Twisted Fork

LOCATION
Minutes drive from Cottesloe Beach or 15 minutes from the city.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
I’m embarrassed to admit that until just recently, I hadn’t heard of Twisted Fork restaurant. Thankfully a few friends discovered this little gem, begging me to visit and have my own Twisted Fork experience. Mosman Park is not my local haunt but finding the restaurant was easy enough and parking was a cinch. This intimate little place exudes style and ambience with mood lighting and art-adorned walls reflecting off polished floorboards. Tables seem fairly close together yet when the food arrives, you are instantly catapulted into a culinary world of your own. Owners Paul and Jaycinta Zammit know the importance of good, consistent food and service. Running the kitchen is like a second nature for Paul, who creates amazing produce-driven cuisine, minus the froufrou.

One bite of the salt cod fritters with chorizo and aioli (for entree) and I knew my tastebuds were in good hands. Paul’s food is honest and simplistic and his combination flavours are some of the best I’ve sampled in recent years. After witnessing a fellow diner devour the pear and blue cheese tart with black pig prosciutto, I know what I’ll be having on my next visit. As with entrees, the mains menu focuses on quality rather than quantity. There may only be a handful of dishes to pick from but each is worthy of being served to royalty. The free-range pork with sage stuffing, perfect crackling, mushroom and eschalot jus was an absolute joy to eat as I stole mouthfuls of the asparagus risotto with truffle oil, rocket and parmesan from a very patient dining buddy. Best of all, the fixed price option allows diners to experience either an entree and main or a main and dessert for $49.95 per person, proving it is possible to enjoy superb food without maxing out your cards!

Karen Bilsby