As it’s sandwiched between the slick Print Hall proper on the ground floor and the laid-back Bob’s Bar on the rooftop, Apple Daily is easy to bypass. Don’t. This Asian-styled eatery is not to be missed.
Named after the Hong Kong daily newspaper, it carries on the print theme that runs through the multifaceted venue. Chef Andrew Moore’s passion for South East Asia comes through loud and clear, with a menu that goes toe-to-toe with not just their city competition, but with many of the old-school Asian joints of the inner suburbs.
The reverse snobbery when it comes to this hawker-inspired Asian food decrees that if it’s part of a larger hospitality group and not a mom-and-pop concern, it doesn’t pass muster. But this is shot down within a sitting. Sure, it’s had a slick design hand run over it and won’t be anyone’s secret neighbourhood spot, but they deliver on the plate and at the table, with near-faultless service.
A sharing plate of pad Thai with prawn, sweet pork and chilli jam won’t see anyone go hungry while the crisp soft shell crab with watercress, grapefruit and nam jim is a standout, notable for its generous serve of crab and abundant freshness. Peppery smacks of watercress and sweet, spicy hits from the nam jim make this an every-time dish.
The drinks offering is local, with a strong focus on WA craft beers. The place has the same ownership as Colonial Brewing in Margaret River so their beers feature, albeit beside the likes of Eagle Bay Brewing Company, Cheeky Monkey and Last Drop.
