It’s just weeks before my little blogs 1st birthday and boy; it’s come a long way in just 12 short months! I took a giant leap recently. I’d been approached to do a spot of food writing for The Post Newspaper – the local paper to Perth’s western suburbs (Cottesloe, Claremont, Subi, Dalkeith etc). It’s such an exciting opportunity, and though it was fairly new to me, I decided to go for it! My brief was simple; dine at a restaurant in the local area and also to keep it BRIEF! I had just 450 words to describe our meal. This for me was a challenge, as I often tend to dribble on a bit! Chef and I looked forward to our meal at the Suburban Table – a restaurant we knew very little about.
I remember reading about Suburban Table a few years ago. They were going through every chef and restaurateur’s worst nightmare. The kitchen was gutted by an electrical fire, started by the dishwasher. Their dining room was damaged by heat and smoke. The popular Mosman Park restaurant had to be closed for six months, whilst being fully renovated. There was also a change in owner. Chef Josh Prosser took the reins, along with his partner Kelly Cosnett.
Chef and I easily found the Stirling Highway restaurant, though it is a little inconspicuous in a row of shops. The entry is from the rear car park. We were warmly welcomed by Kelly, who runs the front of house. We were seated in the window, which was framed by a row of chilli plants. Kelly took our drinks from us to pop into the fridge, as it’s BYO (corkage $7 per bottle/6pack). What a great excuse to have that special bottle of wine that’s been sitting in the wine rack!
Local artwork, which changes bimonthly, adorns the walls. The dining room, full of leather (faux?) and dark wood, felt very cosy and intimate. It was clear that many of our fellow diners were regulars at Suburban Table. The staff called them by their first names, like they were old friends. There were many waves being exchanged between tables too. I felt like we’d gone to a friend’s house for dinner.
For entrée Chef had Plump Rottnest scallops ($22) were served with a fresh mango and coriander salsa. The flavours were balanced flawlessly, with a subtle kick of chilli.
I chose the spring roll ($13) served with a star anise dipping sauce. It was absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside and bursting with pork belly, Asian veg and vermicelli noodles.
For main, Chef had the beef fillet ($40). This was a great piece of meat, which was cooked perfectly, served with a garlic mash and creamy mushroom ragout. On reflection, he thinks that he should have ordered a side of asparagus to complete the dish.
I really enjoyed the chili caramel glazed pork belly ($35). I just can’t go past a bit of crackling! The crunchy Asian salad that accompanied it was dotted with little gems of pomegranate and coated with a Thai dressing, with a fresh zing of lime. It was a very tasty dish.
We had just enough room in our tummies to peruse the dessert menu. Chef had the scrumptious chocolate brownie ($12/$15 with gelato). He wolfed it down with gusto. The rich, moist brownie served with black cherry compote was complimented by the house-made espresso gelato. Chef thought it was a top notch dessert.
I chose something a little lighter, the delightful vanilla and lemon crème brulee ($12).
I feel that Suburban Table has been flying under the radar. I’m sure the locals are happy to keep it their little secret. I can’t recommend it enough. The food is simple, but very well executed. Much of the produce is sourced locally, to ensure its freshness and also to support fellow local businesses. We visited on a Wednesday and though the dining room is small, it was fully booked. We’d both happily return for dinner in the future for Josh’s well cooked food and the excellent, friendly service.
