Adelaide couple returns home to open restaurant at The Watson

Adelaide couple Adam Rocco and Tamara Spark have returned home from Melbourne to fulfil their dream of opening a restaurant together.

Next month, they will open Local Grind at The Watson where they will roast their own coffee on the premises, feature an onsite providore and offer a seasonal menu showcasing South Australian produce.

Adam, who worked at a number of highly regarded Melbourne restaurants including GG in East Melbourne, Bottega and Mister Bianco, will man the stoves.

His menu will feature seasonal produce sourced direct from the grower with daily specials featuring strongly to enable dishes to be developed around the availability of the best produce.

A Brunch Menu will be offered with a focus on lighter, healthier dishes, while the Dinner menu will be dominated by bold Italian flavours.

The front of house at Local Grind will be managed by Tamara who spent nearly two years working for MasterChef Australia presenter George Calombaris.

Tamara will also oversee the wine list which will showcase wines from the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

Head Chef Adam Rocco said we’re aiming to establish Local Grind as one of Adelaide’s best neighbourhood restaurants.

“We’re hoping to attract a strong local following as well as catering for Hotel guests and residents at The Watson,” said Adam.

“Local Grind will be very informal so people feel comfortable visiting us for any occasion, whether it’s just a coffee after a morning walk along the Linear Park or a celebratory dinner with family and friends.”

The informal restaurant will incorporate a small providore at the entry selling pastries, oils, pasta, cured meats and a few fresh fruits and vegetables.

The light and airy interior will feature a wall length mural, light timber furniture and industrial style pendant lighting and will have bi-fold doors opening up onto an outside dining area as well as a side courtyard.

For Hotel guests, Local Grind will provide room service and poolside dining as well boardroom catering for the serviced offices.

Art Series Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer Will Deague acknowledged that Adam and Tamara’s urge to return home to start their first venture is similar to namesake artist Tommy Watson regularly returning to his country. 
“We invite our guests to feel at home at our hotel with the hope that they feel comfortable returning whenever they need,” said Mr Deague.
Local Grind will open in early September.

The Watson Art Series Hotel will officially open on September 18. For more information visit www.artserieshotels.com.au/watson

ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Please contact Simon Hatcher on (08) 8412 4100 or 0419 780 071