Living in Perth, the most isolated capital city in the world can make you feel a little bit alone from the rest of the world, so it is always good to find people who have the same interests as you – what else but food writing!
Penny and I (the co-founders of the Wandering Gourmet) were joined by Cynthia, Matt, Jane, Jennifer, Jade, and Tenina for lunch at Sensations en Ardross which is a local cafe nestled amongst a small shopping village in Applecross. It is the first time I’ve ever been to this cafe which prides itself on using local Western Australian produce, and was one of Heath Ledger’s favourite haunts when he was home.
It is also the first time I’ve ever met up with any bloggers so it was interesting to hear the conversation before we ordered our meals was all shop talk! It was great to get to know why everyone blogged, and I was amazed by the talented individuals who were amongst us – some of whom were food industry professionals as freelance food writers, photojournalists, or recipe magicians.
I ordered the Steak Sandwich. My dining companions had a Caesar Salad with Salmon, a BLT, Pork Salad, a Couscous Salad with a Terrine, Roast Vegetables with Pancakes, and a Garlic Prawn Salad.
I thought the Steak Sandwich which was not bad. The only thing I thought was weird was that it was served on a bagel instead of actual sandwich bread. I guess adding the kosher bagel tried to give it a bit of a ‘gourmet’ flavour.
The Pork Salad with Walnuts was great. This diner enjoyed especially loved the taste of the crunchy, lightly toasted walnuts.
The Garlic Prawns Salad was good, even though it lacked a garlic-y flavour.
The Couscous Salad with a Terrine was just “ok”.
And the Roast Vegetables with Pancakes was ok. The roast veggies still had the peel on them, which the diner didn’t particularly enjoy. By the looks of things, it just looks like 1-2 kinds of roast vegetable, which is a bit of shame. However, this was redeemed by the marvellous crepes which had hints of either strawberry or tomato.
Alfred Hitchcock once said that conversation is the enemy of good wine and good food. I think we all have to disagree, as our conversation flowed from very interesting topics such as how to lower alcohol absorption in your blood stream to a shocking experience of being at farm in rural France where they were preparing ducks for foie gras.
We also exchanged gifts which some of us had specially prepared beforehand… or had stolen. Bottles of Kirrihill wine were shared out amongst us, and we all received a handy beer opener key chain. Guess which item was ’stolen’. 
I would like to thank Kirrihill Wines for the free wine and to the workers and diners at Sensations en Ardross for putting up with us. But most of all, I would like to thank my new found Foodie friends for coming and to Foodbuzz for choosing the Wandering Gourmet as part of its great 24, 24, 24 event!
Sensations en Ardross
43a Ardross St
Applecross 6153 WA
Phone: (08) 9364 8806
Group bookings and EFTPOS are available. If you make a booking, they have a plastic card on the table identifying whom the reserved table is for. How organised!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Ange,
Sounds like a fun day. Apologies again, I would have loved to have come along (with a few bottles of wine), maybe next time.
Hi Ed
That’s ok, there’s always next time. We’re thinking of having pot luck for the next Perth Food and Beverage Writer/Bloggers meet – I’m not sure who is organising it but by the looks of things its fallen to me again!
congrats! Good too see another aussie entry in the 24,24,24~!
Thanks Billy!
Kudos to you Wandering Gourmet! Great lunch had by all thanks Angie…and you all re-inspired me to climb back on the blogging wagon!! Thanks for the wine..and count me in next time.
Hi Angie!
Many thanks again for the meet!
Next blooger meet? Yes..count me in! =)