We catch travelling chef Paul Iskov (of WA pop-up restaurant Fervor) to talk about the appeal of pop-up dining and his top five restaurants in Western Australia.
The Pinnacles desert one day, Fremantle the next – Fervor is a tough venue to pin down. But that’s the beauty of it: it’s fleeting, it’s exciting and there’s a constant newness about it.
When asked about the appeal of pop-up dining, Paul reveals his love for the Western Australian landscape. “We get to connect with different people, showcase and learn about different ingredients, and give guests not only a food experience, but give them, and ourselves, an opportunity to really experience the region,” Paul says. “We get to travel to some beautiful parts of this country and learn not only about the ingredients, but also the stories of the country we stand on.”
When harvesting native ingredients, it’s a legal requirement to apply for a permit before collecting the wild food. Above everything, Paul and the Fervor team hold the highest respect for the Traditional Custodians of this land. “We have a big focus on local, and specifically native Australian ingredients,” says Paul.
“We work with and learn from the Traditional Custodians of the land, to create seasonal dishes focused on the region we are in. Using ingredients found in the region really helps to tell the story of the country we are on, and listening to the Traditional Custodians is how we learn more about this beautiful country and how to care for it.”
Discover Western Australia
Paul's favourite Western Australia restaurants
Alberta’s
Discover this kitchen in sunny Busselton. “Alberta’s is such a great local restaurant that is so welcoming and has such a nice, homely feel,” says Paul. “It’s great for breakfast with friends thanks to its delicious, fresh local produce that’s cooked to perfection.”
Burger Bones
This casual burger joint on the main street of Busselton is on a quest for burger perfection. “Best burgers in the west! Perfect for a Sunday arvo burger with the family.”
Liberté
Imaginative dishes that are super delicious, great cocktails and drinks list plus friendly service. Boozy
brunch is a must when visiting Albany,” says Paul about this Parisian-inspired bar with a Vietnamese-influenced menu.
Miki’s Open Kitchen
If you find yourself in Margaret River, make sure to pop into this top-rated Japanese restaurant. “Miki’s is fun, unique and never disappoints. A great location for dinner with friends or even date night.”
Beerfarm
"Solid brewery food,” says Paul about this eatery in Metricup. “Burnt Ends Smoking Co smash it
out of the park with a mix of BBQ smoked meats and high-end technical dishes. You always walk away very satisfied. Great food across the board.”
This article was originally featured in the third issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here.
