Cafe Music!

by Tellisha Dunlop

According to William Shakespeare music is the food of love. And one thing universally acknowledged is that food and music are two of my loves. But, when added to the dining experience music immensely influences the atmosphere of any cafe, bar or restaurant. My name is Tellisha and I will be taking over from Fahira, who has done a fabulous job on both the music blog and the CD reviews in issue 7 of Menu. In the next issue of Menu Magazine (Issue 8) I'll share some of my thoughts and ideas on where, who and what's happening lately on the Perth Live music scene.

Will keep you posted on what's happening,

Tellisha

My Cafe Music Diary:

Tombstone

This little known Mexican hideaway is located right in the heart of Mount Lawley . Many a student is drawn to this old upstairs eatery, with it's flair for Mexican cuisine and live music.

I ordered the steak burrito, while my dining companion opted for chicken. Each was served with salad and two slices of juicy watermelon.

Then craving something a little sweet, after our large servings of burritos we finished off with fried banana coated in caramel sauce and served with vanilla ice-cream.

While we enjoyed our meal Rick Steel (father of Sleepy Jackson's & Empire of the Sun's Luke Steele) entertained us with his guitar and husky vocals, covering tracks by old-time artists such as Johnny Cash. Thurdays are Blue's nights to the people at Tombstone and remain a popular fixture, with Rick Steel's CDs for sale at the counter.

But, the finest part of my evening must be dedicated to the $12 cocktails. I began with a margarita and finished with a tequila sunrise, which was brimming with fresh orange juice.

Address: U2/ 340 Walcott St Mt Lawley

Website: www.oldduck.info

 

The Moon Café

Looking for a little bit of jazz on a week night? Look no further than The Moon café. The Moon Café, a popular spot for night owls and live music lovers, is located on William Street in Northbridge.

While Thursday evenings are strictly jazzy affairs, this venue also provides ample live music on other days, namely Sundays. Sundays usually feature some up and coming local bands.

The Moon offers more than just late night snacks, with a hearty menu of pastas, pizzas and steaks.

While the homely pasta was alluring, I opted for the fried calamari with fries and a fresh side of salad. The old-fashioned jazz soothed my soul as I tucked into my seafood and sipped my cocktail.

The most mouthwatering thing on the menu continues to be the chocolate dessert pizza. The Moon Café will continue to be one of the most popular night spots, due to its good food and live music.

Address: Shop 2/323 William Street , Corner of Newcastle Street

Website: www.themoon.com.au

 

The Deville's Pad

If you're in the mood for something a bit extraordinary look no further than The Deville's Pad. It has much that will tempt your taste buds and delight your senses, with an American style menu and a rock n'roll vibe.

And if the demon within is crying for fried food and exotic cocktails, then this is the perfect excuse to visit the of-the-map themed restaurant. It advertises "Dining, Dancing and Devilry" and this is exactly what one gets on a feisty Saturday night.

If the weather is cold and windy outside, The Deville's Pad offers up an array of hot food and even hotter music to excite the crowd. With its regular band Rocket to Memphis belting out new and original tracks for the audience.

With unusual erotic décor and a lively atmosphere, this out-of-the-way little haven makes for a popular night spot for the select few with knowledge of its existence. It is almost like a secret underground club that only the privileged few in Perth know about.

The Deville's Pad is like a traditional American 60's Diner, but with an edgy twist. The selection of beverages and cocktails is amazing. I selected the Fallen Angel, as I was not brave enough for the house's specialty- Absinthe, in its many forms, ranging fromThe Green Fairy to the all powerful stuff. The Fallen Angel was delightful with its blend of peach puree and cream.

As Deville's is all about the American 60's style, its menu is no exception. With a selection of fried chicken, Keeping in line with all things kitsch, I ordered the serve of Summer Shack corndogs with ketchup, with a side of fries served with gravy, cheese sauce and salsa.

And for dessert, I was torn between the comfort of warm waffles with syrup and cream and the sweet novelty of the variety of homemade pies on offer. But in the end, Deville's hellish kitchen won me over with their promises of fantastic Wowsville waffles.

It is clear The Deville's Pad is catering for a certain kind of audience and with the 25 and over age barrier, a certain kind of age too. I'm very keen to pay another visit, and even more excited to try one of their tasty old fashioned pies, this time, perhaps Cherry or pumpkin.

Address: 1/3 Aberdeen Street

Website: www.devillespad.com

And for bookings email bookings@devillespad.com

 

The Ellington Jazz Club

For those looking for a classy cocktail and maybe a bite to eat this little jazz club is just the ticket. This lively place is located in the centre of Mount Lawley and boasts fantastic music and great food. It also has a good reputation locally and gives life to the great music that is jazz.

As the table seats were already fully booked, my friends and I opted for bar tickets, which cost $10. The bar was not so bad, as long as you have comfortable shoes, for there is not a stool to be seen for the competition for a place to sit down is fierce. But, the cocktails are fabulous and there is a variety to choose from. As it was our first time at the classy venue, we stuck with the trend and went with some deliciously pink Cosmopolitans to accomapany us at the crowded bar.

The only con of this lovely venue is its popularity. Not only, is it nearly impossible to reserve a seat (at $15 per person) - it requires a little patience. There is a bit of a wait, but there is a variety of nibbles to choose from as well, ranging from olives and dips to pizza and wedges. The variety of the food on offer perfectly matches The Ellington's smooth and funky vibe.

To reap the benefits of The Ellington's lively atmosphere it is best to make a visit on a Friday or Saturday night, and most importantly - book two weeks ahead!

Address: 191 Beaufort Street

Website: www.ellingtonjazz.com.au

 

Moon Cafe

For Jazz lovers out there, you won't be dissapointed on Thursday nights at the Moon Cafe in Northbridge. A gem of a find that my girlfriends and I discovered one night. An instrumental Jazz band takes centre stage at this quirky cafe that seems to transport you back in time. There's just about everything on the Menu to cater to every taste bud out there. From hearty pasta dishes to generous servings of Calamari and Chips, refreshing different flavoured sodas, pizza and mouth watering dessert. The Moon Cafe has character and its food packs a punch. It helps that they are open till late everyday. So next time when you're in the neighbourhood and not sure where to grab a bite or where to seek some entertaiment on a Thursday night, head down to the retro Moon to Jazz up your night!

Address: Shop 2/323 William Street, Corner of Newcastle Street

Website: www.themoon.com.au

by Fahira

 

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