subi's little charms.

Boucla
349 Rokeby Road
Subiaco 6008
Perth, Western Australia
Tel: 618 9381 2841

Chez Jean-Claude Patisserie
333 Rokeby Road
Subiaco 6008
Perth, Western Australia
Tel: 618 9381 7968






















There are some things about cafes that I love; the laid-back vibes, the smell of coffee in the air, the smiles on people's faces as they catch up over a simple meal. I could spend hours sitting in a little corner of a cafe chatting with a loved one, reading a book or just watch the world go by. To me, what differentiates a good cafe from a great one is when the 2 'F's; Food and Feel, hit the right spot.

I remember how ZY's eyes lit up when he first mentioned Boucla and how much he loved the food there. This little Mediterranean cafe was actually voted 'Best Cafe' in Western Australia in 2009. The eclectic decor captures your attention immediately as you walk through its doors. I usually like to sit al fresco when the weather's cool outside but the cosy ambience of its tiny interior was too inviting to ignore. I absolutely loved that the pastries were displayed out in the open and I was seated right in front of it!



















Boucla has a reputation of serving simple, honest food and one of the best coffees in Perth. The food definitely did not disappoint. The Vegetable Tart was light, refreshing and super tasty. The pastries all looked very tempting but we finally decided on the Cinnamon Pear Cake which was freshly baked, not too sweet and an excellent complement to the smooth and aromatic coffees we had.



























I enjoyed every moment spent there that morning. My only gripe was that I didn't get to try that Beetroot & Orange Salad which ZY raved about since that obviously wasn't on the breakkie menu. Boucla is definitely going on my "to do" list the next time I visit Perth again.

By the way, don't say I didn't mention this. Do save a little space for the excellent jam-filled doughnuts from the nearby Chez Jean-Claude Patisserie. More if you think one isn't enough!

anzac bikkies.

I've been in somewhat of an 'Aussie' mood recently. It doesn't make much sense but I guess with my recent visit back to Perth, an impending visit to Sydney and memories of the years past, I've been feeling rather attached to the land of the koalas and kangaroos.

I was flipping through my Good Taste magazine which I brought back from Perth last Sunday (which was Anzac Day by the way) and found this recipe for Anzac Biscuits. Anzac Biscuits are associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established during the World War I. It's said that the wives of the soldiers sent these biscuits abroad to their husbands because they kept well during the transportation and do not spoil easily. You can find out more about them here.

The recipe is really easy and the results are great. Baking is rather therapeutic I must say so have a go at it!


Anzac Biscuits (makes 26)





















Ingredients
150g plain flour
90g whole rolled oats
85g desiccated coconut
100g brown sugar
55g caster sugar
125 butter
2 tbs maple syrup or golden syrup
2 tbs water
1/2 tsp baking soda

• Preheat over to 160℃. Line baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
• Combine flour, oats, coconut and combined sugar in a large bowl
• Stir the butter, maple syrup and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the baking soda. Add to the oat mixture and stir until well combined.
• Roll level tablespoonfuls of the oat mixture into balls and place, about 5cm apart, on the prepared trays. Flatten until about 1cm thick. Bake for 15 minutes or until light golden.
• Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tip: Do not use instant oats as the mixture will spread too much and make the biscuits flat.