150 Great Eastern Hwy, Ascot
Phone: (08) 9479 0099
150 has it all
Nestled on Great Eastern Highway on the Swan River in Belmont , 150 East Riverside Bar Restaurant is a delighful and elegant place to dine and while away the time, where the full-length windows look out onto a serene bushland setting, rolling lawns and the smooth meanderings of the river.
Judging from the lunchtime business-suited crowd the day we visited the restaurant, it was obvious it is well known by those in the know.
You have a choice of dining inside looking out, on the all-weather terrace or on the deck and, depending on the weather, the picture windows and roof can be opened to enjoy true al fresco dining.
The design of the restaurant is another aspect that sets it apart – contemporary lines combined with a number of options – cosy and intimate booths or regular table dining means comfort is combined with elegance to make for a truly satisfying experience.
The current menu is the work of Executive Chef Brett Morrison who infuses his dishes with freshness, taste and originality. The menu offers entrees priced from $8.50 to $19, with mains priced $22 to $39 and desserts from $9.50 to $17.
We started with a Mezze (or tasting plate for two), which was, without a doubt, the finest I’ve had the pleasure to savour. Rather than heaping a few tired appetizers on a plate, this Mezze was a true indication of the range and extent of the dishes on offer. And it changes daily.
We tasted Pork Belly with Beetroot Puree, Sweet Pumpkin with Bread Chips, Sausage and Mango Chutney, Chicken Skewers on Avocado Mash, Fresh Asparagus, Dukkah Crusted Scallop and Couscous, and Smoked Sausage and Fetta, accompanied by a delightful Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz. I can just see myself there again enjoying a leisurely Friday afternoon after work with a bottle and a Mezze and some lively company. Or better still – I’ll make a beeline here every time I go to or from the airport.
For some reason we were both famished that day so we had Entrées as well. The Baked Onion & Fetta Souffle ($17.50) was a light dish with semi-dried tomatoes, field mushrooms, rocket, basil oil and raspberry vinaigrette arranged in a stack so that the delicious juices seeped through the whole dish. The chosen wine – a Pencarrow Martinborough Pinot Noir 2004 was a good choice.
Our other entrée – Smoked Salmon ($19/$28) – was an even better choice, served with sliced avocado and pinenut wafers and drizzled with a delicious orange and red wine dressing. The accompanying wine, a Longview Vineyard Whippet Sauvignan Blanc Vintage 2007, was fresh and crisp.
It was probably time for a walk now in the beautiful surroundings but Scott and I just couldn’t help ourselves as our mains rolled on. The Satay King Prawns ($33) were fit for a king. The creamy succulent king prawns in a fragrant satay sauce were sitting in a bed of sticky rice and perfectly counterbalanced by the grilled baby aubergine, picked cucumber and a crispy shallot salad. The Pegasus Bay Riesling 2004 was also an inspired choice.
Our other main – the Beef Filet Mignon ($39) – would suit anyone who has a craving for a staple meat dish. It was a generous tender beef fillet wrapped in bacon and served with tasty polenta cake topped with avocado, Roma tomatoes, and King prawns served with a hearty gravy sauce. The recommended Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 would please even the most die-hard wine afficionado and its full-bodied richness perfectly complemented this delicous and memorable dish.
The team at 150 East Riverside Bar Restaurant are certainly dedicated to providing a memorable and friendly dining experience. It’s open seven days a week from 7am until late for breakfast, lunch, after work drinks and dinner, and also caters for corporate groups with extensive in-house meeting room and boardroom facilities.