Cream

Posted by: Irukandji | 23 October 2010, 11.09pm

My husband and I don't go out to dinner often but when we do we expect it to be a great experience. I was recommended this place from a cousin who knows the owner.

I loved the decor and ambience of the place but that is all I was impressed with. The service was unbelievably slow and unfortunately the food did not make up for it. I started with the goats cheese souffle which came with a side saled of lettuce avocado and cherry tomatoes. The souffle was tasty enough but the salad was a turn off, it was literally a soggy bit of lettuce wrapped around mushy avocado and cherry tomatoes added to the mix. For the main I had the Crispy Roasted Lean Pork Belly, Strudel of Pan Caramelised Apple, Leek & Goat s Feta, Green Apple Balsamic. Everything was great except the Pork Belly itself, I could not finish it, the taste was just a bit odd, a bit sickly. For dessert I had the Hard Core Soft Centered French Chocolate Cake, Raspberry Ice-Cream. Now my weakness is chocolate cake, I especially like it rich and moist. I am normally a fan of soft centred cakes but this was just horrible. When the waitress brought it out I could see it wobbling around on the plate and as she put it in front of me the liquid centre oozed out everywhere. I tasted a little and it had a lovely taste but the consistency was like uncooked cake mix and too much of it, I was so dissapointed as I was hoping this dessert would 'resurrect' the whole meal experience for me.

Overall a very average experience, we definitely wont be returning.

Food:			Visit: Sat 16 October 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: coconutcrunchie | 9 October 2010, 8.19pm

I was a bit troubled by some of the terrible reviews that I'd been reading, so it was with some trepidation that my boyfriend and I decided to go to Cream to celebrate.

When we arrived, we were seated by a table near the front at a bit of a 'thoroughfare'. I did not even have to raise the fact that I was displeased by this - the waitress must have noticed my unhappiness and immediately let me know that she would let us know once another table became available. Meanwhile, we were invited to take a seat and peruse the menu.

The food was delicious. I admit, I wasn't that impressed by the squid (which was one of our entrees), but everything else we ordered was fabulous. The atmosphere was intimate and quiet, yet quite fun and modern at the same time.

I was really impressed by the service, the food and the atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back for special - and not so special - occasions.

Food:			Visit: Fri 16 July 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: FattyBoy | 20 March 2010, 2.15pm

My husband and I dined probably for the 20th time at Cream last Saturday night.
I was a little worried that John Mead (the chef) had sold up after reading some of the reviews but was assured after enquiring that this was not the case.
Now Cream's service has and will never be at the level of say Jackson's but you simply don't pay the prices expected at a fine dining establishment.
I have always found the staff to be warm, friendly and extremely helpful. What we have always loved about Cream is the lack of prentention. The service is attentive but not intrusive.
The food is always sublime i had the house smoked salmon as an entree and I can honestly say that I have travelled the world and eaten in some of the finest restaurants and in my humble oppinion it is world class.
Gorgeous, silky, lightly smoked salmon fillet served on the most yummy creme fraiche & leek tart, I was in heaven. I think I was in pastry mode because I opted for another entree as a main knowing full well I wanted dessert. The puff sandwich of asparagus with hollandaise was to die for. My husband always eats the same thing....very boring but "why deviate if you are on to a good thing?" is his motto.... gnocchi to start and the slow braise baby beef on garlic crush for main. Comfort food at its best.
For dessert I always have the hardcore soft centred dark choccy cake & hubby scoffed that he was full by but managed half anyway. I don't mind sharing as Cream is always the sort of place you want to try a little taste of everything.

Food:			Visit: Sat 13 March 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Madam Mim | 21 January 2010, 2.56pm

On saturday night my partner and I dined here for our 6 month anniversary, and I have to say it was the worst restaurant I have ever been to. The service was terrible; it was a quiet night and yet we still got ignored by the staff, they would walk past us without caring to pay any attention to us. We also asked for the airconditioning to be turned off and that request was ignored, I sat there all night freezing due to a blasting airconditioning right above us. The next disaster was the food. It was taking a while to come out but we were patient thinking the food would be great for the prices we are paying. However, dissapointingly the food came out and my partner's gnocchi was nothing but parmesan cheese, it tasted horrible, there was no taste except parmesan. My squid came out and was ok, however for the $38 we payed for it, was definately not that good. To top off our not so appealing food, I had a bug crawling across my dinner, which put me off it immediantly. We thought that mayb the dessert would be better, so we decided to order the special of the night, it cost us $17 each and was just a slither of brownie on a plate. But not just that, it didnt tase very appetising at all, there wasnt much flavour to it except a floury texture. At this point my partner was feeling very bad about the whole thing as he wanted it to be special for us, and he was angry that it had been so terrible. We left hoping we could say something to someone as we left. However upon paying the ridiculously priced bill, and payin $6.50 for water! When we had just asked for tap water. We werent asked how everything was, we werent asked at all about our night there, which i find highly rude for any restaurant not to ensure everyone was satisfied. This left us angrier as we werent able to tell anyone that there restaurant and service was horrible and had ruined our anniversary dinner. If we had wanted bad food and bad service we would have just gone to McDonalds for it. We will never return to this place, and will make sure none of our friends go there either.

Food:			Visit: Sun 17 January 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Col_1000 | 22 August 2009, 8.43pm

I ws amazed at how:-
- the waitress fawnwed over my partner all night;
- took my partners's drink order and forgot to ask me if I wanted a drink;
- treated me like the invisible man;
- could charge over $30 for about 12 small peices of gnocchi; and
- provide the smallest glases of house wine I have seen in Perth.

....I was underwhelmed and wont be going back

Food:			Visit: Fri 21 August 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: frequentdiner | 25 May 2009, 4.17pm

I've been meaning to write a review on this restaurant for about a year now, and never got round to doing it.
I've eaten at Cream 4 times in the past year, most recently in March and let me tell you, this place never fails to impress.
The food is simply first class and they could honestly charge more for their food.
The portion sizes are "just right" and despite always having at least 3 courses, I leave the restaurant feeling more than satisfied.
The "slow cooked beef cheek" is unreal as are the "scallops" for entree.
Their appetizer of "beetroot and fetta bruschetta" is gorgeous too and their wine is reasonably priced with a good selection.
I'd say that this restaurant is 'probably' more suited to couples due to the romantic atmosphere and surroundings but I've been there in a group of 7 and it was just as good.
My girlfriend and I have promised ourselves to stop going for 6 months or so as we should really be treating ourselves by going here . . .its THAT good . . . however, I reckon we won't last two more months before returning!!
I've eaten at all of Perths "supposed" great restaurants and this is the best in my opinion.

Food:			Visit: Sat 14 March 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Lilypod | 21 February 2009, 8.26pm

Cream came highly recommended to me by a friend, but sadly when I took my dad there for his birthday the service we received was average, the food that finally came out after 45 mins was under sized and barely warm, the light above our table didn't seem to work and the waiter spilt our bottle of wine on the table. Do I have to mention I won't be returning?

Food:			Visit: Fri 6 February 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Al's Kitchen | 17 June 2008, 7.51pm

My husband wanted to take me to Cream to surprise me. He did the research and he researched well. The food was brilliant. The scallops and souffle was the best meal I have had in my life - my husband agreed. He ordered the squid entree. The squid was cooked well but tasteless, it was the salad that accompanied the squid the made it delicious. I ordered the duck risotto which was disappointing after such a great entree. It is okay but I have had better. My husband ordered the pork belly - absolutely brilliant. We shared an apple and custard tart which was magnificent. The service was attentive until the end when we wanted to pay our bill. The staff's dress sense was appalling. They were either too made up or too under-dressed. The atmosphere was okay - a little too dark for my liking but it was the hairy walls that got me. They are frightful to look at. Overall if you can live with the walls go to this restaurant. We certainly will be returning for those scallops. By the way the prices above aren't quite accurate. Add another few dollars onto each meal.

Food:			Visit: Sat 14 June 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: proper | 11 June 2008, 9.06pm

Cream has been around a while now and i had always wanted to visit. On a recent trip to east perth i stuck my head in and was able to get an early seat before the late dinner crowd arrived.
the place is funky and the music sets the mood.
the food is well constructed and caters for a range of tastes. the service was pleasant but did not inspire confidence.
overall a very satisfying experience that all comes together very nicely and takes you away from the predictable atmosphere of leederville,subiaco and mt lawley.

Food:			Visit: Sat 7 June 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: jacquesl | 4 May 2008, 9.17pm

Excellent service in a cosy warm atmosphere complemented by a modern atmosphere (both music and interior decoration) followed with excellent quality food. Highly recommend the crispy pork belly for main, and the smoked salmon and goat's cheese souffle for entrees. Meals and menu could be slightly larger but still satisfactory... Didn't disappoint my girlfriend on her birthday.

Food:			Visit: Fri 2 May 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: littlechameleon | 2 April 2008, 2.55pm

After reading all the reviews on this restaurant, I must say I had mixed expectations. I went in to dine however with an open opinion, rather to judge for myself.

We had the warm bread and pate to start which was a winner, so far we were off to a great start. Our waitress was attentive and knowlegeable with recommending wines and suggesting dishes. She wasn't pushy and knew when we were ready to order.

We all shared a selection of starters which were well proportioned and presented. The selection on the menu was not extensive, but I could tell the chef had chosen a nice selection done well.

Main courses were an absolute delight, we had the beef and my wife had the crispy pork belly.

We finished with sharing desserts, and I must say the homemade ice creams were a nice little treat to finish the night.

Overall really enjoyed the food, casual atmosphere and sublime service of this restaurant. Come without expectations and be suprised. Definitely be back sooner rather than later. Well done.

Food:			Visit: Thu 20 March 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Manda G | 25 March 2008, 7.10pm

I'm another one for 'great food, terrible service'. We did the 6.30 sitting and were one of four tables occupied. I loved the shag pile wall paper, the dim lights and the funky music. I also loved the different menu - it wasn't your 'steak with red wine jus or mushroom risotto'. I had the duck which was gorgeous and my partner the chicken with struddle package. Both were beautifully presented if a little on the small side (considering they were each almost $40).

But we had to get the waitress' attention to get the menu, order our drinks, order our entree, order our main, get the bill. I was just annoyed by the end of it and refused to leave a tip.

Go here if you love interesting menus but not if you hate bad service.

Food:			Visit: Fri 22 February 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: lorax | 28 February 2008, 10.24pm

The first time I dined at Cream last May it was fantastic.

However my recent experience was disappointing. The food was ordinary for the price. I had the gnocchi, which was in a bland sauce and tasted soggy. My friend had the salmon, which was nicely presented and tasty. We shared the bitter chocolate slice for dessert and it was just ordinary chocolate slice with a dusting of icing sugar.

The staff were pleasant but inattentive. We waited for twenty minutes after our desserts and the plates still weren't cleared. I eventually flagged a waitress down to get the bill even though there were only two other tables in. I wouldn't hurry back.

Considering the cost of the meal the overall experience was disappointing.

Food:			Visit: Wed 20 February 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: PerthFoodz | 2 January 2008, 10.56pm

I would like to say that this is clearly in my opinion Perth's best restaurant. The food is sublime, the service is good and the atmosphere is very funky and stylish. John the chef has done a marvelous job in marrying fantastic foods with a great wine lis and the prices are very reasonable for the food quality. I'm a regular here and there is no better in Perth.

Congratulations John and Maria, I tell everyone how fantastic your restaurant is and I's reccommend it to anyone.

cheers
Brad

Food:			Visit: Wed 2 January 2008
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Posted by: Jillan&Mike | 15 July 2007, 10.42pm

The good service began when I called to reserve a table and told them that it was my partner's birthday. They offerred to have champagne ready at the table when we walked in and a special personalized dessert. The meal from beginning to end was fabulous. The braised beef was memorable. It is a funky atmosphere - love the fur on the walls! Thank you to Cream for making the birthday celebration a real treat!

Food:			Visit: Fri 13 July 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: nadianadia | 24 October 2006, 5.29pm

We started off with a few drinks outside. We were told to choose either the 6.30pm or the 8.30pm sitting. We chose the 6.30pm sitting to find there was no one else there. We had a drink outside, the tables and chairs had to be pulled out for us. My lemon lime and bitters came less the bitters (while someone ran to the shop to buy some). Once the bitters were on hand I was told to say "when" as the waitress poured them for me. Once at the table inside another drink I ordered went astray until they were reminded and a glass of water was tipped on my friend.

We had a cosy booth which was really nice but the ambience just wasn't right - not sure if it was the music, the service or what? The prices are very expensive and one would expect both excellent food and service.

So, having said that, the food itself I have to say was fabulous. The menu wasn't substantial but all of the meals ordered were excellent.

To end the night, the waitress gave us the bill without including the drinks. We paid the incorrect bill fully expecting to be chased up for the outstanding money which we were of course by text message.

Food:			Visit: Tue 24 October 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: discobunny | 20 October 2006, 12.28pm

Not being able to believe what vortex (above) had claimed, I felt I should stick up for the best little place in East Perth. Firstly not open on Mondays (as stated by the above as the night they visited), I am shocked to hear that the menu at Cream did not suffice. Being a vegetarian, I must disagree that there are none but in fact four vegetarian meals available, including the unforgettable handmade gnocchi (either entree or main course). The rest of my party simply could not make their minds up with all the choices provided, including many specials of the day(expertly explained by our waitress). Our wine was priced fairly and the list provided a spectrum of styles (and prices)that cater for everyone. Our waitress was helpful and friendly throughout the evening with food and wine service prompt. I love this restaurant and as a great funky place for a catch-up dinner with a difference, I wouldn't suggest anywhere else. Looking forward to my next visit!

Food:			Visit: Thu 14 September 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Vortex | 28 August 2006, 4.13pm

Oodles of dark velvet and luxurious textiles make this a funky retro lo-fi restaurant with great atmosphere. There is a quaint little lounge/bar at the front of this small restaurant which is ideal for pre-dinner drinks/cocktails. While it's not fine dining, it's definitely upmarket casual.

The menu (for my liking) is a little too small (maybe six meal choices in total) with no vegetarian dishes. Having said that, the food we did sample was all delicious with a Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian style.

The wine list is an interesting (expensive) mix of local and European wines.

Service, sadly, was on the inattentive side. This is great when you want to be left alone, but a little frustrating when you'd like to be looked after. Especially given there were only few people in the restaurant on the night we went.

In my opinion Cream falls into the 'too cool for school' category, in that they rely too heavily on their good food and funky ambience and not enough on service. Given their higher than average prices this is an area I'd expect them to excel at.

Revisit-a-bility 7/10 (if they lifted their service)

Food:			Visit: Mon 28 August 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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