Perth Voice Interactive

THIS cafe’s humble surroundings don’t do it justice.

It’s situated on a chaotic laneway that connects Newcastle Street to a sprawling car park.

There’s vehicles parked everywhere, drivers struggling to squeeze-by, and people in garish lycra streaming out a gym.

Nestled amongst the chaos is Nourish Kitchen and Cafe, a scrupulously clean and well-presented eatery. ‘Clean’ may sound like a given, but I’ve eaten at plenty of grubby cafes over the years.

I’ve enjoyed a coffee and toastie at Nourish in winter, but today I wanted to try their salads and wraps, which I’d heard good things about.

Unfortunately, God wasn’t playing ball on Tuesday, and the summer was more like a nuclear winter with steady drizzle and a grey blanket of clouds.

Not to worry, I’m originally from Scotland, where a category 5 typhoon is called a “light shower”.

The interior of Nourish reminded me of a country-style kitchen with lots of natural wood, kitsch appliances and sunny colours.

Beside the till was a large display cabinet with a bevy of freshly-prepared salads including Caesar, potato and bacon, Thai noodle, roast pumpkin and Korean.

There was a nice mix of western and asian-style fare.

You could tell the salads were made with love – lots of vibrant colours, textures and aromas.

The chargrilled cauliflower salad (small $12.50) was a delight and a meal in itself.

Subtle traces of curry powder added an exotic tang to the chickpeas, lettuce, peppers and cucumber.

The shredded carrot provided some sweetness and the dish had a nice texture.

The all-important cauliflower – a vegetable I detested as child – had lovely gnarled edges and a moreish chargrilled flavour.

Overall it was a bit like a cold vegetable curry minus the rice. A fantastic dish.

I liked how my salad container was full to the brim. I’ve been to other cafes and they skimp on the portions.

Pickled carrot may seem like an odd choice for the main ingredient in a salad, but this tasty concoction worked (small $12.50).

My brain was briefly flummoxed as I bit into the carrot, expecting its trademark sweetness and got a piquant hit instead, but I soon grew accustomed to it.

The carrot was complemented by a colourful mix of veg including avocado, lettuce and tomato.

The subtle dressing was perfect as there was already a strong flavour from the pickling.

It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoyed this refreshing left-field dish and would try it again.

Across the table, my young kids Bamm-Bamm and Pebbles were busy sharing a toasted chicken wrap ($13.90).

The jumbo wrap had a nice soft tortilla and was stuffed with chicken schnitzel, lettuce and avocado.

It was a tasty offering without setting the heather on fire, but the chook was nice and tender, and again it tasted super fresh.

Nourish also do a nice range of savouries and sundries including muffins, cup cakes, rice paper rolls, cakes, cookies and filled croissants.

The young lady serving me was extremely polite and helpful, despite the cafe being busy on a Tuesday lunchtime.

Nourish transcends its dour setting and offers some delicious fresh salads that would normally cost an arm and a leg elsewhere.

Definitely worth a visit when God decides to turn the heating back on.

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
10/663 Newcastle St, Leederville
facebook.com/p/Nourish-Kitchen-Cafe-100054513382574

by STEPHEN POLLOCK