Images: East
Pirie St has welcomed an exciting new eatery this week, as ‘East’ brings fresh Mediterranean food and a local legacy to the CBD.
“I’ve been in the hospitality industry my whole life,” shared co-owner Shay Kelly.
“I was previously managing Levant Eatery which was the shop at this location beforehand. When it was the original owner I managed it for about six years. So that’s really what led me to East and how I got into this specific location.
“It’s come full circle. When the owners were originally selling I really wanted to buy it, but I wasn’t in a position to at the time. When the space opened up at the end of last year, I was able to take it on, so that was really exciting.”
Shay Kelly and her partner Sam Scott are the driving force behind East, bringing a gourmet alternative to quick grab-and-go lunches in the city.
“East is going to focus on being quick and fast, it’s something that’s really important to us, especially in the city. People want a lunch that’s fresh and quick. We make everything to order, nothing is sitting there waiting, it’s not pre-made,” shared Shay.
“We’ve made a menu that can be done really quickly, so people are getting their lunches in five minutes, which when you’re on a short lunch break is super important. That’s definitely what’s been keeping us busy.
“Otherwise, we’ve got really friendly service and flavoursome dishes.”
Shay has always had a love for Mediterranean food, but while working at Levant this passion was ignited.
“It’s my favourite food ever, although I don’t have any Mediterranean background, I’m as Australian as it comes. I’ve grown up around a lot of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, and Levant Eatery was Middle Eastern, and after working with them so closely for so long, I learnt a lot.”
Whether it is making Lebanese bread or pita or even authentic sauces, Shay is carrying on the techniques she learned at Levant and bringing them to her new venue
“I learnt a lot at Levant. My partner is Italian, so he’s also brought a lot of inspiration to the menu. His Italian heritage comes out in the menu for sure!”
With a stacked menu, Shay shares that favourites would have to be ‘The West’ which is a beef and chimichurri sauce, and ‘The East’ which is their signature dish. It’s a pita pocket with grilled chicken, a lemony yogurt sauce and fries.
“It’s been a massive hit with everyone.”
To match this fun, fresh menu, inside the shop, you’ll find a stunning fit-out, that’s bright and playful.
“I really wanted a space that’s fun, we added in the pink, and we really refreshed it all.
Since their opening, the team has had a fantastic response.
“We’ve had so much support, even customers from when I was here years ago coming back. I’ve got some of my old team with me as well, it’s been cute, I’m so excited.”
Whether you’re looking for a new spot to grab a quick lunch while at work, or somewhere to kick back and enjoy and morning pick-me-up with friends, East might just be your new spot!
East
Where: 70 Pirie Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
When: Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm
For more information, click here.
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