LOCATIONLocated in Midland.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAWhat do you get if you cross good old Aussie bush tucker with a ridgy didge outback setting within 30 minutes’ drive of the big smoke? You get The Coolgardie Safe; Perth’s most unique restaurant serving fair dinkum native Australian produce ranging from game to gourmet. Recently moving from East Perth to The Eastern Hotel in Midland, the new venue provides a much more appropriate environment for a restaurant known for its crocodile rather than conceit. But before you start “packin’ your dacks” about eating creepy crawlies or long-legged native birds, it’s not all shock value at The Coolgardie Safe.
The grub here is extremely good and boasts flavours that’ll have your tastebuds waving the Aussie flag in no time. For those wanting to get a true taste of bush tucker, try the entree serve of witchetty grubs warmed on the char-grill with garlic butter – not for the faint-hearted but you’ll certainly earn bragging rights just for trying them. To continue your ocker experience try the “tastes of Australia” plate featuring crocodile, kangaroo, emu, karri-smoked chicken, Oz natural olives, wild lime compote, local fetta, bush tomato chutney, spicy quandong relish, beetroot and damper. Of course there’s The Coolgardie Game Safe with kangaroo, emu and crocodile fillets served with true blue sides of salad and mash, or the ocean fare with Queensland tiger prawns, beer-battered fish and chips or giant squid fillet. If you’re not keen on being too experimental, fear not – there’s plenty of “normal” fare on offer like the popular Black Angus sirloin or scotch fillet served with red wine and Vegemite (yes Vegemite) jus. Just make sure you leave enough room for the pavlova with native fruit coulis – you’d be crazier than a cut snake to miss out on Australia’s favourite dessert!
Karen Bilsby