Food ... that’s what it’s all about

Tuesday, 28 August, 2001 - 22:00
AS a self-employed man I am able to work to my own timetable and, often, at a venue of my choosing.

During the past few months I have discovered a new world of places where I can work and take full advantage of my new-found freedom, thanks to technology and my lap top computer. With summer approaching, the windows of the OBH will soon be open – the ideal location to set up my boardroom with a beach towel spread out on the pearly white sand of Cottesloe Beach as my desk.

But, as spring approaches, it is worthwhile reflecting on some of my favourite winter places.

Food, Rokeby Road in Subiaco: As I am a creature of habit, most mornings I will sit down at the same place along the bench and order my coffee and read the paper or work on a story.

The staff are all very attentive and the fact that, after the first few visits, they remembered my coffee order, gives a confidence that you are not a just docket. During my time in England I got use to the fact that, in my local pub, my pint was being poured as I walked through the door. Our pubs here are often too big and you really feel like just another jug of beer walking in. So I have turned away from the pub in favour of becoming one of those cafe types.

Apart from the fact that I like the surroundings at Food and it’s close to home, if the coffee wasn’t any good I wouldn’t keep going back. We all like the finer things in life and, for me, the morning coffee is one of the finer things in life. Food uses Espresso di Manfredi coffee, having changed blends and supplier a few months back.

Coffee is a personal thing and I really enjoy this coffee, as it offers a style that appeals to me.

On many mornings I sit and watch the sport of car parking. Remarkably, this has become a sport worthy of endorsements and sponsorship for those who regularly make a meal of parallel-parking manoeuvre.

Sponsors could do worse than plaster logos all over Mr and Mrs Bloggs’ 4WD, such is the enthusiasm of many drivers for the game.

The Subiaco council could rid the area of this sport by removing the parking and extending the pavement on Rokeby Road.

This would, in turn, create more revenue for the council by allowing cafes and restaurants to increase the number of seats outside their establishments.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to build an atmosphere similar to that of Fremantle’s café strip or even like you will find throughout Europe?

Sitting outside sipping a cafe latte or a glass of vino with a meal is what our climate encourages. How alive would Subiaco become with a spread on to the pavement and an opportunity for businesses to operate late into the evening?

Working to my own hours allows me the luxury of having breakfast rather late. Breakfast at Food is served from 8am till 11am and, while the usual suspects like scrambled, fried and poached eggs are available, I usually begin my day with a bagel and cream cheese. Breakfast is served all day on Sundays for those who are in need and are in too much pain before 11am

If it’s lunch you’re after, Food does a fantastic Turkish bread sandwich full of chicken, spicy chutney and spinach.

Soup of the day has hit the spot on more than one occasion.

Friends have really enjoyed the beef burger with Swiss cheese, salad and chutney, and the daily specials are always worth a look.

From 12pm on Monday through Saturday the pasta and noodle dishes will certainly tempt.

Christopher Hiller’s Food is a gourmet’s delight. The selection of national and international cheese from a temperature-controlled room is second to none in Perth.

If you are looking for a particular olive oil or even an unusual herb, then you are likely to find what you are looking for at Food.

I can’t wait until the season of outdoor cinema and theatre begins, I will be enjoying my flat white and selecting a basket full of treats for the hamper with the help of the foodies at Food.

Food also can help you organise your catering requirements.

The only down side I find with Food is that there is no public access to toilet facilities. The nearest stop is not that far away, however, and it is an inconvenience rather than a criticism.

Whatever the reason, I enjoy my coffee time at Food. I always feel welcome, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the quality of product served is excellent.

For now I’ll continue to watch the sport of parking, enjoying my flat white and bagel. You never know, I may even find FMP (future Mrs Pike) if I sit around for long enough.





Food

by Christopher Hiller

151a Rokeby Road

Subiaco

08 6380 2000

email: dchiller@enternet.com.au