7 minute read
Tasting World Flavours in Margaret River
Tasting World Flavours
Margaret River is a melting pot of cultures with cuisines to match. Abandon your diet and dive into everything from premium Japanese to Americana steam-shrouded BBQs and the most authentic Italian south of the equator.
WORDS | DIANNE BORTOLETTO
IN MARGARET RIVER
Italy
The pasta at La Scarpetta is freshly made every day for mouth-watering dishes including gnocchi gorgonzola with pear, porcini tortelli, and tagliatelle alla Bolognese. There’s a great selection of antipasti and they make a perfect Aperol spritz. My tip, save room for dolce, the tiramisu and cannoli are worthy. Downstairs at Pizzica, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an underground pizzeria in Puglia. The woodfired pizzas are thin and crisp. To start, order olive ascolane – deep-fried, meat-filled olives - you’re welcome.
Swings and Roundabouts Margaret River
is a lovely spot to sit and watch Margies life while devouring a woodfired pizza. There’s also woodfired rosemary focaccia, olives, croquettes, chorizo and a selection of mains. Swings and Roundabouts wines are on tap and takeaway wine is available at cellar door prices.
Japan
Miki’s Open Kitchen is an experience no foodie should miss. The tiny kitchen creates delectable dishes with flavour combinations that are truly unique. Chef Miki Nagai takes local produce and executes dishes with Japanese techniques resulting in an impressive dining experience. Dishes change daily on both the ‘trust the chef’ degustation, and the Miki’s complete sevencourse menu. To watch the kitchen theatre, opt for a seat around the kitchen bench when you book (which should be done well in advance).
Right & below, Miki’s Kitchen has a cult-like following and if you can manage to book, you’ll discover why. Opposite, Italian pastries at the Margaret River Farmers’ Market.
Korea
If you follow the locals, they’ll often lead you to unassuming family-run establishments. In Margaret River’s main street - Teddi’s Big Spoon is a hidden gem that packs a punch with authentic and tasty Korean dishes. Find dumplings, kimmari fried seaweed rolls, kimchi rice and hot pots, and a Korean BBQ to cook yourself! A surprising find.
Indonesia
Mark your diaries. Every Thursday night is Indo night at The Sea Garden Cafe in Prevelly. There are just two dishes to choose from, a meat and a vegetarian special but both equal hearty comfort food. The lamb curry I devoured was spicy but not too hot and the meat was so tender I could’ve cut it with a spoon. Each dish comes with an oozy egg to sauce up the side serve of nasi goreng.
India
The best dahl and roti I’ve ever had is from Spice Odysee Food Van, parked up at Margaret
WINE & CHEESE
ENJOY A TASTE OF MARGARET RIVER’S FINEST
We invite you to join us for a tasting, among some of the oldest vines in Margaret River, at our famous Redbrook vineyard.
OPEN EVERY DAY 10.30AM — 5.00PM CORNER CAVES & METRICUP ROADS WILYABRUP, MARGARET RIVER, WA
WINE, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING
$25 PER PERSON Enjoy a seasonal guided tasting of four premium wines matched with artisan cheese and a chocolate bonbon.
SCAN TO BOOK
Left & opposite, Reserve Happy Hour at Morries for a range of Asian infused cocktails. Below, Authentic North American burgers from Normal Van.
River Rotary Park every Wednesday and Friday evening. It’s a great place to meet the locals and combine dinner at the same time. Using regionally sourced ingredients, the curry van offers samosas, beef vindaloo, lamb rogan josh and the crowd favourite - butter chicken. Spice Odysee also has a restaurant in Busselton if you’re north of the region.
At time of press a new Indian restaurant was set to open at the top of town in the old ‘Arc of Iris’ premises called Khana Khazana.
Thailand
Chang Thai Kitchen is a laid-back joint on Station Road in the Light Industrial Area, serving authentic Thai food at good prices. Largely servicing ‘take-away’ customers who feel the urge for a Pad Thai in the comfort of their accommodation, patrons can also sit down for a curry in the relaxed restaurant.
You can also get a taste of Thailand at Morries, at the top of Margaret River’s main street. The sesame pork belly is so popular it’s now a fixture on the menu (frequently ordered alongside the bao bun duck with Thai chilli jam). If that’s not enough – their famous drinks list boasts Asian flavours of basil, coconut and lime too.
South America
El Toro has a loyal clientele of carnivores who keep this well-hidden haunt ticking. Located off the main street opposite Memorial Park, the South American themed steakhouse specialises in cooking over coals, namely locally sourced rib eye and T-bone steaks, as well as local fish. In a nod to Spanish origins, there’s also good value seafood paella and patatas bravas.
Mexico
Mexican and Tex Mex styles influence the menu at The Common in Gnarabup. There’s tempting tapas plates of jalepeño poppers or carnitas pork tacos, as well as flavoursome fish tacos. Grab a cold one, take in the ocean views from the deck and dig into some well executed Mexicano pub grub. There’s happy hour every day 5-6pm. Vamos!
America
In the centre of Margaret River’s main street is the iconic Settlers Tavern. The pub has a proper ‘low and slow’ American Yoder smoker that’s fired up daily at dawn. ‘The Tav’ serves a taste of the US-of-A with ‘Texas Smokehouse’ beef brisket, slow cooked lamb ribs, and four different burgers. Secure a table on the outside patio for great people-watching with your Texas beef and beer.
Burgers
Burgers are deserving of their own category
and when you wrap your hands around the lip-smacking burgers in Margaret River, you’ll soon agree.
Burger Baby’s aptly named ‘burger of dreams’ is a good place to start. Located up behind Toastface Grillah on the main street (which does excellent toasties), Burger Baby makes eight kinds of burgers along with gluten free, vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan options – my go to is the ’everything burger’, that has, er, everything.
Normal Van serves epic burgers from a range of Margaret River locations. Owner and chef, Robert Webster, is Canadian born and bred – and felt there was a lack of true North American food done right in Margaret River. What he might consider a ‘normal’ burger – is another thing for the locals. The simple menu offers burgers that are a perfect mix of messy, cheesy deliciousness. It’s criminal not to have a side of triple cooked chips with any order. Keep an eye on social media for locations and menu specials.
At the Margaret River Brewhouse, they offer an alternative cousin to the humble burger. The cheeseburger roti with beef, American cheese, mustard and pickles will leave you fighting for the last morsel if you’ve opted to share.
Supplies
Blue Ginger
This deli on Station Road is the place to go to stock up on world foods including locally made Indian spices, speciality European and Asian ingredients, as well as bulk foods from nuts to brown rice to spelt flour. The adjoining Australian-style café is a great place for a coffee and a bite too.
Charcuterie
A tasty cornucopia of regional produce is heralded in a little gourmet shop called Charcuterie, along the main street. Perfect for gathering picnic supplies, they have a range of cured German and Spanish meats and Australian specialities such as crocodile and lemon myrtle chorizo, cold smoked emu, and kangaroo salami. There’s also a great selection of cheese from dairies local and afar.
Margaret River Farmers’ Markets
The Farmers’ Market is a smorgasbord of global flavours. For a taste of Italy, try Mario’s Garden homemade arancini, Claudio Biscotti pastries, or fresh pasta at Pick & Gather. Stock up on European inspired cheese at Cambray Cheese and gut-boosting Korean style kimchi at Margaret River Kimchi. If it’s just a taste of Australia you’re chasing, settle for a reliable egg and bacon roll.
