Australian’s Abroad: Grant Smillie

Living abroad: to live outside one’s home country for a fixed or indefinite period of time. 

We got in touch with some of our favourite Aussies who are living it up and kicking goals in the concrete jungle that is New York City and sunny Los Angeles.

In part 2 of our 3 part series, we interviewed Co-Founder of The Botanical Group, Grant Smillie.

Where in Australia are you from and where are you currently based?

I’m originally from Melbourne but now reside in Los Angeles.

Why did you make the move?

I moved to LA to open a restaurant and rooftop in 2014. I was a travelling DJ that was very accustomed to a lot of flying but decided to transition into more full time hospitality around that time and it became my new home. In 2015 I opened a venue called E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood and in more recent times have opened Grandmaster Recorders and Strings Of Life — all with musical names and thematics which speaks to my previous career.

What do you miss most about Australia?

There are a few things that I really miss about Australia. The roar of the MCG in full flight with the mighty Magpies doing their thing. Also any of Andrew McConnell’s restaurants are one of the first things to do when I’m back.

What do you love most about where you live now?

The weather and the lifestyle are pretty compelling. California is a spectacular part of the world and it’s a short hop to Mexico or to Aspen. It’s also the home of the mighty Lakers so going to a lot of games is also on my ‘to-do’ list. 

Vegemite? Yes or No?

1000%

Style. Substance. Simplicity.

Mr. Smith