MasterChef judge and famed food critic Matt Preston can’t believe how much WA’s food scene has changed since he has been visiting the State.
The Melbourne personality first came to Perth eight years ago and has returned regularly despite his busy TV schedule, making the trip over up to six times a year.
While in town on one such visit this week, Preston told AAA the city had transformed its “stale” food culture into a booming culinary scene. “It’s such a vibrant spot at the moment, there is so much going on and, as a food person, it’s a great place to come,” he said.
“Six years ago it was pretty stale – there were some great places but not a lot had changed. Probably three generations of new places have come along in the past six years.
“Whether it’s the revolution in bar culture, whether it’s the revolution in cafe culture, whether it’s the revolution with restaurants, I’m not sure, but it’s unbelievable.”
Citing Bread in Common, Gordon Street Garage and the “sexy space” of Print Hall among his picks of the newer establishments, Preston believes it is Perth’s isolated location that has contributed to such a unique spread of restaurants.
WA is also impressing Preston in another way, with the judge revealing he thinks the State’s last cook standing on Ten’s MasterChef, Amy Shields, has the goods to go the whole way.