As Executive Chef of acclaimed Restaurant Botanic in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens, Jamie Musgrave has always had a deep respect for Australian ingredients.
At the restaurant, he’s created a tasting menu that reflects Australia’s diverse landscape – while also using native ingredients such as finger limes, green ants, marron and bunya branches.
And now in a new book Restaurant Botanic: A Year in the Life written by Jamie Musgrave and General Manager Alma Pasalic, the duo have crafted a part cookbook, part restaurant manifesto and art celebration featuring a stunning collection of photography by Jonathan van der Knaap.
The Write Drop spoke to Jamie Musgrave for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Adelaide is an amazing city, in particular I love the incredible nature and scenery – the beaches, the hills, the bush land. There are numerous premium wineries, restaurants and bars to visit. It has a laid-back, chill vibe about it. The people are also really friendly and helpful.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I have been fortunate enough to dine at Restaurant Alchemist in Copenhagen – the whole experience was absolutely fantastic and we had the most amazing time from start to finish. It would be hard to pick just one dish, but two that I vividly remember and tell everyone about are the langoustine claw with horseradish. It sounds simple but it was so delicious. And the other is the cod cheek dish. It’s like the world’s best fish and chips. Overall, it’s an incredible restaurant that I can’t recommend enough. Truly perfect.
FAVOURITE BAR
Maybe Mae is my Favourite bar in Adelaide – love the speakeasy vibe and the playlist is great to jam to. ODD COMPANY (Pistachio, Lemon Scented Eucalyptus, Lemon, Archie Rose Double Malt Whiskey, Bizzarro Aperitivo) is my go-to drink – tastes exactly like a bounty – a delicious chocolate treat.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A pina colada clarified. It’s a classic but in a milk punch style – elegant and delicious. At first glance, it seems a little underachieving, but when you have a sip, it is delicious and refreshing.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Cold pizza and espresso martinis – feel guilty, but enjoy them anyway.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Byrdie in Melbourne, they really push the boundaries of what a cocktail bar can be – feels experimental yet all the drinks are delicious. The presentation of drinks is very eye-catching and you never lose interest. Also, the bar snacks are outstanding too, don’t miss out on the cocktail, Speed Bump.
OVERSEAS BAR
Double Chicken Please in NYC – make sure you try the cold pizza cocktail and if you’re waiting to get into the main bar don’t sleep on the ‘taptails’.
FAVOURITE WINE
I love champagne – it always carries connotations of celebrating, even if you aren’t. It’s incredibly versatile: a brunch bottle, a long lunch with bubbles or oysters at sunset – they all scream for a bottle of
FAVOURITE WINERY
A winery that I love here in SA is Murdoch Hill – in particular, the rocket chardonnay is what keeps me coming back (when it isn’t sold out). The tasting room is sleek and has very knowledgeable staff – mostly because the winemaker does the daily tastings.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’d love to head to Japan.
