Welcome to the July edition of House Favourites, a monthly series where the WAGFG team shares what we’re loving right now.
From the things we’re craving to the places we’re booking and the products getting repeat use, these are the favourites currently fuelling us—on cold nights, slow mornings, and everything in between.
Georgia Moore, Editor-in-Chief
Numero Quattro, Canggu
I heard about Canggu’s neighbourhood Italian, Numero Quattro, through the Australian owner of Further Hotel while visiting for our upcoming Bali content vertical at the Guide. The Bucatini with pecorino, black pepper, and miso was outstanding, and the “calamari ripieni di rosso” with preserved lemon, pancetta, roasted chilli, and confit garlic was one of the best calamari dishes I have ever had. A concise wine list with a killer Chianti sealed the deal.
NON9
As I get older, any more than one drink makes me feel awful the next day. I’ve started ordering NON by the case and love this new flavour release. NON9 weaves dark berries and forest floor earthiness into a bold, non-alcoholic elixir. Roasted plums and beetroots deepen a rich fruit core, and firm tannins from French oak and red wine skins meet tamari’s salinity. It’s delicious.
Banjo Style
These pop-up sales at Claremont Showgrounds and occasionally regional towns run by Jo Shields and Bianca Edwards are a treasure trove for feel-good, sustainable wardrobe injections. They not only carefully select pieces that have good legs (solid labels, great condition, forever pieces) but they also have a clever knack for styling you in clothes that actually suit your body shape and personality.
Mobland on Amazon Prime
I love myself a good gangster movie, so a full season of edge-of-your-seat (shit did that just actually happen?!) filled moments was genius, I never wanted it to end. Superb acting from Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, twists and turns galore, and the emergence of a new Bourne-style lead all added up to a must-watch for those with an appetite for pure mayhem.
Amaretti and a double-shot flat white at Modus
For those sleepless night-fuelled days that you know are going to be hard to get through, this is my go-to pick-me-up strategy. I dip the amaretti into the coffee and wait until I know it’s just about to fall apart. The theatrics give me a buzz before the coffee and sugar have kicked in.
Tessa Gallagher, Managing Director
Lagree, my forever workout
A decade in and every class is still terrifyingly hard. Lagree is the one workout I consistently do—it’s challenging, efficient and unmatched when it comes to building strength, length and tone.
Rotto in winter
The Lodge’s new pool rooms are now open, featuring a 28-degree heated pool, beautifully curated interiors and a sense of quiet indulgence. Rottnest in winter has never looked—or felt—more inviting.
Cutler & Gross glasses
Timeless and beautifully made, these frames are pure fashion joy. I may be half-blind, but at least I’ll be seeing the world in style.
Delicious Places
Gifted to me by my darling friend Abby, this book is a beautifully curated celebration of food, design and culture, effortlessly blending travel inspiration with serious coffee table appeal.
Robert Gordon sconces
Turns out Robert Gordon does interiors now—and their ceramic wall sconces are nothing short of stunning. Coastal, sculptural and impossibly chic, I want them all.
Max Brearley, Guide Editor
Cantina di Lulu La Delizia
I’m hanging out to hit Cantina di Lulu La Delizia. I remember joking with Joel Valvasori several years ago about opening a conti bar or something similar. Then the conversation was more ‘when, not if’, and now there’s the promise of porchetta panino and various riffs on nonna’s meatballs. Get me to Subi.
A winter bowl of congee
Congee from Alberta’s breakfast services crosses my mind often. In a very wintery Sydney this week, I scratched that itch with a bowl of excellent congee at Surry Hills eatery AMA. Bonus course: a side of chat with former WAGFG Guide Editor David Matthews.
Far and Away by AA Gill, as an audiobook
The late, great AA Gill is very much a writer’s writer. I’ve been rationing his Far and Away travel anthology on audiobook, narrated by the ever stylish and laconic Bill Nighy.
Diving into some non-alcoholic tipples for July
Although I’m not going teetotal this July (I’m actually writing this from a pub in Sydney’s inner west), I will be diving into some non alcoholic tipples from WA and beyond. That means a trip to either pub of the year Besk (and their bottle shop) or Mane Liquor. Cin cin.
The Bear Season Four
I binged season four of The Bear last week in two sittings once Disney dropped all episodes. It’s perhaps less triggering for the hospo contingent this season, and it got me thinking about a back-to-back marathon when season five rolls around (or maybe next week).
Anna Franklyn, Managing Editor
East by Meera Sodha
Not new, but still one of the most-used books on my shelf. All the recipes are vegetarian, but they don’t feel like it. Just flavour-packed, comforting dishes you can realistically whip up on a weeknight.
Pickled Turnips from Yinyang Chef
Pickled turnips might sound like a rogue recommendation, but if you’re into Lebanese food, you’ll get it. I picked up a jar from Yinyang Chef at the Fremantle Farmers Market (they’re at Subi on Saturdays too), and they blew me away—zingy, salty, and the perfect shade of pink.
Heartwood incense
Winter means a whole lot of time indoors, and this pure sandalwood incense has been making that reality a little more enjoyable. Bonus: my three-year-old will sit still for two whole minutes watching it burn, so I can drink my coffee in peace.
Jarrahview Lodge
We recently took a team trip to Jarrahview Lodge in Jarrahdale and—wow. Just an hour from home, but it felt like a complete reset. If you’re into cacti, you’ll be in heaven.
Hot Mat Pilates at NFP
Too much red wine? Too much chocolate? A workout in a steamy hot room is the only answer. North Fremantle Pilates’ new Hot Mat Pilates classes will have you sweating, shaking and burning—I’m hooked.
Abbie Kinsella, Content and Partnerships Executive
Normal Van
I was so glad to finally tick Normal Van off my list this month. Rob and the team have reignited my love for a good burger—thanks to their original fried chicken number. The chicken is crisp and golden, but far from greasy, the whole thing feels fresh thanks to a crunchy green slaw and zingy housemade pickles, all tucked inside Rob’s homemade potato buns that are unbelievably light and fluffy.
Ready-made cocktails from Beyond Distilling
I’m usually not much of a cocktail-at-home girl, as more often than not, it requires 47 different bottles just to make one half-decent drink. But the crew at Busselton’s Beyond Distilling have changed that with their pre-made cocktail range. Despite not being an espresso martini girl—their Jaffa Martini is surprisingly my pick of the lot. Distilled Margaret River wine infused with orange, caramel, vanilla, chocolate and coffee—it’s smooth enough to sip straight, but give it a shake with a shot of espresso and you have yourself a dangerous espresso martini.
Pisachio gelato from Mai Tardi
I’m a big gelato girl and always test a new spot by ordering pistachio—and without a doubt, this is the best in WA. Mai Tardi’s pistachio gelato is intense, rich, velvety, and tastes like actual pistachio (they use the good stuff—Sicilian Pistachio DOP). When they ask if you want to drown it in warm chocolate—your answer is yes.
Bacon Jalepeno Toastie from Little Spencer
This toastie from Little Spencer in Bunbury is exactly what you want on a Sunday morning. House-made sourdough, smoky bacon, molten cheese, aioli and a jalapeno relish that gives it just the right kick. Add an egg and it’s brekky burger meets toastie—the perfect way to reward yourself after walking a lap of the estuary.
Mrs Browns Bar
Mrs Brown is one of those bars I’ll always come back to. Reds by the fire in winter, crisp whites out the back under the trees come summer. You’re either parked up with a Flipside burger in hand or using it as your launching pad for a wander down Queen Victoria Street.
Stephanie Di Falco, Design and Events Intern
Nonna’s Meatballs at Lulu La Delizia
I walked into my first dinner at Lulu La Delizia with a flood of everyone’s ‘must-try’ dishes—but Nonna’s meatballs stopped me in my tracks. Soft, creamy polenta cradles tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs with a showering of Parmigiano. Classics are classics for a reason.
Lulu La Delizia
Mucha Kitchen
This should be the go-to Japanese joint for anyone in the Applecross area—whether you’re dining-in or grabbing takeaway on a lazy night. The Ramen has a rich, flavourful broth with a perfect jammy egg. There’s also fresh poke bowls, sashimi, nigiri, onigiri and an impressive range of meat and seafood dishes.
H&C Urban Winery
The vibe is everything here—killer music and fresh greenery everywhere make for the perfect energy where conversations flow as easily as the wine. Their house wines deliver, and the share plates will be wiped clean. It’s my go-to when I’m organising a group catch-up up when you want somewhere that just gets it.
H&C Urban Winery
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
This thriller has been doing the rounds, and it’s worth the hype. It jumps between timelines and perspectives, keeping you guessing right until the final reveal.
Esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and Hyaluronic Face Glow
This serum is my winter saviour. The hydrating serum does the heavy lifting, while the face glow brings back that sun-kissed radiance we’re all missing right now.
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