It doesn’t seem that long ago that Waymouth Street just started to turn itself into a foodie destination. Sure, there have always been awarded institutions like George’s and then our first rooftop bar Gallery opened there (remember how you had to sit while drinking when they first opened, because laws?). But one of the biggest impacts in recent years has been made by Press* Food & Wine. And this month, they celebrate their 5th birthday.
It’s been a successful run for Restaurateur Simon Kardachi, who kicked off the shared dining concept in Adelaide with the establishment of The Pot Food & Wine (prior to that, the Melting Pot) seventeen years ago. Press* Food & Wine opened in September 2011 and extended this idea of a communal, grazing, sharing dining experience to the CBD. It joined Adelaide restaurant stalwarts George’s and Bistro Dom on Waymouth Street, which has since become a key dining precinct within the city.
Five years later, Press* is still going strong, even in the face of an extensively changing dining/drinking landscape in Adelaide. The introduction of new small bars and big-name restaurant chains have given locals and visitors alike unprecedented variety within our great city, but Press* consistently delivers on atmosphere, service and of course, food.
The team behind Press* (Kardachi, Andy Davies, Eloise Riggs, Sally Davey and Tim White) have worked hard to deliver food that they themselves enjoy eating, in an environment that encourages conversation and sharing.
Kardachi credits the consistency of service and food for the success of Press*: “As with all our restaurants, Press* was designed exclusively around the consumer. It’s actually not driven by the chef, the latest food trend, the fit out or a brand name – it’s about whether the atmosphere, service and food offering is suiting the diner’s need. Change is constant in this industry so we make sure we are always striving to deliver the needs of the
customer”.
This is clearly paying off – since opening, Press* has received accolades locally and nationally, including The Weekend Australian’s Hot 50 Restaurant lists in 2012 – both ‘Hottest in SA’, ‘Hottest value’ – and 2013 (with honourable mentions in 2014 & the 2016 listing just released). Press* Head Chef Will Doak has recently spent time at Michelin starred restaurant Pied a Terre and Chiltern Firehouse in central London, and has already added dishes to the Press* menu that were inspired by his experience there.
The Press* Team (a line up of legends)
Press* Head Chef Will Doak.
So how do you celebrate five years? Well, Press* is serving up a Greatest Hits 3-course Tasting Menu for $55. Featuring Press* favourites this month (including the pork bun, blue swimmer crab pappardelle, braised beef brisket and bombe alaska), this will be available all day/night. And in keeping with the trend of Adelaide’s love for the US, the famous Press* burger is $15 for lunch during September. There is also an exciting addition to the Press* lunch menu – a steak sandwich which is a must-try. Because we’re Australian and when someone says “steak sandwich” in a sentence our little hearts just burst.
Congratulations Press*, here’s to the next five years and Waymouth Street’s continued evolution! Press* is located at 40 Waymouth Street, Adelaide (8211 8048) and is open from midday-late, Monday-Saturday. Check out their menu via their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep across what’s coming up.
More News
