Conrads has top chef

Cconrads executive chef Lee Martin has been recognised as the best kitchen services employee in the recent Australian Hotels Association Awards.

The Subiaco restaurant also took the award for best restaurant in a hotel or tavern in the recent Restaurant and Catering Industry Awards.

Mr Martin has worked for Conrads since its opening almost a year ago.

Trained in London, he worked at Lizard Island Resort off the Queensland coast for a number of years before coming to Perth.

Conrads’ cuisine has been described as modern Australian with a heavy Asian influence and a touch of Italian.

Manager Jacki O’Hara said the wine list was heavily accented towards WA wines.

“We do have the odd wine from New Zealand or over east but the WA dining market is very loyal to local product,” Ms O’Hara said.

“Our wine lists and entertainment formats are constantly modified to add variety and we change the menu seasonally.”

The bar area provides live entertainment five nights a week.

Ms O’Hara said, upon returning to Perth after six and a half years, she was amazed at how much Subiaco’s dining scene had grown.

“In the past, Northbridge was the obvious and only option,” she said.

“Perth food lovers now have Subiaco and Leederville as distinct dining zones with their own unique flavours.

“There’s also now a lot more mid-week dining as eating out becomes more affordable.

“While the approach to dining and dress has become more casual, the WA palate has become very sophisticated,” she said.