MY mum is a huge fan of those feisty females you see in sit-coms, such as Bea in Golden Girls, but her favourite is Endora, Darrin’s mother-in-law from hell in Bewitched.
My husband was, many many years ago, quick to peg the name to his then-new mother-in-law—but he’s the only one game or stupid enough to use it.
It’s a roundabout way of saying mum would fit right in at The Dizzy Witch Cafe, in Northbridge, which is full of witch kitsch and breakfast items such as eggs Griselda, mushrooms Esmeralda and Warlock’s last meal.
The lunch menu isn’t quite so fanciful, though there is a hocus pocus chicken burger ($16.50), and a club sand”witch”. Boom tish.
A cabinet full of homemade pies was spell-binding…
The Dizzy Witch is a homely sort of place and my lunch companion—a chef—was impressed with the busy kitchen’s relative silence, free of the shouting she associates with establishments she’s worked in.
Such a pleasant working environment augured well for kitchen staff working their magic on the food.
A beetroot, apple and ginger juice ($6) was a picture to look and refreshing to quaff on a hot day. The deep red potion had the earthiness of beet, tempered with the sharpness of freshly squeezed apple and a hint of gingery heat.
A cabinet full of homemade pies was spell-binding, with everything from beef and lamb to chicken, and a couple of vegetarian versions.
My lunch mate opted for the chickpea and spinach madras pie ($13 with salad).
Standing tall and golden, the pastry was thin, crisp and flavoursome, and the chickpea curry filling delicious.
My pumpkin, potato and oregano frittata was pleasant but lacked gusto. Needed some fairy dust perhaps.
The accompanying salad made up for it with a mix of lettuce, rocket, thinly sliced red cabbage, tomatoes and capsicum so fresh you’d swear they’d just been picked. And the vinaigrette dressing had the perfect mix of oil and vinegar. I did think the use of canned beetroot for the second salad was disappointing, given I’ve had so many great fresh versions and beetroot is pretty easy to come by these days.
The Dizzy Witch prides itself on its fair trade 5 Senses coffee and with good reason my mate sighed, enjoying hers.
My very pleasant earl grey tea was just right with a slice of banana chai bread, served toasted ($4).
The Dizzy Witch is a pleasant home-away-from-home sort of place for lunch—and no doubt breakfast. Eggs Griselda? Mmmm?
by JENNY D’ANGER
The Dizzy Witch
197 Brisbane St, Northbridge
9228 1501
open Tues–Sun 7am–4pm
Perth Voice Interactive 
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