Sentinel Bar and Grill

The list of places I want to visit in Perth seems to be growing by the day. Honestly if not for the fact that work just seems to get in the way I would delight in eating out every day for at least a meal. Well I say that but I do like to cook too. Sigh… I’d be torn and I digress! One place on my wish list was Sentinel Bar and Grill. I’m a fan of Bar One and hearing that this was Steve Scaffidi’s latest venture I was keen to give it a go. I was further intrigued after a brutal review came out from an East Coast fellow who absolutely panned his visit. Surely… surely it wouldn’t be as bad as he had written.

So with this in mind, when the opportunity arose for me to pick a place for a work dinner, Sentinel sprang to mind and a booking was made. The beauty of Monday night dinners I suppose is that they are a site easier to book on the day. On arriving that night, the first thing that struck me was that it was pretty dark inside. Didn’t phase me too much, but it definitely makes for an intimate setting. The tables were also fairly close together, with our group of 7 backed onto a group of around 12. But hey they have a small space to work with and its been maximised as best it can be. Really wasn’t too much of a bother from our stance, just appeared to make it more of a challenge for the wait staff.

The menu isn’t really overly extensive but the choices that are available all sound amazing and it made selections tricky business. I decided for starters I would go with the Twice-baked goats cheese souffle with beetroot crsips ($16.50) – it was divine! It was light and fluffy and it just melted in your mouth. One of those dishes were you savour every mouthful and hope against hopes that it never runs out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others went for the Seared Kingfish, Nicoise and Mimosa Dressing ($22.50) and others the Smoked salmon & ocean trout terrine, celeriac remoulade ($17.50). Smiles all round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my mains I thought I’d give something from the grill ago and went for the Sirloin, cafe de paris butter, homemade fries and decided to go with pepper sauce ($38.50).  A decent cut of meat was presented, cooked perfectly with a super cute little jug of gravy on the side. The french-fries that came served with the dish were the only real disappointment as they were fairly dry and unappetising. But who needs fries when you have sensational sirloin to tackle. I sometimes struggle to finish a whole bit of steak (which is why GG is so handy to dine with as he’s more than willing to lend a hand) but I managed to make my way through this piece and really enjoyed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others had the Fish of the Day (pink snapper) and the chicken (Roasted chicken breast, white bean cassoulet , jus $36.50), one opting for the vegetarian option (Mushroom fricassee, potato & herb croquette $24.50) and one decided that the special of the day sounded like a winner, (coq au vin). All were very positive about their dishes. The side salads we had also warranted a mention – wonderfully fresh and not drowning in dressing – huge plus!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now dessert…. I probably really didn’t need it and I was one of only two that had three courses in the end (will pass on entrees to be polite next time) but I don’t regret my dessert decision. I went with the ice cream sundae ($14.50) and what a decadent, over the top, indulgent dessert it was. It stood there like a glass tower and was pretty as a picture with its cherry on top. It was this magical layering of cream and ice cream and chocolate syrup and berries then other fruits, more cream, more syrup, more ice-cream. I enjoyed every sweet mouthful, but felt some relief when I finally reached the bottom of the glass. Wow, what a dessert!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s a quick snap of the milk chocolate mousse, white chocolate creme, berry compote ($14.50), which my colleague had and scrapped the bowl clean – well enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought all of the courses I chose were excellent – tasty, perfectly cooked and presented well – and this was a sentiment shared around the table. It might be dark inside but you aren’t lost to the wait staff, who are friendly and attentive, making sure glasses of water and wine are regularly replenished. (And it is a decent wine list too!) In all, it was a wonderful night, excellent food and wine and fabulous company – the key to any great meal.  For CBD dining Sentinel would definitely be up on my list and served to remind me that just because someone else might have had a bad experience you shouldn’t write off a restaurant because of it.