Print Hall’s fine dining restaurant closed for trading 18 months ago and has been replaced with a more relaxed, casual dining option called ‘Gazette’ which opened it’s doors on the 1st September. The name is derived from the Perth Gazette newspaper which was previously printed at the site.
Seating consists of comfy booths for cosy couples or long tables for groups to share plates. All are within close proximity to the well stocked bar which takes pride of place in the centre of the room. A crisp 2017 Blind Corner “Caves Coast” Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River and a cold Colonial draft “Kolsch” were welcome accompaniments to the food being offered throughout the night at the launch party.
The cuisine is modern Italian using regional ingredients and cooked in the kitchen centrepiece Josper oven. The menu consists of six canapes and eight grazing dishes plus three desserts. One of the choices is WA prawns in ndjua (a spicy, spreadable pork salumi), salsa verde and lime which makes for messy eating but the taste is worth licking your fingers for. Salumi boards, house pickles and bread also make for excellent finger food while balancing a drink in the other hand.
Oysters are always fashionable though still not my favourite thing to eat but who can resist strawberries that red!
House made pizzas have loads of flavour even though there is very little topping and the thin base is perfectly crunchy.
Bite-sized portions of seared Margaret River Veal with poached tuna, aioli and capers as well as mouthfuls of confit duck, chestnut puree, wild fig and cress, were presented in spoons to ensure you tasted everything at once. It proved a genius idea as all the flavours combined for a delicious taste sensation.
Crunchy bread dipped into whipped cod roe and salmon caviar provided a decadent and unique treat to an already interesting menu.
Other perfect one-handed items available at Gazette are the crumbed colonial IPA braised beef cheek with aioli in a brioche bun which I found amazing. They are small but filling. And also kingfish crudo with cucumber, orange and campari dressing which are moreish. You can’t stop at one.
Other items on the menu include gnocchi, risotto, lamb shoulder and octopus so the menu is definitely varied. To finish off the desserts - mini cannoli, ricotta doughnuts and chicho gelato all disappeared within seconds. Everyone always has room for sweets!
Gazette is located at Brookfield Place, 125 St George’s Tce, Perth. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm then Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 10.30pm. Book at info@printhall.com.au or (08) 6282 0000. See Gazette’s website for further details.
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of Gazette. See disclosure policy for further details.
