Perth Voice Interactive

IT’S been a nail-biting week.

I’m not talking about the re-count at the Fremantle state election, but wondering what version of The Dockers are going to turn up on Saturday.

After last season’s collapse, who knows.

Hmm, at least we have a better mascot than Geelong and their song is rubbish.

To help sooth my pre-season nerves, I needed some comfort food.

Step forward my local Japanese – Shibuku in Palmyra.

Situated on the busy Canning Highway, your biggest problem might be getting parked.

There’s a small car park out the front, but it’s a sloping patchwork mess, so you might be better trying the side streets or around the back.

Shibuku seems to have been around forever and I love the jagged oriental font on its faded red sign.

It’s a bit like Blade Runner on a  budget.

The inside is cosy and inviting with lots of woods panelling, Japanese screens, lanterns and padded chairs.

It creates a nice mood without being too clichéd or try-hard.

The menu had a standard but satisfying range of dishes including sushi, curry, teriyaki, karaage, sashimi and udon.

There was nothing that earth shattering, but all the classics were covered and it had the feel of a well-loved eatery that was popular with locals.

I’m a sucker for raw fish, so I went for the mixed sashimi ($18.20 for 12 pieces).

A lovely assortment of glistening salmon and tuna, it was just the right thickness and had a pleasant sheen.

It tasted super fresh, especially the salmon, which had a sweet refrain.

When you added some of the accompanying pickled ginger, soy sauce and wasabi, it really came to life. A really enjoyable sashimi (they should expand to include hiramasa).

Across the table my wife “Special K” was tucking into her favourite – chicken katsu curry ($20.40).

With autumn slowly announcing its arrival, the comfort food was going down a treat.

“Sometimes in katsu curries there is hardly an veg, but this has a lovely assortment of diced carrot, potato and onion,” she said.

“There’s plenty of battered chook and it’s nice and light and tender. Sometimes it can be tough as old boots in a curry.

“The sauce is all curry powder and goes well with the sticky rice. It’s a good portion as well.”

My two young kids love salmon, which is commendable, but slightly unusual.

Perhaps I’m basing this on my childhood, when I threw some broccoli at my dad’s head and was sent to my room. Years of therapy later, I’m still unsure what it all means.

Anyway, my kids really enjoyed their teriyaki salmon ($25.90).

It came with rice, salad and miso. I’ve seen more lavish bentos with spring rolls, potato salad and tobiko, but the core of the dish – the teriyaki salmon – was delicious and there was lots of it.

Impressive, as some restaurants skimp on the expensive produce to save cash.

The teriyaki was a moreish salty delight – comfort food with a twist.

We rounded the meal off with some veggie sushi rolls (eight for $8.80).

They were tasty, with a nice mix of veg, without setting the heather on fire.

I can see why Shibuku has been around for more than a decade – the cosy eatery serves up tasty classics at good prices and is clearly a favourite with Palmyra locals.

Now, altogether –“We are Geelong, the worst team of all…”

Shibuku Japanese
341B Canning Hwy, Palmyra
Open Tuesday-Sunday
9339 6839

by STEPHEN POLLOCK