BITES

Vasse Felix, Loose Box recognised

TWO local restaurants have tantalised the taste buds of readers of Gourmet Traveller, being named in the top 10 for the magazine's Readers Choice Awards. The Loose Box in Mundaring and Vasse Felix wine estate in Cowaramup came in second and fifth respectively in the awards. Both also feature in the Restaurant Guide's judging panel's national top 100, with Vasse Felix at 82, and The Loose Box at 89, along with Star Anise in Shenton Park, coming in 48th.

Planted by Tom Cullity in 1967, Vasse Felix was the first vineyard and winery to be established in the Margaret River region. The estate features a unique underground cellar, a restaurant overlooking the original plantings, and an art gallery. The views of the Wilyabrup brook, karri forest and original plantings captivated readers of Gourmet Traveller just as they draw interest from around the globe.

In addition to being Perth's premier French fine dining restaurant, The Loose Box also offers accommodation in a reconstructed Federation house, complete with a garden full of homegrown fruit, vegetable and herbs. Head chef Alain Fabrègues has recently introduced a new degustation menu, which allows the adventurous feeder to sample a range of experimental dishes in small yet perfectly formed portions.

"Thirty years is a long time but we have stayed fresh, in tune with the demands of our customers; we have reinvented ourselves many times by building on our strong foundations and adapting within the perimeter of French classical cuisine," Mr Fabrègues says.

"What is interesting about this award is that a lot of people from the east coast would have voted for us and confirm that the great majority of eastern state visitors are impressed by the quality of our work. This is refreshing."