July 1, 2017 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

{NEW OPENING} Lot One Kitchen Hillarys

This one’s HOT off the press! This morning we brunched at Lot One Kitchen, a brand new eatery in the northern suburbs, which has really hit the ground running!

We popped by for a late brunch. So late, that Little Chef preferred to eat something for lunch. The new restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner has had a beautiful fit out. There’s lots of tables and a cosy nook with sofas too. I love it’s use of tanned leather and stunning light fixtures.

The service was good, but a little green. I’m happy to give them the benefit of the doubt, being so new! The roast used at Lot One Kitchen is Di Bella. Chef was happy with his flat white and even grabbed a take away on our way out.

Feeling a cold coming on, I chose a “beet it” beetroot and ginger juice.

Little Chef had a chocolate milkshake treat. Continue reading →

June 20, 2017 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Maison Staint-Honore, Swan Valley

Here’s a truth bomb… for years I’ve been guilty of pronouncing the word “macaron” wrong! It’s “mac-a-ron” not “mac-a-roon” (coconut biscuit). Silly me…

I had a #girlboss catch up with a couple of lovely ladies in the Swan Valley, coffee and notepads at the ready. I work from home now, freelancing with writing and social media, and these networking and “pep-talk” meetings are invaluable for sharing ideas and encouraging each other. Working on your own can be incredibly lonely!

Continue reading →

June 7, 2017 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

10 of The Best Hidden Coffee Spots in Perth’s CBD

Where’s the best coffee in Perth’s CBD? You might have missed it! Down the city’s many laneways and arcades, you’ll find some hidden coffee spots that are not to be missed.

If you’re a street art fan like myself, and like a bit of culture with your caffeine, you will be able to spy some of Perth’s most vibrant works near some of these spots too. So follow the aroma of freshly ground beans and discover a favourite new coffee haunt today!

Max + Sons

Head off the beaten track, down Rail Lane and you’ll find Max & Sons. Here, the friendly baristas are likely to remember your name after a few coffee runs. Their excellent coffee is a custom blend that is developed with Five Senses and the maple bacon and cream cheese bagels are not to be missed!

Find Max + Sons at 140 Perth, Rail Lane, Wellington St, Perth (behind The Globe).

Café Moka, Mandurah

To me, there’s not much sweeter than finding a gem of a brunch spot. Mandurah locals are lucky to have the waterside Café Moka on their doorstep. Found at Dolphin Quay, the bustling café overlooks the marina, which is a lovely backdrop for my Mothers Day breakfast. It’s part of our May weekend staycation in Mandurah, and we’d been invited to enjoy a tasty brekkie there by Mandurah & Peel Tourism Organisation, who have expert local knowledge for the perfect brunch spot for my foodie family.

Chef and I ordered a couple of flat whites ($4.50). The Toby’s Estate roast really hit the spot! And being Mothers Day I also got given a rose – what a lovely gesture!

Continue reading →

May 12, 2017 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Jack and Jill – Kalamunda

As the nursery rhyme goes… Jack and Jill went up the hill and “up the hill” is where we travelled to this delicious café on the main street in Kalamunda.

We were up in the Perth Hills on a Sunday morning, having a wander around the weekly Kalamunda Farmers Market. Afterwards, we popped into Jack and Jill for a bite to eat. The popular café is brimming with people enjoying coffee and brunch, which we just ordered right on the noon cut off, phew!

The coffee is very good. We’ve visited Jack and Jill for coffee n cake a few times, usually with my parents. As well as a good cuppa, I also enjoy their iced teas.

Their fresh bakes are to die for. We’ve tried a few and our favourite has been the strawberry, almond and yogurt cakes. They’re gluten free too.

Continue reading →

January 30, 2017 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Flinderz – Hillarys

Flinderz is an old favourite of ours. Back in 2014/15 Chef was the Head Chef there, before he left for the bright floodlights of Domain Stadium and the WACA, cooking for his sporting heroes. Chef loved Flinderz, but pretty much never had an opportunity to actually dine there, because he was always so darned busy at the bustling suburban gem. We were really excited to revisit Flinderz after owner Louise invited us in for brunch.

Flinderz is in Hillarys, but it isn’t found at the Boat Harbour. The modern café is located at the leafy Hillary’s Shopping Centre on Finders Avenue. I like to dine in their shady alfresco area, with it’s pretty greenery and chilled atmosphere. It a good spot for a lazy brunch or lunch.

There’s a good choice of drinks – coffee, tea, smoothies and more. We’ve always found them to have quality coffee.

Little Chef ordered his favourite – a babycino. I also enjoyed a refreshing juice after my caffeine fix.

Since I last visited there’s been some interesting new additions to the Flinderz brunch menu. I really liked the sound of their house smoked Atlantic salmon and the French toast, but opted for my favourite House made granola, $17. Continue reading →

August 29, 2016 by The Chef, his Wife and their PERTH-fect life

Pearth Organic Kitchen – West Leederville

Pearth Organic Kitchen is all about healthy, wholesome food. I was meeting my lovely friend Kimmie for brunch and I thought Pearth would be well, perthfect (sorry, I just couldn’t resist!). For starters, I can never have too much healthy food, as long as it’s tasty anyway. Also Kimmie is gluten and dairy intolerant, so I thought they would have lots of menu options for her and they did. Pearth also caters well for vegans and vegetarians.

We met in the small Cambridge Street café, grabbing the last table. First up we enjoyed some good coffees. My flat white is made from Fiori organic coffee beans and organic milk from The Grumpy Farmer.

I just HAD to chose the Perthfect Parmesan eggs – I can’t imagine why! The scrambled parmesan eggs ($22) were wonderfully creamy, on top of a slice of thickly cut sourdough toast. On the side was avocado, wilted kale and a tasty house made tomato relish. I really enjoyed this.

Kim loved her smashed avocado with house made hummus, $17. Sprinkled with dukkah and a poached egg on the side. She swapped the sourdough for gluten free bread by Strange Grains. Kimmie enjoyed this, particularly the delicious hummus.

I love that Pearth don’t use processed products or refined sugars in their cooking. For me, having a guilt free brunch is great, especially as I’m sensitive to some food additives and preservatives. I like knowing what I’ve got on my fork is going to 100% nourish my body. You don’t have to be a health food nut to enjoy Pearth Organic Kitchen – just a tasty food addict like me!