By Franz Scheurer
Lamont’s overlooks the river at the edge of the Claisebrook Inlet, providing peace and tranquillity a 5-minute taxi ride from Perth’s CBD. Modern, clean lines, lots of glass and hard surfaces and a kaleidoscope of blue on one wall are highlighted by a deep red on the other. The menu is short, concise and very approachable.
We tried the ‘Spring Pea, Orecchiette and Gruyère’, the ‘White Rocks Veal Carpaccio with Tuna Confit, Micro Herbs and Porcini Oil’ and the ‘Asparagus with Soft Poached Duck Egg, Spanish Ham and Macadamia Crunch’ for our entrées and they all presented very well. The veal was the best dish and although the asparagus had all the potential to be outstanding it suffered from the use of totally unnecessary (and unmentioned on the menu) truffle oil. We loved the ‘Poached Pemberton Marron with Crushed Pea Raviolo and Beurre Noisette’. This dish looked a million dollars, tasted great and was thoughtfully prepared with the claws pre-cracked and the tail meat removed and arranged in a circle. A side of ‘Hand Cut Chips with Truffled Sea Salt’ (Manjimup truffles) was rather moreish! Desserts, ‘Pear and Roast Strawberry Crumble with Pear and Crème Fraîche Sorbet’ and ‘Apple and Cranberry Roulade with Calvados and Vanilla Crème Patissière’ looked great and were competently prepared, the rhubarb and strawberry being the most popular.
The wine list was excellent, giving a choice for every budget and taste and a bottle of Domaine A Stony Vineyard Rosé worked a treat with all the dishes.
Service was very friendly and attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Attention to detail could improve (we were never offered a taste of the wine and the sparkling water was refilled with still) … small but important points. With a sublime view, peaceful atmosphere and comfortable chairs, this is a great place for everything from a business lunch to a tête-a-tête with a lover.
Score: 6.5/10
For more information:
Lamont’s East Perth
11 Brown Street
(Off Boardwalk)
East Perth WA 6004
Tel.: 08 9202 1566
http://www.lamonts.com.au/page/ep_lamonts.htm