Taste of Perth 2016, Langley Park, Perth WA 6000, Phone 9332 9000.
Don’t Rain on My Parade … Taste of Perth is one of those foodie events that remains calm and opens Rain, Hail or Shine. It worked for me, as staff seemed to be two steps ahead of the weather at all times. Umbrellas went up over tables in the blink of an eye and the rains came, oh, ten minutes later.
Later, when the sun came out, umbrellas disappeared. More tables were laid out in the sunshine. These guys really know their stuff.
Had been wary of attending this event because of the crowds but was pleased to be given an entry ticket to Friday Lunch. Friday Lunch is like the Matinee Performance before the bigger Shows over the next few days. And, that means less crowds initially. But, because of the weather, by the time I got there, entry was free to everyone. Great idea.
The place was like a wonderland of food and drink. And, there was plenty of drink. Wine, Beer, Suntory Kakubin Whisky, Aperol and a particularly interesting Blood Orange Liqueur called Salerno. Couldn’t taste all of them but wanted to.
Don’t forget to purchase your “Crowns” card, this is the only currency used at this event. Crowns can be purchased from vendors walking around the event or from Kiosks.
Spent some time just wandering around taking pictures and getting the feel of the place. There were free attractions like Lurpak Butter’s Pantry, Etihad’s Taste The World and others.
Had brushed up on my menus before arriving, so I knew exactly what I wanted to eat. Really does pay to be organised and have backup plans in case queues are too large. Each Restaurant had four offerings, ranging in price from $6.00 to $28.00. There was in fact, something for everyone.
Crown Threesome
With three definite destinations in mind I set off and purchased the food at intervals of about 20 minutes. First stop was Print Hall for their Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Pumpkin, Chevre and Almonds. A well thought out dish with perfectly blended flavours, the goats cheese, roasted pumpkin and pumpkin puree. Plus, bonus Brussells Sprouts.
Then, Manuka Wood Fired Kitchen for their King Prawns, Hot Sauce, Cucumber and Fennel. The Prawns were perfect, sweet and fresh. The condiments stole a bit of the show, with the super fiery Hot Sauce and the great mixture of Cucumber and Fennel.
And, finally, Nobu for their Chuka Soba Noodle Soup. Perfect Noodles and Salty Tofu Broth. And, a Quails Egg.
Missed out on Lucky Chans, Shorehouse and Bib & Tucker, because, queues. The sunshine brought the crowds and I was full of food and drink. It was time for me to say adieu.
The Nobu Crew
Oh, and the interesting thing was the one solitary food truck, Haute Dog, selling hot dogs for $100.00 each. Laughed to myself as I thought it was a joke. Then saw it on the News later that the Hot Dogs, grass fed Australian Beef, smothered in Truffled Honey Mustard from Maille, were for real.
Adieu, Taste of Perth 2016, had a great time, see you next year.
