Gusto takes a look at some of the events that shaped the year in Perth’s food & wine sector.
January/February
Altos reopens as Altos Bistro after an extensive five-week renovation.
Umberto Tinelli opens Rigoletto in Applecross. He sold it in August.
The Walker family took over the Forest Centre Tavern (home of Rigby’s) from Peter Norwood.
March/April
Tony Barlow sold B Restaurant to Kiyoshi Iwata. The restaurant was then transformed into Yahachi, which offers Subiaco diners Japanese-style food.
Maurizio Restaurant launches Il Giro D’Italia (the journey through Italy), which offered Perth diners an opportunity to explore the different tastes of Italian regions every second week until December.
Industry stalwart Bert Lozey opened 150 Bar and East Restaurant at Assured Hospitality’s latest apartment complex, Ascot Quays Apartments.
Burswood’s Genting Palace and Victoria Station re-open after a six-week renovation.
Lorena Tati opens her funky cafe Soto a few doors down from Must Winebar in Highgate.
May/June
Former Altos sommelier Shaun Maher starts his own wine list and staff training business, Liquid Library.
Warren Mead acquires Savoia from Davide Bianchi and transforms it into The Oyster Bar at Black Tom’s. He later purchases The Surf Club Café in North Fremantle from Ivan Rutherford and transform it into The Oyster Bar on the Beach with business partner Luke Neville.
The Town Planning Appeal Tribunal denied a tavern development application by Chutney Mary’s director Murray Kimber.
The Liquor Licensing Court denies an application for the Bailey at Centro tavern after strong industry criticism. The tavern application has Subiaco Redevelopment Authority approval.
Dominic Lalor’s art gallery-cum-cocktail bar, Hudson Gallery, opens in King Street.
July/August
Redds in Subiaco closes. The proprietors of Barrack Street’s Arirang Restaurant have since taken over the lease and will open a Korean barbecue restaurant at the site in 2004.
Neil Alessandrino opens Il Palazzo on the corner of Victoria Street and St Georges Terrace.
September/October
Nic Trimboli opens Duende in Leederville
The Royal Bar and Brasserie opens at Mirvac Fini’s The Sebel in East Perth
November/December
Geoff Hayward and Steve Scaffidi open Bar One at QV1.
Adam Ross, husband of Linda Ross (formerly Mead), is in discussions to purchase Bravo’s restaurant.
Bob and Pam McQueen sold The Secret Garden restaurant in Murray Street Mews.
