Grapeskin

Gnocchi Gnocchi? Who's There? GRAPESKIN!

Nestled in the heart of bustling Northbridge is a wine bar that checks all the boxes.
Grapeskin is the chic venue next door to the Northbridge icon The Brass Monkey, with a brand-new menu offering exciting dishes and well-loved favourites.

Its quiet and relaxing atmosphere set aside from the hustle and bustle of the Northbridge precinct makes Grapeskin a perfect place for a lunchtime meal or after-work drink, listening to the whispering smooth sounds of jazz.

Head Chef Brenton Phelps created his tapas-style menu as the ultimate compliment to Grapeskin’s unique atmosphere, and it contains a number of dishes perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of red. There is a selection of share plates on offer but the Tasting Plate of the Day offers a bit of variety to the fussy diner with lemon arancini, feta and sun-dried tomato frittata, grilled chorizo, feta cheese, olives and slices of crisp Pizza Bianca.

A glass of the 2000 Peel Estate Shiraz is the suggested wine and a perfect accompaniment to the tasting plate. The friendly bar staff will happily suggest a great wine to accompany your selected meals, and with a very extensive cellar - over 250 bottles - Grapeskin has a wine to suit nearly everyone’s palate.

But if sharing a meal isn’t your thing and you’re after something a little more substantial, Grapeskin definitely doesn’t disappoint. Most popular with the lunchtime crowd are the $8.50 meal specials that run Monday to Thursday. Our fish of the day special was moist succulent Barramundi fillets crisply pan-fried and served with lemon risotto and a Thai-style salad. The strong acidity of the lemon risotto paired perfectly with the pan-fried fish while the crisp clean tastes of the salad with cucumber, tomato, fennel and coriander balanced the rich consistency of the risotto creating a very well rounded and tasty dish.

If your not a fan of seafood and want something a little more Australian, the lamb cutlets served with creamy smooth potato mash, green beans and carrots make for a very delicious and hearty meal. Or you could try one of Grapeskin’s prided pizzas such as the chicken, mushroom, prosciutto, creamy basil pesto and parmesan pizza, wood-fired on a thin light base.

But if you’re really after a mind-blowing taste sensation then look no further than the Basil and Ricotta Gnocchi. It’s smooth and creamy and melts in your mouth, served - but not swimming - in a mild blue cheese sauce with parmesan crust and crushed hazelnuts. With such a rich flavoured dish the recommended wine is the 2006 Mountadam Riesling that succeeds in cleansing the palate between mouthfuls with its crisp clean finish.

After your meal, stay for a glass or two of the 2006 Saint Clair Chardonnay. It’s the suggested wine to compliment the Cheese Plate Trio. The plate is a very satisfying nibble with substantial slices of West Australian Capel Club Cheddar, Shadows of Blue from Gippsland Victoria, and Wattle Valley Brie from New Zealand, along with a selection of fresh and dried fruits, toasted nuts and crispbread. It provides a lovely spread to wind down an evening, and the Saint Clair’s sweet and light flavour balances the cheeses and highlights the selected fruit beautifully.

So if you’re ever in need of a chic venue to wind down, catch up with friends, grab a bite to eat or develop your wine palate then pop in to the Grapeskin and see for yourself - it’s sure not to disappoint.

By Lauren Norton