Conversations
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Kabir Singh at Mukka
Owning one restaurant, let alone two with a vision for even more was not part of the plan when Kabir Singh came to Australia for a month-long stay from New Delhi in 2020. Now Singh, as his regulars call him, is a Fitzroy local with a huge heart for the neighbourhood, for hospitality and for…
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Anthony Thalassinos at Tickled Pink
I last spoke to Anthony Thalassinos when he was newly head chef at The Hellenic House Project. Anthony is enthusiastic and passionate and it is no wonder he has been snapped up by Project North Hospitality Group who oversee Tickled Pink venues in Elwood, Thornbury and Bali and well as a dessert bar in Coolaroo.…
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Michael Wilson at Marguerite
When I was asked if I'd like to talk to Michael Wilson, chef patron at Michelin Star fine dining restaurant Marguerite as well as Hortus in the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome in Singapore I of course said yes. Then I got nervous. Michael trained in Melbourne under Guy Grossi and Andrew McConnell before…
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Dan Sawansak at Dessous
If you have not been to Dessous, you are missing out. I say this with absolute certainty, because I, like you, had absolutely been missing out until I went and spoke to head chef Dan Sawansak and then spent a glorious evening completely in his hands with the 'Leave it to us' menu, my favourite…
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Tyler Preston at Longtime Bali
Tyler Preston is a passionate chef who discovered his love for cooking at just 12 years old in Wellington. After graduating high school, he moved to Melbourne at 18 to start his culinary adventure. With over 20 years of experience, Tyler began his career at the iconic Vegie Bar in Fitzroy, mastering the art of…
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Matteo Tine at Orlo
I last spoke to Matteo Tine in 2018 at his now closed restaurant, Mr Ottorino, and when I looked back over that chat, Id mentioned that Matteo started talking as soon as I walked in, that his enthusiasm was contagious and that talking to him felt like a really fun ride. Nothing has changed. I…
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Aiven Lee at Yum Sing House
Evolving from its original iteration when it opened in 2021, at Yum Sing House the spotlight is no longer on the karaoke upstairs, although you can certainly still belt out the hits should you wish, but the focus is now the culinary experience downstairs. Helmed by Malaysian-born Head Chef, Aiven Leewho was head chef at…
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Paramjit Singh Ahuja & Gurpreet Singh at Divine Darbar
I sat down with brothers, co-owners and chefs Parmjit Singh Ahuja and Gurpreet Singh to talk about their restaurant Divine Darbar. They made me a delicious chai and talked about growing up in New Delhi and how food was a central part of their family but that they had never intended to become chefs. Parmjit…
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Steven He at Le Yeahllow
Le Yeahllow is a happy place. It's bright and light and the display cases, like a jeweller's, are full of gleaming treasures. Owner Samsky Yeung who also founded White Mojo coffee shops, opened Le Yeahllow in 2021when he took over the former Adriano Zumbo Patisserie space inSouth Yarra and started baking and delivering cakes around…
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Julian Hills at Navi
This is a bonus episode in the truffles series with Julian Hills from Navi, who kindly had a second attempt at a chat with me after my equipment failed the first time through.In 2023,Julianwas named Good Food Guide'sChefof the Year, and Navi has maintained its Two Hat-status as of 2024. Julian is a creative and…