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Smooth Operator Coffee, Perth CBD

Paul
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Smooth Operator Coffee, Perth CBD

PERTH | Smooth Operator Coffee is a hole in the wall coffee shop that opened in 2017. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it continues to be one of the best spots for coffee in Perth today.

Primarily a take-away venue, the cosy, wood panelled space features a few seats inside and outside if you feel like lingering. They serve up a selection of Twin Peaks coffee beans brewed any way you like, alongside a carefully selected rotation of guest coffees.

There’s a full selection of hot and cold espresso and filter-based coffees, along with non-coffee drinks like tea, matcha, and hot chocolate. The beans being used by Smooth Operator at any given time are also available to by for home.

To eat, it’s a small selection of toasties and other baked treats.

Smooth Operator Coffee

Shop 4, 938 Hay Street
Perth
Western Australia 6000
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 6:30am to 2:00pm

Tomorrow On Tap, Perth

Paul
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0
Tomorrow On Tap, Perth

PERTH | Tomorrow On Tap is Perth’s first non-alcohol bottle shop and bar, selling an exciting assortment of non-alcoholic drinks. Visit for a rotating selection of around 120 zero alcohol beers, wines, spirits, kombucha, cocktails, soda, juice, and wellness drinks, sourced from some of the most innovative producers in the field, locally and abroad.

It’s the creation of owner Rachael Niall, one of Perth’s top wine experts and sommeliers, who brings over 20 years of experience in Perth, Sydney, and London, to the table. Rachel’s knowledge in the world of alcoholic drinks, coupled with her own journey of incorporating more non and low alcohol options into her life, makes Tomorrow On Tap somewhat of a natural evolution.

The non/low alcohol segment is a fast growing one. A few years ago, there weren’t a lot of options on the market, the quality of what was available was quite hit and miss, and societal attitudes weren’t where they are now.

Today, the stigma around not drinking alcohol when one goes out has largely lifted. Some have removed alcohol from their lives completely and many, like myself, have simply decided to reduce their alcohol intake, enjoying the health benefits that come with that. Thankfully, these days the quality of what’s on offer in this segment is impressive.

Many of Australia’s best craft breweries make excellent tasting non-alcoholic beers (Citra Citra, by Molly Rose, is one of my favourites), Melbourne-based Konpira Maru does a banging non-alcoholic wine, and trendsetters like Lyre’s continue to push the boundaries around what non-alcoholic spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila can be. Brands like NON, meanwhile, are doing really interesting and delicious things around wine substitutes designed to be paired with food.

The focus is on Australian producers, with a particular emphasis on Western Australian makers doing interesting things in the non-alcohol space. You’ll also find bottles and cans from exciting international brands, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in Australia.

While primarily a bottle shop, Tomorrow On Tap also has a small keg system for interesting things that you might want enjoy in a refillable container. Anything that’s on tap or in the fridges can be enjoyed on premises – there’s a few seats inside, and some tables and seats outside.

There’s currently no food on the menu, but keep your eyes peeled on Tomorrow On Tap’s socials. Rachael has plans to offer cheese and charcuterie boards, and you’re more than welcome to order something in from one of the area’s many great restaurants. There’s also a small section of the shop dedicated to locally produced wellness products.

Whether you’ve already begun to dabble in the world on non/low alcohol drinks, or curious but sceptical , Tomorrow On Tap should be on your list. Have a chat with Rachael and she’ll guide you in the right direction to suit your tastes. Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged in the most delicious of ways.

Tomorrow On Tap

223 Bulwer Street
Perth
Western Australia 6000
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon, Wed – Thu: 10:30am to 6:30pm
Fri – Sat: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Sun: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Howard’s Groove, Perth CBD

Paul
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0
Howard’s Groove, Perth CBD

PERTH | Howard’s Groove is a basement cafe from Perth coffee powerhouses, Smooth Operator, and Twin Peaks Coffee Roasters. It’s a warm, relaxing space with natural tones. Designed to make you feel comfortable whether you’re popping in for a quick take-away or a sit down coffee.

A full assortment of hot and iced coffee is available. There’s espresso drinks made using shots pulled from the Kees Van Der Westen Spirit espresso machine, and an assortment of filter options. Beans come, as you’d expect, from Twin Peaks, however other roasters feature on the rotating single origin menu.

For non-coffee drinks, there’s things like Persian love tea, elderflower iced tea, and hot chocolate. To eat, it’s a small selection of toasties and a few other baked treats. Check out the small retail wall to the side of the coffee bar for takeaway beans, coffee equipment for home, and merch. The collaboration clothing made with neighbours and local lifestyle brand Lo-Fi is quality.

Howard’s Groove

22 Howard Street
Perth
Western Australia 6000
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 6:30am to 2:30pm

Giant Coffee, Northbridge

Paul
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0
Giant Coffee, Northbridge

PERTH | Giant Coffee is a tiny cafe hidden in an unassuming spot in Northbridge. Visit for some of the best coffee in Perth, along with a few coffee creations that you don’t see elsewhere in town.

The cafe is owned by highly regarded barista Claire Kim, formerly at the excellent cafe Howard’s Groove, and Open by Duotone before that. The house blend comes from local roasters Daylight Coffee Roasters, which Twin Peaks provide a rotating selection of single origin beans.

There’s espresso and filter based coffees, along with a Viennese coffee, einspanner, for something different. Originating in the Austrian capital so that coachmen operating horse and carriages could enjoy a coffee on the road that wouldn’t spill. It’s a hot or cold double-shot of espresso, topped with a thick layer of cream.

Along with coffee, there’s also things like tea, matcha, and hot chocolate. To eat, its a small selection of baked goods. Croissants and pastries from Layers Bakery, and bagels from Holy Bagel.

Giant Coffee

6A Nicks Lane
Northbridge
Western Australia 6003
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 7:00am to 2:00pm

RuYi Modern Chinese, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
RuYi Modern Chinese, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | RuYi Modern Chinese began life in 2013 as a high-end dumpling and noodle focused restaurant, and has evolved over that time into something much more. I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne to find out more about its current incarnation.

The restaurant was started by owner/head chef Sheng Fang, looking to move out of his career in IT and follow his passion for Chinese cooking, and noodles in particular. He soon started selling his noodles and other products like sauces and dumplings to restaurants. It wasn’t long until Sheng decided to open his own restaurant with his wife, Qian Qian Luo-Fang, and RuYi was born.

The space is modern and welcoming. Small, bright, and open, with lots of natural sunlight. Natural materials inform the fitout, which is clean and simple. All plates, water glasses, bowls and water pitchers are custom made by Melbourne ceramic artist Andrei Davidoff.

At RuYi, Sheng shares his family stories, and his own history, which has taken him from China to Japan, Fiji, and Melbourne. It’s food that’s putting a different spin on things than most Chinese restaurants. Dishes that are rooted in history, presented with twists and contemporary flair.

Chilli wontons are filled with free range pork and shepherd’s purse, in a fragrant broth of garlic, soy, and chili oil. Citrus scent soft shell crab is found inside airy fried egg white batter, with caramelised citrus sauce, and lemon zest. Peking duck is succulent and thinly sliced, wrapped in thin pancakes with cucumber, spring onion, and hoi sin

On the drinks men it’s a selection of Australian and European wines, with a decent number available by the glass and as half bottles. There’s a small beer and Mars whisky list, and cocktails that have been designed in conjunction with the food menu. Try the 5 Spice Old Fashioned. A twist on the classic with dark rum, house 5 spice syrup, and orange bitters.

RuYi Modern Chinese

16 Liverpool Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9090 7778
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Tue – Thu: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 5:00pm to 11:00pm

Double Happiness, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Double Happiness, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Named after the traditional Chinese character for joy and happiness Double Happiness is a stalwart of Melbourne’s small laneway bar scene. Originally opening in 2002, the bar is still as fresh and worth visiting as ever, confirmed when I recently revested for What’s On Melbourne.

It’s a tiny bar. A few seats in the laneway at the front, a few bar stools inside, and some comfy couches. The theme is retro Chinese kitcsh, with lots of Chinese Communist Party posters and assorted nick knacks.

It’s a welcoming venue, with a cozy vibe and friendly staff. The cocktail list is short and quality. Try the ‘Great Leap Forward’, a blend of house infused lychee vodka, mint, lime, and ginger beer. The ‘Go Matcha Or Go Home’, a mixture of Bombay Sapphire, Kyoto Matcha, coconut condensed milk, green tea, and lemon oil, is also great.

If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, there’s a few local beers on tap, imported cans and bottles. There’s also excellent mocktails, and boozy bubble tea cocktails. A small selection of bar snacks like dumplings, round things off.

Double Happiness

21 Liverpool Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Wed: 5:00pm to 1:00am
Fri: 5:00pm to 3:00am
Sat: 6:00pm to 3:00am

Fossey’s Distillery, Carlton

Paul
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0
Fossey’s Distillery, Carlton

MELBOURNE | Fossey’s Distillery is a family-owned Mildura distillery founded by Steve Timmis in 2017. It’s built a reputation for great quality gin and other spirits, and their Mildura venue has won several awards. They recently opened a bar and small-batch distillery on Lygon Street in Carlton, which I visited for What’s On Melbourne.

Steve’s daughter Cherie manages the Carlton venue. It’s housed in a historic bluestone and brick building, which exudes character inside and out. Downstairs, it’s a small retail section, and bar with some seating. Upstairs, there’s a second bar, and lots of comfy couches.

Behind the bar you’ll find the full range of Fossey’s spirits. There’s around 24 different bottles pouring at any given time. Gins infused with local botanicals like desert lime and pepperberry, along with creations like gin aged in Barossa shiraz barrels, rose petal infused gin, blood orange-infused vodka, and butterscotch whisky liqueur.

There’s a small distillery on site, where unique, venue-only spirits are made. There’s also guest drops from other distilleries that the Fossey’s team are fans of.

Tasting flights are available, and are a great way to try a few of the different gins and other spirits on offer. Cocktails – classic and venue specific creations are available and also delicious. There’s also local beer and wine if that’s what you’re in the mood for.

For food, it’s snacks and share plates. Think fried chicken served with mango desert lime gin salsa; cider-marinated pork belly with gin-pickled vegetables; and fries with Fossey’s Redgum Rum infused sauce.

Fossey’s Distillery

209 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9100 1916
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Sun, Tue: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Wed – Sat: 12:00pm to 11:00pm

一坊 One Point, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
一坊 One Point, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | 一坊 One Point is a Hong Kong-style hot pot restaurant hidden down a Melbourne laneway that I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne. Walk through the deceptively small laneway frontage and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious two storey venue. There’s small and group-sized tables downstairs. Upstairs you’ll find larger banquet-sized tables, and plush booths.

Compared to malatang, the Sichuan-style hot pot that’s commonly found around Melbourne, 一坊 One Point focuses on the broths more popular in Hong Kong. Popular flavours include fish, fish maw and chicken, and drunken chicken. Rather than being spicy by default, these broths are mild and designed to be drunk as soups as well as just being for cooking and dipping. A condiment counter is available, should you with to season and spice the broth to you liking.

Each broth is made daily from scratch, best enjoyed with an assortment of fresh, premium, local ingredients. There’s a particular focus on top cuts of meat, and seafood. Additions like dumplings and meatballs are highly recommended. They’re all made fresh on site each day.

As well as hot pot, 一坊 One Point also offers a number of traditional side dishes and other things. Think sashimi, noodles, and desserts like Chinese herbal pudding, and brown sugar glutinous rice.

一坊 One Point

3-5 Waratah Place
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9663 3210
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Wed – Mon: 4:00pm to 1:00am

Kahaani, Carlton

Paul
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0
Kahaani, Carlton

MELBOURNE | Kahaani is a contemporary Indian restaurant that I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne. Kahaani is the Hindi word for ‘story’, which is an apt description of the experience that the team are trying to present to diners.

Rather than focusing on one particular region of India, co-owner and head chef Aseem Sood takes diners on a journey through India’s diverse regions, exploring the history of the dishes and regions. Yes, there’s curries, rice, and naan on the menu, but there’s a whole lot more to explore here.

Burrah kebab lamb chops bring Arab influences to the table, a dish that evolved with the spice trade from that region. Cooked slowly over charcoal, they’re tender and very flavoursome. Vegetarians will love the Bengali charred cauliflower. Cauliflower florets marinated Bengali-style, charred in a clay tandoor, served with charcoal yoghurt, tomato, and garlic kasundi.

On the curry side, the Lahore style ‘roadside’ goat curry is a must try. It’s inspired by the version cooked at a roadside cafe that was famous for the dish pre-partition. It’s a rustic curry, featuring slow cooked goat and cooked on the bone, with marrow, until tender.

For something sweet, go for the Gajar halwa. Slow cooked baby carrots finished with dried fruits and a warm milk pudding, khoya.

To drink, it’s a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails that draw from the same inspiration as the food.

Kahaani

262 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: 040 772 6663
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Tue – Thu: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Fri – Sat: 5:30pm to 10:00pm

Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters is a restaurant in Federation Square that’s a celebration of Victoria’s diverse regions, farmers, and produce. It’s by Peruvian ex-Pastuso head chef and Farmer’s Daughter’s owner Alejandro Saravia, and sees the Gippsland focus of Farmer’s Daughter, expanded across the state.

The venue features a striking interior, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Yarra River. A huge wall-mounted map highlights the various regions that supply the restaurant’s produce. A long bench, hand-carved from a single piece of reclaimed eucalyptus, features many of the ingredients being used in the kitchen, that you can touch and smell.

A bar seat at the open kitchen is the best place to get a feel for what the team are doing here. Lots of cooking over fire – wood and charcoal. The menu is driven by the seasons, and changes regularly. Be sure to check out the ‘provenance menu’ which showcases specific ‘regions in residence’.

Dishes include things like grilled Ramarro Farm zucchini with Oakwood bresaola, macadamia agrodolce, and sorrel; dry aged 600g O’Connor Ribeye with smoked green chilli; and grilled market fish with herb purée, mussel & celery butter sauce.

To drink, it’s a sharp list of cocktails made using Victorian spirits, and an all-Victorian wine and beer list.

Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters

Federation Square
Melbourne
Victoria 3004
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9121 0505
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Wed – Sat: 5:00pm to 12:00am
Sun: 11:30am to 5:00pm

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