A friend recently shared their sensible tried-and-tested theory to ordering when dining out.
“I will only ever order something that I couldn’t manage to make at home,” he said.
On one hand, living by this method means you’re always in for a culinary adventure and opening your tastebuds up to new flavours and experiences.
On the other, though, you could miss out on homely dishes executed far better than you could whip up in your own kitchen.
Case in point: the dishes at eatery The Little Way, a leafy space tucked away in a heritage building in Nedlands.
The lunch menu is made up of items you could attempt at home – a beef burger, puttanesca pasta and grilled chicken salad – though chances are your cooking prowess won’t reach the same level as what is coming out of their kitchen.
For people with eyes bigger than their stomachs, the tasting plate with an array of pea, ricotta and mint falafels, salt and pepper squid, arancini, eggplant tahini and roast capsicum dip with Turkish bread ($30) is the perfect choice.
The star of the board are the deep smoky flavours of the moreish dip. We could have happily devoured just a massive bowl with the plump slices of bread – plus it’s vegan and gluten-free, so no one has to miss out.
However, when the Exmouth tiger prawns with preserved lemon butter, dukkah and chorizo crumbs with pomegranate yoghurt ($21) hit the table it immediately outshone the dip.
The plump prawns were buttery, juicy and perfectly cooked and the yoghurt sauce needs to be bottled up and sold on its own, it is that delicious.
Tandoori chicken skewers are again something you could chuck on a pan mid-week, but Little Way’s version is amplified with cucumber yoghurt, tomato kasundi and pickled red onion ($18) and together form a special bite. Chicken breast can be hard not to overcook, but it comes out surprisingly tender.
One element I could improve on at home is a lukewarm mimosa ($9), however I’m told the Saturday special of a mojito ($10) sipped by my companion is a delicious choice.
Little Way
161 Broadway, Nedlands
8/10
The verdict: A great spot for a girl’s lunch, or somewhere special to take a date. The menu has something for everyone, including some homely favourites and healthy dishes.
