Conversations
-
Ikuei Arakane at Omi
Ikuei Arakane or Kinsan as he is affectionately known is a hard-working and passionate chef who has built a reputation for his commitment and energy. Long an advocate and event organiser for Iron Chf in Australia, Kinsan has been head chef in renowned Melbourne and Hobart restaurants and continues to lend his expertise to projects…
-
Coskun Uysal at Tulum
When I walk into Tulum, Coskun greets me with a kiss on each cheek, “Turkish style”. Softly spoken, and welcoming, this is a man with a story to tell, and there is nothing I like more than a good story. As with all good stories (as far as I am concerned) this one involves childhood…
-
Andrew Ibrahim at The Fish & Burger Co.
It's not very often I go to Doncaster. But Andrew Ibrahim is a Doncaster local and he knew what Doncaster needed; a cool place with great food and great service and which didn't mean a trip tp the city. Enter The Fish & Burger Co. a restaurant and bar which combines Andrew's background in hospitality,…
-
Sandra Foti at Piccolina
Sandra and I sit outside the Piccolina on Smith Street in the warm sun with the bells from the passing trams competing with the really great music Sandra has on inside. I knew we would talk about gelato. I hadn’t really thought about us talking about the importance of family connections and persisting with tradition,…
-
Sushil Aryal at Tokyo Tina
Sushil is the kind of person you talk to and come away feeling better for it. He has an infectious happiness and enjoyment of life and his chosen path that is soul filling. Having worked in an impressive line-up of restaurants with excellent chefs, Sushil has recently taken over the wheel at Tokyo Tina and…
-
Kate Pratt at Gabriel
When I told Kate I needed a photo of her, she suggested sitting under the pride and joy of Gabriel owner, Andrew Skoullos, Patrick Dagg’s mixed media piece, King for Phillip. Perfect, really, that she has a halo-like crown hovering over her head, because talking to her, I couldn’t help but be caught up in her…
-
Eddie Huynh at IKA8
When I called in to IKA8 for a chat, Eddie was trying out some summer flavours for his giant squid. Good timing, Jo. I got to try a delicious crunchy-battered giant squid on a stick with a refreshing pineapple and coriander salsa. Even better, I had a lovely chat about fine dining, Eddie’s mum, and…
-
James Wilkinson at Natural History Bar and Grill
Talking to James Wilkinson made me hungry. He talks about food, dining and cooking with such relish. I was completely enchanted by his tales of lunches in Paris, learning to cook with his grandmother on a farm in Kaikoura, and the griddle scones his grandfather would make when his grandmother went to Bridge. What are…
-
Ryan Dolan at Cabale at Broadsheet Kitchen
I could have happily sat and talked to Ryan Dolan all day. I’m not entirely convinced that Ryan felt the same way. He had prep to do and a booked-out restaurant to cater for, but I was absolutely on the edge of my seat in a kind of over the top, slightly nerdy way getting…
-
David Yang at Nong Tang Noodle House
A couple of weeks ago, I had the best dumplings and noodles I’ve ever tasted. Nong Tang Noodle House was such a lovely little surprise. Run by David Yang and his mother, Nong Tang is down an arcade off Bourke Street and you have to walk past iPhone shops and Ramen joints to get to…