Conversations
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Dan Pegg at Chacho’s
Chacho’s is a new place in Windsor touting Mexican pizzas. Intriguing. We all love a bit of fusion, right? One Dan [Xerri] came up with the idea and brought another Dan in to execute it. Described by other writers as a pizza guru, Dan Pegg himself is much more self-effacing and certainly acknowledges the input…
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Punit Fernandes at Elichi
Elichi is a beautiful Indian restaurant in Black Rock. Through the window I can see the sea. Punit jokes that he will be able to go over there in summer on his breaks. Punit’s eyes light up talking about his journey as a chef and all the things he has learned and continues to learn.…
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Eitan Doron at Half Acre
Eitan Doron is in at Half Acre 24/7 at the moment. Even when it's closed. Such is his desire to get everything right and create the kind of hospitality we all dream of where food, service and ambiance blend together to create harmony. Eitan gave me a lot to think about. I love it when…
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Jenna North at Lucy Liu
Jenna North has worked her way up through the ranks to most recently becoming head chef at Lucy Liu. Makes sense when you think about it; a restaurant called Lucy Liu deserves a strong female presence in the kitchen. This was Jenna’s first chat with the media and I appreciated her openness and honesty. Hi…
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Nick Mahlook at The Atlantic
The sun streams in through the huge windows where I’m seated at The Atlantic on Southbank. Queen of all I survey, and despite fantastic views of the Yarra and Melbourne city, I’m distracted by the array of fish and seafood dishes coming out of Nick Mahlook’s kitchen. Tasmanian oysters with red wine vinaigrette, raw and…
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Blayne Bertoncello at O.MY Restaurant
When I arrive at the farm in Cardinia, Blayne is out on the rotary hoe. Blayne is the head chef at O.MY, the restaurant he owns and runs with his brother, Chase, in Beaconsfield, and he is absolutely the poster guy for living life like it’s golden. He exudes joy, satisfaction and vision and I…