Sage — Restaurant in Western Australia

Today (23rd June 2017) was the official "soft opening" of Sage, a new café in the vibrant suburb of Victoria Park, Perth, Western Australia. The café occupies a prime position at the rear of the Post Office building on the corner of Albany Highway and Duncan Street in the heart of Victoria Park with ample free parking in the surrounding area.

Victoria Park of course, has many small cafés and restaurants representing many cuisines, but it is very obvious that Sage have done their homework as, although there are dishes on the menu that are fairly staple to cafés throughout the Perth metropolitan area, here the catering provides subtle variations to well tried dishes that actually make them somewhat unique. Given that Sage is not only the name of a herb, but also a word meaning 'wise', (a subtle and unobtrusive theme of this establishment is the illustrations of owls occupying unobtrusive positions on the walls), the management and catering staff have very obviously put a great deal of thought and care into the menu. The café itself is compact and at the same time spacious, well thought out, light and airy. There is comfortable seating for 18 (10 at one large table in a uniquely decorated alcove, 8 at individual tables), plus a 'breakfast bar' with high stools which could accommodate 6 comfortably. There are also chairs and tables on the broad walk outside which, in summer months, are sheltered by a beautiful London Plane tree.

A "soft opening" for family and friends of course, gives the kitchen and waiting staff an opportunity to test out how things are going to work, with a reduced menu, before fully opening - the public opening is Saturday 24th June and initially opening hours will be 06:00 - 16:00. Once again, all concerned had very obviously done their homework as I arrived at 12:05 to find half a dozen people already present, and by the time I left, just before 1:00, the building was comfortably full. Despite being very obviously cooked to order, it was noticeable that all dishes ordered came to table very quickly and efficiently - portions were excellent - produce was top quality fresh and the kitchen staff very obviously knew what they were doing. The 'front of house' staff, without exception, were friendly, welcoming, attentive and efficient.

I have to admit that I do have a weakness for pancakes. At Sage, these are served as a stack of three, which is a fairly common practice - but here, yet again, there was a twist. Instead of the usual somewhat over-juicy, mushy compote, Sage serve with fresh fruit, mascarpone and, in a veritable masterstroke, a little jug of maple syrup enabling the customer to pour as much or as little syrup over their pancakes as they wish.

Feeling I also ought to try something savoury, I opted for some smashed avocado with crumbled feta cheese - again a very generous portion with the beautifully subtle flavour of the avocado complimented by the saltiness of the cheese.

If hard work, commitment and enthusiasm go for anything, then all at Sage deserve every success and I would not be at all surprised to see this establishment become one of the ‘in’ places, not just in Victoria Park,...

From point of entry I was greeted warmly by a gentleman and directed to our table. My server happened to offered another spot against a corner/ wall and accepted just as my friend arrived. The second server came and had a chat and took our drink order, very cheery and lovely woman! Our drinks came rather quickly and we promptly ordered our food. We didn’t have to wait long before our table was decorated with plates of food - and the presentation was beautiful! The flavours were wonderful and the mimosa hit the spot (we strategically chose this cafe for the mimosa availability haha). We got quite comfortable and lost in our gas-bagging given the quaint space provided a calming location for a catch up - hopefully we didn’t overstay our welcome, but we did appreciate their time! We truly enjoyed our first experience at Sage on a breezy Sunday morning! Mutuals expressed their joys and curiosity upon viewing my Insta story, so I think it’s safe to say it’s a fond spot for some and new place to visit for others! Thankyou...

Decided to go grab a coffee whilst the tyres on my car were being changed. Headed to the Sage Cafe was told to sit outside at a high bench when there was over half the cafe tables free inside and outside. Advised the female server there were several tables free inside and outside but she was adamant that I had to sit at the outside high bench. Extremely dismissive staff member yep you guessed it definitely won’t be going back again grrr

"Respond to the owner:"

I am quite shocked you have replied stating I was rude and abusive which is very dishonest. You sent a audio video of the incident from within your premise which by the way is illegal to have audio video recordings and I have placed a complaint with several departments. If you review the recording you can clearly see and hear I was polite. My suggestion would be for you to google how to respond to negative cafe reviews instead of being aggressive...