Cantina 663 – Street View
There’s a group of girls, mostly from my high school (Mercedes College) who have been meeting for dinner monthly the past few years. This month took us to Cantina 663, a European style cafe which uses local and organic (where possible) produce. Inside Cantina 663 is small but gets extra space by spilling into the next door arcade with heaters scattered around providing a warm and cosy atmosphere. Their ever-changing seasonal menu offers sophisticated food to whet any appetite.
Today I chose the Potters Beef, Red Wine, Pepper, Polenta and Eggplant Jam ($32). The beef was tender and braised in the red wine and peppercorn sauce and was topped with the flavoursome eggplant jam. It sat upon a polenta mash which was creamy and rich. It was truly noshlicious!
Potters Beef, Red Wine, Pepper, Polenta and Eggplant Jam
Another friend chose the Pan Fried Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Silverbeet, Pinenut and Chilli Oil ($25.50). On first impressions she thought it wasn’t going to be filling but was pleasantly surprised. The gnocchi was well cooked and crunchy from being pan-fried, the creamy sweet potato sauce was garnished with pine nuts, silverbeet and shavings of parmesan cheese.
Pan fried Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Silverbeet, Pine Nut, Chilli Oil
A popular choice for many at our table was the Cannelloni filled with Roast Pumpkin, Ricotta, Sugo, Lentil and Parmesan ($27.50). A filling meal enjoyed by all who had it, although one friend luckily found a rather large whole clove of garlic in hers before eating it and exposing anyone to possible garlic breath!
Cannelloni filled with Roast Pumpkin, Ricotta, Sugo, Lentil and Parmesan
Also ordered was the Roast Pork Belly, Sprouts, Pearl Barley and Spiced Date Puree ($29.50). The crunchy crackling was a definite delight and the pork was described as ‘fabulous’! Another well enjoyed meal.
Roast Pork Belly, Sprouts, Pearl Barley and Spiced Date Puree
The House Smoked Mullet Potato Terrine with Capers and Herbs ($16.50) was beautifully presented. Disappointingly the potato was a little undercooked but the capers and herbs were enjoyed.
House Smoked Mullet Potato Terrine with Capers and Herbs
Cantina 663 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (except Sunday nights) from 8am til late. Bookings are highly recommended for dinner and you can BYO wine on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Cantina 663
663 Beaufort Street
Mount Lawley 6050
08 9370 4883
