25th October 2022
Perth
Arrive Perth and take a taxi to Crown Metropol Hotel. We get to the Hotel at about 12:00 but cannot check-in until 3:00pm; however we were able to leave luggage with 'Bell Service'.
We go for a short walk in an attempt to find somewhere to buy something for lunch - failing, we are eventually directed back to the Crown complex and a Subway buried under the casino. The Crown 'complex' (three hotels, a casino, conference centre and theatre) seems to be an 'island' quite some distance from any shops, other businesses or residential areas. Whilst waiting to check in Jo decides to walk to the 'local' Woolworths to buy some fruit, I relax in the hotel foyer and watch the world go by.
After checking-in Jo explores the swimming pool, but decides it is too cold for the outdoor pool and settles for a quick dip in the indoor pool instead. She really has her eye on the 'hot tub' but, not being sure of the etiquette of sharing a hot-tub with unknown men gives it a miss.
Dinner at Rockpool, which we chose completely by accident and turns out to be fantastic. It was set up by an Australian chef called Neil Perry, whose name and books were prominent in the reception area, although I'm not sure this particular restaurant is still run by him.
I think we were lucky to get a table. We hadn't booked and walked in around 7:45. Initially the maitre'd said he didn't have a table, but just as he was saying that a couple near reception asked for the bill and moved to leave. If we wouldn't mind waiting 5 to 10 minutes, the table was ours. Fortunately we chose to wait.
I had 'Fried Calamari with Macadamia Trarator and Finger Lime', followed by 'Wood Fired Wagin Duck Breast with Pickled Beetroot and Beetroot Glaze'. Both dishes were superb. Jo had 'Albany Asparagus with Lobster, Capers and Lemon, Herbs', with 'Charcoal Roast Squid, Smokey Chilli, Onion and Pork Belly' to follow. Again, Jo was full of praise.
