Chapels on Whatley, Perth WA (Mayland)

Chapels on Whatley

http://www.chapelsonwhatley.com.au/

Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Service: 1.5/5

Chapels on Whatley is a really unique cafe, situated directly across the road from the Mayland train station. We entered with the soul intent of having a sit-down coffee and breakfast only to find that this place is also a shopfront, specialising in the sale of antique furniture, art, artifacts, and homewares from Tibet, Mongolia, Japan, China and Vietnam.  I immediately felt calm upon making my way into the store and to the counter where we waited to be seated. As we passed the teas, tea sets and retail area I couldn't help but concoct a wishlist in my head of all the items I would purchase if I had my way with the credit card.

Front retail area.

Cute tea sets.

I really enjoyed the ambience of Chapels on Whatley. Personally, the complete oriental influence was a big winner with me. Unfortunately, the service was second rate. The waiters were quiet and polite, yet slightly daft. One customer was asked to move from his table to another just so we could be seated - he had not even finished his coffee!! I thought this was extremely rude and unprofessional. I almost asked the man to stay put, as I was happy to wait for a clean table. It's not like there wasn't anything to keep me entertained in the cafe (....think water features, exotic plants, retail therapy).

The menu was quite varied with many options, and the coffee was nice. The food wasn't anything exceptional, however I would certainly dine here again with my fingers crossed in the hope of better service. (I like to eat my food with cutlery as soon as it arrives, and not have to ask the waiter to retrieve some cutlery after the fact). It was just unlucky that my 'Chapels on Whatley experience' lost to a much better competitior on that particular weekend.

Entry to the outside dining area.

Green eggs with smoked salmon, side serving of mushrooms.

Poached eggs with bacon and tomato.

Eggs benedict with salmon and steamed asparagus. It needed more Hollandaise sauce.

Poachers Pantry, Hall NSW

Poachers Pantry

http://www.poacherspantry.com.au/

Food: 3/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Service: 2.5/5

Poachers Pantry is set within a lovely location in Hall, just over the border from ACT. It was a pleasant drive from Gungahlin to the farm itself, which made for a lazy start to our Sunday. My friend loved the scenery and complimented on the area as we drove through the property.

We arrived in the carpark on quite a bleak looking day,as it began to rain as we exited the car. As we strolled down the path to the restaurant I couldn't wait to be seated and browse through the menu, as I had only heard good words about this place. Unfortunately, my first impressions were tainted by the service. Yes, it was prompt, but dull. There was no conversation made by our waiter/esses, and we were not asked ''how our meal was'' at any point during our brunch.

My friend ordered the Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Potato and Chive Rosti ($18), and it was absolutely delicious! The serving size was also a reflection of the price. On the other hand, I was disappointed at the much smaller portion size of the Baked Eggs with Washed Rind Cheese and Prosciutto. To my dismay, this was also $18 for two small slices of multigrain toast accompanied by a small ramiken of two baked eggs, a miniscule piece of cheese (although very delectable) and a thin slice of meat.

Overall, the brunch experience was great, but the difference in serving sizes was a real let down. Poachers Pantry also offers a delightful array of gourmet products and goods. Upon my next visit I intend to purchase some of these goodies, however I will NOT be ordering the Baked Eggs again. It is also a goal of mine to dine here for dinner in the future. Hopefully, my first impressions can be turned around.

Skinny flat white.

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Potato and Chive Rosti  $18

Baked Eggs with Washed Rind Cheese and Proscuttio  $18

Disappointing serving size.

Yolky lusciousness.

....for next time.

 

Jaws, East Perth WA (Sushi Train)

Jaws, East Perth

http://www.jawssushi.com.au/restaurant/east_perth/

Food: 3/5
Atmosphere: 1.5/5
Service: 3/5

Jaws East Perth is a sushi train, and a sushi train only. Don't expect to turn up to this 'restaurant' and expect modern decor or a chic atmosphere. The sushi and plates of food weren't too bad, however I've experienced a higher quality of japanese cuisine in the past. As this was my first experience of dining at a sushi train, it was quite exciting, but the excitement quickly dissipated. I'm sure I remember seeing other sushi trains around the place that packed slightly more oomph than this particular one. Maybe it was the dull atmosphere that made this dining experience a tad drab?

 

I can only imagine this sushi train really catering to couples who want a quick dinner with cheap bottle of wine (yes, it's BYO), or business people on the run during their lunchbreaks. For our party of three, I found it hard to hold a conversation involving all of us, due to the design of the sushi train itself. As for the food, the dishes seemed authentic, although I felt that the menu wasn't as varied as advertised on their website. The service was extremely efficient, yet impersonable.

 

 

The prices of plates are listed below:

 

70's decor perhaps?

Miso soup.

Soy sauce, wasabi and ginger.

Tempura vegetables?

Deep fried crab claw ball. This was fantastic!

Pork Gyoza.

The Beaufort Street Merchant, Perth WA

The Beaufort Street Merchant

http://www.beaufortmerchant.com/

Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 2.5/5

As their website states, this is one of Perth's most unique venues. My brother's partner suggested this venue for breakfast, and this was one of the best I've had! I was in my element when I walked in and realised that not only was this an upperclass cafe, but it was also a bar, brasserie, fine wine store and gourmet provedore, all in one.

I was completely satisfied with the large, fresh meal and excellent coffee, however the service could have been better. If I hadn't have waited at least 50 minutes for my much awaited Bloody Mary (after reminding the waiters twice), this establishment would have been deserved of a much higher rating for overall service. Having said that, this was the only single let down of the dining experience, and I will certainly be visiting here again when in Perth.

Street view.

Fried Eggs and Bacon on Ciabatta   $20

Eggs Benendict with Salmon  $20

This hollandaise sauce tasted obviously homemade.

The eggs were perfectly poached.

Although over priced, this Bloody Mary was delish!  $15