[As published in West Palm Beach Magazine's Spring 2023 print edition.]
They had me at hello. Espresso Martini. Not too familiar with Australian cuisine or its culture, when I received the invite from the team behind Hole in the Wall Restaurants, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But Barry Dry, CEO and founder of the company, and Tom Rowse, CFO, pulled out a chair for me and said, “G’day. . . espresso martini, mate?” I went weak at the knees when hearing that seductive Aussie accent.
I may have embarrassed myself a bit by mentioning Thor, the Marvel superhero, or his counterpart, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth at some point in the conversation. After a few sips of the delicious cocktail and a blast of laughter from me and the Aussie men, I was not surprised that this stylish, yet relaxed eatery had found its perfect new home.
With its roots in the Australian hospitality industry, Isla & Co. fits amazingly well into this once-American railroad built at the turn of the century. This railroad was transformed in 2014 into one of West Palm Beach’s trendiest spots: The Warehouse District on Clare Avenue. Embedded in an elevated environment,
Isla’s menu brings a taste of Australia’s coastal towns to the heart of West Palm Beach. With floor-to-ceiling windows, live greenery, and a sleek industrial vibe, Isla & Co. is the new go-to Australian-style all-day café in town. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a fashionable atmosphere with specialty coffee and brunch dishes by day and cocktail-driven dinners by night.
“West Palm Beach is very similar to Australia,” said Dry. “It’s a lot more similar than that. . . say, South Beach or Miami. People come; they hang out and chill. It really has that beach vibe, with everyone wearing shorts, sun dresses, and stuff like that. So, we thought it would really fit in well with our chilled but refined vibe.”
While still savoring my delicious drink, the next few hours were a deep dive into a culture that blends beautifully with South Florida’s eclectic multicultural tropical blend.
West Palm Beach’s Isla & Co. opened in January, joining an impressive list of new restaurants. They all saw the same thing. As singles and young families with kids continue to migrate to South Florida, primarily from California and New York, Isla & Co. followed this trend closely and created a concept that speaks to their audience. A beautifully designed space that is fun, comfortable, and defined by tastes and enhanced flavors.
From simple beginnings, the Isla & Co. story started when in 2014, a tiny boutique coffee shop, Hole in The Wall, emerged as one of the most iconic and experience-driven café brands. It was the foundation for what would become Parched Hospitality Group. With multiple concepts inspired by Australia, South East Asia, and Europe, Parched Hospitality Group has established itself as a major provider of unique experiences.
The Aussie Cuisine
Australian cuisine is quite interesting. It’s similar to the way American cuisine is defined in a broad sense. “Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. It is this mixing pot of cultures,” explains Rowse. “Dating back to the 1800s when immigration was coming from England, the Mediterranean, southwest Europe, and more recently southeast Asia, along with that came their cuisines.”
Because 98 percent of its citizens live within an hour of the ocean, seafood is as much a part of their lives as long days at the beach. Just like us here in West Palm, where we are minutes away from the ocean.
Isla’s menu includes charred octopus with cannellini beans in a charred cucumber vinaigrette. One of my favorite dishes is shrimp vodka rigatoni. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the sauce was from Palermo, Italy. However, Executive Chef Matt Foley’s grandmother’s and mother’s Italian recipes are to thank.
For Fridays or any day of the week, really, my go-to is Isla’s Fish & Chips, as well as their Pork Sausage Roll [a British influence]—with a dipping sauce that’s borderline addictive. To finish this experience, there’s always the Affogato, a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream, a shot of espresso, and Amaro Montenegro. It’s unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted.
In addition, Chef Foley has infused Asian influences into other dishes including the Thai Green Vegetable Curry, which is filled with colorful spices and colors. Then, there are the house specials—the Isla & Co. Burger or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with melted cheddar and charred broccoli pesto. At the core, it is the mix and match of cultures that adds to this Australian-inspired restaurant—giving us a simple sample of what Aussies absolutely love back home.
Now, back to the Espresso Martini. It was interesting to know that Australia, particularly Melbourne, is big on coffee, even more than America. What? Yes, I had the same reaction when Dry pointed out that simple fact to me. “Our coffee program is something we focus on and something we’re really proud of,” he said. From the sound of his voice, it is clear: Australians take their coffee seriously, and the same can be said about Isla & Co.
Their specialty coffee program serves Hole in the Wall espresso and features two signature house blends suitable for espresso and drip. These blends are from Ethiopia and the Americas and are roasted in Denver, Colorado. “Melbourne is the city that I’m from, but it’s a huge passion point for the city. Espresso Martini is the most common cocktail back home,” explained Dry.
One thing’s for sure: Australians like to have a good time. Isla & Co. has been specifically designed with that in mind. Whether as a couple or a group of friends, having a good time is guaranteed here because Australians excel at it.
From tasty cocktails paired with delicious food to a few laughs with your mates, Isla & Co. has it all. Except for Thor. But the vibe is just right.
Isla & Co. is located at 1401 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach, 33401. They are open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays. More information at isla-co.com.