I have to confess that since arriving in Perth I haven’t been overly impressed with the standard of restaurants, in particular the service. I went to one café/restaurant for breakfast a few weeks ago, only to be told (in a very snippy, you-really-should-have-known-better voice) that they only serve coffee and cake between 11am and 12pm. Something about getting the kitchen ready for lunch. I’m no expert, although I do eat out a lot (I hate cooking you see) but I have never been turned away from an open restaurant or café for this reason before. Even McDonalds seems to be able to manage a seamless transition between its breakfast and lunch menus. 
 
Making my displeasure known, I pressed further to then be told that I, in fact, could order breakfast but only if we ordered the big breakfast. Tummies rumbling, we decided to overlook the rude waitress and ordered three of the big breakfasts. Halfway through our meal we were asked if we wanted anything else. Hang on. So first no food, then only the big breakfast, now whatever we wanted?  The whole experience was confusing and annoying, not to mention that all of this was conveyed to us with a degree of exasperation (after all we really should have known better than to make outrageous demands such as ordering food). It would be unprofessional to mention that the establishment’s name was the Bellhouse Café/Restaurant in South Perth, so of course I won’t. 
 
So you can imagine just how excited I was when I discovered Subi’s hottest bar/restaurant, Bistro Felix. Hot really is the right word for this place. Not only is it the restaurant of the moment, but it’s also staffed by a bunch of incredibly good looking young people. Girls, I suggest you perch at the bar before being seated at your table so you can enjoy having your cocktails mixed by a very handsome young man called Tom. Umm, Ralph Lauren just called – he wants his model back. 
 
Not only that, the interior is warm and inviting, making it the type of place I’d like to snuggle down in for a long lunch during winter or a rainy arvo. But any old time will do – you really don’t want to wait for it to rain in Perth before you enjoy a meal here. 
 
Speaking of meals, for lunch we ordered the Grilled Rottnest Island Scallops on a half shell with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil to start. At $4.50 each, they were expensive, but worth every cent as they melted in your mouth. 
 
For my main I ordered the skirt steak medium rare with celeriac remoulade, marrowbone and hand cut chips. Cooked to perfection and with the most marvelous and intricate flavours, this was great value at $35.00. 
 
A side note for vegetarians; my lunch date (herself a V) ordered the Pont l'eveque and sweet potato pie, oregano and hazelnuts, pear and balsamic ($35.00) and reported that it was delicious. 
 
Afterwards we nibbled on cheese and dessert wines and unexpectedly wound up rather drunk after downing several bottles of Veuve. Heading down to the Subi Hotel to continue the festivities, I would up exceptionally intoxicated and unable to drive. Fortunately I happened to be in the company of Bistro Felix’s stylish and devilishly handsome owner, Jeremy Cariss, who let me take refuge back in the restaurant for dinner and a coffee until I sobered up.  And so it came to be that I also got to try the Magret of duck with sour cherry, carrot and baby herb salad and duck fat potatoes ($39.00). In the state I was in, I can’t be absolutely sure, but I think this dish was even yummier than the first. Clearly I’ll have to head back again to be certain – any excuse to dine there really. Bistro Felix also has a fabulous wine list  - or so people in the know tell me. Since I’m hopeless in this area, I’ll leave it well alone, but suggest you pop in and try it for yourself. 
 
Speaking of Jeremy, he’s a rather astute businessman (as well as being very well dressed. Check out his glasses when you’re there next – they’re ever so stylish). Last year, he introduced the Recession Concession Menu to tackle the GFC and it’s clearly working for him as the place is always packed.  You can order two courses for $49 or three courses for $55 and these deals are available Monday to Saturday Lunch, Monday to Friday Dinner and at lunch it also includes a glass of house wine, Kronenbourg beer or soft drink. 
 
His other fantastic business decision has been hiring Bistro Felix's Executive Chef, Helen Pratt, who honed her skills as an apprentice in a string of Brisbane's iconic French restaurants, before taking herself off to France for three years. Returning to Australia, Helen moved to Perth in May, 2008, to live with her fiancée and accepted a position as Sous Chef with Bistro Felix.  After excelling in the role for 12 months, she was promoted to the position of Executive Chef. Helen is inspired by the variety and quality of the local produce and seafood found throughout WA. Her classical training and genuine desire to please translates into a modern European Cuisine that is refined yet approachable. 
 
Bistro Felix is located at 118 -120 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco. For bookings phone (08) 9388 3077. I’ll see you there!