Lunch at Aunty Pat's Pantolo Cafe

Lunch was at the local restaurant cafe located inside the ranch; and is probably the only option for those who are waiting in eager anticipation for their tours to start (yes, like us!)
I love the simple decor of the cafe; and though the choices for food may be slightly limited, they are still not too bad. (Oh, I do like the homey name of the cafe too; probably to spice up that ranch feel factor?)

We had our lunch at Aunty Pat's Pantolo Cafe.

Grilled fish with corn cob



Can't remember how much this cost; think it was about USD$8-9 per plate?
This is a single portion, but it could very well feed the two of us!:-)

I didn't set much expectation for the food; perhaps due to the excitement or the holiday mood?
However, the grilled fish, sans the oily bit, was surprisingly quite good!



Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the corn cob :-(
A pity, since I love corn cob usually!



After lunch, we waited for another half an hour before making our way to embark on our tour, yeah!

To be continued...

Perth 2010: Day 4 - Lunch @ Cicerello's (WA's No. 1 Fish & Chips)

We headed to Fremantle (again!) for our much needed late lunch (it was almost 2.15pm when we arrived!)


As expected, the place was brimming with business; what's more when it was on a late Sunday afternoon.



It was again, fish & chips for lunch (what else can you expect when you are in Perth which is almost synonymous to the city of Fish & chips? Seriously, everywhere I go, I just spot Fish & chips)

This time, we picked Cicerello's which we have read in travel books that it was recommended for its fish and chips, reputed as the best not only in Perth but also in the whole of WA!


It would be hard to miss this place which was almost the first on the harborfront boardwalk, and furthermore, the sight of the white umbrellas covering the alfresco dining area is a sure sign to catch anyone's eye.


As it was so packed inside the restaurant due to the peak lunch hour and furthermore, the weather was chilly which ushered most of the diners to choose inner dining, it was a great thing that Cicerello's had an upper deck dining area

Needless to say, the place was also packed to the brim with the hungry diners.


Ordering had to be done downstairs and again, we were given a beeping pager to inform us when the food is ready for collection



Grilled Fish & Chips

Honestly, I was really disappointed with the quality of the fish served here, maybe because I had my hopes/expectations high when I heard so much raves and their reputation as WA's No.1 Fish & Chips.

The fish fillet was rather thin in comparison to that served in Kaili's and it was not as scrumptious.
It was in fact, rather oily, and I preferred the side serving of the salad much more.


The Seafood platter was also another major disappointment, it was more oily.


We ordered the same things on purpose to tell the difference in the quality between Kaili's and Cicerello's and obviously, we preferred the former.
The latter was higher in price and yet failed to deliver to our expectations.

We had our lunch until almost 3.15pm; it was practically tea time!

The dining area, which was so busy earlier was now so empty

After lunch, we walked around the harborfront as what we had done the night before to enjoy the view of the sea and the boats, and also the cool breeze.





There were statues built in memory of the fishermen who had served the port previously, which have now become photography icons today.



I am going to miss Fremantle...a lot since this is my last day...


To be continued to Day 4's evening post...

PERTH 2010: DAY 3 - Dinner @ Kaili's Fish Market

After an enjoyable itinerary with a mixture of nature and elegance in the afternoon, we were soon greeted by the subsiding colorful rays of the skies as the sun slowly made her exit.


We made our way back to Fremantle area for our dinner; to venture to the original Kaili's Fish & Chips this time ;)
I knew we were on the right track when I saw the beckoning flags along the way.


This area was packed at night, and it was pretty tough looking for a parking space but we were quite lucky as we found one in no time.


I Loved the sunset view at the harbor front and could not resist taking photos before my dinner, despite being reminded that the temperature is dropping and the place is getting packed.




I could not stand being out there for long as it was getting really cold and the bright lights and aromatic scent from the seafood restaurants lining the boardwalk was really alluring one to try them out.



Yes, I've found Kaili's Fish Market this time!~


The place was busy and bustling with customers from everywhere; local and tourists like me too.

It was really a challenge getting a place to sit before one can even order their reputedly famous fish & chips.




It is just like any fast food restaurant, where you just queue up and order based on the illustrated photo menu above the counter.


Upon ordering and paying, customers get a pager which will beep when their orders are ready for serving/collection.
(It is all self-service here)


Waiting for my food


We didn't have to wait long for our food.
Grilled fish & chips (AUD $9.90)



Seafood platter (AUD$14.90)


Surprisingly, the more expensive and elaborate Seafood platter was served in a takeaway-like box compared to the cheaper Fish & Chips.
Furthermore, they only provide plasticware for the Seafood platter while there were silverware for the Fish & Chips.


Fresh and big mussels from the Seafood Platter


Yes, Kaili's gotten my vote too, for the best Fish & Chips!~ =)


I love the night view on the harbor area; despite the chilly breeze blowing around my cheeks and freezing me!~







Due to the cold weather, the alfresco dining area was bare for the night as most of the customers have bundled themselves in the cosy interior of the restaurant.




To be continued to Day 4...