Summer Lovin’ in the Sun

I love this time of year…warm, sunny days that carry an inviting cool breeze with them. It’s a time to definitely be outdoors – Sunday afternoon nibbles and cocktails in the sun, for picnics and lingering walks in the park with my pooches. It’s also an extremely busy time of year for us – and I’m sure you are too!

So exciting news… Recently Jeremy and I bought our first home! It’s been such an amazing (albeit slightly stressful) time and we’re now in the process of moving across to start this next chapter of our life. It’s a brand new house with gorgeous grey and white tones throughout and a shiny kitchen I CANNOT wait to start cooking in!

Since our lives right now are a sea of boxes it’s been important to get out and about whenever we need a break. It’s one thing schlepping from store to store to stock up on new furniture and homewares but you probably know me well enough to know I need to inject some outings that revolve around food in there too.

Combining my love for the outdoors and my need for food, I’ve put together my go-to guide for this summer. And if you’d like more tips for life out and about here in WA, there’s also a free guide by Australian Outdoor Living that you can check out.

Best place for a sunny tipple

The Standard is definitely my go-to bar in Perth when it comes to soaking up sunshine with a drink in hand. Owner John Parker has all the right stuff happening there with a wonderful drinks menu and inspired dishes by Head Chef Chase Weber.

Definitely take a seat in the upstairs section outdoors which has a lovely view of the beer garden and the city beyond.  Must eats on the current menu are the blue cheese with honey on oat crackers, the mushroom doughnuts and the chicken grill. Yum!

Best place to stock up on meats for a barbecue

I actually tend to diversify where I go for my meats here in Perth. But when the sun’s out we love hanging in our backyard having a barbecue, so I have a few places that tend to get my vote. 

Adrian’s in Mirrabooka is a smorgasbord of meat heaven. It is a tried and true Continental butcher owned and run by Paul Marinovich with products made with German and Swiss style production methods. He’s brought a wealth of experience in the art of smallgoods making, and it really shows. Always (always, always) get the black pudding (I think it’s the best in Perth) and the leek kransky sausages are porktastic. They’re just the thing to bring that something special to your meat feast. 

Best place for dining with a view

There’s something about that beautiful ocean view at Bib and Tucker that really lures me in. The sea breeze is salty and fresh, the crash of the oceans audible over the sound of conversation and happy diners chomping away. 

On warm days definitely take a seat on the outdoor decking and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice (and a sneaky crab slider while you’re at it). There’s tables and chairs, but also comfortable lounges to sink down and relax into. Sunglasses are a must to manage the glare of the rays bouncing off the ocean, but think of all that valuable vitamin D you’re soaking up!


Best place for farmers’ market trawling

I love farmers’ markets. I love the fresh produce, the funky local stalls and the endless options to eat. My longstanding favourite has always been Subi, which has an abundance of fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and the heady scent of sizzling Moroccan stew.

I can’t help but walk away with bags of fresh veggies, plus have an indulgent pit stop at Mr Drummond’s Crumpets for some tasty breakfast treats. With toppings like tart passionfruit curd or salted caramel, there’s something for all tastebuds.

And if you do visit this market, make sure you swing by Suppa Club, which is a great soup stand that has what I think is the best pumpkin soup I’ve ever tried. His summer options include a cool strawberry soup with yoghurt which sounds so ridiculously tasty – I’ll be stopping by there one weekend very soon!

Best place to stock up picnic goods

A couple Christmases ago my best friend Carly and her husband Sam spoiled us with a gorgeous picnic basket – it’s seriously good! Full of plates and glasses, silverware and proper checked napkins, we love stocking it full of delicious treats and enjoying time out in the sun at Kings Park or other lush settings. 

For us, the Re Store is our one stop shop for all things picnic related. Walk inside and take a number straight away because on weekends it gets busy! But the wait is always worth it…paper thin slices of prosciutto and pancetta, fresh mozzarella balls, or even marinated olives and the like. 

Plus there’s also a great selection of packaged cheeses (the Aphrodite haloumi is my everything), assorted crackers, pates and a wonderful wine section that ticks all the boxes. A little bubbly in the basket never hurt after all!

Best place for Sunday brunch

There’s so many different brunch destinations in Perth that I often say we’re completely spoiled for choice. One of my favourites is the Old Crow in Northbridge which is highly underrated. Think soulful American food that sells dishes with simplicity and bold flavours. 

The best thing to order is definitely the brussel sprouts, which are fried crispy and charred and accompanied with green chilli jam, spring onions, pine nuts and a buttermilk dressing. At $10.00 for a giant plate, I come back for these time and time again – they’re a wonderful side dish to share, and even better when sitting in the sun.

But there’s also something really wonderful about the dirty potatoes, and the duck liver parfait with stewed rhubarb. Flavour, flavour, flavour. And exactly the kind of food you want when enjoying the beautiful weather we are so blessed with here in Perth. 

I hope this post gives you some inspiration as the warmer months approach us quickly. It’s a time for being outdoors with friends and loved ones, for the sun to kiss our skins and for celebrating our Australian lifestyle with delicious food and drink. 

Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post by Australian Outdoor Living.