MOORE AND MOORE, Fremantle

by JENNY D’ANGER:

For a few years now Moore and Moore has been the Herald’s de facto interview room: easy to find and, even when it’s busy, offering a certain tranquility.

When the idea of opening a cafe at the council’s heritage-listed Moore Street art gallery was first raised it was on the strict proviso it be “very Freo” with no bland franchise eateries allowed.

The result is a funky, eclectic space with more atmosphere than a bureau of meteorology chart, existing in perfect harmony amongst the bricks and jarrah of the 150-year-old horse and cart-way of the old merchant warehouse.

Having enjoyed many a working coffee it was time to pay the rent, so I headed down with a colleague for lunch.

We got in early to avoid the rush of Notre Dame students disgorged from classes, and were soon seated in a table in the leafy rear courtyard.

I can vouch for the savoury muffins ($5) having taken many away.

But this occasion called for something more substantial and the braised puy lentil ($16.50) sounded interesting. Topped with a generous serve of perfectly char-grilled asparagus, broccolini and mushrooms it was fantastic, the lentils infused with a savouriness, overlaid by a wonderfully rich garlic flavour.

My mate was over the rainbow with her grilled barramundi ($19.50), also with asparagus and broccolini—and a chilli salad.

The fish fillet was firm and flaky, and the garlic cream terrific, without being overpowering, she said.

Moore and Moore has never let me down vis a vis coffee, which is unfailingly rich and well-flavoured, without a hint of bitterness and this occasion was no different.

Another of my colleagues often arrives at work to eat breakfast at his desk—a slice of Moore’s rhubarb tart ($6.50), so I thought “why not?”
The filling was wonderfully sharp and the buttery shortbread pasty was to die for.

My lunch companion happily slurped down a chai latte ($6), and polished off a slice of honey cake ($5.50), its light fluffy texture belying an uber richness.

All in all a very pleasant experience, all the more so when you’re not madly scribbling notes between mouthfuls of coffee.

Moore and Moore
46 Henry Street, Fremantle
9335 8825
open 7 days 7am–4pm