Have you ever felt out of place in a restaurant? It could be that the crowd is too young or old, too many intimate couples or too many loud with imposing groups. I’m not a fan of those places; I love restaurants that, somehow, find a balance for these differences and cater for all. Not in regards to food tastes and requirements, but for every need of all  patrons no matter the age or group size. As soon as I walked into the Whale and Ale in Clarkson, I saw a young girl attempting to balance on her Dad’s feet as they danced by the fireplace.

Two giggling women, holding impressive, freshly made cocktails walked by a table of 12 elderly people to rejoin their friends. No one seemed out of place. Everyone seemed happy and content. Before I even set eyes on the menu, I knew this would be a restaurant that I would fall in love with.

Happily greeted at the door by the staff, my friend and I were ushered through a sea of many tables that, with a spacious set up and design, was not overwhelming. I could not hear the table next to me but I could see the meals arriving. I noticed not only an incredible variety of dishes, but the serving sizes seem to transcend generous and were almost indulgent. I was becoming happier by the minute.

Not long after, my happiness was overshadowed by confusion. The dinner menu, not including daily specials, at the Whale and Ale is so large that it is set into clear divisions. I’m thankful for this order, as I do believe I could still be there trying to decide. Into eight divisions, I was torn between about fi ve dishes. I ended up asking a waiter for help, who gave me much needed guidance. Suggesting the T-Bone steak, I initially opted against it with creative dishes like Atlantic Salmon and Spinach Wellington and Chicken and Macadamia Mignon gracing the menu alongside a remarkable Seafood Platter on the specials list. However the mastery of the classic steak dish, whilst evoking a sense of originality, is a challenge for a restaurant, so I ordered the T-Bone steak from the choice of fillet, sirloin and rump.

With high expectations of the menu’s guaranteed tenderness, the steak came with golden fries, salad garnish with your choice of sauce: Mushroom, Pepper, Garlic, Dianne and Bearnaise. The steak was mouthwateringly tender, unbelievably massive and a brilliant reflection of the restaurant’s standards. The plate, already at a large size, was overflowing to hold the entire meal.

The restaurant’s atmosphere itself initiates conversation with effective, yet subtle, music. My friend and I only experienced any sense of silence when it came to decipher the desert menu. Whilst being warned of its incredible richness, I ordered the Guinness Chocolate Cake – chocolate cake layered with chocolate mouse finished with cream and a shot of Guinness. As much as I love cake, this decision was generated purely by my curiosity of Guinness mixed chocolate. The Guinness taste was not overwhelming yet it was effectively complimentary against the sweetness of the chocolate. It is a definite experience for all to partake. My friend ordered the Sticky Date Pudding served with vanilla custard and hot butterscotch sauce. My fork, almost magically and by no fault of my own, floated between the two deserts leaving me to somehow fi nish nearly both plates.

Located on the corner of Ocean Keys and Key Largo drive in Clarkson, the Whale and Ale certainly makes the most of its position. With extensive windows offering a view of the outdoor eating area, the impressive modern interior design flows from the restaurant to the bar. The restaurant staff are exceptional – treating patrons with an enthu-siasm and happiness as if they were friends. From where I was sitting, I could see this attitude was not reserved for specific patrons, but for all; no matter their age or group size. I strongly recommend the Whale and Ale – not only will you be overwhelmed with food choice and serving size, but you’ll be captivated by the friendly atmosphere and instantly make plans to return.

Danielle O'Leary

It is not often that you would want to change your favourite restaurant or pub. Your favourite is a very personal choice. Usually, it has everything you want – the right atmosphere, the right food and the right location. But, I ask that before you permanently settle on any favourite, give Paddy Malone’s in Joondalup a try. I guarantee it’ll shoot up the list of great restaurants; it may even take top position. I must warn you that my guarantee only works if you love and appreciate great food and fantastic service.

The character of Paddy Malone’s is not limited to the décor – it transcends into the unique, impressive dishes and contagiously happy staff. The food is of fantastic quality and the servings are almost too generous. There is a choice for every budget and appetite. If you arrive at Paddy Malone’s hungry (like I did), I strongly recommend the Wicklow Wedges – Chunky Beer battered chips topped with melted Kerry Gold Cheddar, crispy bacon and sour cream. There is no way to describe them other than ridiculously delicious. If there is any mention of Kerry Gold Cheddar, a dish instantly has my heart – but it was incredibly tasty with the contrasting, yet complimenting textures.

For the main course, we ordered Reef and Beef – Prime Sirloin Steak, grilled king prawns served with beer battered chips and covered with a creamy garlic sauce. An alternative name to ‘Surf and Turf’ this dish did deserve a different name as it seemed to be in a league of its own – with no substitute for quality or quantity. We also ordered Prosciutto Chicken – Oven Roasted Chicken filled with spinach, sun dried tomato and fresh ricotta wrapped with prosciutto served with Colcannon mash with a white wine and sage cream sauce. Remember how I cannot pass a dish with Kerry Gold Cheddar in it? Well, the same goes with Colcannon mash. I adore it, but I am also extremely fussy. I can honestly say that I doubt I will be able to find a better example than what I had at Paddy Malone’s. The entire dish was divine – adding a modern twist to a traditional Irish food. If it was any other restaurant, I would have struggled to eat a main course after the wedges we had consumed beforehand. But I’m sure you will agree, after the small description you just read, it would have been impossible to turn those dishes down.

Beyond the food, the set up of the restaurant is refreshing. The options of booths and tables ensure a spread space that is not imposing or overwhelming. We had a group of four friends in the booth in front of us, a cosy couple behind us and a large family almost bursting out of the booth across the restaurant. Yet, with the variety of people, no one seemed to be out of place. It is an accommodating restaurant, with a menu list, atmosphere and wonderful staff that could easily rival any of your favourite restaurants. Give it a try – just don’t wear a fitted dress like I did if you plan to eat those wedges.

Danielle O'Leary

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