New restaurant brings a taste of South America to tiny WA town

By: Lisa Cook

You might not expect the small town of Cowaramup, just 15 minutes from Margaret River, to be home to a Peruvian restaurant, but that's exactly what you'll find.

Chef Augustin "Augy" Ortega has taken over the former Grasstree venue on the town's main street, bringing his passion for warm hospitality, bold South American flavours and family-style dining to Tiger Milk & Co.

For Augy, opening the restaurant is a dream come true. The seasonal menu gives him the freedom to showcase the best local produce while celebrating his Peruvian heritage, with dishes that evolve throughout the year.

Augy is no stranger to the kitchen. With more than 20 years of experience around the world, he has worked at acclaimed restaurants including Maido in Lima and Montreal's Marriott Château Champlain. Closer to home, he has cooked in Brisbane and Melbourne before settling in Cowaramup with his partner, Kylie.

The menu celebrates the vibrant flavours of Peru and beyond, featuring dishes such as house-made focaccia with miso butter, tuna ceviche, octopus causa, 24-hour slow-cooked asado beef ribs, panca-marinated chicken, pumpkin gnocchi and Cape Grim Striploin with truffle jus. To finish, there's kaffir lime creme brûlée.

The intimate restaurant is already proving popular, so it's worth booking ahead before your next trip to the Margaret River region.

Tiger Milk & Co is located at 56A Bussell Highway, Cowaramup. It is open Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 9pm, with lunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm. Bookings can be made online.