Who is Mister Percy? Who is Justin North?
Ovolo Hotels
Ovolo Hotels has teamed with renowned Sydney-based chef, Justin North, on their latest project, Mister Percy, a dedicated Mediterranean-style wine bar and kitchen housed in the heritage-inspired designer boutique hotel, The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour.
Fresh from a number of recent projects enthusiastic Sydney based chef Justin North has taken some time out of his busy schedule to chat to Ovolo Hotels about his passions and inspiration behind new wine bar Mister Percy.
Q. What has been your main inspiration behind the Mister Percy concept
Travelling around the Mediterranean coastal towns has been such an inspiration to me. It’s such a beautiful part of the world with wonderful simple & tasty food. In particular the small local wine & pinchos bars I found very inspiring, perfect for Mister Percy!
Q. Was there anything in particular that drew you to the opportunity to work with Ovolo?
I get a buzz working with like minded creatives and love the personal touch & uniqueness Ovolo offers to the industry, such a refreshing perspective.
Q. What are the influences to your cooking style?
My background is fine dining contemporary French, however these days it ultimately gets distilled down to anything that tastes good! Generally a combination of travels and the local landscape.
Q. Do you find it a challenge to constantly innovate?
No I love it, I love the pressure and energy of constant innovation and creating new ideas, concepts, menus & rethinking exciting hospitality spaces.
Q. What is your favourite food?
That changes from meal to meal, but right now the new charcoal grilled octopus & chorizo pinchos at Mister Percy can’t be beat!
Q. Have you been to the Mediterranean?
Yes love it. I fell in love with the light fresh style of the coastal Mediterranean cuisine. In particular I’m drawn to southern France, Amalfi Coast and San Algata.
Q. What are your top 5 ingredients in Mediterranean cooking?
Nothing beats the new season unfiltered fresh local extra virgin olive oil. Wonderful Australian salt flakes, fresh citrus particularly Bergamot is a favourite right now, fresh herbs and chillies
Q. What is your favourite type of pinchos?
The best type of pinchos are the ones made with love, simplicity, good ingredients and seasoned well.
Q. Outside of work what do you enjoy doing?
I love my family, playing with my kids, there is no greater gift than being a positive part of your child’s life, they bring me so much happiness!
Mister Percy opens 7th August. Bookings essential