PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAYou don’t have to live south of the river to have heard of Coco’s Riverside Bar and Restaurant. Even if your only knowledge of this fine diner is its glamorous function attendees appearing on the social pages of the daily newspaper, you’ll probably still regard this venue as one of Perth’s finest. Owned by Ian Love and operating for over 18 years, there’s much to be said for “loving” your work (pardon the pun). Over the years, Ian has hosted a plethora of star studded events, wine-laden dinners and talked about functions but, all this aside, he still knows how to provide his diners with fabulous food, wine and service, no matter who you are. While the city views across the river needs no extra gloss, the decor at Coco’s could use a little attention, particularly when compared with Love’s other business venture, Deco at The Raffles.
The menu at Coco’s was better than expected with dishes like beef carpaccio with truffle mayonnaise, and the fresh grilled scallops with pear chutney, chorizo and sage proving the chefs were up with the food fashion of today. With such a decent menu as this it’s hard to single out favourite dishes but I’d have to say the Boyup Brook lamb cutlets on parmesan polenta, and the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon with roasted bell pepper, asparagus and black olive salsa sent my tastebuds into overdrive. If you’re an oyster lover, the Larner’s South Australian rock oysters are also worth a try, or a dozen. One last bit of advice – don’t forget your camera. You may recognise a famous face whilst taking in the local view!
Karen Bilsby, July 2008