LOCATIONSt. Georges Terrace, Perth CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAOkay, I’ll admit I am completely biased when it comes to Bar One. You can find me there for coffee in the morning, risotto on Wednesday nights and often for drinks on Fridays. But in order for me to spend this much time (and money) at one place, it must have three elements that, in my opinion, create a superior venue. Those elements are superb service, sexy decor and delicious food. Bar One has it all plus more; the coffee, cocktails and wine list are also spectacular. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, owner Steven Scaffidi has done it again by recently deciding to open on Wednesday nights for pasta and risotto.
The evening always begins with chef Tony Garita’s daily selection of antipasti which features the likes of freshly sliced prosciutto, arancini and Italian pickled vegetables. Then the fun begins. As someone who’ll only order risotto at restaurants that cook it to perfection, I am faced with a recurring dilemma when it comes to choosing my meal at Bar One – risotto, gnocchi or home-made pasta? Steve’s own mother makes the gnocchi and most of the pasta and when you team up home-made gnocchi with white castello, basil and tomato sugo you have one of the most delicious dishes ever created. There’s also a specials board and if you’re in luck you might get to experience the parpadelle with a deliciously rich ragu involving duck, rabbit or wild mushrooms. All I can say is thank goodness for operators like Steve Scaffidi for providing venues that never disappoint and always delight.
Karen Bilsby, July 2008