iMasticate

We scored one free birthday meal through the ‘Fig Faves’ loyalty card and decided to try out one of the Naked Fig’s sister cafes, the Pickled Fig, for a celebratory dinner. Each cafe has equally gorgeous ocean views and we enjoyed watching the sunset for a couple of minutes while we waited to be seated.

Babe ($32)

I quickly settled on the house smoked maple pork belly, which came with delightful curly pieces of crackling on top. Hidden under the crackling was citrus marmalade and a meaty piece of pork. There were also a few sprigs of spinach, jus, and roughly mashed pumpkin and celeriac (which is an ugly root vegetable). I enjoyed the contrast between smoky pork and sweet marmalade, mushy vegies and crunchy crackling. The dish was quite tasty but also very salty.

Salmon ($30)

My brother’s salmon fillet had crispy skin and moist flesh, so it was well-cooked. The risotto was quite creamy and I finished most of it because he doesn’t enjoy the taste of capers. The unidentifiable bright yellow sauce was cheesy and was okay with the fish.

Steak (usually $36)

Disappointingly, the birthday boy’s meal was poorly presented without explanation or apology. It looked like the food was thrown on a plate. The scotch fillet was quite small and thick (that’s what she said) but properly cooked to medium-rare. The menu claimed that the steak was wrapped in panchetta, but it looked suspiciously like good ol’ fashioned bacon to me. Not sure about the ‘potato fondant’ which seemed to be a boiled potato. It was a relief that this hit-and-miss meal was complimentary due to the loyalty program.

Service was a little slow at times and our waitress was consistently aloof and short with us - maybe she was having a bad day?

Summary 
Likes: free birthday meal with loyalty card

Dislikes: unfriendly staff, average food

Value for money: not great

Overall: would prefer to visit other restaurants around Freo

Contact
Address:
9/21 Ocean Dr
North Coogee WA

(08) 9431 7333

www.thefig.com.au