Chef Carter finds Common ground on the coast

That’s the word from Gnarabup’s The Common Bar + Bistro, where a steady stream of loyal locals has kept kitchen and bar staff busy throughout winter.

“We definitely have the locals to thank for all their support as we’ve rolled out this new menu,” Carter said during service last month.

“We have people who come down every night, or every week for our specials nights and they know they can relax and hang out in a casual setting and still get a really high quality of food.”

Carter’s signature hearty, often indulgent (he admits he couldn’t possibly exist without butter) dishes are a sight to behold and are reminiscent of his earlier days at Muster and later, The Noshery.

The new menu boasts fresh local flavours with portion sizes not often seen this side of the Busselton bypass.

The sharp and clean flavours of the gin and beetroot cured gravlax salmon and beef carpaccio are the perfect start to a meal, before robust flavours of braised beef cheek and scallops with black pudding begin to creep into the entrees.

Mains of seared duck breast, blue swimmer crab angel hair pasta and a must-have slow braised beef short rib gnocchi star alongside the bistro staples of steak and chips, and chilli mussels.

“I love seeing people having a really good time and if I’m being completely honest I kind of like making people eat a little bit too much,” Carter chuckled amiably, showing no signs of stress or fatigue despite regularly serving hundreds of meals to hungry restaurant and bar patrons.

“We are pretty particular on the quality of staff and who we have working with us in the kitchen, and at the moment that means we’re running a tight ship with a small staff and they are doing an incredible job.”

Margaret River Hospitality Group’s Samantha Janssen said the company was thrilled to have Carter on board at the coastal venue. 

“Sean brings a fresh enthusiasm to the back of house and the energy in the kitchen is at an all time high,” Mrs Janssen said, noting that Carter had already had young son Edward lending a helping hand in the kitchen. 

“As a family run and owned business we are quite stoked to have a family man at the helm.”

For Carter, he is keen to see the local vibe continue at the beachside bar.

“I’m all about seeing the same faces in here, listening to our customers and learning what works for them.”

For more information on The Common and to check out the new menu visit www.facebook.com/pg/thecommonbistro or call (08) 9757 1583.