I’ve taken over Tahlia’s column this month to share my experience of brunching at Post Osteria and Bar which is located at the State Buildings in the centre of Perth.
I had not heard the term Osteria before but it’s an Italian word, which refers to a simple and inexpensive restaurant.
Post was originally the franking room of Perth’s General Post Office and has been tastefully decorated to highlight its heritage.
The State Buildings have been beautifully restored now, featuring a hotel and a variety of bars and restaurants. I have spoken to many people who have fond recollections of working there.
One of my friends shared a lovely story with me about her mum working in the Titles Office which used to be located in the building.
Her dad walked past her window every day and eventually worked up the courage to ask her out which led to a long and happy marriage along with a brood of children.
When my friend turned 50, she took her mum and sisters to the Treasury for lunch, posing for a photograph with her 93-year-old mum in the same window where it all began.
I find it romantic delving into the history of Perth’s heritage and hearing stories from everyday people; it’s so important that we have held on to these buildings and now a new generation can create their own memories within them.
Many people think that a visit to the State Buildings is unaffordable, but Post offers a lovely breakfast/brunch menu with comparable café prices.
We started our brunch journey with a wellness juice ($10) and a delectable pastry from their bread and pastry selection ($6).
I chose the home-made cinnamon scroll which was absolutely delicious, and my partner went for the croissant. It seems cinnamon scrolls are making a comeback in cafés and I would highly recommend just popping into Post for a scroll and a coffee.
For a hot beverage I ordered a pot of English breakfast tea ($5.50) perfect with the cinnamon scroll and my partner enjoyed a flat white ($4).
The menu is compact but there is something for everyone, including porridge or granola, toast with preserves, a healthy nut toast with avocado, crepes, omelette and eggs on toast. A generous serving of sides can be added for $5.
My partner had his eating pants on and went for the fontina and chive open omelette ($18) with sautéed mushrooms, rocket and salsa verde and then had a side of smoked salmon and chipolatas.
– smoked salmon and chipolatas
I had the Baldivis free range eggs on toasted sourdough ($12) and added bacon ($5).
Both dishes were hot and delicious, the bacon was perfectly crispy, and the eggs cooked as I had ordered. The omelette was tasty and the salsa verde and mushrooms really lifted the flavour, making it a gourmet’s delight.
Service was quick and friendly. The venue’s décor offers a step back in time as much of the history of the franking room remains and it’s fun working out what is original and what is a façade.
After our delicious brunch, we wandered around the building finding many interesting spots to admire and photograph; enjoying the superb restoration of this piece of Perth heritage.
Post Osteria, State Buildings, Perth Point Zero
08 6168 7822
www.postperth.com
Open daily
6.30am to 10pm.
Breakfast finishes at 11am.
