Perth Voice Interactive

IT’S always a dilemma – where do you go to eat with a group of folk on a birthday night out?

You don’t want something too heavy (try doing the macarena after a lamb bhuna) or too expensive (some folk are miserable) or too fancy (it can kill the momentum), so choosing a venue can be a bit of a nightmare.

A good option is a “Feed me” at a tapas-style restaurant – it’s light, sociable and fun and there’s always something on the menu that people like.

About four years ago I had a very enjoyable express business lunch at Apple Daily, which specialises in Asian fusion dishes, so I decided to book for a party of six on Saturday night.

They do an Asian Feast (minimum four people) for $79 or $89 with dessert.

Situated on the first floor of the Print Hall, Apple Daily looked as good as I remembered – beautiful floral wallpaper, burnished wood, upmarket fittings and demure lighting.

It has a classy air, like some colonial outpost in Indiana Jones, but it wasn’t stuffy and there was a lively buzz.

Not long after ordering, the food – a mix of small and large dishes and sides – started arriving.

My memories of prawn toast from the local Chinese is glorified pieces of burnt, desiccated bread with prawn flavouring, sesame seeds and a good helping of MSG.

But Apple Daily’s were airy, fluffy and light with a delicious mix of Hong Kong-style prawns, house mayo and fresh herbs.

It banished my PTSD and I now view prawn toast in a whole new light.

Another highlight from the smaller plates was the double cooked chicken skewer, which was super chargrilled with lovely soft chook and a tasty Thai herb marinade.

The BBQ corn on the cob was also a winner and had a lovely Thai chilli butter. 

But the standout entree was the Kilawin catch of the day– a traditional Filipino fish dish that was a bit like ceviche.

After all those robust flavours, the acidic juices revitalised the palate, and I enjoyed the subtle flavours from the marinated raw fish. The small plates were impressive, but Apple Daily hit a home run on the mains.

There was charred lamb rump (domba bakar), pork belly dry ramen, slow braised beef shoulder (kare kare) and spicy tofu.

My favourite was the kare kare – super tender beef with a gorgeous peanut sauce.

With all that meat flowing, the achara salad was a Godsend.

A vibrant, zesty concoction that included radish, cucumber, green papaya and heirloom tomatoes, it freshened up the tastebuds and got them ready for the next exotic onslaught.

Another cracking side was the triple cooked potatoes with sriracha mustard mayo.

An exotic twist on comfort food, it hit the spot, and sometimes you can’t beat a good old spud (especially after a few drinky poos).

We didn’t get the dessert option and it was a good call, as we couldn’t finish all the dishes, which were high in quality and quantity.

The service was excellent throughout – polite, un-intrusive and efficient – and the food was out quickly on a busy night.

My only gripe would be the price of the wine – the cheapest bottle of white was just under $80 and usually there’s one on the menu a bit cheaper.

Apple Daily was as good as I remembered and the Asian Feast is perfect for a group of people on a night out.

 Apple Daily
The Print Hall
125 St Georges Terrace, Perth
printhall.com.au/venues/apple-daily

by STEPHEN POLLOCK