Drink – Page 2

48 Hours At COMO The Treasury

We’re officially into the second half of 2017, and I think it goes without saying that we’re all in need of a little getaway. But with most of Perth having used up their annual leave to experience that European sun, some of us can only afford a two-day weekend escape. Thankfully, I’ve come up with the ultimate not-so-getaway that will have you returning to work on Monday feeling refreshed and relaxed. All you need to do is cancel your weekend plans and pack your overnight bag.

Nestled in the heart of Perth’s CBD is COMO The Treasury. This urban hotel was awarded Gourmet Traveller’s Hotel of the Year in 2016, and you can certainly see why. Taking over what was formerly a post office and treasury, the hotel is housed in the 19th century state buildings. It contains over 40 rooms and suites all boasting a serene retreat away from the hype of the city, giving off that ‘home away from home’ vibe.

DAY 1

9AM

Leave your car in the hands of the hotel Valet and head over to the 24-hour concierge to grab the keys to your very own suite and begin your mini holiday. Once you’ve unpacked that overnight bag and tested out the custom-made king beds draped in Egyptian cotton bed linen, head downstairs to Post for brunch.

10:30AM

Treat yourself to some lemon scented pancakes with banana, berries and cashew maple cream, or opt for something light and healthy like the egg white and kale omelette with mushrooms and roasted tomato.

12PM

It’s time to unwind and be selfish. Check yourself into the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for some ‘me time’. Specialising in hands-on-healing and holistic treatments, they offer a variety of different massages as well as facials and hydrotherapy. Once you’ve finished being pampered, take a dip in the 20m heated indoor pool to cool off.

2:30 PM

Replenish your energy levels and fuel up on caffeine downstairs at Telegram Coffee. The head barista here has spent 20 years perfecting his brew, so you can expect a nice smooth latte. If you’re feeling peckish, they’ve also got a few treats on offer like Honest Goods coconut bread – 100% guilt free.

4PM

Head back to your room, roll up those Roman blinds and take in the view of Perth city through the oversized windows before running yourself a nice long bath in a German deep-form Kaldewei free standing tub.

6PM

It’s been a long day, you deserve a drink (or two). Head up to the fourth floor and order yourself a signature cocktail from Wildflower. The Wildflower Martini with West Perth Vodka, Gerladton wax and Victorian vermouth goes down nicely while admiring the view of both the city and the Swan River.

8PM

After you’ve quaffed down a few cocktails, it’s time you fill that hunger in your stomach. The menu at Wildflower boasts dishes that revolve around the indigenous six seasons, and is driven by farmer and forager style. For entrée you can expect dishes like salt baked heirloom beetroot with whipped goats curd and native thyme, and for main there’s options aplenty, from line caught wild fish to wood grilled Arkady lamb. Finish off your feed here with something sweet like the Whipped Bahen and Co Chocolate with wattle seed cream and Geraldton wax sorbet.

10PM

Head back up to your room and get comfortable in that king bed, taking full advantage of the Samsung LED television with endless movie options.

DAY 2

10AM

After that sleep in you’ll need something satisfying for breakfast. Get dressed and head down to Petition Kitchen for their signature baked slow eggs with beans, ham hock and kransky sausage. If that’s too much for 10am, their oatmeal porridge with mandarin and rhubarb is light and warm and perfect for those cold wintery mornings.

12PM

Now you’re out and about check out some of the little boutique shops within the building. Lust over some of the amazing luxury jewellery at Rohan Jewellery where they specialise in working collaboratively on bespoke pieces for their clients. Once you’ve picked out some of your favourite pieces, stroll over to Ginger B where you’ll find gifts aplenty (in case you needed even more reason to spoil yourself). From gourmet hampers, to facial and body products and even gifts for friends with newborns. Everything here is locally sourced, organic and eco friendly, so you can feel good about your purchase. The next stop is Sue Lewis Chocolatier aka coco heaven. Here you’ll find some of the world’s finest coverture chocolate all handmade with care and passion. The salted caramel block is a must try. With 70% Valrhona dark chocolate encasing a soft buttery caramel flavour throughout and pink Murray River salt flakes sprinkled on top, it’s hard not to finish the whole block.

3PM

It’s time to take a wander around the historic building and check out some of the art. The white sculpture standing before St George’s Cathedral is an abstract interpretation of St George and the dragon and was created by artists Marcus Canning and Christian de Vietri in 2011. The name it takes has an interesting history that you can read more about when you head over there. Another interesting piece of art is Dirty Deeds. It illustrates exactly where the two holding cells for the Police Court used to stand, and shows the kind of people who spent time there.

5PM

After experiencing some old history and culture, it’s time to fill your belly. Head over to Long Chim for an early dinner and be prepared to eat your body weight in Thai food. Long Chim means to come and taste, and that’s exactly what you’ll end up doing here. Indulge in dishes like a coconut and turmeric curry of chicken, deep fried squid with garlic and peppercorns and fried rice with roast duck. Wash it all down with a Thai inspired cocktail like the Pomelo Spritz, made up of pomelo, grapefruit sherbet, Aperol, vodka and bubbles, then finish off the night with a palm sugar pudding topped with grated coconut.

8PM

If you’re feeling up to it, head over to the Treasury Lounge and Bar for a nightcap. Located on the ground floor, it spans three interconnected rooms with high ceilings, timber shuttered windows, and a drinks menu that’s available until late. Order yourself an old fashioned Cosmo before heading up to your room to pack your bags and run yourself one last bubble bath.

DAY 3

9AM

It’s time to check out, but before you go make sure you book yourself in for another stay, because chances are you’ll be needing another inner-city getaway in a few months!

For more info and details on COMO the treasury check out their website.

Ideal Second Date Spots

Second dates are often more dreaded than the first. They’re that awkward stage where neither of you are sure if you’re into it or not, and quite often they can be pretty stressful to plan. Thankfully you can take a little pressure off the planning and focus on the date, because I’ve come up with some of the best second date ideas around Perth.

Bar Hopping

If alcohol brings out your confidence, why not bar hop around the CBD with your date. It’s full of watering holes like Frisk, Sneaky Tony’s, The Flour Factory, The Standard and plenty more, all sure to make your second date one to remember.

Perth CBD

Clarences

This little neighbourhood bar located in the heart of Mt Lawley is great way to spend a second date. Beside the fact that they’ve got a different special on pretty much every night of the week, it’s always busy, so you can avoid any awkward silent pauses.

566 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley

Varsity Bar

While some of us may try, eating burgers with grace and poise just isn’t a thing. Get your hands around a juicy beef burger, chicken wings and loaded fries and bond over the mess you make when eating one of Varsity’s American style burgers. If you’re both into sports than you’ll love this bar even more.

Broadway Fair, 88 Broadway, Crawley

Adventure Golf

If you’re one of the few individuals that can get through a game of mini golf without losing your $#!* trying to get a tiny ball into an even tinier hole, then mini golf is the perfect second date spot. Loser buys drinks at The Reveley post-tournament.

Eastern Promenade, 901 Riverside Dr, Perth

Ten-Pin Bowling

Although bowling shoes aren’t always the most flattering, ten-pin bowling is easily the most fun you’ll have on a second date while looking completely ridiculous at the same time. And with it’s laid back vibes, Rosemeount Bowl is the perfect place to show your real athletic side.

464 Fitzgerald St, North Perth

Cosy Cafes

Why not get to know each other over a cup of hot coffee. There’s plenty of cafes now offering up chill vibes with a side of comfort, so you can avoid any awkward second date silence. To find the full list of the best cosy cafes in Perth click here.

Inner City Watering Holes

Working 9-5 can be challenging at the best of times. And while donuts can help get us through hump day, nothing beats kicking off the weekend with Friday arvo drinks. Well Perth, it’s time to quench your thirst, because I’m bringing you the A-list of Perth’s favourite inner city watering holes. All you have to do is manage to get through the day (easier said than done).

Mayfair Lane

Taking over The Brown Fox, Mayfair Lane is a British-style gastropub offering old-school service alongside a sophisticated menu. Perth’s loveable local is the perfect place to sink your teeth into classics like bangers and mash or a fat, juicy beef burger at the pub whilst feeling a million bucks. But if you’re after something a little swankier, head over to the dining room, and check out the a range of aged steaks, twice-cooked pork belly and Cone Bay barramundi. And to wash all that fancy down, there’s plenty of by-the-glass options from a mere $8 to $44. Although the London Spritz is prettttty good (just saying).

72 Outram St, West Perth

The Stables Bar

As the old saying goes “you can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink’. Well here at the Stables Bar, I can guarantee you’ll be enjoying a cocktail or two (or three?) The “house creation’ cocktails are seriously potent, but oh so good. Try the Fresh to Death – gin, Pomme Verte, watermelon juice and pomegranate liqeur. Or opt for something a little less deadly with Miss Saigon – Vodka, fraise de bois, strawberry and ginger. And in case you were wondering, Prince Harry was spotted here in 2015…

888 Hay St, Perth

Print Hall

It’s Friday night and you’re feeling pretty damn fly. Well Print Hall is the place to be. With Bob’s Bar for a rooftop breeze, Apple Daily for some chow and Print Hall ground level bar for a good time, you’ve got all bases covered. After wining wine list of the year last year, expectations will be exceeded here. Print Hall’s latest addition to the drinks menu is their twist on the famous Prohibition drink ‘Old Fashioned’ – moonshine bourbon, homemade vanilla syrup and barrel aged bitters. Prohibition is over.

Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Tce, Perth

Lalla Rookh

Depending on your source, this underground bar and restaurant was named for the old goldmine to the North West of Marble Bar. And while the name suggests nothing to do with Italian food or good wine, there is always demand for both. Boasting a dining room, bar, lounge, wine store and beer garden, it’s the ideal place for a Friday lunch (the kind where you don’t have to slug back to the office). The wine list has drops from star regions and makers, while the beer options on tap are aplenty. Good luck trying not to leave with a few bottles of vino for the weekend.

77 St George’s Terrace, Perth

The Reveley

Taking out the title for the best view in Perth is The Revely. Whether you opt for the rooftop or ground level view, you’re bound to see Perth in all its beauty. It’s located in the heart of Lizzy Quay, making it the perfect place to sink a few bevs post Friday night drinks at work. The cocktail list covers all the classics, but Basil’s Garden creation is perfect for those hot summer nights. You’ll find wine by the glass or bottle (depending on your mood), champagne, beer and cider on tap, house spirits and even non-alcoholic drinks for the designated drivers. Safe to say you won’t be parched.

Elizabeth Quay, Perth

Hole-In-The-Wall Coffee Spots

It’s no secret that Perth’s small coffee scene has been heating up over the last few years. It seems like walking up to a window and ordering your flat white to go is the direction takeaway coffee is heading. So here’s where you can find these hole-in-the-wall coffee spots around town.

Standing Room Only

If the name wasn’t obvious enough, this coffee joint is not one you can hang around at. Hidden in Piccadilly Arcade, grab your morning brew to-go from the friendly folk here.

7/700 Hay St, Perth

Boo Espresso

You may have caught a glimpse of this hidden gem if you’ve ever ventured down Fitzgerald Street. But for those of you too focused on driving, this takeaway coffee window named Boo has the liquid gold we call coffee. And if you don’t feel like going there alone, take your furry pal with you and grab them a puppacino.

49 Stuart St

Cleaver St Coffee Shop

A local favourite for the folk around Leedy, this little coffee spot serves up some serious juice. But they’re only open until mid-day, so make sure you head in for an early cup. And If you happen to stop past on a Saturday morning they’ve got a coffee bagel special that will knock your socks off.

50 Cleaver St, West Perth

Howdy Coffee

The guys at Howdy know how to make a strong cup of coffee. And with Five Senses beans, you can expect only the best brew from this joint. But the real winner here is in fact the gigantic vente sized cup. It’s known to cure even the worst of Monday-itis.

11 King William Street, Bayswater

Ristretto Walkup Coffee Wall

Rocking up to work on a Monday morning is already hard enough, but thankfully the guys at Ristretoo understand how hard the daily grind can be. And with three CBD locations, getting a decent cup of coffee is even easier. But this little coffee wall is a must visit before work. Behind their coffee window the team are roasting their own coffee beans and baking brekky muffins.

53 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge

Blink Coffee Bar

Literally Blink and you’ll miss this little spot of joy. Blink Coffee Bar are all about making every cup of coffee the best it can be, so when you ask for an extra hot latte, you’ll get an extra hot latte. And of course they’ve got the sweet additions like muffins and slices to make your daily coffee that much more enjoyable.

19A High Street, Fremantle

& Cafe By Mobilia

If you’re like most caffeine addicts, you share a strong bond with your barista. They know how you take your coffee, from the size of the takeaway cup to the type of milk you prefer. Heck, they probably even know you on a first name basis. Well Susan flat-white-with-one, it’s time you and your barista took a break, because there’s a new kid on the block and his coffee is like liquid gold.

Sitting pretty on Stirling Highway in Claremont you’ll find this neat coffee joint, Mobilia. Opening its doors only two months ago, owner Michael Fazzari is bringing good coffee and amazing furniture to the people of Claremont.

The mother-son duo opened the café part of the furniture showroom as a relaxed environment for people to come in, take a seat, and sip on a perfectly blended cup of coffee surrounded by amazing furniture.

“Initially when we opened here, the café was going to be much bigger than it is now. But we wanted it to be more intimate, so we decided to keep it small” said Michael.

“We get the same 5 or 6 customers in the morning that come in for their coffee, it’s like their little escape before the daily grind” he said.

In terms of the house blend coffee, you can expect an Italian style dark roast from Northbridge coffee roasters. Trust me when I say it goes down smoother than a glass of red wine on a Friday night.

If you’re after something to pair with your espresso, the cannoli here are made locally by a friend of a friend, so they’re as traditional as they come. But if you happen to pass by around lunch time, there’s continental rolls aplenty, with fillings like eggplant and tomato that have come straight out of the owners grandmother’s garden.

Once you’ve had your morning brew and browsed through the furniture showroom secretly wishing you could take home that monkey lamp, make sure you check out the blue and white mural by local artist Lucas Grogan featured on the outside wall.

312 Stirling Hwy, Claremont