Small bookstores like Crow Books fill an important slot in the marketplace. They can't, & don't try to, compete with the larger bookstores but what they offer is a range of reading material that you wouldn't find on the shelves of larger retailers. I am eclectic when it comes to reading material & I've yet to leave this store without finding something that has put a smile on my face. When I want to buy a present for friends & family Crow Books has never let me or the recipient down. But be warned, with comfy seats & a great atmosphere you may find yourself there longer than anticipated.

I have to admit from the outset that I'm a local that has worked on the jetties, on & off, from 1991. That aside, I'll drive (taxi/train) past more than half a dozen pubs to go to The Lucky Shag, which I consider my local. The Swan River is a significant part of the Perth identity, dating back ... well a fair way. To sit over the water looking at the lights from South Perth & the CBD of an evening enjoying a frothy (from a large selection), a vino or whatever, is something that a vast amount of tourists, workers & locals get to enjoy. The food is "pub grub", honest & plentiful, devoid of pretention or embellishments. Entertainment, the local riffraff aside, is unobtrusive and at times sublime (check out Howie Morgan on a Wednesday night). Prices as compared to over East or overseas are more expensive, but at the end of the day you're over the Swan with friends or family chilling out & relaxing. They will, during the summer months, with drunken punters rolling off the boats get fairly selective with who they let thru the doors. But that's to be expected, they're just looking after the patrons who are already their & enjoying the laid back vibe.

Despite living in the area I had no idea how good the coffee was until a friend/Barista recommended the venue. Since then (2yrs ago) we've been a part of a very dedicated group of customers who love the joint. A testimony to the quality of the coffee & service is best described by our drive by for takeaways last weekend. Every other café we past on the way there had no one at the front counter, The Imp however had a line out onto the street. My family & I go to The Imp regularly for coffee & breakfast, today was the first time I've been for lunch. The result .... an exceptional homemade gnocchi with venison chorizo in cream sauce that will see me back there for the same within the week. Great coffee sensibly priced food & occasionally a queue, but that speaks volumes in itself.

Just back from a quick jaunt to Gods Country, the Kimberley, & have to give a big thumbs up to Matso's. We ate there on our first night, Wild Barra' with a Laksa & warm salad (sublime), & then proceeded to eat every mealtime at the venue for the next two days. It was fairly evident that the Head Chef is fussy about the produce he sources & how it is served, a high standard that most Perth restaurants could learn from. On our second night we were spoilt with a staple from the menu, Pork Belly with Seared Scallops, which was served in record time even though the place was packed (once again, Perth restaurants please take note). I will be back there for the food alone, however I should mention the staff were quick, genuine, attentive & accommodating and then there's the beer!!! A cold Mango Beer whilst sitting on the balcony as the sun sets over Roebuck Bay ... Priceless.

On the 11th of August Mum & I got to experience one of life's great pleasures, a Broome sunset. What made it really special was being taken out in a hovercraft by an exceptional local guide & business owner, Roger. I've been in & out of the tourism industry myself for over twenty years so I'm always interested in going out with other operators. Roger slots in to that category of guides that have a genuine passion for the area with a vast range of knowledge, that's shared in a down to earth manner. Interestingly that night, at a local bar, I overheard another tourist giving rave reviews to a backpacker of the trip we'd just been on. An absolute "must do" if you're heading up to the Kimberley.

I'm not a fan of Hair Salons, although I do accompany my wife to hers & get my haircut there occasionally, & Barbers are a bit hit miss in terms of the hairdresser & the queue. Going to Guys Grooming is a totally different experience, & one that I plan on repeating regularly. Genuine attentive staff who are focused on making you feel relaxed & at home, with the added bonus that they are seriously good at what they do. A bit different for a bloke to look forward to his next haircut, but I am.