Arrival will rival harbour hub

The Scarborough foreshore precinct could soon become a food lovers' paradise.

Rendezvous Hotel Perth has turned a new leaf, replacing Pines restaurant with Straits Café; and eleven new privately owned eateries are destined for The Esplanade later this year.

Chef Matt Lonne.

Straits executive chef Matt Lonne, of North Perth, also responsible for the eatery's stylish refurbishment boasting contemporary décor and relaxed ambience, believes the vicinity will rival the popular Hillarys Boat Harbour hub.

"Straits brings to Scarborough a modern multi-concept dining venue, which is something the whole area greatly needed," the Cairns-born foodie said.

"I designed the entire concept with inspiration and ideas coming from Sydney and Brisbane where I dined in all sorts of restaurants. I also talked to the Rendezvous guests here to find out what they wanted.

"I came on board two-and-a-bit years ago so it took a while to get the project off the paper and into reality."

Lonne and his team are offering a versatile culinary concept with a modern grill menu featuring dry and wet aged steaks. All the beef is sourced from Aussie farmers and aged for at least 30 days.

Singaporean dishes are also available, with classic like laksa and nasi goreng and desserts are causing a stir, particularly the Queensland strawberry soufflé with balsamic ice cream and hot cinnamon sugared doughnut balls with sauce infusers.

"It's all very simple styled food presented in a funky kind of way," Lonne said.

Next to the restaurant is the new Lobby Bar ideal with an extensive wine and cocktail list as well as tapas, dessert and cheese menus.

The two new venues are part of the hotel's major transformation, which has already included the renovation of guestrooms, establishment of a new lobby area and facelift of the exterior building.

Straits Café
Where: Rendezvous Hotel Perth, The Esplanade, Scarborough
Open: Every day, 6am to late

Source: In My Community, 22 April 2013