Steakhouse tops for dining

Albany’s Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill has taken out the prestigious Gold Plate Award for WA’s best family dining restaurant.

To the surprise of owners Susie and Les Palmer, the Stirling Terrace restaurant was announced as the winner last Monday night at Crown Perth by MC Tim Gossage.

“Surprised is the understatement of the year for us at Rustlers,” Mrs Palmer said.

“Even as they called our restaurant’s name, I almost jumped out of the chair, and Les swore he had misheard as Tim said Rustlers Steakhouse and Grill — Albany was called out. It was one of the best and most surreal feelings ever, with only the birth of our three children coming close.”

She said it was great to see regional WA recognised, with Yallingup’s The Studio Bistro also receiving Gold Plates last Monday night, including the top accolade, the Premiers Award.

“We have always been content with just working hard to deliver great food and service and getting to the finals,” she said.

“But when facing off with so many restaurants and most in the Perth metro or the well-estab-lished Margaret River region, it’s hard to know if the little things we do to make experiences at Rustlers memorable are noticed at all.”