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Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Where to get Perth's best cooked chook
Noranda When PLAY restaurant reviewer Simon Collins names the chicken at this unassuming suburban restaurant his dish of the year, you know it has to be good. Owners Pauly and Nabil Bahbah make their juicy, flavourful chicken according to a family recipe, and the results are out of this world. South Perth South Perth Charcoal Chicken. Credit: South Perth Charcoal Chicken The owners of this popular local joint couldn't decide if they wanted to be a fish and chip shop or a chicken joint so they decided to do both — what a bunch of all-rounders! Their delicious Portugese-style whole chooks are worth the visit, and although the decor may be basic, the flavours are anything but. Como If you have a hankering for juicy Lebanese chicken that is a flavour sensation, then get yourself to Como, posthaste! Cooked over charcoal and basted in either lemon and herb or spicy flavours — take your pick — there is a reason loyal fans are willing to navigate the tricky parking situation at this popular joint. Huntingdale Charco's The Flaming Chicken. Credit: Charco's The Flaming Chicken A whole chicken cooked rotisserie-style over flaming coals for just $13? Yes please. It may be shockingly cheap, but there is no cutting corners in flavour at this Portugese-style chicken joint. Each chook, slathered in a moreish marinade, is cooked over coals, giving it that delicious smoky flavour. Mais! Por favor! 43 locations across WA OK, I know what you're thinking: 'Really?'. But if you need a bachelor's handbag in a hurry, then Red Rooster is a very solid option. Get one of their juicy chooks for dinner and you will be a happy camper. And lets face it — their chips are still the best.
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Mod-Asian eatery's excellent food deserves better service
There we were, sitting on a tall table on glorified bar stools eating very good food at a better-than-average restaurant called Mister D'Arcy in a northern suburban diner that wasn't even half full. Perhaps this is what they call elevated dining, but I just wouldn't mind a view out the window at the glorious blue sky without having to perch like a ventriloquist dummy on a wobbly chair. Once home to one of Perth's most beloved restaurants in (super-chef Stephen) Clarke's of North Beach, the food in this joint is bloody good. The service is not. What there is of it. You have to order at a till and grab your own water. When they announced they were taking over Clarke's, new chefs and owners Cara and Wes D'Arcy said Mister D'Arcy (named after Wes' father) would be somewhere between a bar and a restaurant, while the South East Asian-inspired tucker would be somewhere between Nobu and Long Chim. The D'Arcys also own The Iluka and Temple Bar in Iluka, and Jarrah in Hillarys. They appear to be building an eatery empire in Perth's northern corridor. I'll say it again, the food deserves better. Mister D'Arcy, North Beach. Credit: Simon Collins Pause. Breathe. The staff are lovely, just not the most proactive. Why would they be? We're meant to come to the bar, multiple times, to order starters, mains, drinks and dessert. If you're paying $44 for a curry, and if you're sharing it, you want a decent bowl in which to plonk rice and, for example, the rich sauce of the excellent Kapitan chicken curry. We got a flat share plate. Putting aside the colonial bric-a-brac strewn artfully around the bar/restaurant, the venue was a tad drab. There was no music, which might have been a blessing — if I never hear another soulless Cafe del Mar ChillOut mix, it'll still be too soon. But this Mister had all the atmosphere of a palliative care ward on the Friday afternoon we drove north. The solid wine list offered 19 by the glass, all around the $14-15 mark. There's also tap beers and cocktails, including a traditional Raffles Singapore sling for $25. The menu is divided into cold and hot small share plates, larger share plates, rice and noodles (plus chaat masala fries) and dessert. We started with the blue fin tuna tartare on crispy rice squares (six bites for $28), which were crunchy fun — a bit like fancy prawn toast with a hit of spice thanks to the sriracha kewpie mayo and ponzu sauce. A canny little starter. The ma hor or galloping horses were four sweet and spicy mounds of crispy duck and pork belly, imbued with chives, fish sauces, chilli ginger jam and cashews riding small slices of fresh pineapple ($18). Subtle spice galloped across my palate, soon reined in and tethered by the pineapple. Mister D'Arcy, North Beach. Credit: Simon Collins Shark Bay popcorn prawns ($25) were loads of fun, a bit like Nobu's famous rock shrimp tempura. Mister D'Arcy calls this KFC, or Kashmir fried chaat, and serves the super tasty nuggets of prawn in crispy golden better with wasabi kewpie sprinkled with chilli plus fresh lime. There are five curries, costing $34-$48, among the larger share plates. All come with enough jasmine rice for two. We had the Kapitan chicken curry ($38), an incredibly fragrant Malay dish of ridiculously tender chicken in a mildly spicy curry infused with turmeric and prawn head oil. Mister D'Arcy's version was creamy without being overly rich. The crispy beef fillet salad ($35) was a surprise, in a good way. A dry dish with striking aromas from fried curry leaves and kaffir lime, plus a spicy nuoc cham dressing on the cabbage, coriander, spring onion and other greens. The moreish beef was fried into chewy flavoursome little strips that made my wife reckoned tasted like a Thai Big Mac. We eschewed the temptation of curry chips to leave room for the molten chocolate brownie ($22), which had a baked exterior and a hot fudgy centre. Accompanied with excellent matcha green tea ice-cream and a little jug of Nikka Japanese coffee whiskey ganache, this dessert was served on a wooden bowl — an intriguing choice for a dish involving ice-cream. 97 Flora Terrace, North Beach Monday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm. Friday-Saturday, midday-11pm. Sunday, midday-10pm. 0419 269 472, Yes Vibrant South-East Asian dishes showcasing local produce. Decor evoking colonial Singapore. Counter service. Good drinks list. Neither here nor there, overall. Food deserves better.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Prison service ‘closed ranks' after young offender took his own life, FAI finds
Jack McKenzie, 20, died in his cell at Polmont YOI in September 2021, nine months after being remanded on rape and sexual assault charges, which he denied. Mr McKenzie was pronounced dead in his cell at 7.57am on September 3, after taking his own life which was deemed 'unpredictable' in a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) determination by Sheriff Simon Collins, after hearing evidence at Falkirk Sheriff Court. Mr McKenzie had been confined to his cell following an 'aggressive' outburst attributed to drugs on September 1. His death could have occurred between 3am and 7.36am, the inquiry found, however, two prison officers tasked with a 'hatch check' just after 6.30am did not do so sufficiently, and a total of seven recommendations were issued to Scottish Prison Service (SPS) regarding improvements. Sheriff Collins said in his determination 'poor practice must be investigated and sanctioned, not ignored and therefore – apparently – condoned'. It was a response which sends a message... to the public that the first response of SPS to poor staff practice in the context of the death of a prisoner is to close ranks and protect its own Sheriff Simon Collins It added: 'The purpose of imposing a sanction is not to criticise prison officers for the sake of it, but to seek to drive up standards in the hope – in the present context – of preventing the deaths of further young prisoners by suicide.' A six-month deadline was set for SPS to reduce 'abusive and bullying verbal behaviour, drug dealing, and to respond to physical disturbances' during the night, in the sheriff's determination. Mr McKenzie was described as a 'chronic drug user' who had been remanded four times in three years in Polmont YOI, however, his death was described as 'impulsive' and a report called for improvements to cell environments. Sheriff Collins, who presided over the Katie Allan and William Brown FAI, which also investigated Polmont, said 10 young prisoners died by suicide there between 2010 and 2023, while more than 120 prisoners died by suicide in Scottish prisons between 2011 and July 2024. A total of seven recommendations were made, and the report said: 'Jack's death was spontaneous, unpredicted and unpredictable. But it is well known that prisoner suicides can be so. 'Accordingly prisoners should, insofar as reasonably possible, be detained in environments which are safe, in the sense of minimising the risk of such suicides.' The report said an audit had been done of potential suicide risks in equivalent cells and using the Manchester Tool Kit (MTK), Mr McKenzie's cell would have 'indicated the highest level of risk'. It said: 'If a young, vulnerable prisoner was accommodated, without regular observation, the resulting overall MTK scoring for the cell would have indicated the highest level of risk, calling for remediation.' The sheriff wrote it 'would have been a reasonable precaution for the Scottish Prison Service prior to September 2021, to have removed and replaced the toilet cubicle door in Jack's cell, or to have modified it, such that it was not readily capable of being used… without significant ingenuity or adaptation'. Jack McKenzie took his own life at HMPYOI Polmont in September 2021 (Andrew Milligan/PA) Mr McKenzie was perceived by staff as 'jovial, funny, likeable and talkative' but on drugs could be 'aggressive, agitated and anti-authority' and traded substances. However, he had never been assessed as suicidal, the report September 1, Mr McKenzie smashed two phones and was restrained and confined to his cell due to becoming 'non-compliant' and intoxicated – using an order which would have expired on September 4 just after 3pm. The report said: 'There was simply nothing to indicate, prior to September 3 2021, that Jack had any thoughts or intention of dying by suicide'. Accounts from neighbouring cellmates suggested 'that Jack was still alive at around 3am to 4am' on September 3, the report said. At 6.37am on September 3, two prison officers failed to carry out a hatch check at Mr McKenzie's cell to ensure he was safe and failed to take steps to ascertain his whereabouts, and did not log concerns on a handover, it added. A recommendation said: 'A sanction should have been imposed on both officers and/or corrective training required of them.' Governor Gerry Michie did not issue any 'disciplinary action, reprimand, warning or sanction' and neither officer was 'offered, nor required, to undertake additional training '- which was branded 'unacceptable' in the report. The report said: 'The absence of any disciplinary action, given the seriousness of the breach, and the possible seriousness of the consequences of it, is incongruous and unacceptable. 'I do not accept, as SPS submitted, that this was within the range of reasonable responses open to governor Michie. 'Rather, it was a response which sends a message to prison officers that they will not be held to account for a failure to 'do the basics well', and a message to the public that the first response of SPS to poor staff practice in the context of the death of a prisoner is to close ranks and protect its own.' Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks said: 'The sheriff's determination, which makes significant recommendations in relation to reduction and prevention and the checking of cells, is extensive and detailed. 'The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the procurator fiscal who ensured that the full facts of Jack's death were presented in evidence. My thoughts remain with Jack's loved ones.' An SPS spokesperson said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences and apologies to the family of Jack McKenzie for his sad death and the failings identified in this report. 'We are grateful to Sheriff Collins for his recommendations, which we will fully consider as we continue to deliver systemic change, at pace, in a way which keeps young people in our care safe, during one of the most challenging and vulnerable periods of their lives.' Justice secretary Angela Constance said: 'I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Jack McKenzie, I am deeply sorry about his death. 'Deaths from suicide in custody are as tragic as they are preventable, and Jack's death should not have happened whilst he was in the care of the state. 'I have been clear that there needs to be systemic change and action at pace to ensure we prevent avoidable deaths in custody. Work is well underway to put in place the necessary reforms to make our prisons safe and rehabilitative. 'I thank Sheriff Collins for his detailed determination which has highlighted a number of reasonable precautions that should have been taken and systemic failures that must be addressed to help prevent other deaths in custody. 'His recommendations will be given very careful and detailed consideration and responded to formally by July 11. 'Delivering lasting change must be underpinned by accountability and transparency at every stage which is why I have established a ministerial accountability board to provide oversight and drive progress.'
West Australian
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Take 5: Food festivals celebrate the best WA produce from the Perth Hills and Gascoyne to the city
TAKE 5 Compiled by Simon Collins Experience the best of WA food and drink at these fun festivals. BICKLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL May 3-4 This autumn event returns with more than 20 venues in the stunning Perth Hills showcasing the finest local wine, spirits, food and produce across its opening weekend. This year, Bickley Harvest Festival extends across the entire month of May at Core Cider, Fairbrossen, Hainault, La Fattoria, Myattsfield, Plume Estate and other Hills favourites. GASCOYNE FOOD FESTIVAL 2025 July 26-August 31 Australia's largest regional food experience expands to 16 events, led by acclaimed chef Ben Ing hosting the opening Carnarvon Long Table Lunch on July 26. Gascoyne Food Festival also features culinary offerings in Exmouth, Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island highlighting local produce and producers against the region's incredible landscapes. SLOW FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL May 2-4 Albion on Swan in Henley Brook hosts the inaugural Slow Food and Wine Festival, bringing together Noongar culture and the influence of Croatian and Italian families on the Swan Valley, just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. Starring tastings from local winemakers Talijancich, Local Weirdos, Vino Volta and Swan Valley Wines, the event kicks off with an immersive six-course dinner on May 2, followed by two sessions on May 3 and one on May 4. UNWINED PERTH May 16-17 This May, immerse yourself in the ultimate winter celebration at UnWined Perth, held at the picturesque Supreme Court Gardens. The event highlights the best of WA's wine, food and entertainment, offering a big day out in the heart of the city. This year, festival-goers can indulge in the Bottomless Long Table, a 90-minute session of bottomless wine and beer paired with tasty tapas. LITTLE CREATURES HOP HARVEST FESTIVAL Today, April 26 Fremantle brewing institution Little Creatures celebrates 25 years of beer and this year's fresh harvest of hops with live music, craft beer and plenty of fun at the Mews Road microbrewery from midday to 8pm today.
Perth Now
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Eat and drink the best of WA at these foodie festivals
TAKE 5 Compiled by Simon Collins Experience the best of WA food and drink at these fun festivals. BICKLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL May 3-4 This autumn event returns with more than 20 venues in the stunning Perth Hills showcasing the finest local wine, spirits, food and produce across its opening weekend. This year, Bickley Harvest Festival extends across the entire month of May at Core Cider, Fairbrossen, Hainault, La Fattoria, Myattsfield, Plume Estate and other Hills favourites. GASCOYNE FOOD FESTIVAL 2025 July 26-August 31 Australia's largest regional food experience expands to 16 events, led by acclaimed chef Ben Ing hosting the opening Carnarvon Long Table Lunch on July 26. Gascoyne Food Festival also features culinary offerings in Exmouth, Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island highlighting local produce and producers against the region's incredible landscapes. Canadian chef Ben Ing is the star attraction at the Gascoyne Food Festival. Credit: Supplied SLOW FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL May 2-4 Albion on Swan in Henley Brook hosts the inaugural Slow Food and Wine Festival, bringing together Noongar culture and the influence of Croatian and Italian families on the Swan Valley, just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. Starring tastings from local winemakers Talijancich, Local Weirdos, Vino Volta and Swan Valley Wines, the event kicks off with an immersive six-course dinner on May 2, followed by two sessions on May 3 and one on May 4. The inaugural Slow Food and Wine Festival will be held in the Swan Valley. Credit: Supplied UNWINED PERTH May 16-17 This May, immerse yourself in the ultimate winter celebration at UnWined Perth, held at the picturesque Supreme Court Gardens. The event highlights the best of WA's wine, food and entertainment, offering a big day out in the heart of the city. This year, festival-goers can indulge in the Bottomless Long Table, a 90-minute session of bottomless wine and beer paired with tasty tapas. LITTLE CREATURES HOP HARVEST FESTIVAL Today, April 26 Fremantle brewing institution Little Creatures celebrates 25 years of beer and this year's fresh harvest of hops with live music, craft beer and plenty of fun at the Mews Road microbrewery from midday to 8pm today.
