Jamie Webb, Culinary genius, Peasant and Cabiria
Doing something you love and not having to compromise your beliefs ...
A man of worldly knowledge, Jamie Webb has run restaurants in Sydney and New York. Having brought that experience back to Brisbane has meant delivering two restaurants to Paddington that foodies would have sorely missed if they had never been known. A quiet achiever and constantly busy, Jamie opened Peasant in 2010, a rustic Spanish restaurant serving an infamous paella, rich tapas and red and white sangria. Positioned next door is the ‘rum and red wine soaked, raspy voiced little sister bar’ Cabiria, named after the Frederico Fellini film Nights of Cabiria. A luncheonette and oyster bar with a menu of globally influenced gourmet sandwiches, freshly shucked oysters and a cheese selection to please, Cabiria’s husky, deep red atmosphere brings an underground Rome-meets-Paris-Brooklyn-and-New-Orleans feel to Paddington. The Weekend Edition caught up Jamie to discover his perfect weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
A swim in the ocean is always great.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Go to the West End markets for one of Carlos’ empanadas.
How do you like to unwind?
Surfing with my kids.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Cold beer, good wine and my wife’s cooking.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Sleep in and not work.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Cook dinner for our family.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Sleeping in and not working.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Battle for Spain by Antony Beevor.
What inspires you?
Creative pioneers.
What was your childhood dream?
To play for Manchester United.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My children.
What is success to you?
Doing something you love and not having to compromise your beliefs.
What are your words of wisdom?
Youth is wasted on the young.
Only a local would know … the barista at Cabiria Nathan Swindale has a tank driving license.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Tivoli Theatre
Relax … At home
Dine … Ortiga, Fortitude Valley
Indulge … Cabiria, The Barracks
Shop … Paddington
Catch-up … Stokehouse Q, River Quay
Be inspired … GOMA
