THE original May Street Larder in East Fremantle was so noisy I left without ordering, but thankfully the Mt Hawthorn incarnation is far more relaxing.
The eatery prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and serves healthy and indulgent dishes.
I plumped for the ricotta gnocchi ($24) – which like Goldilocks’ porridge was just right – not too healthy and not too decadent.
If you’re feeling self-indulgent the polenta waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, smoked sour cream and maple syrup in the soul sandwich ($25) will hit the mark.
My soft, moist gnocchi was spot on with a lightly fried, crunchy coating.
The potato dumplings were served with a trio of roasted Manjimup mushrooms, including a trumpet and a yellow funghi, and cavolo nero leaves (a dark green Tuscan cabbage).
A terrific oily sauce redolent of hazelnuts was drizzled over the dish and tied the various flavours together. The sauce elevated the dish to an A+ and I’ll make sure I order this on my return.
At a nearby table a couple of ladies were grazing on hot-pink beetroot hummus, warm greens, red sauerkraut, turmeric cauliflower rice and beetroot lavosh with whipped tofu (nourish bowl $17).
“It’s really good, and very interesting, with lots of variety,” they said.
The third member of their table had the chicken schnitty sanga ($20).
She said it was tender but a bit too spicy, before raving about the “beautiful” coffee.
I finished my lunch with a honey and almond slice ($4.50) and a cup of probably the best earl grey tea ($4.50) I’ve ever had.
Sprinkled with gold leaf, the slice was moist and nutty with just the right level of sweetness. Perfection.
by JENNY D’ANGER
May Street Larder
1/148 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn
