My new writer Ros went to the The Cottesloe Beach Hotel’s NEW summer menu launch last week, this is her debut blog post on foodie cravings.
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Hot summer days and balmy nights call for a place where you can go to catch up with friends or dine and be entertained in style. The Cottesloe Beach Hotel has indeed transformed its former beer garden into the hottest place right on the water in Perth, across from the picturesque Indian Ocean.
When I was invited to The Cottesloe Beach Hotel’s summer menu launch on behalf of foodie cravings, I have to admit I was more than a little excited. This place was an institution on Sundays back in the day, so I was keen to see what it looked like now and what it had to offer with all the renovations.
As you walk in, the pub at the front overlooks the best beach in the world and you’ll find the entrance to The Beach Club on the side of the main building. There’s a seated dining area on the left and a short set of steps leads up to a paved area lined with bars and an open view of the kitchen.
It’s a festive scene, perfect for the sunny summer months. High tables are located in the middle with plenty of casual seating around the perimeter harbouring cushioned concrete benches. More intimate seating is located to the right where people can sit in more relaxed lounge areas. Lights are strung between the trees and colourful umbrellas adorn the sky. It has had a complete overhaul from what it used to look like and will no doubt be drawing in the crowds for yet another hot summer.
The evening started late in the day where the last glimpses of sun lit up the venue. The place filled up quickly and the drinks were soon flowing freely. Bright and decoratively dressed cocktails were passed around along with trays of wine and beer. Before long, The Cottesloe Beach Hotel was full of people chatting and mingling, soaking up their surroundings.
The cocktails were refreshing and perfect for the party atmosphere at The Cottesloe Beach Hotel. The lychee and watermelon cocktail was a delicious mix and went down far too easily. The Cocco Bella Cocco – coconut and pineapple liquor mixed with rum – was a great combination and evoked the image of a tropical island paradise. The elaborate presentation of this drink certainly impressed the crowd.
A selection of the new summer menu by new head chef, Ramon was brought out. The flavours of the food complemented the atmosphere and ambience of a venue set in the ideal summer location, the beautiful Cottesloe beach. All the food was light and fresh, the perfect accompaniment with the drinks that were on offer.
This is what I tried…
Grilled prawn pineapple with chilli lime salsa and roasted peanuts – a delicious mix with the pineapple and chilli adding that all important sweet kick. Definitely the dish of the night!
Prosciutto de parma with melon, rocket and feta – the saltiness of the prosciutto was complemented by the melon and feta. A favorite combination of mine, I ate several of these.
Roasted pumpkin salad with smoked baba ganoush, goats cheese and seeds – an interesting salad combination…
Mixed wood grill rotisserie, tzatziki and giant tabbouleh. My serve was lamb which was delicious. It was mildly spiced and I liked the giant pearl couscous it rested on. I like flavours of the Mediterranean so for me, this dish hit the spot.
Warm tiger prawns, with a lemon dressed Greek salad and aioli – this was nice but a little plainer than I’m used to. I would’ve preferred the prawns to be deveined.
Mini gorgonzola tarts with red onion and thyme confit – a winner for me. I would have happily eaten a mains portion with salad and chips on the side. Nothing beats flaky pastry with a warm, creamy filling, this little tart was divine.
Goats cheese bruschetta – zucchini, mint, salad with a sherry vinaigrette. I really like traditional bruschetta so thought this was a tasty twist on an original favorite. I think this kind of dish is best served straight away, but because it was a canapé, the time between preparation and service is a little too long.
My guest and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at The Cottesloe Beach Hotel. We agreed that it was fun, yet sophisticated and the perfect venue to head to with friends, a special occasion or an intimate evening out with your partner. The decor is stylish and decorative to suit the beach theme.
Judging by what we ate at the launch, I’ll be heading back to sample the rest of what The Cottesloe Beach Hotel has to offer. Prices range from $18 for lighter meals to $35 for something more substantial. Desserts start from $12.
View The Cottesloe Beach Hotel’s full menu here
A bit about Ros Buckley (@hungerpangs)
I love socialising and eating so if I can combine the two, it’s a match made in heaven. Always like to try somewhere new but can’t beat eating Vietnamese or Japanese food at a local haunt. I’m excited to explore more of what Perth has to offer and will base my restaurant reviews on food, service and the atmosphere.
Disclaimer: foodie cravings was invited as a guest of The Cottesloe Beach Hotel, see disclosure policy for more details.
