Adventures with Hannah and Sheena; the best kind of adventures! (because they usually involve food).

I picked up Mum yesterday to join me for some location scouting. I’ve been put in charge of this year’s Christmas Party (queue panic attack) and wanted to scope a couple of places out.

I ignored my flashing petrol light and took Stella, my little Golf, out West to suss out Tropico in North Beach.
Arriving after 11am, we were just looking for a quick coffee but were told there was an hour wait for a table.
I honestly thought the buzz from this place had died down, but apparently not!Instead we ordered two coffees and a cronut to go, and walked down to the coast to check out the view.
We managed to catch the only nice part of the day, and enjoyed our treats while basking the sun.

The space is gorgeous, I love the breath of fresh air that this café has given that little strip and it’s obviously still very popular.
The coffee was perfect; Will and Co beans treated very well, and the accompanying lemon meringue cronut was to die for.
It’s a shame that you don’t actually have a view of the ocean from inside the café (knowing how close it really is), and for that reason I don’t think this is the right place for our Christmas party.
I would love to go back one early morning, though, as I have heard wonderful things about their breakfast.

Having topped up our caffeine and sugar levels, we hopped back in the car and travelled onwards. Destination: Northbridge.
We were both feeling a little too full to begin eating again, so I suggested we check out the current [free] exhibition at the Museum.
They are currently hosting the 2015 World Press Photo exhibit, which holds some unbelievably confronting and exquisite photography. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to pop your head in and have a quick squiz. Be warned though, it’s not the most pleasant collection of pictures, but it is true to the current situations across our globe.

One of the happier shots, I would have taken more but I didn’t want to snap away like a tourist in there.

Sourcing out something to lighten the mood, we kept on exploring our own neighbourhood. Perth is changing in the blink of an eye, with new bars, restaurants and hotels popping up all over town, and we were eager to see the new additions.
One in particular that caught our eye was the Alex Hotel.

After poking our heads in for an unashamed sticky-beak, we were actually given a tour of the hotel! “It’s so Melbourne” was a phrase being thrown around by Mum and I, which made me cringe a little and yet was a fitting description.
With very minimal, but high standard rooms the guests are encouraged to mill around in the common areas, or explore the nearby streets. Described as a ‘hostel for adults’ the floors are decked out with book shelves, reading nooks and huge common tables intended for people to socialise.
It does seem a little hipster with exposed piping, concrete walls, a rooftop bar and cruiser bikes for hire, however I think that it’s exactly what Perth is crying out for! Bring on some more boutique hotels just like this one.

Finally admitting defeat to the weather gods, we found cover and comfort at The Standard.
Having been here before, this restaurant/bar was at the top of my ‘potential Christmas party’ list.

We just needed to double check…

The friendly, bubbly staff pointed us the direction of a dry Tempranillo rose and we placed our order for some nibbles (my favourite way to eat lunch), starting with olives. My lunch date; isn’t she a beauty? (God bless my genes)

We had our eye on the fava chips with mushroom ketchup and aioli, and were also recommended the mushrooms doughnuts – little dough parcels filled with mushroom ragu topped with lemon and chive curd and paprika sugar.

The fava chips were cooked differently from what we remembered, crispier and with more of a batter and the doughnuts could have held more ragu to balance out the heavy dough. However, these were small nitpicks, as the food was delicious and comforting.

The Standard have found such a great location, which will only improve as the Northbridge-City Link is developed. I fall in love with their outside section everytime I visit; the fairy lights and blossoms just do it for me!
The food is delectable, drinks selection on par and the staff are so, so helpful.

Ladies and Gentleman, I think we have a winner.

Thank you for exploring with me Mum, let’s do it again ASAP.

Hanbel.
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