the brekkie burger ($14.50). It’s usually served on a fluffy toasted milk bun, though he opted for the gluten free option. Brimming with crisp bacon, runny egg, cheddar cheese, aioli and tangy tomato relish.

Here, the food is as delicious as the view. We really enjoyed our brunch and I would absolutely return to White Elephant Café.

Get more info on their website: www.whiteelephantcafe.com.au/

December 17, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Retreat on Roxburgh Margaret River

Are you looking for a home away from home in the Margaret River region? I’ve found a cracker! Retreat on Roxburgh is a wonderful holiday home, where you can find a cosy space to enjoy – relaxing on the fairy-lit deck with a glass of local wine, watching a movie upstairs in the TV room or curled up by the fire with a book. The Airbnb is also found in the perfect spot for exploring the Margaret River region.

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Back in April I was doing it a bit tough. Chef had been away from home, running the Athletes Village kitchen at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for a couple of months. It was definitely taking its toll on both Little Chef and me, being on our own for so long. Luckily, my wonderful parents whisked us away for a much needed break to Margaret River. We spent 4 blissful days at Retreat on Roxburgh.

The beautiful holiday rental was our home for a relaxing three nights. And we loved it so much we went back again recently. It has a secluded bushland feel, but still only 5 minutes’ drive from the convenience of Margaret River Town and the amazing local wineries.

The modern property features open plan living, two bedrooms with super comfy beds (sleeping up to 4 people) and stunning views of natural bushland and horse paddocks from every window. I particularly loved the cosy breakfast bar nook.

We were greeted by the wagging tail and friendly woof from Cooper, owner Annie’s friendly Dalmatian. Annie is very welcoming and lives in the Annex next door.

I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious breakfast basket that Annie left for us on the kitchen bench. It was packed with everything we could want for a breakfast or two – local eggs, avocado, a fresh loaf of bread, muesli, milk and butter – even some chocolate and lemons from her tree!

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The gorgeous kitchen is well equipped with pretty much anything a Chef could need. If you’re not out eating like us, you’ll be able to cook up a storm at Retreat on Roxburgh. We did rustle up some tasty platers and breakfasts there. And of course there’s a BBQ on the deck for cooking in the great outdoors.

We loved the cosy mezzanine TV room upstairs, with a sofa you can lounge and sink into, perfect for watching a movie.

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A retreat is the perfect time to focus on yourself and do those things you don’t have time to do at home – like take a long, candlelit bubble bath with a glass of wine! The bathroom also features a heater and towel warmer – essential during those South West winters.

Another winter must is the wood fireplace, which is so cosy.

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Outside, you’ll find a covered deck for alfresco dining, overlooking landscaped gardens, paddocks and bushland. It is a magical spot – especially when you switch on the fairy lights as the sun goes down.

The house is perfect for a family getaway with older kids, girly weekend or even a couple of couples (the king single beds can be configured into a queen). I wouldn’t take young children, mainly as there are a few steps inside and Annie’s property has a lot of her own beautiful ornaments around. 9 year old Little Chef was under strict instructions to not touch anything and thankfully there were no accidents. What Little Chef did love about the property was giving Cooper lots of pats and helping Annie lead her horses back into the stables. Annie was brilliant with him, and such a pleasure to chat with.

I loved getting up in the morning, breathing in the pristine country air, filled with notes of the sea and eucalyptus. Looking out over this peaceful paradise, where brilliant blue fairy wrens fly through the bushes and horses graze nearby, with a cuppa in my hand.

Though you might want a retreat to get away from the bright city lights and digital world, handy WiFi is available at Retreat on Roxburgh. I did try to switch off, but it is difficult in my line of work *wink*

What’s Nearby?

Retreat on Roxburgh is so very close to some fantastic sightseeing spots… there’s many bushland walks and beaches to discover. The property is very close to Caves Road, making it a great base for wherever we were heading out for the day. It’s 5 minutes to Prevelly Beach and 5 minutes to Margaret River Town.

Where to Eat in the Area?

Here’s a few of my picks…

This time around, we enjoyed a lazy winery lunch at Xanadu, a long standing favourite of ours.

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Also, just a short drive away is Watershed Winery.

I was so happy to finally tick White Elephant off my list for breakfast, which was a good as the view. The spot at Gnarabup beach is just 5 minutes drive from Retreat on Roxburgh.

In the town, Brewhouse Margaret River, Burger Baby and Margaret River Bakery are also favourites of ours. There’s just never enough time to fit in all the restaurants, wineries and cafes I’d love to try! And if you want to put the kitchen to good use, we suggest you head to the Margaret River Markets on a Saturday morning for some local produce.

Hidden away in peaceful bushland, Retreat on Roxburgh feels a world away from the daily grind. We can see Annie has put a lot of love and thought into Retreat on Roxburgh. And it is immaculately clean. It has a real home away from home feel and offers so much value for money (from under $200 per night). The property has many living areas and wide open space to relax in. If you love horses, then you’ll really love it here. Book yourself a relaxing retreat – you’ll love it.

Find out more on the Retreat on Roxburgh Facebook page or book here.

November 7, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Xanadu Margaret River

Chef and I were wowed by our winery lunch at Xanadu earlier this year. The restaurant is a stunning setting for a long lunch – the perfect mix of classy and casual. The plates that came out of the kitchen were thoughtful, innovative and above all – delicious. Their Head Chef Melissa Kokoti knows exactly what to do with the amazing local produce on her doorstep, as well as growing a lot of her own vegetables and herbs onsite.

I jumped at the change to dine there again, when we were recently invited back for an encore. It was brilliant timing as I was already planning on enjoying a break with my parents in the foodie’s paradise that is Margaret River. This time the weather was a little chilly, so we enjoyed the ambiance inside the stone and timber-clad restaurant.

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As well as the amazing food, I was looking forward to a glass or two of my all time favourite chardy (the Black label 2016 Xanadu Chardonnay). I was so excited to hear that just a few days earlier Xanadu had been awarded the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy at the Melbourne Wine Show for their 2016 cabernet sauvignon. It’s regarded as being Australia’s top wine award, it’s been awarded to a WA winery only a handful of times.

Xanadu Restaurant Manager Dexter, with the Jimmy Watson Trophy

We started off our lovely lunch with a glass of bubbles, from Xanadu’s sister winery Yarrabank. The sparkling Cuvee is made with French yeast and went down a treat. We looked over the menu and there are so many taste bud tempting dishes on there. The sashimi style ocean trout is a vibrant, flavour bomb of a dish. Plated beautifully with beetroot, black sesame, fish roe and lime, the fresh trout was silky smooth and absolutely delicious. I loved this entrée.

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My Dad made a bee-line for the moist smoked hock – mainly as it featured a bit of black pudding, a favourite of his. Plump broad beans, mint and apple made up this tasty dish which was finished with a garnish of thinly sliced crisp pig’s ears. That may sound a bit iffy, but they’re essentially the same as pork crackle and very moreish.

The katalfi prawn dish was served in a deep, wide lipped bowl, which added to the drama of the striking whole prawns. The plump prawns are wrapped in a crisp pastry, which sit on a bead of smoked almonds, quinoa and pomegranate.

The three of us were still gushing about our entrees when our mains arrived. I don’t think the Arkady lamb belly dish should ever leave the menu. Scrumptious rolled belly meat is so flavoursome. I love it. Served with parsnip, green olive, an almond vinaigrette and broccolini, I was so chuffed that I chose this dish.

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Rankin Cod was the market fish of the day, perfectly pan fried and accompanied by fennel, potato, tartare, herbs and lemon.

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There is so much finesse to the pretty venison dish. The game meat served in a crisp cigar along with beetroot, an oyster cream and bone marrow.

Desert was a showstopper. Last time, I adored the strawberry panna cotta. This time a zingy lemon mousse, white chocolate, lemon balm, apple granita is served in a stemless wineglass… which was really quite apt, as after a few wines I was on the way to feeling a bit legless myself! I love wine, but rarely have more than a glass or two in a sitting, as it does go to my head.

My Mum also loved her mille-feuille of salted caramel, vanilla, praline, and dark chocolate sorbet. mille-feuille means “million layers” in French and refers to the puff pastry.

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Cheese goes so well with wine, so my Dad chose a creamy blue gorgonzola. The cheese, which was surprisingly sweet, was spread liberally on lavosh with nut and fruit pastes.
If the choice of a whole menu is just too much, Xanadu’s Chefs can create a degustation of their favourite dishes for $85 per person.

The day we dined, Xanadu had been announced as being in the top 50 restaurants in Western Australia, by the WA Good Food Guide. Another very well deserved accolade for the popular winery restaurant. If you haven’t been to Xanadu yet to see what all the fuss is about, you really must book a table next time you’re in Margs – it’s simply superb.

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Find more info on Xanadu Margaret River on their website.

Big thanks to Dexter and his friendly front of house team, as well as Chef Mellissa and her talented Chefs, for making our Xanadu lunch so special. We’ll absolutely be back.

September 7, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

20180810_120754 As part of this year’s Gascoyne Food Festival I was attending many of the tasty events in and around Carnarvon. I was told that the festival’s highlight is the Long Table Lunch and I could barely contain my excitement about the 10 course lunch that lay before me!

My word, the location under the shady trees at the Bentwaters Plantation was amazing. We took our seats and spent a sunny winter’s afternoon chatting and mingling over some good wine and seriously amazing food, much of which was cooked using fresh produce that we’d seen the day before, on the Chef Tour of the Plantations.

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

I was there as part of the media group of food bloggers and journalists, it was so nice to get dressed up, after touring the farms the day before.

L-R: Liz Sheehan (aka Breakfast Confidential) & Me

Chef Don Hancey

Chatting across the table to WA Food Ambassador, Chef Don Hancey, I discovered that the long table lunch gets longer each year! This year over 360 guests (locals and visitors) enjoyed the epic meal cooked with local produce by Chefs from all around WA.

Gascoyne Food Council

As a Chef that’s very passionate about supporting local growers, Don has been one of the key people involved in growing the festival over many years. It comes as no surprise that this year he was awarded with a Gascoyne Hero Award, for his contribution towards the Gascoyne Food Festival. Usually Don is in the kitchen, but this year he got to sit back and enjoy the lunch – which was very well deserved.

The Epic Long Table Lunch

To get our tastebuds warmed up, we devoured a canape of crab and avocado, with a sriracha kick on a tapioca crisp by MasterChef alumni Brendon Pang.

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Entrée of the chilled Mareterram prawns, with charred corn and melon salsa and a jalapeno sauce was created by Chef Jason Beste (of Suppa Road, an Award winning south west catering co). What a stunning dish!

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

The drool-worthy 12 hour beef rib by Chef Matt Neeble (of Arthur and Co, a new restaurant in Hibernian Place) was so meaty and delicious!

Delish Ice supplied the palate cleanser, a combo of tomato, strawberry and basil.

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

I loved the wood grilled BBQ lamb shoulder by Chef Melissa Palinkas (Owner/Head Chef of Young George). The yellow beans were so crunchy – I could have eaten a bucket-load!

Chef Dean Wood (of Dean Street Quarters, all the way from Esperance!) dished up spiced roasted pumpkin with pickled beans and a smoked yogurt and granola. Chef Lucas Fernandes (of Long Chim, in the Treasury Buildings) created a scrumptious crispy fried goldband snapper dish.

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Stuffed eggplants by Chef Gurpreet Bagga (from Sauma, one of my favourite Perth Indian restaurants) were packed with flavour and served with paratha.

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

The chefs had their own long table, where they carefully plated the components of the MOST spectacular Sweeter Banana Dessert by Chef Nathan Thomas (of Laundry 43, in Busselton).

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The bananas were poached in beurre noisette and served with a banana and lime parfait. Trust me, it tasted as good as it looks!

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

And we finished our feast on a sugary high of the Desert Bloom strawberries and cream. I could smell the strawberries from about 10 meters away, they’re so sweet. A simple way to end the lunch, the strawberries are heavenly. I must have eaten about 10.

Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch

It’s so difficult to play favourites. For me, my highlights had to be the beef ribs, the snapper and the banana dessert, but in truth I loved each and every wonderful dish cooked under the verandas of the homestead by the chefs.

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Well done to Chef Stuart Laws who brought everyone together and executed such a memorable meal!

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The Gascoyne Food Festival Long Table Lunch was a luscious lunch featuring so much of the produce we’d seen growing just the day before. It brought together the amazing local produce, the Chefs, the farmers and the landscape in one blissfully sunny afternoon!

I’d highly recommend you put the long table lunch and the Gascoyne Food Festival onto you WA foodie bucket list. The amazing produce really has to be tasted to be believed.

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I attended as a guest of the Gascoyne Food Council.

April 23, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Crown Towers Perth

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From the very moment we pulled our overnight bags through the immense foyer of Crown Towers Perth, I felt relaxed. I was working on an event at Crown and was so excited to be staying at Crown Towers along with Chef and Little Chef – the perfect excuse to mix work with pleasure.

The luxury hotel is Crown Perth’s glittering jewel. With so much to see and do on the Burswood peninsula, it’s the perfect spot for a family stay-cay.

Check in was smooth and we were so excited that we pretty much ran up the long corridor to our room!

Our Room at Crown Towers

We stayed in a Deluxe Twin room, with views to the Darling Ranges. Before we explored the rest of the hotel, we had a good look around our stunning room. The air conditioned room is immaculately appointed, with two Queen beds, a huge flat-screen TV with some Foxtel channels and pay per view movies, an armchair and desk.

There are far too many inclusions to name. Here are just some of the features we found useful:
o Deep soaking bath
o Connecting rooms available upon request
o Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities
o Fridge and DELUXE mini bar
o A selection of magazines
o Complimentary bottled water
o Iron and Ironing board
o Snuggly Crown bathrobes and slippers
o Safe
o Hands free telephones
o High-speed WIfi Internet access
o 24hr room service & concierge

The tablet found by the beds controls pretty much everything in the room, from drawing the curtains to the TV. Technology eh?!

The marble bathroom is a whole other level from any hotel I’ve ever stayed at. Here at Crown Towers you can watch TV in.the.bath. Seriously! There’s a phone in the loo too!

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And I was seriously impressed by the bath’s huge faucet, which was no ordinary sized tap. The water gushes out so fast, filling the bath in no time at all. There’s also an excellent shower, loads of quality toiletries, a hair dryer and fluffy towels.

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The deluxe mini bar offers French Champagne and local spirits…

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Koko Black chocolates and more…

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I grabbed a few of the magazines in our room and headed to the pool area.

The Crown Towers Pool Area

With all that attention to detail in our room, it’s no surprise that the pools are stunning. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon, so we grabbed a few sunloungers under the palms and enjoyed a splash about. The daybeds look luxe, there’s an extra charge to hire those. The poolside area is open from 6.30am to 7.30pm daily.

There isn’t a dedicated kids pool as such, like in the neighbouring Crown Metropol where there’s a kiddie play area and slide. The pool closest to the cabana has a beach entry, which is perfect for little ones as it starts off very shallow. There’s also a small, circular pool, surrounded by loungers. This plunge pool is only 90cms deep. Also found by the pool is a cabana with foosball and a pool table.

Staying without kids? There’s a chilled over 18’s pool area with plush bar.

And if you head to the river side of the outdoor area, you’ll find a quiet spot to curl up on a daybed with a book.

The Food at Crown Towers

We couldn’t drag ourselves away from this beautiful spot, so we enjoyed some drinks and an early dinner by the pool. Ordering is easy – just put up your flag on the sunlounger and a friendly waitperson will soon be along to take your order from the Epicurean menu.

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My nicoise salad was spot on – the tuna was perfectly cooked, it was a good sized meal and the salad was also well dressed.

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Little Chef chose fish n chips ($16) from the kids menu (nuggets and spag bol are also available) and it was a very generous serve.

We headed upstairs and settled in for a comfortable night’s sleep. The bed was very comfortable and I loved having the extra dark block out curtains! We made the most of a late 11am check out with a lazy morning by the pool. We headed downstairs for breakfast at Epicurean, but instead of the luxe buffet, we opted to enjoy the good weather and order from the a la carte menu outside.

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Little Chef enjoyed pancakes. I had runny poached eggs and avo on toast (GF).

Chef loved his brekky burger on a buttery brioche bun.

We spent a memorable night at Crown Towers. The impressive hotel has really raised the bar in Western Australia’s luxury stay niche.

My tip is to book two or more nights, especially if you want to make full use of the pool. One night is never enough! Go on, treat yourself – you deserve it x

If you’re dining at Crown, check out my other reviews here:

March 25, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Millers Farm Cafe, Cowaramup

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Cowaramup, also known affectionately as “Cow Town”, is a lovely spot in the Margaret River region. It’s no surprise that there are a lot of dairy cows in the area and Millers Farm Cafe is a great place to head for an ice cream scoop of two.

The Ice Creamery is found on a beautiful dairy farm, about a 15min drive from Margaret River itself. The Millers Farm Café is found in a cute old cottage and has an assortment of hot and cold drinks, including milkshakes, frappes and yummy Yahava coffee. There’s sweet and savoury home baked scones, and of course, their famous ice cream.

There are so many flavours to choose from – then the choice of cup or cone. Or even the famous “Mega Moo”, tasting paddle with 8 scoops – perfect for sharing! There are dairy free options too.

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Little Chef made the tough decision of choosing just one of the 26 available flavours! He loved the choc fudge brownie… he’s not smiling as I’ve told him to wait to eat his ice-cream while I take a photo. Poor kid!

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Chef enjoyed his cone with two scoops of Apple pie flavoured ice cream.

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Inside the café there are also some lovely farm and cow-themed gifts to buy. As well as the scrumptious ice cream, there’s a large adventure playground, big lawns and a lovely bush setting. The spacious playground is set amongst wood chips and features lots of swings, slides, tunnels, monkey bars, and climbing frames.

There are also two cows (not real!) which children are able to ‘milk’. When they pull on the rubber udders, water pours into a bucket below. It’s always a good thing to let the kids know where their food comes from and it’s a great photo opportunity too.

Continue reading →

March 24, 2018 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Burger Baby, Margaret River

There’s a new burger joint in Margs! Burger Baby is found on Bussell Highway – right in the heart of town. The casual eatery has an eclectic, vintage vibe. At Burger Baby you can dine inside, where there’s lots of tables, as well as comfy sofas. The alfresco area, which overlooks the main street, looks pretty special at night with its fairy lights all lit up.

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The table service is small-town friendly. The chatty staff gave us helpful suggestions, as we decided which burgers to choose from the menu, which also features chicken burgers, pork belly burgers (yum!), lentil burgers and more.

Chef chose the Everything Burger ($19) on a buttery brioche bun. As the name suggests, it’s a massive burger, brimming with beef, bacon, caramelised onion, tomato, greens, pickles, melted cheese and mayo. The 70% grass fed beef patties are finished with wagyu, just to add a little extra fat content. You know, fat = flavour after all.

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I chose the “everything burger” too. The gluten free bun was totally stuffed with so much tastiness. It’s a delicious burger, and the GF bun was one of the best I’ve had!

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Little Chef wolfed down a mini beef cheese burger ($9). There is also a mini chicken n cheese kid’s burger available. We shared a piping hot serve of chips. There are plenty of sides, like loaded chips, corn and salads available too.

For families who love a game night there’s a pile of board games (Guess Who, Cluedo etc), as well as a pool table and foosball table. Little Chef found a few friends and had a great time playing foosball.

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