new share and talk menu takes the lead
Camera Iconnew share and talk menu takes the lead Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Standing ovation

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

A showstopper in the food and wine department, this little star has its basis covered.

Since opening in September 2012, this popular venue is building on the success of its first year with a new menu filled with more dishes to entertain ‘the suits’ and ladies-who-lunch over summer.

Owner and general manager Patrick Ryan, who owns the restaurant with four others, said ‘with it being just over a year old, patrons were still getting to know them’.

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However, it is their handmade pasta and the wine list people are talking about.

Drawing inspiration from local seasonal produce and the Italian heritage of head chef, Joel Valvasori-Pereza, their signature dish of hand-made ravioli of spinach and ricotta, fig, sage, and walnut butter was a winner, but according to Ryan, it was all about having fun with food.

‘It was really about everyone having a lot more fun with what was being done,’ he said.

‘We break the mould of the cookie-cutter type menus around town while sharing great food and enjoying a nationally awarded wine list.

‘Our new menu layout has been designed to encourage people to share more and hopefully talk more.

‘Whether it be the lamb leg between four or the ‘Il Capo’ chef’s selection for a group of friends, people will be able to enjoy themselves in a comfortable, uncomplicated way at a reasonable price.

‘Personally I am a big fan of Joel’s cold smoked Buffalo Mozzarella with fennel and pickled green tomatoes.’

Divided into four different areas including The Public Bar, The Dining Room, The Lounge and The Courtyard, it provides a welcoming watering hole and unpretentious quality dining experience in the one place, something he believed worked well.

‘We have beautifully executed food that proudly sticks to its roots, an amazing wine list and some great beers and spirits, all in a comfortable setting with casual, yet smart service,’ he said.

‘We take our service, food and drinks very seriously, yet we deliver it all in a comfortable, casual (sometimes cheeky) way ” that is something that is very important to us.’ Lalla Rookh: Lower Ground, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth.