15 Riseley St, Applecross
Phone: (08) 9316 4242
Editor’s Note: C15 have just finished setting up another venue! Check out their new digs at Shop 4, Park Hive Shopping Centre, Hammond Park.
Double Delight
Imagine lazing in the warm sunshine in the heart of Applecross with a glass of wine in one hand and a delectable morsel in the other. You are not dreaming- you must be at C15 Café.
Was it the wine that made me see double? No, the café owners Mark and Jason Correia are twins, always smiling and full of enthusiasm about their food and coffee, which they roast themselves. The coffee is also available to buy in 500g or 1kg bags to take home.
The chef, Christopher Byrom-Carter, took some time in this bustling, light-filled café to chat to us about his passion. He has a long history of successful hotels, brasseries and gourmet to go.
He said C15 Espresso food is “Fresh, creative and consistent with the utmost quality and all a` la minute.” He prides himself on everything being cooked fresh with seasonal changes and competitive prices.
My friend and I agreed that our favourite dish was Warm Squid Salad with Greens, Avocado, Rice Noodles and Soy Lime Chilli Dressing. The colours and fragrant aromas were irresistible and the pretty rolls of baby squid were succulent, enhanced by the burn of chilli dressing and sting of grilled lemons. Thank you Correia family fishermen!
Mark suggested the 2009 St Clair Marlborough Sauvignan Blanc, which smoothed the chilli bite, giving a citrus zing to the squid. A perfect combination.
The Mixed Plate was a close second. Certainly a generous hand in the kitchen, it included the Warm Squid, plus Sesame and Corn Crusted Tenderloins of chicken- a gorgeous crisp crust with a delectable centre, which I dipped into the greenest, chunkiest pesto. Chilli Beef and Pork Meatballs were surprisingly fluffy, made with fresh breadcrumbs and a hint of spice. Chorizo and Onion Jam were not too chewy, and the mix of sweet and salty was, as many combinations on the day, a double delight. Sweet Potato and Zucchini Fritters were juicy, nestled in their flatbread cradles.
The 2008 Kooyong Pinot Noir was light and zingy and as Christopher said, “good for grazing”. It enhanced every morsel on the plate.
Carnarvon King Prawns in Garlic Cream with Steamed Sesame Jasmine Rice were so fresh and sweet with just the right amount of sauce and not over garlicky. We squeezed the lemon cheek over the dish and the rice was feather light. The 2008 Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio, with its clean finish, brought out the fullness of the creamy sauce.
The C15 Works Burger was a mammoth tower of light meat patty, bacon, melted cheddar, beetroot and fresh pineapple, served with fries. A delicious combination of flavours, especially with the sweet pineapple and crunchy fries. 2008 Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz was strong enough to stand up to all these flavours.
We finished our meal with a smooth, aromatic, well poured latte. Altogether a fulfilling meal with great wines and coffee. C15 Espresso is a sunny, vibrant café with everything you could want and is open Sunday and Monday 7am – 8.30pm and Tue – Sat 7 am – 10 pm. Starting with breakfast, coffees, teas, lunches, drinkies with snacks and dinner. Plus you can take your own pack of coffee home to brew at your leisure.