Cafe at the Hyatt

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Cafe at the Hyatt has recently reopened after a much-needed renovation, transforming the venue from a somewhat dated diner to a sexy new restaurant. The new look is impressive, to say the least, with plush booths, funky wooden screens and rich chocolate hues making this place look more like a swanky cocktail lounge than a buffet restaurant. I usually cringe when people suggest dining at a buffet as thoughts of sad looking food spring to mind. Thanks to Cafe at the Hyatt, I have become a lover of the buffet once again.

So where does one begin when faced with such a wide range of fresh food laden before them? My suggestion would be to visit the deli section first. This is where you’ll find a selection of local WA seafood like yabbies, mussels and tiger prawns along with Tasmanian smoked salmon and fresh South Australian oysters (weekend evenings only). Purveyors of cold meats will adore the coppa, parma ham and dried beef but the best has to be the daily terrine – perfect with an assortment of the antipasto salads. Once you’ve demolished as many prawns as you can, it’s time to hit the show kitchen. Think roasted meats, grilled items like Narrogin Hill lamb cutlets and silver cobbler, pastas and risottos, and vegetables. Although the menu changes daily, there’s a slight Italian influence evident in dishes like the risottos, pizza and foccacia station. Now prepare yourself for the grand finale – the dessert station. It’s everything and more I would expect for a buffet of this standard and when faced with the likes of pavlova, fruit tarts, baked New York cheesecake, tiramisu and creme brulee, that little voice inside starts to whimper, “Oh I wish I didn’t eat so many prawns”. Too late!

Karen Bilsby

Personal Statement