“There’s nothing a trip to Nashville can’t solve”. But here’s the thing. We can’t all afford to go to Nashville, Tennessee every time we have a problem and want comfort and solace.
Especially when we live all the way, on the other side of the world, in Perth, Australia.
But do you know what you can do instead? Go to Drasko’s.
Celebrating the love for fried fowl
If you’ve lived in Perth and you haven’t heard of Drasko’s, you must not be a chicken lover. But boy oh boy, Drasko’s will change that.
Started by journalist-turned-chef Drasko Jankovic and Ken Craigie of the Royals Hot Chicken fame, Draskos brings the best of Nashville’s spicy fried fowls to Australia.
Drasko Jankovic actually has quite a pedigree in cooking. Back in 2017, he was an intern at Noma – the celebrated Copenhagen restaurant that’s consistently been voted as Number 1 restaurant in the world by many F&B publications over the years.
Whilst working at the fine-dining hot spot Noma, Jankovic began to miss the more wholesome, salt-of-the-earth homey-ness a smaller local joint oozed. Meals like fried chicken, a good ole sando and a side of slaw – that’s what really got chef Jankovic going. And, that’s exactly what Jankovic wanted to create. Joining forces with fried food legend Craigie, Perth didn’t know what was coming for them.
A juxtaposition of rustic flavours with Copenhagen chicness
Drasko’s is a very unique restaurant. Combining a lovable coziness with superior food – it’s hard to compare Drasko’s to anything else. It’s a true Perth gem.
Jankovic, who personally loves the traditional Nashville fried chicken flavours, keeps his menu strictly conventional in taste. But he does jazz up his creations with a few tricks of the trade that he picked up while at Noma. What you get on the plate is fried chicken that is elegant to look at, cloud-like to cut, but crunchy in just the right places. A delectable dish that is very heady and sensory, it’s certainly one to try if you’re a foodie.
While the fried chicken itself is the star of the show, its accompaniments are equally phenomenal. Drasko’s is reputed for its reliance on local produce – often with the chefs vetting each vendor and handpicking vegetables and herbs before buying them. You get the freshest salads, healthiest fries and the most delicious dips as a result.
When it comes to its menu, Drasko’s has something for everyone. You’ll find most first-timers heading straight for the wings. But you can also order sandwiches, rolls and waffles too.
There’s also the secret “Bastard Chilli” and “Off-Menu,” which are dishes that only regular visitors would know to ask for. But, the restaurant recommends you order this with caution. These babies are SPICY!
Overall, the menu at Drasko’s is very exciting. Jankovic has been very vocal about the “constant process of evolution and refinement” that he strives for with his menu. His goal is to offer a fine dining-type experience, at a much lesser price point and with a fuller stomach.
A fun place to chow down
The ambience at Drasko’s can be described as “energetic” and “youthful”.
Jankovic and Craigie have enlisted the help of reputed artists, Hans Bruechle, to paint a massive and colourful mural that reflects the dynamic history of Nashville’s fried chicken.
The colours within the restaurant are bold and warm. They’re welcoming, without being overbearing. Unlike anything you’ve seen in a restaurant before.
Warm, welcoming and guaranteed to satiate that growling belly – if you haven’t got lunch or dinner plans, make a stop at Drasko’s… you won’t regret it.
