Wednesday night steak special? Count us in!
Although we have been in the area for a good many years we had not ventured to Chapters Bistro in Currambine Central previously.
Ideally located next to a children’s playground and the bustling Hoyts Cinema complex, Chapters is a family run business established in 2018.
Owners Neil and Lesley Herbert cut their culinary teeth in Michelin star restaurants in the UK before coming to Perth and managing restaurants such as Bistro Felix and Basq.
Chef Neil says he is passionate about using WA products in Chapters’ food, and it is reflected in the menu.
But to return to our first visit… Chapters has a series of specials during the week and the Sunday roast has locals queuing out the door.
Wednesday night is steak night and my husband I both ordered the Sirloin steak (250g) special with chips, salad and a choice of sauces ($27) We opted for peppercorn sauce and added onion rings ($5). Patrons can also add duck fat potatoes and/or prawns for an additional charge. A Stone Axe Wagyu steak is also on offer on a Wednesday for $40.
Thursday evenings offer exceptional value with Chapters’ Wine & Dine special for $69. Diners can choose between two dishes such as crispy pork belly with roasted apples and sage, or the slow cooked lamb shoulder with salsa verde (which carries a$10 supplement). Both dishes are accompanied by duck fat roast potatoes and broccolini, plus a bottle of house white, red or bubbles to share. This popular special is available until sold out, so early booking is recommended.
Staff was friendly, unobtrusive and knowledgeable about the menu – just what I always look for in a neighbourhood restaurant. Décor is minimalist with lots of greenery. Ambiance was good. Although we chose to eat early at 5pm, the restaurant soon filled up with regulars and a few newcomers like ourselves.
But to return to the food… The steak was served, perfectly cooked to our choice of medium rare, and sliced which makes it so much easier to eat for seniors. More importantly, the steak was tender and very tasty – a definite winner. Matchstick potatoes were crisp and the small salad refreshing. The peppercorn sauce was slightly too spicy for me but my husband loved it.
Chapters is described as a modern European bistro. Starters include classics with a spin – Twice baked goat’s cheese soufflé with a pear and rocket salad ($22) and a Whipped chicken liver parfait, maraschino sour cherries, toasted sourdough ($22) as well as WA favourites, also with a spin –Chorizo, hot honey, charred Guindilla peppers, whipped labneh, house made crispy chilli garlic ($22) and Smoked bacon mac and cheese croquettes, dried tomato aioli, parmegiano Reggiano ($11).
Mains range from a Beef cheek Bourguignon, roasted carrot, lardon, Paris mash ($38) and a Miso roasted marinated chicken, boulangere potatoes, wild mushrooms, onion jus ($37) to a Coconut crusted tofu, vadouvan curry, sticky rice, sumac onions, furiake ($29). A house specialty – Beef Wellington, mushroom duxelles, duck fat potatoes, blackened carrots, red wine jus ($125) has a minimum cooking time of thirty minutes.
An extensive beverage menu is on offer with Chapters management providing European and local wines and beers as well as a very interesting looking cocktail list which I will be trying out on our next visit. Happy hour is 3:30 – 5:30 offering $8 pints/wines and spirits and $12 cocktail specials.
Good food, good service and friendly staff – Chapters has a deservedly loyal, local customer following – which my husband and I will be joining!
Address: Currambine Central 102/1244 Marmion Avenue, Currambine
Phone: 08 9304 0935
Reservations: Yes. Sundays and Wednesdays can be especially busy so it is better to make a reservation.
Opening hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:30am – 9pm (Kitchen closes at 8pm). Fridays and Saturdays 11:30am -10pm (Kitchen closes at 9pm)
Sundays 11:30am – 8pm (Kitchen closes at 7pm)
Gluten-free options: Yes
Vegetarian options: Yes
Restrooms: No dedicated restrooms at Chapters. Currambine Central’s restrooms are clean and accessible although it is a bit of a hike to get there.
Parking: Numerous options at Currambine Central
Website: www.chaptersbistro.com
