Sunday 22 May 2011

Yoshiya, Perth CBD

WOW.

I have just found my new favourite Japanese restaurant.

It was on a whim that I decided to have lunch here with a friend of mine. I had been at work all day and needed a break, so organised a catch-up lunch in town (I also had the excuse that I needed to pick up my HBF Runners pack for the fun run). As I was driving along Wellington St about to pull into the carpark at the train station I noticed out of the corner of my eye this little Japanese restaurant...it wasn't hard to convince my friend to try it with me.

I knew as soon as I opened the door that I was onto something good here. Beautifully decorated in a rustic traditional style, very clean, warm and inviting. The orange hue from the lights reflecting off the tables and inviting me to sit down.

Yoshiya has a very generous lunch menu, just enough options to keep you intrigued with the menu but not too much choice to lose and confuse you. I ordered the Sakana-no-teppanyaki (Hot-plate BBQ snapper fillet) as part of a set luncheon that came with rice, miso soup, and fruits. I could have stopped at the miso soup, I was in heaven already but then out came this deliciously succulent piece of snapper with asian greens and soy sauce that was utterly devine. The snapper flaked as my fork touched it and then dissolved in a euphonic of flavours in my mouth.

The slices of orange at the end of the meal nicely freshened the palate.

My friend chose the Gyu-niku-no-teppanyaki (Hot plate BBQ cube size beef fillet steak flambe with brandy) and was also suitable humbled by its delicasy.

You absolutly must visit Yoshiya (and it is very rare that I make that suggestion).

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Price: 4/5

http://www.my247.com.au/perth/Yoshiya-Japanese-Restaurant.20840

Yoshiya Japanese on Urbanspoon

Sunday 15 May 2011

The Imperial Hotel, York


A gorgeous country pub that was built in 1886, beautifully restored inside and out and even surviving the Meckering earthquake that destroyed the front verandah. Walking into this hotel is like stepping back into our rural heritage with all its English pomp.

I wasnt entirely sure what they were doing with the Titanic theme at the time, perhaps it was part of a dinner theme or Mother's Day but it certainly didnt distract from the atmosphere.

A small menu but quite varied. The Imperial also has its own brewing company with beers ranging from the Original York Ale to the dark, rich Stout. All of which of course compliment the various meals nicely.

My father and I ordered the Homemade Beef & Stout Pie with handcut chips. Absolutly succulent beef, so deliciously tender. The stout sauce was not overpowering, it created a beautiful aromatic sensation on the taste buds. The chips were slightly over cooked but I loved that the Chef left the skin on.


My mum had the Cheese Plate with Pickles (always the cheese lover!) and by all accounts enjoyed it thoroughly. I should have pinched some so i could comment further!


I wouldnt say drive to York JUST to dine at The Imperial, however if you feel like a day trip or overnighter to the Avon Valley then this country pub is an absolute must visit (as are the markets in the Old Mill).

Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Price: 3/5

http://web.me.com/chat20/Imperial_Hotel/Welcome.html

The Imperial Hotel on Urbanspoon