If obsessing over State of Kin’s stunning homes is a crime… Well One of our favourites has to be the oh-so-groovy, curvaceously cool Sweep House, which we first wrote about back in February of 2023 – and we’re thrilled to report that it’s now on the market We were immediately captivated by the retro influences – from porthole windows evoking Australian ’80s Art Deco revival and hit and miss brickwork evoking ’60s Palm Springs glamour the centrepiece of the home has to be that grand white spiral staircase its crisp serpentine form twisting past the moon-like round window and evoking the iconic twists of the Guggenheim Plush carpet evokes the same tonality of the travertine used throughout the home its velveteen-like softness contrasting the polished stone’s texture is (of course) a dream – but we can now get a sneak peek into what’s hidden behind: a huge scullery and laundry with ample space to preserve that minimalistic aesthetic We can also sneak a peek into some more of the home’s entertaining spaces – including not just the alfresco with a skylight encircling its mature tree but the multiple terraces and balconies on each level of the home though – one of those balconies attaches to the primary bedroom: a sumptuously plush retreat that also boasts a spectacular ensuite bathroom two more bedrooms peer out over the backyard via zigzags of windows – each with their own ensuite (We also can’t resist showing you the downstairs bathroom tucked behind the staircase and attached to the studio/bedroom – with a more sultry moody interpretation of the retro palette and materiality Check out the listing for 58 Kalgoorlie Street art deco and Mediterranean inspired residence – fittingly named ‘Sweep House’ – is likely to break price records for the inner city Perth suburb of Mt Hawthorn The four bedroom, four bathroom home at 58 Kalgoorlie Street, Mt Hawthorn has hit the market via an Expressions of Interest campaign and sales agent Ryan Smith from Whitefox Perth – Subiaco said he expected it to sell well in excess of Mt Hawthorn’s previous highest sales price of $2.3 million art deco and Mediterranean inspired residence - fittingly named ‘Sweep House’ Sweep House’s inaugural home open saw more than 100 groups of people attend “A lot of people have been watching this one get built over the last few years,” Mr Smith said So they've inaugurated two lots into the one title It is obviously a much larger than the standard Mt Hawthorn block of 600sqm.” The home has entertainment areas which were big enough for the adults the residence was the brainchild of renowned Perth architectural studio apertures to the front elevation and varying textures are just some of the hallmarks of its design Built for a young family that could be grown into as well as entertainment areas which were big enough for the adults “The staircase is a piece of art – it was hand poured during the construction,” Mr Smith said the natural light throughout the home as well “It's just an abundance of natural light everywhere you go in this house.” The travertine and skylight adorned ensuite Other standout features include Noce Eschilo travertine flooring leading to a sunken 1970s inspired living room which has a travertine and skylight adorned ensuite Two bedrooms also have ensuite bathrooms and open to an internal terrace while a faceted island bench with an angular built-in bar pay homage to the home’s minimalist elegance in the kitchen In addition to a pool with its own custom made daybed there is also a Pilates studio and a sauna “Wellness is a huge thing in today's society,” Mr Smith said “Even all the showers throughout [the home] – there's a filter for all the showers Noce Eschilo travertine flooring leads to a sunken 1970s inspired living room third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Share1 / 6The brooding mole poblano.Matt O’Donohue2 / 6Mayan-influenced pumpkin seed dip with focaccia.Matt O’Donohue3 / 6Casa in Mt Hawthorn.Matt O’Donohue4 / 6Casa in Mt Hawthorn.Matt O’Donohue5 / 6Casa in Mt Hawthorn.Matt O’Donohue6 / 6Casa in Mt Hawthorn.Matt O’DonohuePrevious SlideNext SlideGood Food hat15.5/20How we score Consider, for a moment, the evolution of the wine bar in Australia. Previouslyavailable in just four flavours – French, Italian and Spanish, plus a broadly“European” catch-all – wine bars have significantly broadened their horizons over the past decade. In Melbourne, there’s Manze: a Mauritian wine bar that taps into the diverse island heritage of co-owner Nagesh Seethiah. The enduring popularity of Brisbane’s Snack Man, meanwhile, is a reminder that lo-fi wines can do things for Asian food that tea can only dream of. (See also the Taiwanese-inspired cooking at Muni in McLaren Vale, South Australia: one of my standout meals of 2024.) Following the recent discovery of a maverick inner-city wine bar serving bold, brilliant Mexican cookery, Perth has entered the genre’s DEI chat. Sort of. I also say sort-of because, according to Casa chef Paul Bentley, his cooking isn’twhat he’d describe as Mexican food. Or at least Mexican food made by someonewith an intrinsic understanding of the cuisine and culture. The other thing Bentley did in Mexico was eat plenty of Mexican food, from the fancy to the street. So much so that when COVID lockdowns stranded our man in Perth, he brought his understanding of spice and acidity to the food he was cooking at Si Paradiso – the tepache (fermented pineapple juice) he’d slip onto pizzas, say – as well as Scarborough’s goodtime beachside cantina, El Grotto. Both, thankfully, are still on the menu, as are more recent creations a la skewers of juicy lamb rump brightened by a sauce bright with barbacoa spice. A new kind of wine bar.Matt O’DonohueBut for the new-new stuff, it’s all about the $79 chef’s menu. Once an outlet forBentley’s classically minded French cooking, the set-course option is now a four-stage meal comprised largely of off-menu items sporting a strong Mexican flavour. Sometimes the influence is subtle: the zip of pickled cactus in the flank steak tartare, maybe, or casting crunchy tostadas as ideal vehicles for highlighting the silken pleasures of pristine cured bonito. Good Food hat15.5/20ReviewThis French bistro is a masterclass in knowing when to follow and when to flout the rulesFor anyone that’s been stung by tasting menus that feel lazy, underdone oroffer questionable bang-for-buck, Casa’s offering may help restore your faith in the format. Not that committing to a (somewhat restaurant-y) menu is mandatory for enjoying yourself here. Like any self-respecting wine bar, Casa has a welcoming, third-place charm that makes it feel like an extension of home, even if those rendered walls, mid-century accents and finely tuned speakers make it feel like the living room of an especially well-designed holiday home in Milan. You can push the boat out, even on a weeknight, or drop in a bowl of chips with green Goddess sauce or a scoop of pistachio gelato: switched-on and engaged staff will make you feel welcome, regardless. But for Mexican-ish cooking of a higher calibre – and plenty more besides –we’ll have to go to Casa. Vibe: New-era Mexican cooking for the discerning (wine) drinker Go-to dish: Charred bonito tostada, focaccia with pumpkin seed dip Drinks: One of Australia’s finest explorations of organic winemaking supplemented with thoughtfully chosen beers, spirits and cocktails Cost: About $150 for two, excluding drinks news and the hottest openings served to your inbox Remove items from your saved list to add more A brand-new skate park has opened to the public in Mt Hawthorn and it is already proving popular with local skaters You can find the new 350-square metre Mt Hawthorn Skate Space at Britannia Reserve in the City of Vincent which was designed by local company Skate Sculpture is suitable for young and beginner skaters as the elements are ideal for building skills but still being loads of fun families were treated to demonstrations from Skate Sculpture at the new park and from all reports it was well received “Our community has been calling for a small skate space dedicated to aspiring skaters for several years,” said City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon “We are very proud to bring this dream to life through this new facility.” “With a range of street and transition elements it is the perfect training ground for children to learn how to skate and master their skills.” All the elements are less than a metre high which ensures a much safer environment for youngsters learning to skate There are some design elements that are suited to more experienced and technical skaters so it is still worth a session for older skaters More than half of the funding for this project was provided by the Department of Communities as part of an election commitment from Hon “Our government made an election commitment of $200,000 in funding to kick off design and fund a new local skate park for younger kids – in response to the huge number of young families calling the City of Vincent home,” he said “Designed in consultation with local families and members of the skating community the Mt Hawthorn Skate Space will be perfect for kids Nothing beats a good old-fashioned BYO restaurant or a couple of bottles of vino and feast the night away with your finest friends and/or family especially when we’re living in a cost-of-living crisis so we’ve tried to cover a variety of different flavours and locations north Back in 2023 much-loved neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant Casa expand next door with a takeaway pizza joint – aptly named Casa Pizza Wine these fluffy-crusted pies take an unconventional approach to classic flavours – think marinara drizzled with kombu oil roasted mushrooms topped with verdant persillade or an appropriately Casa-tinged take on a Hawaiian with a piquant habanero and pineapple salsa This North Perth neighbourhood fave may be low-key, but that makes its the exact kinda BYO spot we’re chasing! And, their picture-perfect bento boxes are a must. Named for the bento boxes traditionally sold at train stations, Ekiben serves up a selection that you’ll want to stay a while and savour They’ve got plenty of gluten free options and the service is always warm and friendly – one of the best It would be easy to over-complicate things, but put quite simply: Monsterella gets a lot of things just right A selection of pasta that will tempt even the most fanatic pizza fiend It was a fortuitous few weeks that saw both Hunter Bread and Rym Tarng open in Bicton Central is pumping out some pretty unforgettable Thai plates from the 16-seat restaurant Pork and prawn donuts are enough of a reason to visit but the signature pork jowl will certainly help seal the deal Northbridge’s best kept secret (that’s always super busy) Tra Vinh’s mix of Vietnamese and Chinese noodle dishes is one of the best the staff are always super friendly and depending on how much booze you bring Tucked away down a Northbridge arcade, Francoforte has been our faithful spaghetti stallion since opening way back in 2013 guanciale carbonara and kale pesto remain as comfortingly delicious as they were back in our misspent youths – combined with its casual atmosphere it’s the perfect kick off point to a big night out in Northbridge We’d practically take a bath in laksa, we love it so much – so it’s no wonder KCH got on our radar shortly after they opened in 2019 KCH takes its name from Sarawak’s capital Kuching home to a distinctive laksa that is both creamy and tangy But that’s not where it ends – with plenty of modern takes on Malaysian classics plus weekly specials that will have you frantically spamming the group chat For one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Perth, it’s hard to go past Tsukaya While purists may balk at menu inclusions like tacos and umami fries We could talk for days about Perth’s pizza offerings, but most of the time, we’ll end up back at Rossonero the garage-turned-pizzeria balances classical simplicity with crowd-pleasing modernity – including a welcoming attitude towards BYO Nestled on the corner of Scarborough Beach Road and Gildercliffe Street, you might not see Pizzaca Caffe as you pass by Pizzaca pump out amazing food like woodfire pizzas You’d be forgiven for missing this unassuming little Thai spot along Bulwer Street, but it’s worth stopping in for. The quintessential Thai neighbourhood spot, Khanom is small One of Fremantle’s best and longest-standing restaurants, there’s a reason Capri has been around since the ’50s They’re now onto their fourth generation of family members helping run the joint homely vibes will have you back over and over again A neighbourhood Italian joint seems like a safe bet for BYO enthusiasts – and even better when it’s this good! The Secret Italian has become a favourite of Scarbs locals for their low-key vibes and delicious Italian fare Sticking on the Italian tip (they just know how to wine and dine) Valdarno’s is in an unassuming little part of Dalkeith serving up authentic Italian to a very happy neighbourhood Big servings means you’re more than likely going to end up taking some home with you and that’s after bringing your own booze with you because it’s BYO every day of the week (closed Sundays/Mondays) One of Perth’s most legendary (and best value) degustations, the only issue is how bloody hard it to get a booking – that’s how popular Marumo is but if you can plan ahead (and drop in at the bottle shop en route) it’s an absolute delight At Threecoins comforting Italian classics are melded with that signature bold flavour and high voltage approach… Think pinsa topped with mortadella a linguine served with prawn bisque and lemon-spiked mascarpone or lamb chops with a pistachio and mint agrodolce And on Mondays and Tuesdays you can BYO wine Boasting a Mediterranean-inspired lineup of chargrilled share plates, Lady of Ro will take you straight to the cobbled pathways of Greece in no time. The owner is also renowned for her desserts (you’ll be familiar if you’ve stopped in at Boucla next door) so make sure you leave some room for her chocolate ricotta cake Outside a nice can of Coke, is there anything better than beers and dumplings? Fortunately Mom Dumpling House in East Vic Park is happy for you to have both and you’ll be kept busy with her massive lineup of dumplings and noodle dishes Down the road from Mom’s is The Prophet rocking some fantastic Middle Eastern specialties just about everyone we’ve ever met is a big fan of The Prophet – and how can you not be friendly service is matched only by the deliciousness of their dishes More like this:Where in Perth to get Dinner With a Party Vibe The Best Places in Perth to Take Out of Towners Perth’s Best Date Night Restaurants Perth’s Best Neighbourhood Bars What happens when an architect and an interior designer buy a century-old cottage for their growing family Down a quiet and leafy Mount Hawthorn street the front of the home has been meticulously restored and renovated A sweet chequered verandah wraps around the front of the home delicate timber fretwork replacing the hefty (don’t worry non-original) Doric columns and balustrade that surrounded the verandah when the couple bought the home in 2020 front portion of the home that the couple first renovated before eventually demolishing the sleepout to build the extension at the rear two years later dining and kitchen has been added to the home’s footprint with vast sliding doors opening up the space to the sleek its steel columns rising like futuristic monoliths The continuation of the travertine flooring throughout unites the spaces both inside and outside of the new addition expanding the comparatively modest living area to include the rear courtyard two rooftop gardens have been incorporated into the landscaping – over the patio and the alfresco dining which doubles as a carport – which both lowers the ambient temperature of the building and courtyard and provides a visual buffer to the neighbouring properties.) The patio’s lustrous steel columns echoes the linished stainless steel of the kitchen island buffed and burnished to an almost velvet finish the kitchen’s countertop and backsplash is clad in Verde Oceania marble veined with the deep verdigris tones echoed in both the built-in bar under the stairs and the cosy window seat “It’s a place to sit and feel like you are floating amongst the garden,” Zac told us “We included a skylight above so you can look up and enjoy a glimpse of the sky.” “We sit here a lot in the morning and drink our coffee and it’s a popular spot for a glass of wine.” the ensuite bathroom has been designed to evoke the luxe relaxation of a resort – but we’re truly enamoured by the downstairs powder room Hidden behind a secret door accessed via the laundry it’s a moment of bold and playful discovery for guests – and frankly we cannot get enough of the custom Calacatta Viola marble vanity To check out more projects by ZARQ, head to their website here. Image credits: Crib Creative One of Perth’s best nature playgrounds just got even better with a new toddler playground being completed at Braithwaite Park in Mt Hawthorn. Designed for preschoolers aged one to four, the new playground has plenty of accessible play elements and a heap of space for parents with prams to move around. Kids will find a cubby house, cafe play area, swings, sliding pole, bird’s nest swing seat, monkey bars, two slides and a bike track on softfall The City of Vincent received feedback from local families through community consultation in 2023, with construction works being completed this month. “Braithwaite Park is a prime destination for families with different-aged children,” said Mayor Alison Xamon. “The park was already home to a great nature play area for older children, and now there’s a brand-new space just for Vincent’s youngest residents to enjoy.” “It also has more space between the equipment, making it more accessible for young ones to explore with their parents or guardians,” she added. “We’re proud to complete our upgrades at the park and encourage families to check it out.” City of Vincent said that Birdwood Square (Perth), Beatty Park Reserve (North Perth), Edinboro Street Reserve (Mt Hawthorn) and the smaller playground in Hyde Park (Perth) were next inline for renewals. A bumper year brought big equity gains to typical homeowners in these booming suburbs and it’s not just people in Australia’s priciest neighbourhoods who are making bank The latest price data from PropTrack shows there were 77 suburbs where median home values jumped by at least $200,000 during 2024 This five-bedroom Bellevue Hill house sold for $12.16 million last year It changed hands for $10.4 million back in 2023 – a gain of $1.76 million in less than a year But while there were plenty of premium suburbs with multi-million dollar price tags on the list especially in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and northern beaches most suburbs were found in one of Australia’s most affordable capitals Of the 77 suburbs where prices rose by more than $200,000 last year Half of these suburbs had median prices between $1 million and $1.5 million and most recorded price rises of more than 20% during 2024 PropTrack senior economist Angus Moore said part of the reason behind Perth’s strong price growth in the past few years was the fact that it was one of Australia’s most affordable capitals Since interest rates started rising in early 2022, buyers have increasingly searched in Australia’s more affordable housing markets, with increased competition causing prices to boom Even after an 18% jump in Perth prices last year to a citywide median value of $836,000 it’s still the third cheapest capital after Darwin and Hobart Perth’s outperformance came after the city’s housing market went through an extended trough when price growth lagged the rest of the nation The value of a typical house in Leederville in Perth's inner north rose by $229,000 last year This near-new Leederville home sold for $1.62 million last year “Perth had a soft decade through the 2010s following the mining investment boom when it saw enormous growth in home prices,” he said home prices were expensive and haven't seen the same growth over the 2020s as much of Australia has.” “Even with the strong growth we've seen [recently] it does remain more affordable than the rest of Australia.” In dollar terms, the suburb where house values increased the most during 2024 was Bellevue Hill in Sydney’s east With a median home value of just under $10 million the affluent enclave is Australia’s priciest suburb A 13% bump in house prices last year meant the value of a typical Bellevue Hill house rose by $1.1 million in the past year alone The median house value in Strathfield in Sydney’s inner west rose by almost half a million dollars to $3.94 million, while prices in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast rose by $447,000 to $3.07 million This three-bedroom house in Mermaid Beach sold for $3.715 million last year The median house price in the Gold Coast suburb rose by more than $400,000 last year The data uses PropTrack's automated valuation model (AVM) to determine a suburb's median property value Mr Moore said even relatively modest growth in high value suburbs could result in prices rising by hundreds of thousands of dollars “Premium suburbs always show up with big dollar movements,” he said “In general we’re not seeing the top end of the market outperform although we are seeing some premium suburbs perform well.” Prices rose by more than $300,000 in several pricey Perth suburbs, including Applecross, where this large Hamptons-inspired home recently sold for $6.2 million There was only one sub-$1 million suburb where prices rose by more than $200,000 – Gelorup where the median value increased by 30% last year to $947,000 was the only one in Victoria to make the list Homeowners in the Adelaide suburb of West Lakes were major beneficiaries of the city's strong property market with the suburb's median house value rising by $213,000 last year Mr Moore said big jumps in house values could encourage some homeowners to upgrade to larger or more valuable properties But in a tight market with big price movements across the board “For some households it gives them more equity to upgrade sooner than they had otherwise planned,” he said the house they want to move into probably has gotten more expensive as well and alleviating that deposit strain can make a big difference.” Perth real estate agent and Realty Lane director Daniel Gonzales said the shortage of properties on the market had been a key driver of the city's price growth but the number of homes being listed for sale was slowly starting to rise A typical homeowner in Mount Hawthorn in Perth gained $300,000 in equity during 2024, PropTrack data shows. This Mount Hawthorn house sold for $1.38 million last year. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold “Now that we’re probably at the top of the market, we’ve started seeing more properties come on,” he said. The total number of listings for sale in Perth at the end of last year was 5.9% higher than the same period in 2023, according to the latest REA Group Listings Report for December 2024. Track your property's value and unlock insights and data tailored for property owners. “A lot of clients are looking to pull out that capital,” Mr Gonzales said “If they’ve been thinking of downsizing for the last few years they're thinking of making a move before things change.” “Young families who bought into the market before Covid and have seen really good growth are seeing this as a really good opportunity to upsize.” Making it easier to upgrade wasn’t the only way big equity gains influenced homeowner behaviour “The other one is what we call the wealth effect,” Mr Moore said “Households tend to buy things a bit more when they are a bit wealthier.” “At the margin we might expect to see people spending a little bit more as a result.” there's a lot of things working in the other direction at the moment particularly the fact that things have gotten a lot more expensive and interest rates are higher.” Since the establishment of Nature Play WA in 2009 with their mission to spread the word about the benefits of unstructured outdoor play for kid’s development nature playgrounds have sprung up all over Perth and Western Australia giving WA kids amazing opportunities to get muddy With new nature playgrounds popping up everywhere from your local footy oval to primary schools across the state lets explore some of Perth’s best nature playgrounds: Bibra Lake Regional Playground is huge offering something for everyone including (but not limited to): a double flying fox; water squirting bullrushes and talking rocks telling local Nyungar stories all-abilities affair with designs referencing local flora and fauna making it a great option for a little lunch day out with the fam You get the best of both worlds at Jackson Wilding Reserve in Karrinyup with an expansive nature playground just across the park from a more traditional playground with barbecue and shade facilities The Nature Playground is built from recycled tree branches and other bits of timber with a cool little maze for the tiny ones to tackle (don’t worry – everyone can see everyone while they do) Pia’s Place is a nature play space designed for all kids Nature play for kids with disabilities can often be difficult with access on unstable ground an added challenge Pia’s Place provides opportunities for calculated risk and physical challenge for all levels of ability – every step from the tram stop to changing facilities have been designed with accessibility in mind If your kids like to keep on the move there is no beating the sheer number of invitations to play at Stadium Park The Chevron Parkland alone includes six different play areas uniquely designed to represent each of the Whadjuk Noongar seasons Go on a hunt to find “emu eggs,” build a cubby or take on the rope bridge… then on the way back to the carpark the parents can stop in at the Camfield for a cold one where a fully-fenced sensory play area hides With a significant increase in the number of families in the area in the past decade, it’s no wonder the area sports some of the best play options around. Braithwaite Park was designed with input from kids at the local Primary School and features cubby pods and while the nature play zone is designed with bigger kids in mind (7-10 years) there is plenty for little ones to do and another play zone just moments away Good luck getting the kids to come home from that one climbing and balance beams to basketball courts for the bigger kids Get in touch with nature at Rio Tinto’s Naturescape in Kings Park The dedicated naturespace offers an incredibly engaging way for kids to experience and understand the Western Australian bush it features the likes of large aerial walkways Once you’ve conquered it pop over the Synergy Parklands for an awesome nature playground and huge dinosaurs to climb on A new playground officially opened in 2024 at Serpentine Dam inspired by the surrounding natural landscape the recreation area’s $2.5 million upgrade also includes new picnic tables accessible toilet facilities and additional parking which will also service the neighbouring Bistro By the Dam café “Serpentine Dam has long been a popular spot for a picnic and now even more people will be able to enjoy the area thanks to a new playground and improved accessibility making it safer and more inclusive for all,” said Water Minister Simone McGurk at the time Header Image Credit: City of Vincent/Jessica Wyld architect-turned-restaurateur Fiona di Lanzo is out on her own and doing hospitality her way Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime Share1 / 6Braised goat ragu with handkerchiefs of fazzoletti pasta Jessica Shaver Bennett2 / 6More restaurants – Italian or otherwise – should explore room-temperature vegetables.Jessica Shaver Bennett3 / 6Pork chops at La Madonna Nera .Jessica Shaver Bennett4 / 6La Madonna Nera owner Fiona Di Lanzo with head chef Anthony Yuill.Jessica Shaver Bennett5 / 6The dining room features a long communal table which runs all the way to the kitchen Jessica Shaver Bennett6 / 6A thrilling assembly of amari are on offer.Jessica Shaver BennettPrevious SlideNext Slide14.5/20How we score “Do you want some marijuana with your food?” If you ate regularly at landmark Northbridge Italian restaurant Sorrento (1949-2021) you may have heard its magnetic owner Alfonso Di Lanzo say this to you the corners of his lips curled into a half-grin you were probably concerned that this Italian gentleman was taking the Mediterranean custom of eating weeds a little too far and might find himself on the wrong side of the law But we – or at least I – needn’t have worried “marijuana” was simply a code word for chilli Alfonso’s daughter who grew up working at Sorrento learning the finer points of hospitality from mum and dad as well as other legendary Perth Italian restaurateurs Fiona returned home and opened the Mount Hawthorn wine bar La Madonna Nera a svelte dagger of a space whose timeless good looks speak to its owner’s past life as an architect and interior designer Booths and tables for two are pressed up against the wall Italianate knickknacks and flattering lighting set the mood A communal table wiggles its way through the room and terminates in the open kitchen The look and spirit of the room calls to mind the sort of well-worn enoteca that travellers dream of finding while holidaying in Italy But then you realise that La Madonna Nera’s salami plate ($23) supplemented by antipasti such as preserved eggplant and chillies stuffed with tuna and capers – all made by Alfonso no less – is a cut above the stale Ritz and half-finished hummus doing purgatory in your pantry and fridge and the idea of drinking in-situ rather than at home suddenly becomes very attractive La Madonna Nera works great as somewhere to sip and snack but make time to wine and dine and you’ll get a sense of the new-school-old-school thinking quietly fuelling the operation As is commonplace among this city’s better Italian eateries Di Lanzo and her head chef Anthony Yuill – who’s back for his second tour of duty after helping open Bassendean small bar Bertie – have shoehorned many strong ideas into the carte’s dozen-or-so items including (hurrah!) dishes that give vegetables their proper dues Dishes such as maccu ($16): a fava bean soup that Di Lanzo has retrieved fromdeep within the Sicilian food Matrix presented as a loose “dip” for dense housefocaccia You’ll want plenty of focc at-hand for the vital act of scarpetta – using bread to mop up leftover sauces on plates – including the zippy blend of capers sherry vinegar and green raisins rehydrated in black tea that accompanies blanched room-temperature paintbrushes of the sprouting cauliflower known as fioretto ($18) I’d love to see more restaurants – Italian or otherwise – exploring the possibilities and deliciousness of room-temperature vegetables The kitchen’s interest in underdog ingredients goes beyond just the plant-based.Tender skewers of grilled swordfish ($21 for two) dressed with a sweet Venetian-inspired mess of stewed onions and currants are proof that swordfish Young goat braised until it surrenders into a wet tangle of meat equals the foundations for a splendid ragu to accompany bitey handkerchiefs of fazzoletti pasta ($32) but I’m not seeing pork chops ($38) on as many menus as I used to or at least served ones with house made mustard fruits (fruit preserved in sugar and poached in a mustard-flavoured syrup) that taste like Christmas sliced into meaty fingers – works great as a mainbetween two your dessert options are either cheese ($19 and $28) or a jiggly vanilla bean panacotta scooped out of a big tray ($15 far more interesting way to end your meal – amaro invigorating digestive spirits that are as regional as pasta shapes and wine styles You’ll find more than 50 amari – the plural of amaro – at La Madonna Nera you might feel like you’ll need the help of every one of them to get back on your feet That’s what they’re for and Italians have been consuming amari medically and recreationally for centuries It’s yet another aspect of Italian culture and hospitality that Di Lanzo is sharing with Perth via her singular singular Italian wine bar that’s comfortable in its own skin Go-to dish: fazzoletti with goat ragu and parmigiano Drinks: Italian wines supported by Australian doppelgangers plus a thrilling assembly of amari Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A man has been arrested after he allegedly stole a car and took police on a high-speed chase through Perth before abandoning the vehicle WA Police said the 31-year-old allegedly stole a Toyota Landcruiser from a home in Perth’s northern suburbs on December 23 which police saw in Karrinyup just before 4pm on Christmas Day A 31-year-old man is arrested in Lockridge Officers allege the driver failed to stop as they pursued the car through Doubleview eventually stopping over concerns further pursuit would endanger the public A short time later the vehicle was abandoned on Smith Street in Morley On Boxing Day police searched a Lockridge home where they allege the man fled on foot then catching up with him on the roof of a neighbouring property They arrested and charged him with 15 offences including the theft of a motorbike from East Perth on November 30 A 33-year-old Madeley woman was also arrested at the address and charged with one count of stealing a motor vehicle She is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on January 14 The man is due before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday India in strife as Boland snares Kohli shortly after lunch Nearly $300,000 of heroin allegedly excreted by two men after baggage search at Perth Airport Perth loses its housing market crown as peak growth passes A man has been arrested after he allegedly stole a car and took police on a high-speed chase through Perth before abandoning the vehicle. WA Police said the 31-year-old allegedly stole a Toyota Landcruiser from a home in Perth\\u2019s northern suburbs on December 23, which police saw in Karrinyup just before 4pm on Christmas Day. Officers allege the driver failed to stop as they pursued the car through Doubleview, Osborne Park, Mount Hawthorn and Glendalough at speed, eventually stopping over concerns further pursuit would endanger the public. A short time later the vehicle was abandoned on Smith Street in Morley. On Boxing Day police searched a Lockridge home where they allege the man fled on foot, then catching up with him on the roof of a neighbouring property. They arrested and charged him with 15 offences, including the theft of a motorbike from East Perth on November 30. A 33-year-old Madeley woman was also arrested at the address and charged with one count of stealing a motor vehicle. She is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on January 14. The man is due before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday. Once a quiet little nook with a corner pub and a couple of cafes in recent times the Mount Hawthorn strip has become a hive of exciting new restaurants may we humbly suggest you hop on your bike ASAP to check out some of the following: you really do feel like you’re In Good Hands Tucked around the corner on Coogee Street, Humblebee‘s passion for coffee is reflected in the patronage of people who really give a double-shot about their beans They’ll make you a bag of freshly roasted beans to order don’t mess around with too many milk flavours and don’t mind adding a cheeky sweet treat to the mix if you feel so inclined Offering a delightfully intimate dining experience, La Madonna Nera is pairing some truly delectable libations with a snack game that’s hard to beat you can expect impeccable Italian combined with a top shelf vino selection Italian-sourced wines then you’ll find plenty of friends here and they’ll be happy to take you for a journey all over the boot-shaped peninsula Nestled in between Leederville and Mount Hawthorn, Pappagallo has become one of our favourite go-tos over the years And while we love to dive into a bowl of pasta pretty much any night of the week we really can’t go past Pappagallo’s pizzas light and toppings that are juuuuuust right – but with plenty of options to keep everyone happy the option to add a burrata is something we can always Taking up residence on the strip before it was cool, Spritz Spizzicheria not only offer fantastic Italian food and wine but they do so in delightful alfresco surrounds and always with a friendly smile Owners Mario Tolardo and Franco Tambasco have been in the game a long time and the repeat customers are testament to an all round winning vibe It’s the vibe of the thing! Sonny’s brings a killer drinks list and Sofika Boulton’s fire-powered eats to a leafy corner of Mount Hawthorn Retro details in the fit out add to the cosiness – although a passionately inclusive approach for both staff and producers certainly adds to the warmth The airy, bright open interiors and modern design of Lupo Lab will lure you in but it’s their roasted-on-site coffee bans and expansive all-day breakfast menu that’ll keep you coming back lunch and dinner menus all really fun and unique making it a great spot no matter who’s coming – families Boy, were we excited back when Maya’s Kitchen opened – and they haven’t disappointed with Lebanese fare packed with flavour and plenty of friendly so we’re day dreaming about dipping a shard into some hummus and toum… Not to mention the charcoal chicken At Fields Of Vincent it’s all about the bagels baby – not only are they some of the best in Perth From ragin’ Cajun Chicken to beaut Bacon & Egg even with some gluten free and vego options Of course with good bagels must come great coffee Mount Hawthorn’s Pogo is fast becoming a weekend hotspot blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with those of Australian natives Settle into the lush surrounds of the Garden Bar for all-day dishes like Wagin duck borek fried chicken topped with Aleppo-spiked butter or evening favourites like Harvey skirt steak with saltbush chermoula and wattleseed babaganoush For one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Perth it’s hard to go past Tsukaya It’s also a little different thanks to the unexpected addition of tacos to the menu Outside of the tacos and fresh-as-heck sashimi For whatever reason, they like to do Japanese differently in Mount Hawthorn and Ha-Lu dabbles in tasty Japanese-style tapas that’s proved incredibly popular and no matter how large and diverse your dining group there’s bound to be something anyone can enjoy Our tip – the wagyu beef tataki with edamame and fried onions What happens when you combine a passion for Nashville-style fried chicken, with the attention to detail that comes from a stint at Noma? You get Drasko’s, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Ever since opening at the start of the year, Drasko’s has made huge waves with hordes of punters lining up for that crispy Those in the know when it comes to High Tea around Perth will regularly shout out Bites By D as the place to be They run High Teas Tuesday to Sunday with morning and arvo sessions that go for two hours you just bring the gang and some champagne if you’re in the mood for some serious fun The Cabin Small Bar is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cosy upstairs wine bar along Scarborough Beach Road Nailing some incredible share plates with a diverse wine list you gotta stop by in winter and cosy up next to the fire amidst the warm Alternatively the balcony dining area is just as great in the warmer months It’d be remiss of us not too mention The Paddo an institution around which a bustling eating and drinking strip has since thrived One of the last remaining old school corner pubs left in Perth enjoy ice cold pints and honest pub fare without pretension All things that are getting harder and harder to find these days Their parmy lowkey might be one of Perth’s too – but you didn’t hear it from us ;) One of the most popular breakfast joints in Mount Hawthorn, a sneaky pro-tip is to make sure you check out the back garden of Leaf & Bean for a nice shady spot to sit (and some toys for the kids) They’ve got some very tempting cakes to go with a seasonal menu in which the Cheesy Chilli Scramble and Eggs Benny (featuring house made hollandaise) are a couple of highlights If Spritz is a little busy and you’re feeling something a little more intimate, why not visit the delightful Egidio Squillace at his authentic Italian restaurant, Birraz He brings a lifetime of experience to the warm and buzzy spot featuring an irresistible selection of tapas options go for Edigio’s special Seafood Selection Menu and thank us later While it might not be overlooking the beach like its now-shuttered flagship location in North Beach, Yelo has mingled into the burbs with aplomb and is the perfect spot if you’re in hurry they prepare it daily for you to grab and go with ease We’re gonna stretch the Mount Hawthorn boundaries a little include a couple of great pubs, the first being another institution – the Oxford Hotel they’ve managed to keep it fresh over the years without losing any rustic charm Plus they’ve got some of the best daily pub specials you’ll find in Perth If we were vegans, we reckon it would be torture to see all the delicious baked goodies all over Perth… If not for Carina’s Kitchen the star baker has moved into a permanent location in Mount Hawthorn’s The Mezz serving up even more of her signature Insta-ready vegan cakes and sweet treats order them a pretty as a picture delivery box.) Their produce will transform your home-cooked dinners into something truly special – or grab one of their pre-prepared meals and make weeknights even easier Head there on Saturdays and Thursdays for a freshly made hot pork roll One of Perth’s best (or is it worst?) kept secrets, The Jazz Cellar lies underneath an un-missable red phone box in Mount Hawthorn, and is the home of jazzy good times. Booking ahead is essential they’ll provide the live jazz entertainment and you just need to bring some booze and food (it’s BYO) Diabolik has an amazing curated selection of books covering everything from new release to non-fiction as well as a nifty record and gift section their best offering is probably their service – with staff always at the ready to offer a helping hand If you’re struggling to figure out a gift for someone no matter what the occasion Down the road from Casa on Oxford Street you’ll find this absolute winner indoor plant shop, LnJ be wary that you still don’t end up spending a fortune thanks to their huge range of plants and pots They’re a favourite amongst the Perth indoor plant-loving community for a reason This community art space regularly host cool art and craft workshops, along with being a gift shop that stocks local artists. Check their Facebook Page for upcoming events including awesome stuff like indoor plant swaps and workshops Owned by local fashionista Jen, Stella Rose’s timeless pieces will have your wardrobe looking schmick in no time Stocking labels that include Ginger & Smart they effortlessly merge practical basics with your own unique sense of style One of our favourite Nature Playgrounds in Perth, Braithwaite Park was designed with input from kids at the local Primary School and features cubby pods and while the nature play zone is designed with bigger kids in mind (7-10years) there is plenty for little ones to do and another play zone just moments away Photo via Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Another excellent community space, Pears On Pottery regularly host fun Friday night BYO events where you can meet some lovely neighbours over a few drinks You can also make your own pottery pieces and pick them up a couple of weeks once they’ve been fired in the kiln If you’re the type of person who loves curling up at a cafe with coffee or breakfast while reading a book, set your compass for Bodhi Tree they serve fair-trade organic coffee and most of the gifts you’ll find are ethically-sourced from all over the world Looking for the perfect gifts for the little ones in your life? Look no further than Blossom Tree who stock a charming range of environmentally friendly and sustainable toys books and more – all focusing on promoting imaginative play and creativity and supporting a range of local and international charities you’ve got a couple of great op shop options (op shoptions?) around Mount Hawthorn Salvos and Red Cross all within walking distance and if you’re really on the hunt there’s a Save The Children Op Shop right on the suburb’s northern border Once you’ve inhaled that Humblebee Coffee pop next door to Yogahub Their session times are super reasonable and easy to get amongst and of course the vibe is incredibly relaxing while still going deep into yoga proper Treat someone special in your life with a visit to Code Bloom – who can not only whip up a stunning bouquet that’ll brighten anyone’s day but stock a delightful assortment of gifts to really seal the deal And last but certainly not least, for a slice of suburban history why not visit ANZAC Cottage – built in one day in February of 1916 as a memorial to the soldiers who fought in Gallipoli and a home for a returned soldier and his family. They host viewings on Sunday afternoons, and also run private tours and more, head to the Friends Of ANZAC Cottage website for details This article was written in collaboration with Amna and the team at Mount Hawthorn Hub Sonny’s is a neighbourhood wine bar brimming with youthful vigour and potentialDrop in for easy-going wine snacks or make a night of it with a good-value chef’s menu overseen by one of the state’s most promising cooking talents Share1 / 3Shark Bay prawn crudo with native sunrise lime.Supplied2 / 3Grilled coral trout with koji and chicken wing sauce.Supplied3 / 3Market cucumbers and melon mountain marigold vinaigrette.SuppliedPrevious SlideNext Slide14.5/20How we score wine bars do so much more than sell SSB by the glass You go to wine bars for therapy sessions with friends You go to wine bars on the bequest of dating apps You go to wine bars to dissect the play or concert or footy game you’ve just seen Of course, food has been part of the wine bar schtick for a while now (I still maintain that the dearly departed Must Winebar introduced Australia to the pleasures of charcuterie) a distinctly wine bar-y style of eating and cooking has emerged Evolving in parallel with the rise of natural wine and food-slinging bottle shops in London and Paris compared to traditional restaurants at least less structured and more relaxed in spirit Menus are tighter and filled with snackier bits plus things that play nice with bread Prices (generally) tend to be kinder to your hip pocket Sonny’s in Mount Hawthorn.SuppliedUnsurprisingly wine bar eating has really caught on in Perth with customers well into the idea of organising catch-ups around bread this model is also endearing itself to chefs with a growing number of escapees from – quote-unquote – “fancy restaurants” seeking refuge in wine bar kitchens around town One such chef is Sofika Boulton, an emerging kitchen talent that counts Wildflower and (the now-shuttered) Flour Factory as former restaurant workplaces. An intimate, special-occasion-ready dining space opens in Margaret RiverBoulton is a chef that’s cognisant of waste and the potential of outsider ingredients She’ll stash strawberry tops salvaged from the bar and steep them in white vinegar and add shisho leaf to make a new-wave mignonette for oysters Sweet raw red carid prawns (a by-catch caught by scampi fishermen) are diced and partnered with native sunrise lime to create a fleet-footed crudo Heirloom cucumber all-sorts bought from the brilliant Manning Farmers Market are artfully arranged in a mortar of macadamia puree: another homage to summer’s bounty Complementing the small plates are a couple of proteins grilled over the hearth There’s a lot to admire about how the kitchen handles its dry-aged coral trout: the fish’s skin is crisp and shard-like while the flesh has that pearlescent quality of seafood cook just-so The trout appears tableside pre-sliced and afloat in what Boulton calls a “koji and chicken wing sauce” You might like to call it a super-charged roast chook gravy that’s glossy stay for the mouth-watering dishes.SuppliedAnother thought I wondered to myself: is Boulton actually a tortured baker doomed to roam the cosmos as a chef Her puffy flatbread pocked with burn marks from the fire and slathered with a garlic chive butter is a delight as is a clever and ornate pecorino and potato tart that brings together potato dauphinoise and cacio e pepe (Rome’s legendary sheep’s cheese and black pepper pasta) in holy matrimony Best of all might be Boulton’s jiggly Basque cheesecake: nicely burnished on the outside loose knit in texture and a winning one-two of sweet and sharp Sonny’s menu feels like it’s on the small side (although considering current staff shortages clipped menus like this are a reality of running and maintaining nimble kitchens) A table of three could probably order everything and get through it all is to spring for the good-value $60 chef’s menu Not only does that get you most of the dishes on the carte at a discounted price it also frees up your CPU to consider the drinks list that favours beverages – boozy and otherwise – made by female and nonbinary producers Grilled pork chop with burnt onion glaze.SuppliedI’ve enjoyed watching Sonny’s find its groove over the past 18 months The service – perhaps a little too matey and familiar on previous visits– has matured and in Boulton the kitchen has a chef that gets the wine bar food brief She has the skill set to both jazz up the familiar as well as defang the potentially alienating I’m looking forward to watching Boulton grow in this kitchen not least when Sonny’s opens its new upstairs dining area Reggie’s (the name comes from Blyth’s other rescue greyhound) in March Reggie’s will also feature a more ambitious menu that will afford Boulton more room to flex are also a place chefs go to fine-tune their craft Vibe: A blueprint for the easy-going neighbourhood wine bar cocktails with a focus on female and non-binary producers The Perth property market is widely tipped to continue leading the nation in property price growth for the next few years but will that continued growth come from the outer areas or the coveted western suburbs Perth’s affluent western suburbs may be on the verge of delivering the type of high capital growth that has been the norm in Perth’s more affordable outer suburbs for the past three or so years Perth’s so-called Golden Triangle, follows a westward path from the city to the beaches of Scarborough, south to North Fremantle and northeast back up the Swan River to the city Within this tract of highly sought after land are the western suburbs that have lagged behind the suburban fringe and working class suburbs but are showing signs of building on their recent stable but less spectacular recent growth rates No western suburbs have recorded increases above 7 per cent for houses in that time as shown in the tables below provided exclusively to API Magazine by REIWA Top performing suburbs in SA4 Inner region - Houses Top performing suburbs in SA4 Inner region - Units Filtered suburbs with 28 or more house/unit sales to April 2024 growth is strongest for those suburbs near or on the fringe of the western suburbs zone But the house market might be about to clock up the sort of numbers seen in the outer suburbs where capital growth of 15-30 per cent has been unfolding Hamish Laidlaw, Sales Agent, Xceed Real Estate, said he had not seen buyer activity like it in 20 years of working in the western suburbs, particularly those suburbs to the immediate northwest of the city, such as entertainment and café precincts like Mount Hawthorn and Leederville “There is a lot of bullish behaviour among buyers competing for properties and we've seen prices increase in some areas by up to $100,000 a month “This demand has increased rapidly since the end of January up until now.” He cited some recent examples of the market defying the currently available statistics “A property appraised in January for $1.13 million (based on recent comparable sales) then listed to the open market beginning of April and sold a week later for $1.4 million “Another example is a property appraised and listed for $1.85 million in February hitting the open market beginning of April Mr Laidlaw said that as further settlement data reached the desks of the statisticians the western suburbs might be seen to be performing better than the numbers suggest While the Perth property market as a whole recorded 14.5 per cent house sale price growth over the year to April 2024 the rate of growth has varied at the top and lower ends of the market The rate of house price growth has slowed across many of Perth’s premium suburbs in the past 12 months with many recording growth below that of wider Perth Most of these areas recorded strong growth post-Covid when there was a drive to lifestyle suburbs “What we are seeing now is a period of consolidation the median house price in these (western) suburbs remains above their previous highs “It’s a different story in the unit market “Traditionally many buyers prefer houses competition for houses is high and prices have risen strongly recently while units have remained relatively stable “This makes units a more affordable option for people seeking home ownership, particularly in Perth’s premium markets. “Generally, the strongest house sale price growth is being recorded in Perth’s more affordable suburbs, such as Armadale which recorded a 35.9 per cent increase in its median house sale price in the year to April “There is very strong demand for affordable homes across Perth and this has pushed prices up significantly in these areas,” Ms Hart said Perth’s property price rampage was described by Julie Kelley Global Sales and Marketing Manager for aussieproperty.com Ms Kelley pointed out that the median house price in Armadale is $435,000 with approximately $115,000 added in value over the year Cottesloe (median sales price $3.45 million) has experienced 6 per cent growth over the past year that equates to $195,000 “But overall the Golden Triangle suburbs are experiencing growth in the single digit percentages with some suburbs experiencing price falls “Sales listings for houses are low in this region and we are seeing more construction of townhouses and apartments popular with residents living in these suburbs who are buying for themselves as downsizers or their children.” Ms Kelley said she still expects strong capital performance over the next 12 months as supply shortages remain particularly acute throughout the coastal western corridor “Houses are being held tightly long term and securing land for large unit developments is difficult “We will continue to see boutique developments but expect to pay a pretty penny Property prices in Perth are widely tipped to continue rising at the fastest pace in the nation for another half decade Independent industry forecaster Oxford Economics Australia’s Residential Property Prospects report noted that population growth and the prospect of lower interest rates would underpin a price increase by 30 per cent to 2027 Whether this was driven by the outer or inner suburbs was yet to be seen but employment would be one factor to watch told API Magazine that the two halves of the market often moved in differing cycles “Outer suburban property investor demand from the east coast is unprecedented in my 20-year property career “East coast investors are seeing significant value in these outer suburbs compared to comparable suburbs in their home states dependent on the strength of the mining sector in Western Australia.” Mr Edlinger said urban infill and unit development supply in the western suburbs will definitely remain limited Construction costs have escalated significantly since the housing grants of the Covid era while Metronet has absorbed many of the tradies needed to develop residential infill projects “The western suburbs property market is typically driven by white collar executive employment growth - mining executives who are either returning as expats or are drawn from overseas or interstate for the job opportunities and this white-collar employment growth in WA doesn’t seem to be abating in the long term.” was another who said the western suburbs were set for further capital growth “People in Perth very much prefer free-standing property rather than apartments so there will always be a strong demand for houses in that area.” The shift in sentiment around the direction of interest rates would have a disproportionate impact on western suburbs properties “The long-term outlook for the western suburbs is promising as these places will always be sought after due to location “Further rate hikes will reduce the borrowing power of buyers which could then lead to a decrease in the number of available buyers in the upper-mid price range.” The unit market in Perth offers a diverse range of benefits and downsides for investors with some property types delivering higher rental yields while others offer superior amenities and features As well as enjoying a career as an international news journalist and editor with major international news organisations such as CNN (London and Hong Kong) Get the latest property investment newsdelivered free to your inbox each week 96-hour-fermented pizzas are designed to travel but can also be enjoyed in-store ideally with a bottle of organic vino from the mothership next door SharePaul Bentley is unapologetically pro-pineapple when it comes to pizza. How you respond to this statement will help determine whether Casa Pizzeria is the place for you. Of course, if you’re familiar with Bentley’s renegade Italian cooking at Mount Hawthorn wine bar Casa, you probably assumed that a Hawaiian pizza would be on the menu when the bar’s pizza off-shoot eventually opened next door. Casa wine bar has started up a pizza-focused offshoot.Lajos VargaAnd that when the controversial pizza did materialise, it wouldn’t be made using tins of crushed pineapple or commodity bulk bacon. You’d be right on both counts. Instead, the ham is a lightly smoked prosciutto from Northern Italy, while the pizza’s controversial fruit component is a pineapple gastrique (a sweet and sour sauce) made with a habanero chilli caramel. It’s modern. It’s fun. And it’s – purists be damned – giving the people what they want: a sentiment that seems to sit at the core of Casa Pizzeria. “Originally we opened just as takeaway,” says Bentley, “but we saw how people were using the space so added some dine-in tables. “Once we get our liquor license, the space will evolve again. We’re happy to adapt just as long as the space complements and doesn’t take away from what we do at Casa.” 14/20ReviewThe new Fremantle bar and kitchen that wants to party like it’s 1989What else do management think the people desire sparsely appointed dining room that respects the modernist bent of the original pizza-adjacent snacks are also on the agenda: think French onion soup arancini charred broccoli salads and tiramisu for afters Casa’s strong focus on good drinking has also carried over to the new space with the pizzeria’s application for a license under way thirsty guests can buy a bottle of wine from Casa at takeaway prices and drink it at the pizzeria with no corkage other pizza combinations available beyond ham-and-pineapple The 13-item pizza menu overseen by Bentley and his dough-slinging offsider Vitor Queiroz is split into tomato sugo-based (rosso) and non-sugo-based toppings (bianco) and is pleasingly pun-free and built along classical lines a la margheritas arguably the most crucial element of any pizza Casa’s pizza is simple – and tasty.Lajos VargaSlowly fermented over 96 hours the yeasted dough puffs up nicely into a round high-walled crust pocked with the occasional burn mark after a star turn in the kitchen’s stone-based Moretti Forni twin deck oven the pizzas arrive at the table nicely burnished and cut into sixes The base has enough structure that you’re able to pick up a slice fold it like a paper airplane and hold it in your hand with almost no perceptible droop Naples-style wood-fired pizzas that are all the rage Not a bad thing: or at least for those that value diversity in pizza I like pizza with good fermentation in the dough good hydration and some nice char in a few spots.” Bentley likes a pizza like the ones served at Casa Pizzeria Mount Hawthorn) is open Friday to Sunday from 5pm to 9pm Online ordering for pick-up is available with delivery launching by mid-May casapizzawin e.com Ah Bee Mack was murdered at her family home in Mount Hawthorn Link copiedShareShare articleHomicide squad detectives have confirmed skeletal remains found at a house in Mount Hawthorn are those of a Perth woman who vanished 10 years ago and whose son is serving a life jail term for her murder was last seen alive in September 2008 at the family's home in Fairfield Street in the suburb of Mount Hawthorn Despite extensive searches of the area, Ms Mack's body had never been found. The skeletal remains were found at the property where a new house has been built. (ABC News: Herlyn Kaur) However, WA Police were called to the property on Wednesday after remains were discovered. A new house has been built on the property and it is understood the remains were found buried in the backyard. Officers remained at the house a day later conducting an examination of the scene. Speaking late on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Chris Dawson first linked the remains to Ms Mack's murder. Police are expected to remain at the Fairfield Street property for several days. (ABC News: Herlyn Kaur) "The skeletal remains have now just today been uncovered, pathologists and forensic are at that scene," Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said. "I think it's now a situation where we believe those skeletal remains may be connected to the disappearance of Miss Ah Bee Mack. "Her son remains in custody, he got 20 years imprisonment for a murder conviction but we've never recovered her body." Commissioner Dawson said he expected officers would remain at the scene for several days. Mack's Supreme Court trial was told he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his mother's bank accounts while lying to relatives by telling them she was still alive and living in another suburb. Brent Donald Mack claimed he had buried his mother's body at Lake Gwelup. (Supplied: WA Police) He later claimed to police she had committed suicide in the shower and, after leaving her under the running water for a week, he had buried her body at Lake Gwelup. But Supreme Court Justice John McKechnie found Mack murdered his mother to obtain her money and he described him as dishonest and devious. Justice McKechnie also found there was no causal link between Mack's autism and his crime. However, he said Mack was a very isolated man with poor skills, and he was at risk of bullying and mistreatment in jail. He said prison authorities would have to put a special management plan in place to try to stop that happening. Mack is not expected to be eligible for release on parole until 2030. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Kellie BalaamPerth’s hottest new boutique store created by a trendy husband duo officially opened with a celebration attended by fashion enthusiasts Cloth In Brick has opened on Oxford Street in Mount Hawthorn which showcases a handpicked selection of cutting-edge men’s and ladies’ clothing A hair studio has also been set-up at the back of the store Fashionistas joined owners Jay and Jeremy for champagne and food as they celebrated the partner’s dream and were the first to browse a collection of brands from emerging designers The pair are on a mission to redefine style and offer a shopping experience that stands out from others Did one of our photographers capture you? Pictures are available for purchase via Westpix If you would like your event to be considered email socials@swm.com.au with at least two weeks’ notice the historic pub will officially change hands in April – but don’t panic they’ll still continue trading as usual in the meantime So, who are the new owners? ARK Group are a WA-based family-owned hospitality group who have been developing and rejuvenating pubs for over 45 years Other venues in their roster include popular Scarborough spots The Peach Pit the Galway Hooker and Scarborough Beach Bar bustling after-work favourite Market Grounds and Shafto Lane pubs the Generous Squire and Durty Nelly’s the group are currently in the process of restoring the (also historic) Bassendean Hotel “The Paddo is the cornerstone hotel of Mount Hawthorn and we’re proud to take on the custodian role of a pub with such a rich history dating back to the 1930’s,” said Adam Kapinkoff With Mount Hawthorn’s dining options better than ever the pub will be revitalised later this year with a focus on community cafes and retail outlets – we’re looking forward to playing a role in this community and offering them a local everyone can enjoy.” Sofika Boulton was studying engineering at university when she first took a restaurant job to make some extra cash she was hooked on hospitality and the buzz of the restaurant scene Since taking on a role as head chef at Sonny’s, Boulton has garnered a reputation for simple dishes cooked over a roaring firepit, considered snacks, and a Basque cheesecake that one of our writers is genuinely obsessed with. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today When she’s not churning out some of Mount Hawthorn’s best dishes she’s picking up pizza or charcoal chicken from a local takeaway Serving Up Romance: Local Chefs and Bartenders on Their Go-To Date Night Spots Where Chefs Eat: Petition’s Jess Roe Goes Linedancing After a Shift Where Chefs Eat: The Affordable Swan Valley Spot Cosy Del’s Chef Melissa Zanatta Loves Where Bartenders Drink: Pippa Canavan Is Ordering Larb So Spicy It’ll Reverse a Hangover it’s the vibe that really makes the difference Situated right amongst the thick of it on Scarborough Beach Road, the bright and airy In Good Hands has already been earning fans amongst locals for not just their amazing coffee but for their inclusive and welcoming ethos – which extends to both customers and staff Helmed by barista and owner Oli and their mum and she’s behind all the food at In Good Hands If it’s not made lovingly in-house, it’s been sourced locally from suppliers like cult-favourite bakery Everyday Bread You can expect to find the usual suspects on offer (think croissants alongside a rotating roster of savoury treats – mushroom toasties or a focaccia bursting with eggplant and sugo who will also feature on our batch or ‘spro!” In Good Hands is open Monday to Friday and is located at 1/186 Scarborough Beach Road Photos by @notcyrustodd Where to Find Australia’s Best Inner-City Bakeries By Katya Wachtel By Katya Wachtel By Matheus Mount Hawthorn’s Casa is a difficult proposition to categorise Some guests see it as a cafe and keep it in mind for good coffee Some slot it straight into their lunchtime rotation either to dine and drink in-house or to buy takeaway wine is a homage to the ownership’s collective tastes: organic food and beautiful old music played through nice sound systems Italy is another major influence on Casa (the name is the word for “home” in Italian and Spanish) Its concept draws heavily from the all-day cafes and bars that dot the streets of Europe lived-in aesthetic (dark timber and terrazzo tiling throughout ruffled Tyrolean walls) makes it somewhere you’d happily sit a while Bentley brings elements of Si Paradiso to the menu but also touches on his Mexican cooking chops (Bentley owns restaurants throughout Mexico) and his classic French training (he started his career at Perth’s legendary Loose Box) while putting it all together with Tomelleri Think house-baked pastries and sausage rolls for breakfast and during the day; filled focaccias for lunch; and pasta and larger share plates in the evening The house policy for wines follows the French definition of organically and biodynamically farmed wines Management have invested in nine wine fridges that are held at four different temperatures to suit different wine styles sweet sound system: vintage Tannoy studio monitors powered by a vintage Yamaha amp previously owned by musician Billy Field the former manager-owner of Sydney’s legendary Paradise Recording Studio Field recorded albums by seminal Australian bands such as Cold Chisel and the amp in question was used during these historic sessions Website: casa-casa-casa.com We do not seek or accept payment from the cafes bars and shops listed in the Directory – inclusion is at our discretion Venue profiles are written by independent freelancers paid by Broadsheet A New App Fights Food Waste With Discounted Goods From Local Bakeries and Restaurants Deadbeat Brings Grunge and a Top Sydney Bartender to Perth’s CBD First Look: Light Years Lands in Perth With Its Most Ambitious Menu Yet Local Knowledge: Teassential Competes for the Caffeine Crown in the Coffee-Obsessed CBD As if Mt Hawthorn’s bustling dining scene wasn’t already bursting at the seams this week it welcomes a brand new player to the hood Headed up by hospo guru Jye Glaskin (Little Creatures Il Falco will fashion itself on a pretty simple ethos: no fuss and the unrivalled pursuit of perfect wood-fired pizzas “Mt Hawthorn continues to move from strength to strength with so many solid venues already representing in its burgeoning food & wine scene,” says Glaskin adding to the wave of approachable venues that have become a weekly habit for local families.” authentic and thoughtfully-sourced local produce Glaskin and his team bring a “healthy obssssion” in the search for Perth’s best pizza “Our 48 hour fermentation process for the pizza dough in conjunction with the Marana Forni (basically the Rolls Royce of pizza ovens) quality offer with well-loved staples will keep locals coming back and get those further afield to make the effort to swing past for next-level pizza.” walk-ins and bookings from Wednesday-Sunday reactivating a run-down used car lot at 214 Scarborough Beach Road with industrial-style interiors tables spilling into the converted car park with a bit of shaded greenery to keep it vibey “This particular pocket of the Mt Hawthorn strip has been a bit neglected and we are hoping Il Falco will add a pop of fun and character to this part of the neighbourhood,” says Glaskin In an effort to keep things easy on the takeaway front and 15-minute pick-up bays mean you can swing in and swing out with a nice toasty pizza in no time Il Falco’s family focus won’t come at the behest of good booze with the opportunity for cheeky negroni or spritz in the “The BYO inclusion is a really important aspect of what we are doing with Il Falco,” says Glaskin social nature it adds to the overall feel of the place.” Il Falco is open now at 214 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn – check their menu here Mount Hawthorn is having a real resurgence in quality food offerings with the area home to favourites like Drasko’s Pappagallo’s… and now we can add Maya’s Kitchen it’s all about authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean fare – fresh As well as the aforementioned charcoal chicken you’ll be able to wolf down other favourites like perfectly crisp and fluffy falafel platters fatoush and more – plus twists on classics like a kafta burger or a falafel burger served with tahini and pickles that’ll convert even the most staunch carnivore so we’re already day dreaming about dipping a shard into some hummus and toum… Paired with some tender and succulent spiced meats Maya’s Kitchen is located at 142 Scarborough Beach Road May Street Larder co-owner Eamon Sullivan had an inkling his Fremantle cafe and restaurant would find an appreciative audience in the inner-north owners of The Mezz shopping centre in Mount Hawthorn But there’s something in it for the former Olympian “The main reason I jumped at the opportunity is that I’m a local and The Mezz is just down the road,” says Sullivan “I know firsthand how great the community in Mount Hawthorn and North Perth is and I feel that May Street Larder has a lot to contribute.” Those familiar with the Fremantle original will recognise many of the dishes being served at the May Street Larder opening at The Mezz next month vegan bircher and fried chicken and waffle soul sandwich have all made the cut for the new menu gourmet sandwiches and house-made sausage rolls and pies The new store will also feature an expanded larder range with house-made jams preserves and pickles alongside takeaway meals May Street Larder’s executive chef Scott Bridger will split his time between both venues and the new addition to the family will also be licensed The new space has been designed to be child-friendly and includes a play area Guests can choose from both indoor and outdoor seating reusable straws will be available for gold coin donations (proceeds fund local ocean beach and marina clean-ups) and locals will be able to exchange surplus homegrown citrus for food discounts May Street Larder @ The Mezz opens Friday March 15 maystreetlarder.com.au The deserted Midway Taxi rank in Perth’s north west Mount Hawthorn has sold to a local developer The land was marketed to developers – zoned District Centre it can be replaced with a five-storey apartment complex with ground floor retail that can be strata titled and sold It also includes an 1847 square metre office warehouse with car access off a wide rear laneway which could be extended and refurbished as a commercial asset 387 Oxford Street is within a retail strip The Mezz shopping centre and entertainment precincts at Leederville Health practices are within walking distance The former taxi rank carried a price guide of more than $5 million when it hit the market A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password owner of Nu Noir (French for “naked black”) in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Mount Hawthorn And so are his customers – the one who bought one of his $100 specialty cuppas last week was not the first to enjoy one Carciotto had his first barista job on Fremantle’s cappuccino strip aged 15 and grew up to work for the country’s biggest coffee wholesalers before setting out to offer Perth punters something different “Our motto was to bring back the beauty of espresso,” he said “A lot of people don’t drink it – it’s been tarnished by astringent The international Q grading program certifies professionals such as quality controllers and exporters in the sensory evaluation of green coffee through a training and evaluation process The beans for the $100 cup came second in last year’s 26th Best of Panama in which growers compete their Geishas ancient Ethiopian variety rediscovered in the country and sold at auction to a Taiwanese roaster for almost $US280 a pound Carciotto said most cafe blends were around the 75-80 mark “Specialty” cafes sold coffees graded 82-plus Nu Noir’s La Marzocco Leva X coffee machine reinvents the classic level lever machine design is an 84-point blend sold for around $5 a cup Carciotto said many chose the house blend for a daily cup and might treat themselves to something special once a week or a whiskey or gin aficionado at a specialty bar The man who recently dropped the C-note was part of a group of what Carciotto affectionately calls “coffee nerds” They get together in Perth for “cupping” tasting events and this particular nerd heard of Nu Noir through Carciotto’s business partner tasted a few of Nu Noir’s offerings and then said he wanted to taste the Geisha from the cafe’s rare vintage lever-style machine Carciotto said the customer was “extremely satisfied” and came back within days “From a business perspective I knew we’d have to do well with everyday coffee and it will be a slow thing with the specialty coffee,” he said “But we have actually had people catch on quick and be curious about why and that’s the question everybody’s asking The cafe has a flavour wheel showing all the flavours you could get in coffee the clearer and more identifiable those flavours are There are plenty of budget-friendly options for the coffee curious “You’re getting super-sweet beautiful flavours and you can sip and enjoy the aftertaste that is as good as the initial taste,” he said “Recently we had one with a coconut culture introduced in the fermentation phase that tasted just like a pina colada it was $9 and they said it was the best coffee they ever had.” He will only try to make them the best flat white possible He says coffee needs to be approachable and while everyone has an opinion on price he thinks consumers need education on value the procedures; we spend quite a lot compared to others charging the same price with a third of the expense,” he said but $5 is what the public is prepared to pay “We freshly grind our decaf which a lot of people don’t do Great things come in small batches and that was Carciotto’s last cup of Black Jaguar for sale Another offering is the coffee Columbia’s barista champion is rumoured to have chosen for use in approaching world titles A tasting on September 17 will use the beans featured at the Australian championships made as short macchiatos with frozen distilled milk a serving technique used in the last world titles and in October the cafe will receive new coffees awarded in the Best of Panama 2022 But their best cup of all is not for sale: Nuguo Fermented which placed first at the Best in Panama 2021 was bought by a Chinese company for more than $US2500 a pound and graded 94.75 “That one I’m saving for my coffee partner’s child being born,” Carciotto said I joke his partner will probably need the caffeine “I don’t want coffee to be a medicine or an energy drink owner of Nu Noir (French for \\u201Cnaked black\\u201D) in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Mount Hawthorn And so are his customers \\u2013 the one who bought one of his $100 specialty cuppas last week was not the first to enjoy one Carciotto had his first barista job on Fremantle\\u2019s cappuccino strip aged 15 and grew up to work for the country\\u2019s biggest coffee wholesalers before setting out to offer Perth punters something different \\u201COur motto was to bring back the beauty of espresso,\\u201D he said \\u201CA lot of people don\\u2019t drink it \\u2013 it\\u2019s been tarnished by astringent The beans for the $100 cup came second in last year\\u2019s 26th Best of Panama in which growers compete their Geishas \\u201CSpecialty\\u201D cafes sold coffees graded 82-plus The man who recently dropped the C-note was part of a group of what Carciotto affectionately calls \\u201Ccoffee nerds\\u201D They get together in Perth for \\u201Ccupping\\u201D tasting events and this particular nerd heard of Nu Noir through Carciotto\\u2019s business partner tasted a few of Nu Noir\\u2019s offerings and then said he wanted to taste the Geisha from the cafe\\u2019s rare vintage lever-style machine Carciotto said the customer was \\u201Cextremely satisfied\\u201D and came back within days \\u201CFrom a business perspective I knew we\\u2019d have to do well with everyday coffee and it will be a slow thing with the specialty coffee,\\u201D he said \\u201CBut we have actually had people catch on quick and be curious about why and that\\u2019s the question everybody\\u2019s asking \\u201CYou\\u2019re getting super-sweet beautiful flavours and you can sip and enjoy the aftertaste that is as good as the initial taste,\\u201D he said \\u201CRecently we had one with a coconut culture introduced in the fermentation phase that tasted just like a pina colada it was $9 and they said it was the best coffee they ever had.\\u201D the procedures; we spend quite a lot compared to others charging the same price with a third of the expense,\\u201D he said \\u201CI think our $5 coffee is worth $7 or $8 \\u201CWe freshly grind our decaf which a lot of people don\\u2019t do That\\u2019s respecting your beverage.\\u201D Great things come in small batches and that was Carciotto\\u2019s last cup of Black Jaguar for sale Another offering is the coffee Columbia\\u2019s barista champion is rumoured to have chosen for use in approaching world titles \\u201CThat one I\\u2019m saving for my coffee partner\\u2019s child being born,\\u201D Carciotto said \\u201CIt\\u2019s for a celebration,\\u201D he said \\u201CI don\\u2019t want coffee to be a medicine or an energy drink It\\u2019s for the beauty it can give you.\\u201D Some guests will classify Casa as a cafe and keep it in mind for good coffee Some will slot it straight into their Leederville-Mount Hawthorn-West Perth lunchtime rotation The one pigeonhole that Casa does fit into – at least as far as management is concerned – is “personal” “I think Casa will resonate with people because we’re not trying to be anything that we’re not into,” says art director Cale Mason, one of the partners behind this new Mount Hawthorn space as well as Beaufort Street’s Si Paradiso we all listen to beautiful old music through nice sound systems we all want to sit in a comfortable chair and be served by someone that cares about the neighbourhood but they’re what the business will be built on.” (the name is the word for “home” in Italian and Spanish) The concept draws heavily from the all-day cafes and bars that dot the streets of Europe: establishments where “you go for coffee at seven in the morning but can also come back to drink at midnight.” I don’t think management expect patrons to stay from dawn till close – though I doubt they’d dissuade anyone from doing so – but the space’s warm ruffled Tyrolean walls) makes Casa somewhere you’d happily sit a while The other reason to stay is an all-day food offering from one of the city’s best chefs. Since joining the Si Paradiso team last year, Bentley has made a name for himself with his full-throttle Italianate cooking. (His lobster tramezzino sandwich has become something of a signature.) He’ll be bringing elements of Si to his new gig but also touching on his Mexican cooking chops (Bentley owns restaurants throughout Mexico) and his classic French training (he started his career at Perth’s legendary Loose Box) while putting together the menu with Tomelleri because Casa’s 75-person capacity is significantly smaller than Si Paradiso’s Bentley will have more time to focus on the food “It doesn’t mean that it’s going to be more elaborate or that there’ll be flowers or tweezers involved but it’ll give us the space and time to redefine what neighbourhood food should be,” he says or you can stay and you can bang some epic bottles and have some really good food.” good neighbourhood eating translates to house-baked pastries and sausage rolls for breakfast and during the day; filled focaccias for lunch; and pasta and larger share plates in the evening Wine looks set to be Casa’s other main draw not just in terms of the wine range itself (the house policy for wines will follow the French definition of organically and biodynamically farmed wines the original wine and not the chemistry wine”) but also through Casa’s careful attention to how it stores wine Management have invested in nine wine fridges that will be held at four different temperatures to suit different wine styles One final reason to start counting down the days to Casa’s official opening: a sweet The speakers are vintage Tannoy studio monitors which are powered by a vintage Yamaha amp previously owned by musician Billy Field you’ll likely be familiar with his oeuvre of work as a sound engineer During his time as owner and manager of Sydney’s legendary Paradise Recording Studio the amp in question was in operation during these historic sessions @casa_perth Tartines and Afternoons on the Terrace: What To Expect When La Lune Opens in East Freo in September Big Don’s Smoked Meats Is Opening a Texas-Style Barbeque Shop and Taproom in Bayswater a Pop-Up Slinging One of Perth’s Best Conti Rolls “We just want to make everyone feel really good about being here because I feel really good about being here So I just want everyone else to feel the same way we feel when they’re here.” Talking to Jessica Blyth, it’s hard not to feel a similar sense of enthusiasm about Sonny’s We’re sitting in the mostly-almost-not-quite-finished bar surrounded by the remnants of their friends and family party over the weekend and just-delivered booze agrees: “I feel like it’s been the most wholesome opening.” It’s this kind of approach – nonchalantly and yet deeply caring – that characterises Sonny’s ethos we were just over the road at the Paddo doing our emails there,” Daisy tells us “There’s such a sense of community: we’re so excited to meet everyone The proof is in the pudding: while we’re chatting pressing their noses against the front door giving them the run down of the venue and offer them not just a tour A more cynical operator may have just shouted through the crack “Give us a follow on Instagram for updates!” who are approached with a sort of radical kindness fostered over years in the grind of hospitality They’re both determined to do things differently with Jess passionate not just about paying staff their worth Give them a chance to be involved in the process.” “You don’t want to work somewhere where you aren’t able to creatively collaborate – at the end of the day if I haven’t been able to have an opinion.” “And that goes on to service as well,” Daisy adds “If you’re allowing people to be their authentic selves that flows through to service – customers can feel that as well.” You can also see this commitment in their offerings behind the bar has more than a hint of retro charm: we’re drawn to a glowing orange Nesso mushroom lamp that sits atop the terrazzo bar and there’s a sunken seating area in the corner that’s giving us ’60s conversation pit vibes you’ll spy Aaron Read’s fire-powered kitchen the chef’s charcoal-fuelled pop-ups outside Hoodburger’s 848 wine bar took over our Instagram feeds with plenty of tantalising photos of smokey skewers and perfectly-charred prawns We can expect a similar focus on premium produce alongside foraged ingredients – all perfect for sharing there are plans to turn a work site slash office into a private dining room – with an expansive roof hopefully slated to become a rooftop bar in the future Sonny’s is located at 126 Hobart Street “When you’re sitting across the road and looking at it there’s something hell magical about this space,” says Jessica Blyth a veteran Perth bar and restaurant manager “It’s such a good spot and it’s got such a nice feeling.” Sonny’s – the name comes from one of Blyth’s rescue greyhounds – already feels like a tantalising prospect not least because Design Theory is the crew behind its bright A sunken seating area lined with banquettes chimes with the space’s mid-century vibe The glass staircase connecting the ground floor (the main bar area) to the upper level (the office area and future private dining room) is another focal point We’re expecting the outdoor seats to be in hot demand “We want Sonny’s to feel like a hub for the community and for everyone to come in and enjoy themselves,” says Blyth who counts Apple Daily and No Mafia as former workplaces “This idea has been on my mind for the past 12 years When you go to Europe and you’re sitting on the streets of Paris smoking a dart and having a drink you just feel like you’re part of something To help her nail that neighbourhood wine bar brief Blyth has assembled a team of like-minded folks she’s met throughout her hospo career The wine side of things is in the hands of Daisy Case a young gun sommelier that worked with Blyth at The Royal and its 45-seat dining room Fleur Case and Blyth have assembled a drinks list that highlights female producers be it wines from Amber Ochota’s Ochota Barrels or French biochemist Sophie Decobecq’s Calle 23 tequila “It [the wine list] is going to start quite small,” says Case “We’re going to grow it as we get more of a gauge for the Mount Hawthorn palette but there’s going to be a bit for everyone We’re buying a lot of things direct from producers and supporting those people we want to support.” The food side of things is the responsibility of Aaron Read a Victorian chef who recently turned heads via a brief tenure at Billie H (where he and Blyth met) and his pop-ups at Hoodburger 848 That interest in playing with fire has carried over to his new gig coal-roasting and other woodfired cooking techniques are our man’s weapons of choice but also super complicated at the same time,” says Read “Cooking over fire is a really good way to bring out the flavours of good ingredients It gives you that extra flavour you can’t get from just chucking something in the oven.” as well as his own stockpile of native and foraged ingredients sonnysbar.com.au Mount Hawthorn’s newest wine bar exudes sunshine and warmth the latter could be the wood-burning kitchen at the back of the room – more on that later – but still there’s something undoubtedly inviting about the look and feel of Sonny’s The wall feature near the front door is straight out of a mid-century look-book A sunken dining area beautified by a diptych of framed prints gives the room a cool ’70s edge But perhaps Sonny’s brightest feature is the crowd that packs the room and populate the outdoor tables that offer sightlines to Scarborough Beach Road “We’ve been lucky to have lots of neighbourhood support since we opened,” says Jessica Blyth I suspect those locals would be telling their mates about how good-natured staff and a room kitted out like a cool relative’s living room will make guests feel right at home The diverse drinks list would probably be another talking point from the cocktails designed by bar manager Chris Hodges – maybe something like the Habanero Paloma which sees the Mexican classic hacked with grapefruit soda and some habanero spice in the tequila – to Daisy Case’s edit of leftfield wines Representing the Swan Valley is Ohkela Wines with its textured Sophia’s rose From South Australia’s McLaren Vale region comes a complex arneis made by Gill Gordon-Smith of La Madrina – “the Godmother” in Italian Chalkboards around the room detail the day’s by-the-glass selections while a handful of beers rounds off the drinks package a Victorian chef whose stint at Billie H (now Corvo) denoted him as a cooking talent to watch our man is all about cooking over wood and almost every dish on his fluid menu features smoke or char Native and Japanese flavours are also recurring motifs from the native thyme oil used to brighten the great grilled flatbreads to the Davidson’s plum togarashi (dried chilli mix) that adds lift to a fat skewer of duck hearts grilled yakitori-style The smoked ice cream with quandong preserve the bar can accommodate 65 guests – 50 in various nooks and crannies in the sleek main room and another 15 outside – although management is planning to spend the Christmas shutdown renovating and making upgrades to bump up capacity sonnysbar.com.au Home / Eats & Drinks Perth’s favourite dumpling empire is expanding as Miss Chow’s Group launch its brand-new family-run venue Lucy Luu in Mount Hawthorn The bar and bites-style venue will bring the South-East Asian heritage we all know and love to Perth’s pulsing bar scene The venue will keep quality at the forefront with high-end WA produce featuring mouth-watering bites like sriracha prawn toast with saffron aioli and steak tartare with Szechuan spice and wasabi aioli the group will introduce a Head Chef for the first time as part of this expansion known for his work at Emily Taylor and Australian Venue Co standouts like Market Grounds said she is excited to be venturing into Perth’s vibrant bar scene alongside her two daughters who will play an instrumental role in the venue and introduce an international wine list and cocktail menu to remember “The Lucy Luu concept provides the perfect setting for people to meet putting both Australian and South-East Asian heritage under the spotlight,” she said “It will be particularly exciting to bring our Head Chef Aldren Teo into the mix further amplifying our brand of quality and authentic food.” The Lucy Luu menu has been masterfully created by Chef Aldren Teo who will also oversee the food across the Miss Chow’s Group to bring some extra flavour to the already thriving venues “Guests can expect a menu that fuses South-East Asian heritage with local WA produce It’s centred around familiar flavours from childhood with three profiles of sweet It’s about transporting people back to the food we ate as kids whilst featuring fresh WA produce,” he said “I’m super excited to be joining the Miss Chow’s Group as their latest venture comes to light it’s an exciting time for the group and it will be fantastic to work alongside them as they continue to grow.” Lucy Luu will officially opened to the public on October 26 Website: lucyluu.com.au Get more eats and drinks in Perth on So Perth Your Guide to the Best of Perth and WA — From the best events and dining spots to travel tips and lifestyle news we’re your trusted source for discovering the very best our city and state have to offer still manage to offer a satisfying set menu for $75 or less Magnà e zitt translates to “shut up and eat” It’s a fitting name for La Madonna Nera’s five-course set menu ($65pp which is the kind that makes everyone fall silent once the plates land Sit back and let the chef choose between antipasto like focaccia and bresaola standout house-made pasta like fazzoletti with capretto (goat) ragu which could include roasted lamb shoulder and fried zucchini flowers The woodfired bread game is particularly strong – mop it up with muhammara and hummus with burnt honey The $70 banquet at this revived gold rush-era hotel kicks off with grilled flatbread and local charcuterie it goes all out with pork cotoletta in brown butter sauce and cavatelli with roasted tomato sugo and fior di latte Even non-dessert lovers fall for Sonny’s burnt Basque cheesecake The wine bar’s three-course chef’s selection ($60pp) is just as worthy of your time Start the meal with house-made bread smothered in jarrah-smoked house butter and finish it with that famously fluffy dessert The focus here is fire. Owner-chef Kenny McHardy wields his woodfired oven to make local, seasonal ingredients sing. You’ll want to try everything, so opt for the $72pp six-course tasting menu You might start with fire-baked flatbread and smoky baba ganoush followed by wood-roasted duck or sirloin with smoked butter A veteran bartender (and Long Chim alum) is behind this neighbourhood watering hole. Sample its British-inspired fare from its $69pp long lunch menu from Friday to Sunday The rotating offer has included its signature Scotch egg with house brown sauce rump steak with oyster butter and red wine jus There’s room for you and the whole crew at this sprawling 180-seat Filipino joint. And it’s three-course choose mi menu ($75pp) banishes decision paralysis It blends Filipino flavours with local ingredients so you might try its signature lamb ribs with Sichuan glaze or ikan bakar (grilled fish in banana leaf) At this warm mid-century-modern venue, a woodfired grill and rotisserie coaxes maximum deliciousness from simple, seasonal produce. Standouts have included sake-glazed chicken hearts and rump steak bathed in XO sauce. At $75pp, its set menu is a steal This neighbourhood wine bar serves beautiful wines and Italian flavours in leafy south-east Perth. Whether you perch in the al fresco area or by the open kitchen, you’re in for a $60pp set menu of house-made pasta and wine-friendly snacks Don’t leave without trying the panna cotta for dessert A perfect night at Spring kicks off with dinner downstairs in the 120-seat restaurant. Everything on the $69pp chef’s feast – including snapper ceviche rigatoni alla vodka and seared beef with a sweet sake glaze – is made to be shared by groups of revellers This welcoming wine bar, by the Bark crew, offers topnotch wines and Spanish-style share plates. Sample the lot in its three-course fiesta ($65pp) which changes seasonally but has included jamon and pea croquettes with black garlic aioli This top wine bar champions house-made pasta, antipasti and southern Italian hospitality. Its $50pp set menu starts with snacks like white anchovies, arancini and slices by Bread in Common and leads to pasta (gnocchi cacio e pepe or pappardelle with braised duck This handsome wine bar is one of Perth’s best – and most romantic – venues to drink wine in. Standout dishes include scallop-stuffed chicken wings, saganaki with local honey and Basque cheesecake. The $69pp set menu takes the difficult part out of dining here from cured kingfish spring rolls to curried Malaysian duck legs Here's where we're eating right now Start it right with intricate Japanese breakfast sets