Re: [CH] Oz--the west side
Tara Deen (tara@es.usyd.edu.au)
Wed, 14 Nov 2001 15:02:23 +1100
Hi David,
Perth is a lovely spot, with a lot of African and British ex-pats, so a
real infusion of cultures. Not as many Asian migrants as most of the
rest of Australia, so you won't see as much Asian food (outside Thai) in
Perth. It's not really known as one of the spicy capitals of the world.
The few times I've been to Perth I've usually stayed with colleagues so
I don't often eat out there. You get a lot of Italian food in Perth, and
I've only ever been to Italian and Japanese restaurants while in Perth:
not one chile-head colleague there, so not one hot meal!!! I do recall
going to a very good Japanese restaurant in Nedlands within walking
distance of CSIRO and the Uni of WA there, but I've forgotten it's name.
There are lots of good nosh places in the trendy suburb of Subiaco.
I can say to not even try to eat Mexican food while in Australia. Mex
food here is burritos, nachos and the like (the Aussie interpretation of
Tex-Mex) and not even close to Mexican. Rarely will you even get
Fajitas. You are almost certain to be disapointed. There is no need so
far as I know to bring your own mustard, as US mustard is readily
available here. But then, I'm not a mustard expert. You can even buy
ketchup here in the supermarkets, marketed by Heinz. Failing that, the
Australian Tomato Sauce (not the same as what merkins call tomato sauce)
is very like ketchup.
I recommend that if you're going to be in Perth that you try to get to
the Margaret River wine region, about 3 1/2 hours to the south of Perth.
Lots of wonderful wines there. I can recommend Lewinn (sp?) Estates.
Rottnest Island is near Perth and also worth a look. I second Myron's
suggestion that you look at the Fremantle Markets. I also recall
discussion of a good spice store in Perth, but I've forgotten where it
is and that infirmation died in the last big hard drive crash. Perhaps
Pat, our very own Perth chile head is still about and can add a little
more?
Tara
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Tara Deen
School of Geosciences
Edgeworth David Building FO5
The University of Sydney, NSW 2006
AUSTRALIA
Email: tara@es.usyd.edu.au
Phone: 61 2 9351 4271
Fax: 61 2 9351 0184