The Luminaries is a series on Deep in the Weeds sharing the insights and wisdom of those that have shaped our culinary landscape, and those leading us on a new path.
Inspiration can come from any given moment. Influence can be acquired in many ways. But there are few that have had more influence on those in the industry, and home cooks, than Maggie Beer. She joins us to share stories of how it all started, the hurdles, the successes and what lies at the heart of a career in food. https://www.maggiebeer.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
It's an understatement to say the last few years have caused an upheaval in our lives. From natural disasters to global pandemic, environmental and climate concerns, and political tensions the last few years have made us all think differently about what matters and the road forward. For those in the hospitality sector, the road has been a bumpy one, and there are still so many challenges ahead. Renowned as one of Australia's most influential chefs and restaurateurs Mark Best joins us to dissect the last few years, the way forward and the bright future and opportunities that lie ahead for Australian culinary landscape. https://markbest.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Rolling the dice. Taking a chance. Nothing to lose. Some people have an amazing ability to maintain the mindset of “nothing to lose', even though at times, they have everything to lose. But it's the mentality, the positive approach that can open doors and present the most extraordinary experiences. For those brave enough to risk it all for reward, the outcomes can be incredible. From the outset of his foray into food Louis Tikaram (Stanley, Brisbane) has thrown himself in the deep end, pushed the boundaries and learned to sink or swim. It took him upstream in the hospitality in the most incredible way, both home and aboard. https://www.instagram.com/the_lou_dad/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Karena Armstrong https://www.instagram.com/karena_armstrong/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Over three generations the Grossi family have left an indelible mark not only on Melbourne's culinary landscape, but that of Australia's too. Inspired by the food of his family home, and time spent on the pans with his father, Guy Grossi (Grossi Restaurants) forged the way forward for Italian restaurants in Melbourne. From the early days of Quadri, Caffé Grossi to the rich history and evolution of Grossi Florentino, Guy takes us on a journey through the years of one of Australia's most important food families. http://www.grossi.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Inspired by the nose-to-tail no waste ethos of her mother while growing up Melissa Palinkas (Young George Bar, Ethos Deli) embarked on implementing sustainable practises into her craft at a young age. The approach not only helped carve a path for what's possible in a commercial kitchen, but played a key role in developing her unique voice on the plate too. https://www.instagram.com/melisspalinkas/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
While working in a café during university, Sam Burns (Barrio Collective Coffee) started on a journey that began first in dabbling in roasting coffee, then connecting with the beans at the source. The further he dug, the more he valued the source and sort to find and create the best possible coffee experiences that speak of provenance in a cup. Although he's still young, he has become one of the leaders taking coffee experiences to new heights in the nation's capital, Canberra. https://www.barriocollective.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
As he hangs up the apron on an incredible journey at Sôl Bar & Restaurant Kane Pollard (Topiary, SA), one of Australia's best young chefs and restaurateurs, joins us on The Luminaries to take us on a deep dive into what drives him. A chef that is mature beyond his years, and with a pure focus on sustainability from paddock or sea to plate, Pollard is a once in a generation chef with an innate ability to create a sense of place on a plate, and deliver exceptional dining experiences. https://www.instagram.com/chefkanepollard/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Working in restaurants while studying at University began to alter the path Ross McQuinn (Pilot, ACT) thought his career was on. The energy, connections and opportunity to create your own vision was too much of a lure to ignore. Teaming up with two other young guns of the industry, they embarked on a journey to open their own restaurant in the nation's capital, Canberra. Inspired by their favourite restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, they've not only created a ground-breaking restaurant for Canberra, but have fast become one of the leading proponents of the new wave of Australian dining. https://www.pilotrestaurant.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
A career in hospitality can be a fulfilling adventure – traversing the globe, influencing, and enhancing lives and creating experiences they'll remember forever. But it's also a hard slog. Countless hours and dedication, draining on the creative process and pressures to constantly evolve and stay relevant. But these things also bring out the best in people, and some not only create incredible careers, but leave an indelible mark on the culinary landscape too. Industry legend Christine Manfield joins us on the luminaries to share stories, experiences and insight into a career in hospitality. https://christinemanfield.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
After plying his trade in some of Sydney's best restaurants Tristan Rosier (Arthur, Jane) he learnt valuable lessons of what to do, and what not to do. When the moment arrived to open his very own restaurant he embarked on a journey to give singular focus to quality ingredients and change our perceptions on how tasting menus and shared plates to create a template for a new way of dining. Now part of the new wave of Australian cuisine, he's on the verge of opening his second venue where the DNA remains, but the incredible evolution continues. https://arthurrestaurant.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
After opening a café in a Melbourne University Salvatore Malatesta (St Ali, Melbourne) realised the need and opportunity to raise the bar in regards to café offerings and particularly coffee. Fuelled by his love of everything coffee he led a revolution in Australia's dining capital that not only changed our perceptions on cafes, but helped steer Australia as one of the most mature coffee markets on the planet. https://stali.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork M
Growing up in as a second-generation Italian-Australian Sharon Romeo (Fino Seppeltsfield, Fino Vino) had a strong connection to food at a young age, and believed her destiny was a career as a chef. But after work experience, she was declined the chance to do a chef apprenticeship. She headed to university to study psychology and all the while found work in the front of house. The experience of such swept her off her feet and she felt in her element on the floor of a restaurant. Soon enough her innate understanding of true hospitality was getting attention and it led to a string of gigs until she met chef David Swain. The pair combined their talents to open Fino and serve simple regional food, interesting wines and deliver thoughtful welcoming service. A few decades later and Fino is renowned as one of South Australia's most influential brands, and Sharon has become one of the countries leading exponents of hospitality. https://www.instagram.com/shazarama/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Although his first experience as an owner of a restaurant (Movida) became one of the most successful restaurants in Melbourne's culinary history, David Mackintosh (Lee Ho Fook, Ides, Pope Joan, SPQR Pizzeria) felt he didn't learn any lessons because they got just about everything right. But the momentum created opportunities, and the rollercoaster of failure and success moving forward gave him the know-how to focus on the things he could control in his businesses, and manage the unpredictable moments as best as possible. It set him up to take a pragmatic approach to partner with highly creative people and give them the foundation to shine and deliver some of the most important restaurants of the modern era. https://au.linkedin.com/in/david-mackintosh-86171448 Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
After taking a leap of faith and buying a restaurant at the age of 21 Bianca Welsh (Stillwater, Black Cow Bistro, Seven Rooms) has become one of the most awarded and respected young restaurateurs in Australia. But as her businesses grew, she watched many of her industry colleagues struggle with mental health and after supporting a young staff member through a mental health crisis, Bianca came to the realisation that hospitality employers are uniquely positioned to help young people in this area. Keen to arm herself with as much knowledge as possible to support her team, Bianca headed back to university and graduated with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and now runs From Experience - a pilot program specifically for the hospitality industry, the first of its kind in Australia. https://www.instagram.com/biancaleewelsh/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
After plying his trade in one of Britain's best restaurants, Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks) headed down under and found himself as part of the brigade of one of Australia's most influential restaurants – Tetsuya's. He rose the ranks to become head chef working alongside arguably the most incredible alumni of chefs a restaurant has ever produced, but he felt an urge to break the shackles of fine dining and explore produce and cook in a more relaxed, natural manner. It led to a partnership with a band of people who would go on to create one of the most iconic casual eateries that not only expanded to multiple locations, but triggered a movement that elevated everyday eats and brought us all closer to producers too. https://www.threeblueducks.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
As our culinary landscape has evolved, the proliferation of large restaurants became a real feature as operators turned to bums on seats to find profit. But with more staff, longer trading hours, high rents, and higher food costs it put greater pressure on the already slim margins. After a career in some of Australia's best restaurants Sarah Baldwin (Joy, Brisbane) teamed up with chef Tim Scott began to create a sustainable restaurant model that not only took as many operational stresses out of the day to day as possible, but allowed them to share the joy in their cookery too. A few years on, and now Sarah as sole owner and chef Joy has become one of the most unique restaurants in the country and is regarded as one of Brisbane's best. https://www.joyrestaurant.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
In 2006 Nick Hildebrandt and chef Brent Savage opened Bentley Restaurant + Bar in a former pub in Surry Hills and began the new wave of dining in Sydney. One where the shackles of fine dining were removed, but the food and wine lured you out of your comfort and into new, magical experience. It laid the foundation for what would become one of the most important restaurant groups in our culinary history – lead by a humble, adventurous chef in Savage and Hildebrandt, a once in a lifetime sommelier keen to open the gateway to the incredible wine experiences we now find commonplace. https://www.thebentley.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
While carving out a career in fine dining restaurants Jackie Middleton (Earl) and her partner Simon O'Regan, they dreamed of creating their own venue, a place where the quality food and service was paramount, but accessible to all. A place people could go to daily, perhaps even three times a day, and experience a new sense of elevated every day eats. Earl was born, and after 11 years and multiple stores, it has not only become a Melbourne institution, but it changed the expectation of casual eating for one of the world's leading food capitals. https://www.earlcanteen.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
Inspired by his mother's dedication, support and love through food to help him overcome childhood cancer, Josh Niland (St Peter, The Fish Butchery, and Charcoal Fish) realised the positive power of real food and the fleetingness of life at a young age. A determination to break boundaries and walk through walls began to emerge and he soon discovered the hospitality sector could be an ideal platform to harness his natural desire to question things and make them better. After plying his trade under the wing of some of Australia's best chefs he has now made his mark on Australia's culinary landscape - and the world is listening. A once in a generation chef who has not only changed the conversation on seafood, but turned it's many myths on it's head too. https://www.instagram.com/mrniland/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork
The Luminaries is a series on Deep in the Weeds sharing the insights and wisdom of those that have shaped our culinary landscape, and those leading us on a new path.
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