The Best of Bayside – A Q&A with Celebrity Chef, George Calombaris

We recently sat down with former MasterChef alum, George Calombaris, while visiting Highett Common’s Grand Launch. George discussed why Highett was the ideal choice for his latest restaurant, The Hellenic House Project.

Welcome to Highett Common and thanks so much for dropping in. Firstly, let's discuss the area, why is it you chose Highett to set up shop?

George: It’s probably the most common question I get asked… A day doesn’t go by where at least fifty people don’t ask me, why Highett?

And I just say…why not?

It’s Bayside, and for me, it presents this untapped and incredible community. Highett is 45 minutes from the Peninsula and only 25 minutes into the CBD, with the beach just down the road. We’re unearthing something special here.

Here at Highett Common, we’re striving to provide a truly suburb-redefining project. We have noticed a real regeneration of the main retail strip here in Highett - is this something that influenced your decision?

George: It’s funny when determining where to set up a new business. You can run all the reports and gather all the data, but at the end of the day, you need that feeling inside that just makes it feel right.

I spent a lot of time in the area, walking up and down the street and observing what was going on. Highett gave me that feeling; sometimes you just need to go with your gut. So far, it’s turned out great!

What was your reaction to learning about Highett Common as a business operator in the area?

George: Honestly, what you guys are doing here is phenomenal. To be part of this in some sort of way, as a member of the community is what it’s all about.

We’re passionate about connecting with the local community and we’re doing a lot of initiatives at the project to effectively integrate into the existing community. That community now includes The Hellenic House Project, tell us more about what you’re doing over there.

George: Foundationally, it’s a house. 25 years of cooking all come together in this one place. I only want to do one like this and do it well. I’m in the kitchen everyday.

We have a backyard, a front yard and a kitchen downstairs that serves cold beers and souvlakis. You could even grab your souvlaki and come here to the park at Highett Common to enjoy the day.

So, it really is about bringing that family home feeling into the restaurant. What about cuisine, what can we expect to see?

George: A lot of the old favourites are definitely here, but we have dialled them up. It’s all about bringing the soul and substance of what we have and elevating it to Highett’s standards.

We’ve heard that it’s become quite the lively nightspot. You must be thrilled about Highett’s location, particularly with the train station so close by?

George: As much as I love the CBD, we are all really starting to love where we live. You can wander out of Highett Common, walk 20 steps and go to La Tortilleria to have a taco. You can walk across the road to have a great cocktail at Hawker Bar. Abbiocco does amazing pasta, and across the road from The Hellenic House Project is a bakery that does the best Banh Mi!

The best part about the area is seeing the owners in their establishments working hard. There’s a great buzz on the main strip… and it’s world-class what you’re doing here to continue creating that sense of community.

The display suite at Highett Common is now open for inspection,
you can register with one of our agents here.