Restaurateur puts more on his plate
Perth restaurant entrepreneur Scott Taylor admits it’s a challenging time to be throwing $3 million at a new restaurant.
“It’s very challenging out there and we’ve seen that across our own venues,” Taylor said. “I’m nervous for the industry because of the economic slowdown. There will be attrition.”
The restaurateur — who owns and operates the Beaufort Street Merchant, the bar Enrique’s School For To Bullfighting and CBD bistro The Trustee — will open his new venture The Shorehouse on the beach in Swanbourne this weekend.
“It’s big money, but it’s also a vote of confidence for people’s propensity to seek out quality hospitality offers,” Taylor said.
“Yes, there are lots of offers around these days, but Perth people are becoming more discerning and keen to celebrate great food at beautiful venues.”
The Shorehouse will feature two menus, a casual offering for the Deck and a marginally more sophisticated offering in the restaurant proper. Although not a seafood restaurant per se, the menu will feature raw seafood from the crudo bar and a big emphasis on WA producers.
Taylor says they will begin trading this weekend with caution. “We have to get it right, so we’ll be offering about 60 percent of our full menu for the time being.
“From the crudo section we’ll be pimping out awesome flavours like yellow fin tuna with basil-infused yoghurt and bottarga; and a banging beef tartare made with Harvey Beef eye fillet, rye crumble and sprouts.”
“We call it classic West Australian dining. It’s all about WA producers and we’ve built a menu around what they can supply us, not the other way around.”
Shorehouse opens at a time of significant activity in the hospitality sector, especially at the ‘big bucks’ end of the spectrum. Developer Adrian Fini’s hotel and multi-restaurant complex at the State Buildings in Perth will be rolled out progressively from October 15, when the Como Hotel and Post restaurant open.
They’ll be followed by the 180 seat Thai restaurant Long Chim, the Petition Wine Bar & Merchant, the Treasury Lounge & Bar and, in mid-November, the upscale restaurant Wild Flower with another 90 seats.
Crown Perth is also gearing up for the release of new hospitality venues at it’s Crown Towers hotel, scheduled for completion next year. It’s understood superstar chef Heston Blumenthal will open an outlet of his Dinner By Heston Blumenthal offer at the six star hotel.
International Indonesian beach club brand KuDeTa will open a massive new venue in East Perth next year.
Source: The West Australian, Rob Broadfield, 27th September 2015
Originally published as: Restaurateur puts more on his plate
