Perth’s culinary scene is buzzing with the arrival of Eatalist, a new Italian restaurant that recently opened its doors on South Methven Street. Spearheaded by seasoned chef Muhammed Solmaz, the eatery occupies the premises of the former Pizza Express building, bringing fresh flavours to a familiar city centre spot. This opening marks a significant chapter for Solmaz, whose previous venture was tragically impacted by the devastating Scott Street fire.
Just last year, Mr. Solmaz, a 40-year-old chef hailing from Turkey, had been on the cusp of launching Cafe Bodrum on Scott Street. However, fate intervened harshly when a calamitous blaze engulfed an adjacent building in June, leading to the unfortunate demolition of his cafe alongside residential flats and the Royal Bar. This unforeseen disaster, occurring mere weeks before his planned grand opening, presented a formidable challenge to his aspirations.
Undeterred by this immense setback, Solmaz demonstrated remarkable fortitude. With crucial backing from the local council, he embarked on a new path, transforming the long-vacant South Methven Street site. The unit, which had remained empty since Pizza Express’s departure from Perth two years prior, now pulsates with the promise of authentic Italian gastronomy.
Muhammed Solmaz’s culinary journey is a rich tapestry woven from international experience. Having trained at Istanbul’s renowned culinary institutions, he honed his skills further in Manchester, England, where he successfully established his own establishment, Teoman. This restaurant, named after his son, was celebrated for its fine dining and traditional Turkish cuisine. His expertise also extends to Scotland, with a period spent at the prestigious Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, where he deepened his appreciation for diverse culinary traditions, including Italian fare.
His relocation to Perth last year was prompted by his wife’s career as a veterinarian, drawing them to the strategically central location of the Fair City. It was this move that initially led him to acquire Cafe Bodrum, underscoring his commitment to contributing to Perth’s local economy and vibrant community.
At Eatalist, patrons can anticipate a menu dedicated to the timeless delights of Italian cooking. Drawing upon five years of specialised training in Italian cuisine during his Manchester tenure, Solmaz has crafted a selection of pizza and pasta dishes designed to captivate local palmy. Beyond the inviting dine-in experience, Eatalist also extends its offerings through a convenient delivery and takeaway service, catering to the diverse preferences of Perth residents.
Solmaz’s philosophy extends beyond the kitchen, placing a strong emphasis on direct engagement with his diners. He personally greets and interacts with guests, seeking their feedback on both the food and service. This practice is rooted in his admiration for a retired French chef he worked alongside in Manchester, a mentor who meticulously engaged with customers. ‘I try to emulate what he did,’ Solmaz explains, ‘as he was the best chef, not just in cooking, but also in connecting with his customers.’
The ambiance within Eatalist is designed to be welcoming and personable. In a touching nod to his Turkish heritage, Mr. Solmaz has intentionally left one wall within the restaurant space blank, reserving it to display photographs taken with his cherished customers. This evolving gallery will serve as a visual testament to the community’s embrace of Eatalist and a heartwarming tradition that adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
Initial reports indicate a warm reception for Eatalist, with Sunday experiencing a significant influx of patrons, following a quieter opening weekend. The restaurant has already garnered exclusively positive feedback on online platforms, a testament to Solmaz’s dedication and the quality of his Italian offerings. His wealth of professional experience, spanning various culinary styles, is clearly evident in every dish served, solidifying Eatalist as a promising addition to Perth’s dynamic restaurant scene.
Just last year, Mr. Solmaz, a 40-year-old chef hailing from Turkey, had been on the cusp of launching Cafe Bodrum on Scott Street. However, fate intervened harshly when a calamitous blaze engulfed an adjacent building in June, leading to the unfortunate demolition of his cafe alongside residential flats and the Royal Bar. This unforeseen disaster, occurring mere weeks before his planned grand opening, presented a formidable challenge to his aspirations.
Undeterred by this immense setback, Solmaz demonstrated remarkable fortitude. With crucial backing from the local council, he embarked on a new path, transforming the long-vacant South Methven Street site. The unit, which had remained empty since Pizza Express’s departure from Perth two years prior, now pulsates with the promise of authentic Italian gastronomy.
Muhammed Solmaz’s culinary journey is a rich tapestry woven from international experience. Having trained at Istanbul’s renowned culinary institutions, he honed his skills further in Manchester, England, where he successfully established his own establishment, Teoman. This restaurant, named after his son, was celebrated for its fine dining and traditional Turkish cuisine. His expertise also extends to Scotland, with a period spent at the prestigious Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, where he deepened his appreciation for diverse culinary traditions, including Italian fare.
His relocation to Perth last year was prompted by his wife’s career as a veterinarian, drawing them to the strategically central location of the Fair City. It was this move that initially led him to acquire Cafe Bodrum, underscoring his commitment to contributing to Perth’s local economy and vibrant community.
At Eatalist, patrons can anticipate a menu dedicated to the timeless delights of Italian cooking. Drawing upon five years of specialised training in Italian cuisine during his Manchester tenure, Solmaz has crafted a selection of pizza and pasta dishes designed to captivate local palmy. Beyond the inviting dine-in experience, Eatalist also extends its offerings through a convenient delivery and takeaway service, catering to the diverse preferences of Perth residents.
Solmaz’s philosophy extends beyond the kitchen, placing a strong emphasis on direct engagement with his diners. He personally greets and interacts with guests, seeking their feedback on both the food and service. This practice is rooted in his admiration for a retired French chef he worked alongside in Manchester, a mentor who meticulously engaged with customers. ‘I try to emulate what he did,’ Solmaz explains, ‘as he was the best chef, not just in cooking, but also in connecting with his customers.’
The ambiance within Eatalist is designed to be welcoming and personable. In a touching nod to his Turkish heritage, Mr. Solmaz has intentionally left one wall within the restaurant space blank, reserving it to display photographs taken with his cherished customers. This evolving gallery will serve as a visual testament to the community’s embrace of Eatalist and a heartwarming tradition that adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
Initial reports indicate a warm reception for Eatalist, with Sunday experiencing a significant influx of patrons, following a quieter opening weekend. The restaurant has already garnered exclusively positive feedback on online platforms, a testament to Solmaz’s dedication and the quality of his Italian offerings. His wealth of professional experience, spanning various culinary styles, is clearly evident in every dish served, solidifying Eatalist as a promising addition to Perth’s dynamic restaurant scene.