The Carine

LOCATION
Located in Duncraig, a northern suburb of Perth.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Renovated in 2002, The Carine is one of those places you just can’t resist. Family friendly and boasting a range of stylish areas, it truly has something for everyone. There’s a sports bar, lounge area, an ultra-cool alfresco area complete with relaxing water feature and of course a beautifully decorated restaurant. After enjoying a few pre-dinner drinks in the lounge, which often has live entertainment on weekends, diners can leave the noise behind as they take their seats in the separate dining area. The mood here is a little more subdued without making you feel you’re in for a night of fine dining snobbery. Making the most of local fresh produce (often a rarity at restaurants connected to pubs), the menu features a succinct range of meals covering favourites and chef’s specialties.

The oysters with crab, vodka and chive mayo are certainly something to write home about as are the spiced grilled tiger prawns – local of course. Being one who loves to judge a restaurant on their tasting plate, I’m happy to report it was just what I expected. Piled high with lemon pepper calamari, tiger prawns, olives, fetta and warm bread with dips, everything was lip-smackingly good and I was particularly impressed with the freshness of the seafood. The braised duck on the mains menu gets two thumbs up, as does the Western Australian prime beef and the reef and rump from the grill. The only piece of advice I have for potential guests of The Carine is don’t park under the massive gum trees during sundown – the white cockatoos that loiter in these trees for the evening will leave you looking for a carwash on the way home!

Karen Bilsby