Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi targets Perth.
Famed Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi has set his eyes on Perth.
Grossi, the man behind Florentino, one of Melbourne’s best loved restaurants, says WA is perfect for his planned first foray beyond Melbourne for his family after nearly 50 years trading in the Victorian capital.
“WA is an obvious choice,” Grossi told the West Australian.
“We’re in love with Western Australia and the producers here. Perth is such a good fit for us.”
His new venture will be called Garum.
It will be a large scale “Roman rustic” venue, located at the heritage listed Hibernian Hall in the CBD. It will be the flagship hospitality venue at the 368 room Westin Hotel and Hibernian Place development on Hay Street.
It is scheduled to open in April.
This is all part of a trend which has seen a number of national and international restaurant brands choosing Perth as a first choice for expansion out of their home markets.
Other examples include prominent restaurateurs David Thompson (Long Chim) and Pete Evans (Heirloom at Fraser Suites) and restaurant brands like the Bali-based KuDeTa.
Grossi said Perth has certain qualities that make it a good choice.
“The quality of local produce played a large part in our decision to come to Perth. We use Fremantle octopus, Arkady lamb from Margaret River, Manjimup truffles and marron from the south west in our Melbourne restaurants, so when this opportunity arose for a first venture out of Melbourne, we just grabbed it,” he told the West Australian.
Grossi said Garum will be distinctive and the location will make it even more so.
“Garum will showcase Roman food and dining culture, with rustic dishes from the Italian capital and surrounding Lazio region,” Mr Grossi told the newspaper. “Uncomplicated and pure are the cornerstones of the kitchen philosophy, delivering local ingredients with a very unique Roman flavour.”
“The dining space embraces the tones of the original building with a contemporary feel,” Mr Grossi said.
by Leon Gettler, February 5th 2017.
Image - broadsheet
