THE old Mamma Maria’s restaurant on the corner of Lake and Aberdeen streets in Northbridge will reopen as Hunter’s Piano Bar in the coming months.
Gusto understands that proprietor Graham Hunter was granted a liquor licence late last year and is busily preparing the site for a February or March opening.
The new venue will join newcomers to Aberdeen Street, the big and bright Pavilion Café, and the Aussie theme pub, The Shed.
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Kate Lamont will host her first Wine and Food Conversations cooking class for 2005 on February 27 at Lamont’s in the Swan Valley. The events proved very popular last year so if there’s any space left for the class be sure to book a spot.
Ms Lamont prepares six small course meals to be enjoyed by participants who sit back and enjoy the feast while Ms Lamont discusses the food, and no doubt some wine. The class takes place from 12pm to 3pm and is $66 per person.
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Must Winebar operator Russell Blaikie is gearing up for another Valentine’s Day spectacular. The evening, which takes place this year on a Monday, consists of a four-course menu and a glass of Ninth Island Tasmanian Sparking NV for the special price of $69.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally a difficult day for restaurant operators, who have to cater almost exclusively to couples.
But Mr Blaikie says there are a few people who choose to shun the ‘twosome’ nature of the evening and book tables of four and six.
He also says Valentine’s Day provides a good bit of entertainment for the kitchen with many a good story told during the evening.
“It’s pretty entertaining because you get some really interesting interaction,” he says.
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Popular South West foodie Trish Flowers has produced a book of her Albany cafe Bay Merchants’ most popular sandwiches.
The book is not only filled with 12 wonderful recipes, ranging from The Fig and Trout to The Goan to the Kervella, but also pictures of the region and stories about regional produce.
The book, retailing for $20, features local producers and has some foodie facts – even the origin of the Caesar Salad.
There’s also some information about the region, from tourism spots to interesting facts. It’s also quite refreshing to see a book with recipes filled with pictures of things other than just the food.
There’s picturesque scenery and shots of the gourmet vegetables and other fresh produce from Albany and surrounding regions.
To purchase Ms Flowers’ book, The Bay and Beyond, either for the facts about the region, the recipes, the pictures or for all those reasons, contact Bay Merchants in Albany.
