/ place settings /
“We don’t want to import from overseas
when the availability is out there,” de Ocampo
says. “It’s also about putting what’s fresh and
in season on our plates and supporting our
local farmers.” Summer plats du jour include
seasonal fruits to balance richer f lavors:
watermelon brings sweetness to a feta salad,
while nectarines add a zesty spritz to wood-
fired roast duck. Close relationships with the
producers also mean getting first dibs on the
most interesting harvests of the day—think
local shellfish “honey bugs” from Perth’s
offshore Rottnest Island, and Manjimup figs
from the southwest.
As we look out to views of sparkling Trigg
Beach, our party of four passes plates of latkes
topped with hot-smoked salmon, dill and
capers; breakfast pide, a Turkish pastry filled
with sausages, egg, peppers and haloumi; and
shakshuka made with free-range CharCol
Springs eggs from the Southern Forests
region. In Perth, it seems like every plate is an
ode to its neighbors.
THE DETAILSSTAY
InterContinental Perth
City Centre
Located within the King
Street Precinct, this five-star
hotel was designed with the
Western Australian
landscape in mind—the
entrance features locally
sourced natural timbers and
stones. The well-connected
Club InterContinental team
can organize exclusive local
experiences in the city.
intercontinental.com/perth;
doubles from A$245.EAT+DRINK
Ascua Wood-fired meats are
the main event at this
Spanish-style grill-house at
the base of the
InterContinental. ascua.com.
au; mains from A$28.
Fromage Artisans Offering
a range of tasting boards,
wine and cheese
masterclasses and bespoke
artisanal cheese hampers,
this boutique bar answers all
dairy cravings. fromage.com.
au; cheeseboards from A$22.
Heno & Rey As well as a
diverse tapas menu, this
lively spot at the
InterContinental serves
sangria on tap, Latin beers
and top Spanish sherries.
henoandrey.com.au; tapas
from A$13; drinks from A$6.
Island Market Trigg The
bright and airy dining space
here has views of Trigg Beach
with a relaxed yet refined
menu. islandmarkettrigg.com;
mains from A$16.
Market Grounds This
two-story eating-and-
drinking complex offers
several bars for an after-work
tipple. Our pick is the outdoor
garden bar—perfect for
summer sundowners.
marketgrounds.com.au; mains
from A$19; drinks from A$9.“We’re all proud Western Australians
who want to support the local suppliers.
With such great access to quality local
produce, it’d be silly not to”
Sunset vistas
at Island
Market Trigg.COURTESY OF ISLAND MARKET TRIGG