How to get your French food fix in Perth, inspired by Beauty And The Beast
In the decadent dining room of a country chateau, Disney princess Belle is presented with an overwhelming array of classic French dishes, from soup du jour to hot hors d'oeuvres, beef ragout, cheese souffle and 'pie and pudding, en flambe'.
The banquet scene will come to life on stage in Perth for the first time when the musical version of Beauty And The Beast makes its debut at Crown Theatre this week.
If the mention of such gastronomic delights whets your appetite, but boarding a plane to Paris isn't an immediate option, we have some suggestions for how to get your French fix without leaving WA.
So tie your napkin round your neck, cherie!
Celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi's contemporary restaurant at the Crown complex is the obvious choice for a pre-show dinner, with all the traditional suspects appearing on the menu. Start with escargot, then tuck into beef bourguignon and top it off with profiteroles for dessert. Tres bien.
Its name may not scream French but this Fremantle bistro is known for its authentic, comforting dishes and warm setting. Housed in a heritage-listed cottage on Essex Street, Angel's House looks to the seasons when planning its culinary offering so there's always an exciting special to try.
Down the road in East Fremantle, La Lune oozes Parisian charm with its chic dining room and sidewalk tables (excellent for people-watching). The signature dish is the bavette a la Lune served with bearnaise and frites, or embrace joie de vivre by ordering fresh-baked madeleines with a glass of champagne on a sunny afternoon.
The crab toast here is basically a local legend with its own loyal fan club. The Mt Lawley diner's menu is tiny but mighty, with famed fare that foodies return to time and again. Le Rebelle is also big on atmosphere and vibes, making it a prime choice for a French-inspired date night.
A carefully curated wine list inspired by the regions of Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhone is a major drawcard for this neighbourhood restaurant, tucked away in Shenton Park. In addition to its a la carte and brunch offering, La Bastide has a dedicated classics menu that changes monthly showcasing refined French techniques.
If desserts are more your flavour, pop into Chu for a sugar hit. Sample buttery sable, smooth creme patisserie, moist frangipane, flaky pastry, airy choux and soft meringue from the cabinet of treats, which is always serving up surprise specials and unexpected flavours. The queue is worth the sweet reward.
French food is notoriously tricky for those with dietary requirements, but vegans can have their croissant and eat it, too, thanks to award-winning pastry chef Cedric Manile. His Inglewood bakery crafts an assortment of plant-based goodies and celebration cakes, and he also teaches others tricks of the trade through his academy.
+ Beauty And The Beast opens in Perth on July 24. Tickets are via beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au
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