MENU PEOPLE (Contributors

Menu people

It feels timely to be writing about food allergies as my son and I have recently been diagnosed with various intolerances. Thankfully they are easier to manage these days, as options available in the supermarket keep growing. Sadly, this is indicative of the growing epidemic we have in society with food allergies. My friend Shannon features in the article on this topic and when we met, our children were very little. I used to joke with her that all one of her girls could eat was air. We caught up over FaceTime and talked for hours about our lives, catching up after a few years apart living in different worlds. It made me think how even when it isn’t such a great area of food to discuss, food always has that way of bringing people together, making hearts align and friendships solidify. Sarah Schmitt

2022 is becoming a bit like old times. Borders are open, interstate travel, corporate entertaining resuming and venues are back at full capacity. In my West Leederville locale, favourite hotspots such as Besk remain vibrant and busy, while when trying to order a pizza delivery, three local restaurants each advised 90-minute plus wait times as they were so busy. I have recently enjoyed revisiting and dining at, amongst others, West Leederville’s JB O’Reilly’s pub, Subiaco’s Golden West Brewery Co (and then the Fresco Gelato next door), The Meat & Wine Co, an Optus Stadium corporate suite which served an array of pleasingly good food, and a little further afield, a superb five-hour long lunch at Sydney’s The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in The Rocks. While I am sure that many jangled nerves remain behind-the-scenes, the venues were all operating with a confident smile front-of-house. Long may it continue.

Paul Hindle

As travel has had a resurgence, I’ve made the most of the opportunity to get out and enjoy our vast State. I had the best kingfish ceviche of my life in Broome, where I also stumbled across a distillery in this coastal town’s backwaters. Just between you and me, I’m loving all the distilleries popping up in the most unexpected of places, and I recently discovered another one in Bridgetown on route to the Frankland River wine region, where I did a gin tasting with fresh Geraldton Wax – a sensory revelation. Rather fitting for this issue where I had the opportunity to delve more into botanics and visit the Swan Valley’s latest offering of Limeburners & Giniversity in the Valley. I dare you to try saying that quickly after a couple of gins.

Carmen Jenner Firstly, let me say a big ‘thank you’ to the Menu Team for such a warm welcome and allowing me to further explore my passion for fantastic food. Catching up with brilliantly creative people such as Craig at the Art of Seafood in East Perth and Karl and Simon at the repurposed Old Courthouse in Fremantle were great experiences.

As we progress further into 2022, the industry continues to be challenged by COVID. With borders reopened, there is a reason to be optimistic. Despite the pandemic, I have still managed to catch up with family in Queensland, travel to the Northern Territory and soon I am heading to Melbourne.

Closer to home, I continue to be amazed by the vibrant restaurant and cafe scene on Perth’s stunning sunset coast strip. During a recent visit to the Swan Valley, I was mightily impressed by the superb wine being produced by Mandoon Estate and Olive Farm wineries. Similarly, the gin and vodka on offer at Young Old’s Distillery - simply outstanding. Chris O’Halloran

There’s nothing I like better than going out for lunch with the girls. We had a great girl’s lunch at Limones Restaurant a few months ago and are heading to Dusit Dheva By The Sea at Sorrento Quay next week for some yummy Thai food. It was really delicious last time we went and very reasonably priced. I was lucky to be the one to write about Baguette Me Not at Karrinyup this issue – I was impressed with their food when I profiled it for the magazine. That’s where I will take the girls next.

Georgina Goss

As the weather gets colder, I am enjoying the change in season and energy. Dreaming of raging wood fires, hearty soups, and indulgently large glasses of bold shiraz. Having moved house recently, I have been exploring the new surrounds, enjoying the cultural influences of my little pocket of neighbourhood and the local burger joint, ideally located half way between my best friend’s house and my own. Is there anything better than a good burger, fantastic company, beer on tap and a space where your kids can entertain each other? I think not. As always, the review for this issue was a treat and I am sincere in shouting the praises of The Exchange Bar. Robust all-day brekkie menu? Tick. Delicious donut-esque sweet arancini balls? Tick. Prosecco for breakfast? Sold. Because we all deserve nice things sometimes.

Danica Scott