TGI Friday’s has officially opened in Perth at the newly refurbished Carousel Shopping Centre and I had the opportunity to attend the opening.
It was interesting to learn some of the history about the restaurant. The first TGIF was opened in New York City in 1965 by Alan Stillman and it became the one of the first bars where women were encouraged to go out with their friends.
The innovative conceptual restaurant was the first to introduce happy hours, ladies night, and invented the now world-famous Long Island iced tea cocktail. It also became the world’s first international casual dining chain.
TGI Fridays’s Asia Pacific arm was acquired last year by the Signature Group and CEO James Sinclair has introduced menus specifically for the Australian palate and designed the décor to be more up market.
One thing which hasn’t changed is good service, generous servings and the theatre which is included in the serving of many of their drinks and dishes.
At the opening I had the pleasure to sample some of their more popular ones.
I started with a pink punk cosmo martini cocktail which is poured over pink fairy floss which melts away in the glass. It was sweet and fun.
I also tried their loaded potato twisters – spiral sliced golden fried potatoes, topped with Mexican style cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and coriander.
Queso sauce is then poured over the dish at the table. It hits the spot with its crispy and perfectly cooked potatoes.
For lovers of Peking duck pancakes, the slow roasted Mandarin chicken served with Asian-style wraps, hoisin sauce, red onion, toasted almond slivers and sake pickled vegetables is a delicious take on the classic dish.
I couldn’t go passed trying their S’mores brownie, the soft warm chocolate brownie is topped with rich chocolate mousse, crunchy biscuit and toasted marshmallow and finished with biscuit crumbs. It was very rich and moist with a fudge like consistency. It’s one to share.
To finish my taste testing I had a blackberry Long Island ice tea shaker. It was fresh and delicious with a strong berry taste, perfect for a hot day in Perth and a nice take on the original Long Island iced tea.
It’s nice to see an international chain come to Perth, judging from the line to get in as it officially opened its doors it will prove popular. TGIF is located in the newly renovated Westfield Carousel food court which is an experience in itself, but parking can be difficult.
TGI Fridays
Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway, Cannington
Phone: 9554 4400
Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 9pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to late. Open every
day (including public holidays) except Christmas Day.
