Summer is well and truly here… where better to extract the most from this season, than along Perth’s spectacular coastline. I’d recommend watching the sunset with an ice-cold beer at one of WA’s iconic landmarks, the 111-year-old Cottesloe Beach Hotel.
But if you’ve already been in the sun all day then step further inside the Cottesloe Beach Hotel and relax in one of the ‘cosy corners’ of the 3 year old Beach Club which has already undergone a makeover. The separate venue features cushioned lounges and intimate areas alongside communal tables. The furnishings are stark white giving off a fresh, classic vibe.
At the launch of the summer 2016/17 menu, on arrival and throughout the night, champagne and wine were freely available to cool you down from the heat of the day, but we gravitated toward the cocktails which added to the tropical feel of the night. A delicate pink drink with a rose petal adornment is called a Frosé - French rosé, while the milkshake looking beverage is a frozen beer. Very decadent!
Before we’ve even taken our first sip we notice a table laden with local, fresh produce that chef, Stephen Burke uses in his dishes. Decent portions of food have already been plated up and are definite crowd pleasers as they continue to disappear from the table.
One such dish is mozzarella di bufala with caramelized vinegar, Carnarvon tomatoes and oregano. The colours are vibrant and as quick as the plates returned empty, more appeared.
I’m not even sure how to pronounce this one - whipped straciatella with boquerones and late season crushed broad bean crostini. I’m not a fan of broad beans so I had to pass on this but it looks very exotic.
Another exotic sounding dish was the Burricotta with smoked chorizo pangrattato and vin cotto.
Fresh shucked oysters were also available for those who love their seafood. Slippery little suckers could easily be swallowed - no mess.
If you didn’t want to walk around with a plate and fork or were still hungry, trays of bite-sized canapes continuously came out from kitchen, including these refreshing watermelon and salmon.
As well as ocean trout and lime which had a very strong fishy flavour.
I found the foie gras and grape confit left a strange aftertaste in my mouth and were a little too big for one bite for me but luckily there were plenty of drinks to wash it down!
My sister-in-law was impressed with the cheese and prosciutto, admiring the creamy texture of the cheese.
After the diverse food flavours and splashes of colour, it was time to finish off with a Marconi 46 gin and tonic.
No need to splash out on a Caribbean Cruise or Island Getaway, enjoy all that The Beach Club has to offer from Monday to Sunday 12pm until 10 pm, with food service until 9pm.
Check out www.cottesloebeachhotel.com.au for more details.
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of The Cottesloe Beach Hotel.
