Chef Ben Bertei to leave Same Same and go out on his own
He’s the star of the kitchen at Fortitude Valley’s Same Same, but now chef Ben Bertei is saying goodbye to the popular Thai restaurant to go out on his own.
QLD Taste
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His food made Fortitude Valley’s Longtime and Same Same two of Brisbane’s most popular restaurants, but now chef Ben Bertei is leaving Brisbane to start his own eatery.
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The culinary star plans to move to Adelaide to open a Thai-themed bistro and deli, selling out of his share of Same Same (co-owned by Ty Simon and Frank Li), and passing over the reins to chef Jason Margaritis (ex-Donna Chang, Brisbane and Spice Temple, Melbourne).
“I’m planning on doing my own thing over there – exploring the Thai/Asian thing a little bit further and seeing how far I can take it,” Bertei said.
South Australia was where Bertei’s family first landed in Australia and where his grandfather passed away, but he says the biggest drawcard is its well-established food and wine scene and family friendly environment.
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“It’s time for a change and we just wanted something a little more family orientated,” said the chef, who hopes to have children soon with new wife Victoria, after the pair married at the end of last month at Fortitude Valley’s The Calile hotel, with a reception at nearby Agnes restaurant .
Bertei is still trying to find the perfect location in Adelaide for his first solo venture, but said it will be largely a daytime venue opening only a few nights with a strong focus on Thai-influenced breakfasts, alongside a Thai delicatessen.
“Breakfast isn’t breakfast anymore – you can push things now,” he said. “You’ve got to give them [the public] something exciting because that’s where Australia’s palate is nowadays.”
The venue will be smart and sophisticated but with a casual vibe, and will feature a strong drinks list heroing local wine and spirits.
Bertei said the restaurant was about securing his future but also living out a dream.
“I always wanted to give this a crack on my own,” he said. “It’s exciting, it’s a new challenge.”
But fans of Same Same don’t need to stress just yet about losing Bertei. The culinary star isn’t leaving until about June next year, with COVID putting his plans on hold.
“If everything had have gone to plan we would have been in Adelaide in November. But I said to Ty I wanted to see this out with you guys,” Bertei said.
“It’s been seven years together and I wanted to leave on a high and leave everyone in good stead and then we can go down there with a clear mind.”
Margaritis is already in the kitchen at Same Same, with Bertei preparing him for the handover.
