AGE OF EMPIRE
The culinary traditions of Rome inform the menu at Guy Grossi’s new Perth restaurant, Garum, his first outside Melbourne, where prime Western Australian produce is presented with Italianate flair.
The culinary traditions of Rome inform the menu at Guy Grossi’s new Perth restaurant, Garum.
When the opportunity arose to open a venue in Perth, it didn’t take long to agree. I have loved travelling to Western Australia over the years, being lucky enough to travel for both business and pleasure. Both the produce and the people are amazing. I’m always blown away by
Western Australian hospitality.
We also fell in love with the building. It’s the old Hibernian Hall in Perth’s East End, and it has so much character. The design was intended to maintain as much of this character as possible, keeping the original structure intact and highlighting its history. We wanted to do something more specific than just Italian, and we felt the Roman concept worked well with the history of the building.
We named it Garum after the Roman fish sauce, which is made using a traditional fermentation method of salting and then fermenting fish in small jugs or clay vessels, which were commonly used throughout ancient Rome.
I love Roman cooking; to me it’s hearty, simple and humble. I love using ingredients in ways that are uncomplicated, and modern Roman classics are some of my all-time favourite – where would we be without carbonara?
The menu at Garum, and the dishes here, delivered by my head chef Mario Di Natale, are based on this; they focus on both the ancient Roman techniques and modern classics that we like to serve in a relaxed environment. Octopus, for instance, is one of my favourite things to cook. It’s more versatile than people think: char it simply, marinate it and serve it cold, or toss it through pasta. This version is a take on the Gaeta style; the flavours are punchy, but the octopus remains the hero.
We love hosting locals and travellers at Garum and we’re excited to continue using Perth’s amazing produce and making great friends over the time to come.
Garum is intended to be accessible to everyone. We want it to be a place to enjoy a bowl of pasta and glass of wine at lunch, or to come with family and friends for a celebration, share dishes and settle in for the night. Whether your own occasion is casual or celebratory, these dishes will serve equally well for both. Enjoy. Garum, Hibernian Place, 480 Hay St, Perth, WA, (08) 6559 1870, garum.com.au