Conversations
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Malcolm Williams at Queen of the South
Dedicated to expanding Melburnians’ knowledge of and experiences in Mexican dining, you probably know of Malcolm Williams from his previous incarnations at Senoritas, Rice Paper Scissors, Touché Hombre Melbourne and Bangkok. This was one of those lovely conversations that kinda launched in at the middle and spiralled outwards. Wonderful! Hi Malcolm. It’s such nice weather out…
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David Ricardo at Plaza Ballroom
David is softly spoken and seems as though he would be completely unflappable in any situation, which is a good thing, considering he oversees the execution of fine dining meals for up to 600 guests at one time. Before we sat down to chat, he showed me the ballroom, an exquisite heritage listed venue in the heart…
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Carter Lawrance
Carter Lawrance is a young chef with lots of plans and huge amounts of passion for cooking. He sheds some light on what it's like starting out in the industry. My advice, take note of his name and watch this space, there are big things ahead for Carter. What made you become a chef? My…
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Martin Zozaya at El Atino & Co.
Martin is a newcomer to Melbourne but has been cooking for 14 years in Mexico and Spain. He loves welcoming diners into his Richmond restaurant, El Atino, and sharing Latin American flavours with them. His ceviche will transport you to the coast of Huanchao, Peru, as fast as you can say I’ll have a Pisco…
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Rotem Papo at L’Htel Gitan
With a background working at one of the top European restaurant in Israel, Rotem Papo started at L'Htel Gitan as senior chef de partie before becoming sous chef. He stepped up into the Head Chef role in November and hasnt looked back. What excites him the most is his Specials board and when you see…
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Tom Brockbank at The George on Collins
Tom Brockbank has a passion for producing quality ethically conscious dishes, revelling in local and seasonal produce and ensuring minimal food wastage. Tom has worked in London at Pollen Street Social and here, at No. 8 and Estelle. He is now running the beautifully renovated George on Collins and he will have you at the…
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Peter Gunn at Ides
After 18 months of running a once a month residency at Persillade in East Melbourne, as well as several other pop up dining experiences, expat New Zealand chef, Peter Gunn has a place of his own on Smith Street. Ides is all about flavour; and lots of it. Peter has a no rules, no holds…
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Shaun Quade at Lûmé
Walking into Lûmé, I was immediately struck by the atmosphere of calm efficiency. It's the afternoon and the team are preparing for service; quietly going about their tasks. I'm welcomed warmly, the decor is cosy; it's as though I have walked into someone's house. This is a well-oiled machine, but a personable one, one that…
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ArChan Chan at Ricky & Pinky
ArChan Chan has worked in Andrew McConnell’s restaurants for six years, previously at Supernormal and Golden Fields. Originally from Hong Kong, ArChan loves eating and cooking, but equally finds listening to others an important aspect of being a chef. ArChan is the epitome of hospitality with her holistic approach and care for those around her,…
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Tomoya Kawasaki at Bosozoku
Bosozoku is the latest pearl in a string of cool Japanese restaurants devised by chef Tomoya Kawasaki. Home to Secret Sake warming stations, karaoke & nintendo rooms, pool tables, motorcycle chandeliers, outdoor fire pits, Hitachi train seats and a figurative Onsen at the base of Mt Fuji (a dry ice spa that you can kick back in…