American rock royalty Suzi Quatro likes to call Australia her second home — unsurprising really considering she’s already toured here 41 times, and will soon return for tour number 42 in November.
There’s been lots of change since she first toured in 1974, the era of breakout hits like Can the Can and 48 Trash , but some rituals live on: a booking at her favourite Italian and Chinese restaurants are a non-negotiable.
“I love coming to Australia and have many friends there. It really feels like a second home,” says Quatro. The 76-year-old took some time out from rocking on to share her favourite places to dine while on the road and when relaxing at home.
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Lelli’s in Detroit is a classic Italian spot. It’s the only place my grandfather would go to eat good quality food – it’s an Italian steakhouse that originally opened in 1939. Lafayette Coney Island in downtown Detroit is another classic spot for a Coney Dog.
I always go to my favourite restaurant Tipo 00 . I do love the pasta dishes here, you can’t go wrong with anything on the specials. I always used to go to Rosetta at Crown Melbourne and eat their tagliatelle Bolognese, but they’re no longer around. It was a blow when that closed down.
Pellegrini’s is where I go for a single espresso and enjoy a serve of their ravioli. I also like Attica – excellent food and service. We go for the degustation menu for two.
The Flower Drum is also another favourite spot. I couldn’t get a booking on the phone when I was last in town, so I took a chance and went down to the restaurant anyway. When I said, “Hi, I’m Suzi Quatro”, they said “come in” and gave us the best table. I ate the most fantastic Peking duck. The tip to dine here came from a Qantas air steward who said the food is fantastic and they were right.
Shark Fin House is also a great spot for a quick meal.
I like The Tea Rooms 1892 in Block Arcade for a cup of tea and cake on my walk through the city.
As I always stay at Crown, I usually grab a bite at Mr Hive and have a breakfast omelette with toast. They also make a great fish and chips here. I’ll often go to Atrium Bar at Crown for a glass of chardonnay.
I also really like Cecconi’s in Flinders Lane in Melbourne. It has great quality food and a great vibe. The pasta and rib-eye steak are fantastic.
I enjoy Shell House for a glass of chardonnay, it has a great atmosphere here. I’m also a fan of Alfredo Authentic Italian Restaurant near Circular Quay for their sirloin steaks. I also love a margarita cocktail from their underground cocktail bar.
I go to Razz Room in York street, for the dirty daquiris and music – it’s a great underground 1970s NYC style bar. And you’ll also find me at The Duke of Enmore pub and rock and roll venue. It’s a live music spot and where I get a margarita cocktail.
I love going back to Hamburg, Germany. It’s where my husband Rainer Haas [concert promoter] is originally from. I highly recommend Theo’s Steakhouse Grand Elysee . The rib-eye and Theo’s Caesar Salad prepared at the table is the best I have ever tasted anywhere in the world. Hold the anchovies – they’re not for me.
I love making a vegetable pasta that will last me three days in the fridge. I also make mushroom pesto, eggs over easy and BLTs are my speciality.
Guilty pleasure: Popcorn in the microwave.
Best kitchen wisdom: I am not a cook and don’t pretend to be, but I am good at snacks. The key is to be good at some basics like a great sandwich or cookies – that’s what my granddaughter used to say I was known for.
Suzi Quatro is touring Australia throughout November and December
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