By James Hancox
Tucked away off Queen Street in the heart of the city hides ANY – a new bar and restaurant boasting a modern and innovative menu and mouthwatering cocktails. Entering the venue, there’s two areas to choose from: to the right an intimate dining room, and to the left a relaxed lounge bar.
In the dining room, the decor is sleek and stylish, with upholstered banquettes and marbled tables for those wanting to eat from the a la carte menu. Alternatively, choose to take a seat at the chrome counter overlooking the galley kitchen and watch as the chef’s prepare and present an exclusive 5-course tasting menu.
The minimalism of the decor provides a perfect contrast to the vibrant colours of the dishes. We are treated to show-stopping bao buns adorned with baby-pink crispy bonito flakes, followed by grilled miso mushrooms and thinly-sliced cauliflower on a bed of buckwheat. Desserts bring us a citrusy yuzu cheesecake with burnt carrot and camomile alongside dark chocolate raisin bites flavoured with whiskey.
Back through to the lounge bar you’ll find huge cozy leather booths, perfect for catching up with friends. For smaller affairs, the high stools and tables scattered by the window provide a more private setting to taste the delights of the drinks menu. The cocktails are refreshing and light. The ‘Peaches & Cream’ leans more towards it’s fruity ingredients than it’s whiskey base, and the ‘Rhubarb Negroni’ delivers the tang one would hope for in choosing it. Those who prefer their drinks non-alcoholic need not miss out, and can enjoy the ‘Pineapple & Mandarin’ – featuring Salted Pineapple, Pink Peppercorn and decorated with a large slice of dehydrated citrus fruit. The minimalism returns in their design: the simple tumblers, vivid colours and monolithic ice-cubes offering enough pomp without going overboard.
The staff are friendly and knowledgable – providing information on every part of the menu. Our enthusiastic waiter told us about the native botanical ingredients that featured throughout the dishes – from the salt-bush in the dark chocolate to the geraldton wax in the salad. We also discovered ANY’s zero waste approach to ingredients. Leftover limes from the bar, he said, are used in the kitchen. It’s a detail not heavily featured in their marketing, but worthy of praise.
Whether planning a larger celebration or an intimate dinner, ANY promises an evening that is both refined and relaxed – and with it’s impressive menu and open kitchen experience – one that is wholly memorable.
26 Queen St.Perth WA 6000
hello@anydining.com.au
(08) 9321 8305
