Mathew Powell has cooked in Melbourne, London and Spain, but these days he’s living the WA dream—calling Rottnest Island home and heading up the kitchen at Sunsets.
Originally from Victoria, Powell moved to WA for good in 2012 after a short stint in the South West, where he met his wife and fell just as hard for the beaches, landscapes and local produce.
After more than a decade in Perth, he now spends most of his time on the island, squeezing in trips back to the mainland every couple of weeks to catch the footy at Optus Stadium—and to stay across WA’s ever-evolving food and drink scene. Here’s where he eats, drinks and unwinds, on and off the island.
Favourite daytime dining spot on Rottnest, when you’re not in the kitchen?
It would have to be at my house or one of the other kitchen staff members’ having a BBQ. Though it’s pretty hard to pass up a bottle of wine and some oysters at Havza in the basin on a nice summer evening.
Where do you go on the island when you want to switch off?
I tend to head to the golf club for a quick nine holes of golf.
The first place you eat when you head back to Perth?
Straight off the ferry in Fremantle and to Nieuw Ruin. The food and wine program is really good, and it’s a recommendation I give to any of my chefs on the island.
Nieuw Ruin
Your favourite WA getaway (apart from Rottnest, of course)?
Exmouth, I go on a fishing trip every year. It always proves to be an amazing break, camping, fishing and living by the ocean.
Friends or family are visiting and you’re planning a day trip—where are you heading, and what’s on the food agenda?
Dwellingup has been a perfect little getaway for those hot summer days for a swim and a BBQ, but Busselton and Margaret River would be the go-to for an overnight trip and to see some mates from Shelter Brewery for some food and certainly some beer tastings.
Any low-key spots you head to on your days off?
Lalla Rookh for good wine and a meal, Molly’s on Beaufort Street for a good pint of Guinness.
Favourite place for a celebration or special occasion?
Any sporting event with friends or family tends to hit the spot, either in WA or on the East Coast.
Want more? Check out our WA My Way with Lachie Sherridan, on his favourite burgers, bahn mi, and BBQ spots.