NEW GROVE IN PERTH FOOTHILLS (Grove Bar & Grill

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IT’S always rewarding to head into the suburbs to try new local restaurants as there are many local gems tucked away that are well worth exploring, and Grove Bar & Grill is no exception. You will find this family-friendly, relaxed restaurant located on Welshpool Road East in the grounds of the Wattle Grove Motel.

It has recently been refurbished and offers an enjoyable alfresco area with children’s playground, adjacent sports bar, comfortable alcoves in the dining room, and quality pub food at reasonable prices. New kitchen equipment from Moffat has also improved the quality and workflow.

The new menu offers a good range of choices from dips and breads, pasta, burgers, pizza to chicken, fish, excellent steak dishes, and some great vegetarian choices too.

We started with the Garlic Prawns which were served on a seasoned mash garnished with charred asparagus and a delicious roasted garlic cream sauce. It was a generous starter. The potato mash (instead of rice) was an interesting twist and worked well, with the roasted garlic sauce really adding to the dish.

Next was the Fish and Chips – a favourite with young and old – and it did not disappoint. It was well presented with a generous fresh salad. The red spot emperor was perfectly grilled, and may also be battered if you choose. The chips were cooked just right, and the handmade tartare sauce was creamy with a light tang taste. With these two dishes we enjoyed the Gage Roads Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager, which is on tap in the adjacent bar. This Americanstyle pale lager is one of our best local beers made right here in Perth and was a fitting accompaniment, especially with the fish and chips.

We moved on to our favourite dish – the Smoky BBQ Ribs – which were served on a bed of chips smothered in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, with fresh coleslaw and charred corn. The meat was falling apart on the bone and the peppery flavours in the sauce were well balanced by the award-winning Brygon Reserve, Margaret River 2015 The Bruce Shiraz – a medium-bodied premium red wine.

The Brygon Reserve Shiraz was also an apt choice with another favourite dish – the Grilled Ribeye Steak – which was an excellent cut, well cooked, and served on a bed of mash with vegetables and sauce. It can be served with chips and salad if you prefer.

Chef Nass Radim, who hails from Mauritius, has worked at Grove for eight years. He said:

“Moffat decked out our kitchen and the new fryer and oven have made a big difference. The way they maintain and distribute even temperature gives us better control and better quality for serving to our guests.”

Manager Greg Dumbrell says the restaurant is pretty busy most nights from 5pm (Monday to Thursday) and for lunch and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The 60-room Wattle Grove Motel offers room service and the restaurant is also popular with locals.

So for our readers in the Kalamunda, Lesmurdie, Orange Grove, East Cannington and Forrestfield areas, look no further than Grove Bistro for your next dining experience as Grove has something for everyone.