Bivouac Canteen & Bar (Perth WA)

198 William St
Northbridge Western Australia 6803
(08) 9227 0883
Hours:
    Tue-Fri: 12:00 - 22:00
    Sat: 10:00 - 22:00
Website
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Bivouac is one of the latest "it" places on William Street and, being so "a la mode", and so close to my work place, there I went, to sniff and taste. My sniffing has turned into a habit, and I have been bivuacking weekly.

Bivouac sounds like the surname of an imaginary Philosopher with Native American and French origins, or the name of an alternative revolutionary hyper-cool austere Art movement. Far from it, the exotic name is not only the name of an American mountain, but most commonly used to describe a military camp and camping tent, which is, indeed, the place's logo - a schematic tent, with an intriguing almost-corporate design bearing the colours of the military uniform. 

 

Facing Arcade 189, in the heart of William St, Bivouac is indeed a very Spartan place, and the name of canteen perfectly describes what the place is: Uncomplicated simple decoration and settings, undefined style, with nice artwork as the only visual break. The ambience varies depending on the patrons, but is quite relaxed in general, with people of all ages, professions and attitudes, and plenty of groups.

THE COFFEE - My first coffee from Bivouac was a take-away and it was a weak watery concoction I did not like. However, each time I have it in the place, the coffee is creamy, well prepared, medium strength and is good.

THE FOOD - Bivouac offers an interesting, colourful, flavoursome mix of Mediterranean fusion dishes. They have food that will satisfy any big eater, with pizzas, burgers and rolls that are decently sized, filling and full of flavour. The menu is varied and changes regularly, and there are variations from lunch to dinner, too. It reminds me of "Cantina 663", regarding food philosophy, but their menu is more varied and adventurous and the prices a bit more affordable; on the other hand, the place is also less charming and authentic, and their food more "canteeny". There are many tempting things in the menu, and very nice entrees too, plus a small selection of International wines.

The pork sandwich is delicious, with an orgasmic golden crispy juicy piece of pork, tasty pear relish, beetroot and a great mix of textures and flavours. Yummy and satisfying. 

The Vegetarian Gnocchi with pear, blue cheese, walnuts and kale are also lovely with a nice mix of flavours and textures. The Chorizo & Jalapeños Sourdough Pizza was happy hot, and I was so full after lunch that I did not need dinner.  

I have a long list of things that I want to try, which I have seen served to other people and made my juices flow. 

  

DESSERTS - I was allured by the Spanish Catalan Cream (a sort of crème brûlée). It was nicely presented with a dollop of chocolate mouse. The dessert, however, has too much sugar, and the wonderful flavours get lost and masked by it; the chocolate dollop is very nice, but very rich and thick. I expected my Catalan Cream to be warm all through and the caramelised sugar crust hot just because we are in winter; the differences in temperature from up to bottom were considerable, so I thought it had been reheated from a frozen preparation. I asked the staff, and I was told this is a Spanish dessert and that is the way it is served in Spain (:O)... well, in Spain it is consumed warm or cold depending on the season, the crust being always hot as it is caramelised crusted sugar on the spot. I don't have a problem with them choosing the cold version, just because this is a restaurant, not your house,  but, if that is the case, it is an option not a matter of fact. Do you understand what I am saying?

 

THE SERVICE - The staff are friendly, smiley, respectful, and eager to help. For example, on one occasion, they had two fully-packed group tables, but I was in my lunch break and short of time, so I told the waitress so, and she was very helpful, and I got my food in less than ten minutes. It was such a nice detail. 


THINGS TO IMPROVE - 1/  I would remove rocket or greens easily perishable from the sides, as it is never appealing finding your greens looking a bit "mushy".
2/ The olives are OK but not worth the 7$ we pay for them. Reduce the price or provide a better selection of olives. 
 3/ Improve your take-away coffee. If you know how to prepare your coffee, why do you downgrade it for take-away? 
4/ Too much sugar in a dessert makes a bad dessert, so remember that golden rule when making yours. :O


TIP
If you are in a hurry, hungry, and not fussy about what you want to eat, ask the waitress for the quickest options to prepare in the kitchen, and you will be served faster. 

Location: 8/10
Layout: 6.5
Ambience (lunch) 6.5 
Pricing: 6.5
Food:8
Desserts: 7.5
Coffee: 7.5  (takeaway/in)
Service: 9/10

UPDATE 20/9/2012
 I returned today to Bivouac for lunch, and had one of those wonderfully delicious moist flavoursome and textured Pork Sandwiches that caught my attention the first time I visited the place. You haven't tried it yet? Really? Well, if that is the case, you are missing on one of the best sandwiches you can taste in Perth CBD at the moment. No kidding. Orgasmic. No photo, sorry, the view was too good to waste any time and had to put it right into my belly. 

 

UPDATE 20/3/2013
Bivouac is one of those places that keeps me going back for the right reasons - Food! Good food. Changing menu. Light or heavy dishes, and a nice selection of drinks.

Their new autumn menu is just delicious and more sophisticated than ever. The new Gnocchi recipe, the mouth watering yoghurt-based panna cotta, and the Tunisian Lamb with a yummy house-made flat bread are a proof of it.

Still, the place is pricey. If I eat all what I need to fill in my stomach, I spend 50 bucks. Which, on the other hand, are always well spent.

I love the fact that they are open most of the day, so you can drop to eat something anything you fancy.

Service is great.

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"The Experimental Films of Osamu Tezuka" (1986)

A mix of animation films by the master of animation Tezuka, (Astroboy's creator). The DVD contains thirteen shorts with different animation styles and techniques made between 1962-1986. 

"Tales of the Street Corner" could also be called the secret life of a back street's wall posters. We see how the characters in them communicate through music, and how they reflect their time and the events happening in the outside world. I thought the idea was original an the music good, but the short is a bit too long and monotonous, while the kid-teddy bear relationship is underdeveloped.

"Male" is a very short piece, very schematic, with an indirect narrative, as the face of a man and of his cats looking at him, tell the story of the drama -not seen by the viewer- of the killing of his wife. An experiment in visual narrative.

"Memory" is a philosophical short, which uses collage techniques, that reflects on the nature of memory and what is left behind what memory is not there. What would happen if our planet and humans disappeared and there was no memory left about their existence?

"Mermaid" uses traditional storytelling and simple animation techniques, to show how our perception and feelings of reality construct our emotional reality. A boy rescues a fish from the seashore, but when left in a pool, the fish transforms into a mermaid and the boy falls in love with her. However, his family just see his strange behaviour and try to force him to leave his fantasy and return the fish into the sea. Is all a dream?

"The Drop" is a funny absurd story with very schematic draft animation. A sea-cast tries to quench his thirst with the only three drops of drinkable water in the boat, which are located on the raft's mast. One of those stories that might have inspired all the big animation producers in the world, Pixar's short included.

"Pictures at an Exhibition" uses the eponymous musical composition piece by Mussorgsky. The camera scrolls in front of a series of paintings on a wall, in a museum, and stops in some of them to give life and put a story to some of the images, with different styles of animation. Although I thought the idea was excellent, the piece was not engaging.

"The Genesis", it is a parody of the Biblical story of Adam and Eve in which Eve has something to say to the world! The short is very funny and shot in very schematic animation.

"Jumping" is truly an experimental film both in concept and realisation. The camera's positioning and angling serve as the eyes of something or somebody that/who starts jumping along a suburbian street. The script tells us that it is a girl, but I see it more like an insect or a bird that jumps wider and higher each time, so much so that we see the city, other cities, the forest, the sea, a volcano, a country in war... the whole world, as small, varied and complicated as it is. It is very meditative in a way, as goes from the perception of the self to the wholeness and perspective of the self within the Universe. The film was shot in one cut with 4,000 motion pictures.

"Broken Down Film" is a masterpiece of a short. It is shot in B&W and looks like an old scratched stained film reel. We see a cowboy and his horse trying to rescue a girl in the American West. At first sight, really looks like one of those prehistoric Disney's Micky Mouse silent shorts, but then, the fun starts, and the characters keep going out of the frame and struggling with the damages of the film. The hero has to fight the villain but also the broken down film. An amazing concept and realisation, and so charming!

"Push" is an environmental friendly short that reflects Tezuka's worries about the state of the planet. I would say is the more Japanese short in the lot, as vending machines are everywhere and sell everything - one of the things that defines Japanese way of life. It is a depopulated world where our hero gets everything he wants and needs from a machine. He is on a trip to see God and rescue the planet by replacing the existing one with a new one, but there is no machine that does so.

"Muramasa" is an anti-violent cryptic message presented in traditional Japanese folk fight animation. Muramasa is a magic sword that is stuck in a straw man, but when a Samurai tries to get it and use it to cut the straw man, the piece of straw becomes a human who bleeds from the cut.

"Legend of the Forest" is an impressive piece of animation that could remind you of Fantasia, with Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony (1st and 4th movements) used as inspiration for the story and as musical background. It shows the life of animals and fairies in the forest and the negative influence of human settlement and exploitation of the same. Although the message or the script are not new, the animation is remarkable, as we see the characters evolve from drawing sketches, pass through different stages of drawing and animation - from Disney's to the animation in vogue in the 1980s.

"Self Portrait" it is tiny piece - an animated portrait of Tezuka, in which his drawn face turns, as in a slot machine, into another face.

This collection of shorts shows the versatility in visual style and narrative of master Tezuka, as well as his very personal approach to animation, which not always can be categorised as Manga or even as Japanese. The collection also shows his philosophical worries and views on the world, and offers pieces that, despite being very personal, are very open to interpretation. This is not a film for everybody, but for lovers of experimental animated films.

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"Match Point" by Woody Allen (2005)

Match Point is a UK-USA-Ireland-Russia Co-production, mostly shot in London, and directed by Woody Allen.

The story revolves about a love triangle between young retired tennis player turned businessman Chris Wilton (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), his wife the sweet good-hearted rich girl Chloe Hewett (Emily Mortimer), and the bombshell struggling actress and Tom Hewetts' girlfriend Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson).
This is one of those stories we have seen brought to the big screen many times, a Hitchcock's theme in a way, the love triangle, the crime, the coward. The first scene of the movie is very philosophical and it is a good premise of the drama that will unfold:

"The man who said "I'd rather be lucky than good" saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependent on luck. It's scary to think so much is out of one's control. There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck, it goes forward, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose."

Luck is more important in life than you can ever expect, and it is always unpredictable and fanciful. In fact, the story is all a story of a very good luck for Chris's character, especially at the end. However, this is a romantic psycho-drama with a predictable plot, so the interesting premise gets diluted very soon. In other words, the movie is too mundane to be philosophical, and pretending the contrary is... pretentious.


The film is shot in a very fresh way, has a nice bright artsy atmosphere and hints of Allen's sense of humour (especially in the policemen's conversations at the end). The actors do a good job in their respective roles, although this is a mini-coral movie. Meyers has a good chemistry with both Mortimer and Johansson, and he's able to portray with believability the double face of a cheater, and also the difference between love and passion. Emily Mortimer shines as a very believable sweet bland woman who is blind to anything she does not want to see. Johansson also shines in her femme fatal role, which she always nails.

The soundtrack is a mix of modern and old opera arias. Carusso's old records are intercalated in the middle of the movie to highlight the actions of the characters. Modern performances are played while the characters attend performances in the theatre or hear some records.

The movie has a nice feel about it, is well filmed, decently acted, and has a good direction. However, the movie does not add anything new to the genre, is too predictable, has a poor script and important flaws in the murder story. A bit dull but enjoyable the same.

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"You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" by Woody Allen (2010)

A Spanish-American co-production shot in London and directed by Woody Allen, You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger follows the lives of three couples from the same family struggling in their relationships: Helena (played by Gemma Jones) and her ex-husband Alfie (Anthony Hopkins), their daughter Sally (Naomi Watts) and her husband Roy (Josh Brolin), and Alfie's new wife Charmaine (Lucy Punch).

The movie is a return to the talkative ironic Allen with a movie full of normal but dysfunctional characters and crazy every-day events. The story is a new turn on couple happiness and how to live life to achieve it. The title is an irony itself, because, most of the time we have to move away from the fantasy of the tall dark stranger to find happiness and the man of our dreams, but sometimes is not. In other words, there is no recipe for love and happiness. The movie offers a daring message: if moving away from the ideal does not bring us happiness, why should we move away from the ideal? In other words, the happiness of the fool is always better than the unhappiness of the sound, no matter what we are told about life, love and happiness. In other words, if being delusional makes you happy, we all should be shamelessly delusional. The movie, moreover, shows and caricatures many of the sins and addictions of modern life and the clichéd dreams of the 21st century middle classes.

Despite being a coral movie, most of the cast members shine in their individual performances. Gemma Jones offers a believable charming portrait of an English housewife who sees her life turned upside down after her separation, and tries to find love and resettle emotionally with the help of a fortune-teller. Anthony Hopkins is also great as a 60-something man trying to cope with his age crisis, his high sex drive, his physical limitations and his emotional need to settle; his performance is very honest and down to earth, toning down and giving believability to his character. Lucy Punch is terrific and very funny as the low class "actress" Charmaine who marries Alfie for his money; she is a stupendous addition to the cast, even though she replaced Nicole Kidman at the last moment. Truly, I cannot image Kidman playing this role at all, and certainly not as fresh and cheeky-vulgar as Punch is.

Josh Brolin shines in his depiction of a wannabe writer who cannot find inspiration to finish his last book, and who tries to escape his personal mediocrity and failure as a husband by focusing on the younger front-door girl Dia. Naomi Watts is wasted in a role that does not showcase her great talent, but she is still good in her performance of a talented housewife who puts her life on hold to support her worthless husband. Freida Pinto is very sweet and sexy as Dia; this is a daring role for an Indian actress, as Bollywood has great limitations about showing physical affection, and the Indian public slashes actress who deviate from the norm.

I found Antonio Banderas bland in his role of Sally's boss Greg. One wonders why he keeps accepting stupid roles in English, which don't make him any favour as an actor and highlight his difficulties in expressing himself as an actor in English; he is more selective with his Spanish-speaking roles, where he always offers much better performances. There is a little cameo by Pauline Collins as fortune-teller and Helena's best friend Cristal.

Highly amusing and entertaining, the movie has some very good points, an acceptable but soapy script, excellent performances and a nice European atmosphere. One of those movies that, without being brilliant or memorable, will stay with you longer than you expected!

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Mandurah Train Line (Perth WA)

Perth City Train station to Mandurah train station
Perth Western Australia 6000
Transperth
Timetable
 
The best train line in Perth, by miles. It is reliable, it is cheap, it is beautiful, and takes you from Perth to Mandurah in about one hour. The Mandurah Line departs from William St Underground Station (corner with Murray St) and stops at Esplanade, Canning Bridge, Bull Creek, Murdoch (connections to Murdoch Uni available), Cokburn Central, Kwinana, Wellard, Rockingham, Wambro and Mandurah.

The ride is really pleasant and comfortable, especially beautiful during the day, as you have picturesque views of the Swam River, the hills, lovely green and marine areas, with a comprehensive view of Perth south western suburbs. One of those lines I would recommend tourists and backpackers to take and get a glimpse of what Perth is beyond Perth CBD and Fremantle.  Moreover, you can spend half a day at Mandurah and check the little posh mini-riviera, have a drink or a meal there and return the same way.


They have the best possible timetable, with trains leaving Perth or Mandurah every ten minutes even on Sundays. It might sound normal to some foreigners, but for us is like wow, as most bus lines are unreliable on weekends.  

Perth Transport System works by zones, the pricing increasing by distance. If you want to go all the way to Mandurah, you pay for a zone-7 ticket. Under the new pricing (effective 1st July 2012), you are looking at 7-9.40$ no concession (cash or multi-rider) or 2.85-3.23$ for concession card holders (ditto). Full-day tickets and family riders cost 11$, and students pay the usual trifle of 50 cents.

 Why would anybody want to drive across the city and go through the always painful Kwinana Highway when you have a reliable, fast, clean cheap public transport?  Why not taking a half day break to Mandurah to check up one of Perth satellite towns?

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Review (Wesley Quarter, Perth WA)

Shop T3, Wesley Quarter
93, William St
Perth, WA 6000
P: (08) 9265 5739
Website
Facebook
Wesley Quarter

Review is an Australia brand that offers romantic classy designs, with a big emphasis on textures and colour. They always have gorgeously simple textured tops, colourful skirts, girly dresses, and great knits. The items are pricey, but very good quality, and they have spectacular discounts and sales during the year.

The shop at Wesley Quarter is beautiful, with sheltered racks, the stuff aesthetically organised by the walls, a divine circular changing room area, and a central desk with lovely girls willing to help and do it with a smile.

Myer also has a Review  corner with with divine customer service, but Review at Wesley Quarter is never crowded, the stuff is better organised from a visual point of view, there is a lot of space to move around, and you have the girls to attend to you at the changing rooms.  As the place is never crowded, there are more possibilities of you finding your size here than elsewhere.

The only thing I miss from this shop is them having a trendier edgier shop window, especially having Alannah Hill next door. Review has wonderful clothing, why showcasing it poorly? You can do better, guys! 

Review's Website is outdated by any means, regarding design, accuracy of the information and update of their stores and seasonal info. Their Facebook site is much reliable for anything. They are going to relaunch the first, though, so keep tuned.

TIP
Review's sizing is senseless at present, and varies from item to item, a fact that the brand has been trying to correct in their factories in China. Therefore, be careful when purchasing. I am a size 10, but a size 6 at Review, or 8 or 10, depending on the individual piece. You have to try everything you purchase. 

TIP 2
Review has a refund, repair or exchange policy of 14 days. So, if you are short of time grab you item, try it at home, and exchange it for another next time.

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Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Nedlands, Perth WA)

Ground Floor, G Block
Hospital Avenue
Nedlands, WA 6009
(08) 9346 3333
Emergencies's Website
Hospital's Website

I was taken by a 000 ambulance to the hospital last year, and I expended most of the day there. This review if just for my experience at the Emergencies Department, not about the hospital in general.

Although, as many hospitals, CGH would need a bit of spatial revamping and modernisation, they did a great job. I was taken care of properly, all the tests needed at the moment were done, different medications were tried, and, most importantly, the staff treated me as an individual who was suffering, and did their job with empathy, care, and even affection, if that can be said. I was there on my own, so this was even more important and appreciated. Still, they were treating everybody at the Emergencies with the same medical and human care. I was very impressed. 

There were a few interns there, and they were not only cute but extremely caring, and the same can be said of the permanent staff, especially Dr Peter who was there when I visited. There was a steady flow of people entering the hospital that day, but the area did not seem crowded or chaotic, and I felt that my case was handled properly, and that the area was clean, tidy, spacious and well taken care of.

There were two persons who stood out because of their jerkily behaviour towards me, a male nurse and a clerk. It escapes my understanding why uncaring people would want to work in a hospital unless they have some sort of sociopathy. Still, they were the exception to a wonderful experience, if that can be said or any day-long stay at the Emergencies. 

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