Farrell's Cafe

Simply Farrell's

They say in Perth you are only a couple of handshakes away from someone you know. Well when it comes to dining, I'll make a bet that you are less than a couple of hand shakes away from someone who is a regular at Farrell's.

Opposite a peaceful park on Victoria Park's busy main street, Farrell's has to have one of the highest number of regular customers I have ever come across whilst being a food critic. This is a very good thing indeed - it means the staff are great, the atmosphere is great and the food? You guessed it.

One thing to which Farrell's has become somewhat famous for are their breakfasts, especially on Sundays. This is what we were treated to, early on a lazy Sunday morning.

Firstly we were introduced to one of the most fabulous looking mixed fruit platters I have ever seen. I have to admit fruit doesn't generally excite me, but it was so amazingly presented with everything from honeydew to kiwi fruit, I was very impressed. It was topped off with a sweet berry coulis and yoghurt.

Next were the pancakes. It was at this dish that I realised the chefs at Farrell's take great pride not only in the taste, but also the creative and colourful presentation of their meals. Still piping hot, the pancakes are served with teases of banana and caramel in every layer, and topped with berry coulis and maple syrup. They were everything true pancakes should be - light and fluffy, warm and sweet.

If you are after something a little heavier, or have a big day ahead of you I have two words - mixed grill.

Placed in front of us was a meat lovers dream - a huge plate piled high with lamb cutlets, sausages, bacon, mushrooms, eggs, roasted tomato and fresh toast. All cooked to perfection, this meal is actually great to share if you don't think you could handle it yourself. Cooked to perfection, the mixed grill is a favourite at Farrell's breakfasts - as well as bacon and eggs, of course.

Steve Donnelly has been the head chef at Farrell's, a family orientated business, for five years. Over the eight years Farrell's has been open, it has steadily built up it's breakfast reputation to gold status - as Elaine Suppramaniam, the duty manager says, "it's like a nightclub at 9 in the morning."

The great thing about Farrell's, however, is apart from its street side alfresco dining area, it is hugely busy, but still relaxing and peaceful. The staff know many customers by first name, and even know what the regulars order (Pancakes and scrambled eggs every morning for one couple who have experienced Farrell's breakfasts for the past five years!). "People know they aren't going to be ignored here - we actually care about our patrons," Elaine says.

Farrell's also encourages a hugely diverse custom - from the younger, maybe slightly hung over party goers, to an older, more mature crowd, to families and larger groups, to business meetings. They cater for everyone and everyone is welcome.

Farrell's offer a hugely varied menu, with reasonably priced, great tasting food - much of which is homemade. Whether you are after a hearty breakfast, light lunch or family dinner, you are guaranteed exceptionally prompt and friendly service. It's probably about time you became a regular at Farrell's, isn't it?

By Tiffany Wertheimer