Deep in the Weeds - A Food Podcast with Anthony Huckstep
Episodes
Matteo Magriotta (Pino’s vino e cucina) - A decade to remember
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ten years ago Matteo Magriotta (Pino’s vino e cucina) had a marriage break up, left his homeland Italy with $3000 and flew to Australia dreaming big...
Kylie Millar (Shane’s Quality Butchery) - From Blue Hill to butchery
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After working a year in her dream restaurant Blue Hill Stone Barns, New york with Dan Barber the pandemic hit and saw Kylie Millar (Shane’s Quality ...
Angie Giannakodakis (Epocha and Elyros) - Anticipation and anxiousness
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After the longest lockdown in Australia, Melbourne finally has a date in which restaurants can welcome in guests in again. After trying multiple avenu...
Kent Nhan (XO Restaurant, Morning Glory) - Got your back
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After putting staff and the local community ahead of the business when the pandemic landed, Kent Nhan (XO Restaurant, Morning Glory) realised that hos...
Michelle Grand - Milkovic (Love.Fish) - Off the hook
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After putting everything they own into moving the much-loved local seafood restaurant to the banks of Barangaroo Michelle Grand- Milkovic (Love.Fish) ...
Nathan Norris (Zuni Café, San Francisco) - Land of hope
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the US in the throes of arguably the most important election in its history, and a pandemic that's still threatening the lives of many, the US re...
Bethany Finn (Life Care executive Chef) - A new direction
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After spending seven years building the restaurant and food program for a boutique hotel, the pandemic landed and turned everything Bethany Finn (Life...
Al Brown (Depot Eatery & Oyster bar, Federal Delicatessen, Best Ugly Bagels) - A place for everyone
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the pandemic landed New Zealand embarked on the elimination strategy. After a strict lockdown, society began to open up and with his contemporari...
Rob Caslick (Two Good Co) - Mad Scramble
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After setting up a foodservice business reliant on selling quality meals to fund meals for the community's most vulnerable Rob Caslick (Two Good Co) f...
Rebecca Scott (Street Cafe) - Streat wise
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After spending a decade offering disadvantaged youth a supported pathway from the street to a sustainable livelihood with her café and catering busin...
Nigel Ward (Uccello) - A new feast for a new world
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After signing a lease and paying a deposit award-winning chef Nigel Ward (Uccello) was set to exchange just two days after the government shut down th...
Andrew Baturo (DAP & Co Venues) - Back to the future
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After the first lockdown Andrew Baturo (DAP & Co Venues) realised his restaurants had veered away from their original identities by trying to be every...
Quick Bite Kathryn Russack (Colenso) - A new regional food model
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with Kathryn Russack she was driving all over the Victorian countryside delivering ready to heat meals, instead of feeding peop...
Miranda Sharp (Mebourne Farmers Markets) - For the love of producers
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With supermarkets announcing record profits during the restaurant lockdown, Melbourne’s Farmers Markets was sent into turmoil when the Government an...
Maria Kabal (Tokar Estate) - A chance to change
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After bushfires destroyed the summer trade and a receiving severe injuries in a car accident, chef Maria Kabal (Tokar Estate) saw the closure of resta...
Paul Wilson (Mr Wilson Consulting) - Tree-change
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After decades of influencing Melbourne’s culinary landscape Paul Wilson (Mr Wilson Consulting) headed for the country to change the fortunes of Morg...
Karl Firla (Restaurant Leo) - Back with a roar
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After his landlord passed away and the new owners upped the rents to unmanageable levels Karl Firla (Oscillate Wildly) was forced to close the Sydney ...
Cameron Matthews (Spicers Hunter Valley) = Emerging from the Valley
27 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a job in the Hunter Valley and his family on the Sunshine Coast Cameron Matthews (Spicers Hunter Valley) had to choose between family and employm...
Alex Munoz (Restaurant Labart) - Local goodwill
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After forming an even stronger relationship with locals through takeaway during lockdown, Alex Munoz (Restaurant Labart) reopened only to have the Que...
Amber Kaba (White Jacket Effect) - The Amber Kaba Effect
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After losing her best friend and mentor to alcoholism, Amber Kaba realized her own issues were spiraling out of control and she too was using alcohol ...
Nicola and Byron Woolfrey (Trolley'd) - Altered flight path
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After creating a unique mobile bar and events company repurposing airline trolleys as cocktail bars Nicola and Byron Woolfrey (Trolley'd) lost all boo...
Alex Olsson (Olsson’s Salt) - Grain of salt
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the pandemic hitting the hospitality and aviation sectors hard high quality Australian Sea Salt producer Alex Olsson (Olsson’s Salt) saw 80% of...
Skye Gyngell (Spring, London) - Spring bloom
20 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It was Spring in The UK when the pandemic forced a lockdown and it took until Autumn before renowned chef and restaurateur Skye Gyngell (Spring, Londo...
Marty Boetz (Cooks Co-op) Part 2
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After detailing the trauma of losing all business and the changes he needed to implement to survive in part 1, Marty Boetz (Cooks Co-op) reflects on h...
Marty Boetz (Cooks Co-op) Part 1 - Thai me up
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After completing an entire kitchen renovation just a week before the industry was locked down, industry legend Marty Boetz (Cooks Co-op) lost every bo...
Hayley Hardcastle (Saddles, Mt White) - A new lease
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During the pandemic we've seen new restaurants opened, and many closed forever, but Hayley Hardcastle (Saddles at Mount White) actually sold one of he...
Daniel Jalalaty (Game Farm) - Flew the coop
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a business that grow specialty game birds like quail, squab and spatchcock for the restaurant sector Daniel Jalalaty (Game Farm) had to not only ...
Darren Farr (The Lokal, Singapore) - Singapore sling
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Singapore has been a Covid-19 success story. It got on top of the wave fast, until a swell of cases forced tighter, longer restrictions that have help...
Nick Smith (Rising Sun Workshop) - Backs to the wall
13 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Collaborations are nothing new to hospitality, but during the pandemic some incredible collaborations have come to fruition between the most unlikely ...
Tara Medina (Discovered Wildfoods) - New discoveries
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During the pandemic, and while the restaurant sector was in the throes of lockdown, Tara Medina (Discovered Wildfoods) launched her brand of wild-harv...
Josh Raine (Tetsuya’s) - Local degustation
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Making the top restaurant lists, and grabbing the attention of the world’s food loving community can make a restaurant a must-visit for tourists to ...
Richie Dolan (Hilltop Store and HillTop at the Lodge) - King of the Hill
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After spending months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch a new restaurant, Richie Dolan (Hilltop Store and HillTop at the Lodge) was force...
Nick Raitt (Josef Chromy Wines, Tasmania) - A greater connection
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After considering a move back to NSW to be closer to family just before the pandemic hit, Nick Raitt (Josef Chromy Wines, Tasmania) had to stand down ...
Nicholas Hill (Smoke Trap Eels) - Out of a slippery situation
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After making a name for himself with a nod to classic British gastro pub grub at the Old Fitzroy Hotel the pandemic arrived and closed the doors on Ni...
Almay Jordaan (Neighbourhood Wine and Old Palm Liquor) - A verve for dining
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With two venues full of verve and energy by blurring the lines between wine bar and restaurant Almay Jordaan (Neighbourhood Wine and Old Palm Liquor) ...
Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar) - Roadmap reality
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It was Autumn when the pandemic landed like a thud. It’s now Spring but for operators in Melbourne a clear roadmap out of the pandemic is still uncl...
Chrissy Flanagan (The Sausage Factory) - The Sydney Sausage Queen
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After restructuring her restaurant to adapt to restrictions Chrissy Flanagan (The Sausage Factory) found a new streamline operation providing a better...
David Mackintosh (IDES, Lee Ho Fook, SPQR Pizzeria and Pope Joan) - A sustainable restaurant model
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Amongst all the heartache, the tragedy and the disbelief the fragility and viability of restaurants has come to the surface, but David Mackintosh (IDE...
James Madden (Flinders & Co) - Let them eat meat
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If farming in Australia didn’t have enough challenges due to drought, flooding and bushfires, the pandemic raised issues never before seen for those...
Lauren Murdoch (Bullo River Station) - Outback isolation
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After the death of a close friend award-winning chef Lauren Murdoch (Bullo River Station) realised life was short and took a chance by applying for a ...
Sonia Greig (South on Albany, Berry) - Fruits of the land
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As society opens up and people look to get out of the big cities for a bit of country air, regional restaurants are experiencing a boom in trade. Afte...
Kasey Thompson (Blake’s Feast) - A new feast
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With restrictions for large public gatherings put on hold indefinitely, the events industry is reeling with no clear vision on a recovery. After losin...
Clayton Wells (Automata + A1 Canteen) - Go with the flow
23 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With one restaurant at the high end and the other focussed on every day eats Clayton Wells (Automata + A1 Canteen) has had mixed fortunes coming out o...
Quick Bite - John Blankenstein (Mimosa Rock Oysters) - Help needed
22 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with John Blankenstein he had no market for his premium rock oysters due to the closure of restaurants, and was even contemplat...
Martin O’Conner (Restaurant Manager) - Clear vision
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a family illness and the impending arrival of his first grandchild award-winning front of house professional Martin O’Conner put family first a...
Jake Nicolson (Ghanem Group) - The Ghost kitchen
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With over 550 staff in the group, Jake Nicolson (Ghanem Group) had to get creative to not only keep the businesses afloat but staff employed too. He c...
Rosa Mitchell (Rosa’s Canteen) - Four seasons
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the strict restrictions of the Stage 4 lockdown making it unviable to do takeaway, Rosa Mitchell (Rosa’s Canteen) had to close the doors on her...
Jason Saxby (Raes on Wategos) - All in it together
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a high-end restaurant reliant on tourists and a workforce rich with international workers not supported by government, Jason Saxby thought the te...
Colin Barker (The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay) - Off the hook
16 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After spending 13 years making a name for himself as one of Australia’s best seafood chefs Colin Barker (The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay) had an id...
Quick Bite - Pierre Issa (Pepe Saya Butter Co) - Artisans arise
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Artisans arise When we last caught up with Pierre Issa, otherwise known as Pepe Saya, he’d lost 90% of his business and pivoted focus on retail and ...
Greg Kocanda (Block 11 Organics) - Organic growth
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With one farm affected by severe drought and the other damaged by floods third generation farmer Greg Kocanda (Block 11 organics) was already concerne...
Emma McCaskill (Chefs on Wheels) - Bravery has its rewards
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After opening a new restaurant just four weeks before the pandemic landed Emma McCaskill (Chefs on Wheels) had to quickly re-energise herself and crea...
Adam Wolfers (Gerard’s Bistro and Gerard’s Bar) - Howling success
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After taking over the pans at an award-winning Brisbane restaurant and bar Adam Wolfers (Gerard’s Bistro and Gerard’s Bar) and his team planned a ...
Luke Powell (LP’s Quality Meats) - New directions
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After gaining momentum with the charcuterie and wholesale part of his business Luke Powell (LP’s Quality Meats) decided to close his restaurant and ...
Jo Barrett (Oakridge) - Never give up
09 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the restaurant closed since the first lock down Jo Barrett (Oakridge) turned her attention to launching a food magazine, Have a Go, sharing her f...
The Crackling Episode 2 - Matt Stone - A Sense of Place
07 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Stone is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs. He’s forged a career as a champion of native ingredients and the most sustainable practise...
Danielle Gjestland (Wasabi, Noosa) - Restaurant revival
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After 17 years building her award-winning restaurant Danielle Gjestland (Wasabi) closed the restaurant and was about to board a plane to Japan for goo...
Tristan Rosier (Arthur Restaurant) - The new wave
05 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After changing our perceptions of contemporary dining in the suburbs young restaurateur Tristan Rosier (Arthur Restaurant) not only had to convert to ...
Michael Rantissi (Kepos Street Kitchen) - Ready to go
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With no choice but to change his restaurant model Michael Rantissi (Kepos Street Kitchen) converted his hatted restaurant to a deli, serving breakfast...
Quick Bite - Michael Ryan (Provenance) - Much-needed holiday
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with Michael Ryan he was about to open his award-winning restaurant after being lockdown for a few weeks. After six weeks of fa...
Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) - Not all things come to hurt you
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With family in Sardinia impacted by the pandemic and an award-winning restaurant forced to operate in ways never before considered, Giovanni Pilu (Pil...
The Crackling - Episode 1 (Louis Tikaram, Stanley Brisbane) - a new podcast from Deep in the Weeds
31 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is something a bit different for Deep in the Weeds because we wanted to introduce you to our new podcast. It’s called The Crackling, in partner...
Jeanine Bribosia (The Cru) - PR in a pandemic
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With hospitality and food media on their knees, award-winning brand specialist Jeanine Bribosia (The Cru) lost over 80% of business and feared the bus...
Anna Pavoni (Ormeggio) - A chance to grow
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With lockdown allowing many to take a breath and use the time to reflect, Anna Pavoni (Ormeggio) has been busier than ever – first renovating and re...
Sandra Foti (Piccolina Gelateria) - Fortune favours the brave
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After losing her father during the pandemic, Sandra Foti (Piccolina Gelateria) drew inspiration from his work ethic, and belief that whenever you are ...
Guillaume Brahami (Bistro Guillaume) - Back to the beginning
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With only one of his three French Bistros trading because of the pandemic award-winning chef and restaurateur Guillaume Brahami (Bistro Guillaume) has...
Kylie Javier Ashton (Momofuku Seiobo) - Renewal and reward
26 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling burnt out after years of setting one of the highest levels of dining standards down under Kylie Javier Ashton (Momofuku Seiobo) discovered tha...
Matt Binney (Heartswood) - First time for everything
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In his first year as a restaurateur Matt Binney (Heartswood) experienced the joy of fatherhood and the throes of a global pandemic. With a restaurant ...
Sharon Salloum (Sharon Salloum) - Spice of life
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a restaurant (Almond Bar) in Sydney’s CBD and a café (3 tomatoes) in Sydney West Sharon Salloum and her sister Carol had to formulate very dif...
Peter Gunn (Ides, Melbourne) - Money or the Gunn
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After years of believing in his idea and product, Peter Gunn (Ides, Melbourne) found the perfect hospitality model where he could showcase is interpre...
Susan Sullivan (Boronia Kitchen) - Hub of the community
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After years of running award-winning restaurants, Susan Sullivan (Boronia Kitchen) decided to take her hospitality nous to the suburbs and created a v...
Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda) - Digger goes rogue
19 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the first lockdown shook the foundations of the industry Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda) sort comfort in an alt-ego character Digger, who went ‘...
Brooke Adey (Coogee Wine Room) - Time heals
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After being forced to close the doors for the first lockdown Brooke Adey (Coogee Wine Room) and her team decided the best option was to remain closed ...
Adam Liston (Shobosho) - Here, there, everywhere
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The pandemic has forced operators to do whatever they can to survive, and others do things they never imagined. With the restaurant shut and the world...
Mary Macintyre (Superhero Banh Mi) - On a roll
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After leaving the world of fine dining disillusioned and starting a family, Mary Macintyre (Superhero Banh Mi) made a come back with a simple, seamles...
Hugh Allen (Vue de Monde) - A view to a new day
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After closing the restaurant in the first lockdown and trying a take away model, Hugh Allen (Vue de Monde) only had his restaurant open to sit-in dine...
Quick Bite - Matt Moran (Aria) - singing again
12 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we last caught up with Matt Moran, Aria was closed and his brigade of head chefs where churning out Chiswick at Home meals. That was a few months...
James White (Bourke Street Bakery) - A fresh loaf
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During lockdown the value of the local butcher and bakery as important hubs of the community saw a boom in trade for some, but James White (Bourke Str...
Rob Kabboord (Lekker) - A set back until Spring
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With sharp rises in daily Covid-19 cases forcing the government’s hand to lockdown Melbourne for another 6 weeks, Rob Kabboord (Lekker) is bouncing ...
Mark Jensen (Red Lantern) - Light bulb moment
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After switching to a takeaway model dishing up $16 dishes reminiscent of staff dinners Mark Jensen (Red Lantern) discovered a means to streamline his ...
Zoe Birch (Greasy Zoe’s) - The hyperlocal haven
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After becoming disillusioned with the hospitality industry and keen to find a new path Zoe Birch (Greasy Zoe’s) launched a tiny sustainable restaura...
Shane Delia (Delia Group) - Clear vision
05 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With his restaurants forced to close, and his contemporaries experiencing the same fate, Shane Delia (Delia Group) looked at the positives and began t...
Troy Rhoades-Brown (Muse Restaurant) - Regional rejuvenation
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After a brutal summer with bushfires Troy Rhoades-Brown (Muse Restaurant) was hoping that Easter would bring a swell of visitors to the Hunter Valley,...
Karen Lavecky (Land of Plenty Food Co.) - The Doomsday Plan
01 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Doomsday Plan After building an artisan award-winning brand supplying airlines, stadiums, cinemas and clubs with a best-in-class product over 20 y...
Rebecca Lines (Banksii Vermouth Bar and Bistro) - Out in force
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With many people working from home due to the pandemic, restaurant precincts like Barangaroo that are normally packed with office workers have become ...
Darryl Martin (Barzaari) - Keep it in the family
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After a few years struggling to make ends meet, an opportunity to change the offering at Barzaari saw co-owner Darryl Martin renovate and re-launch ju...
Adam Bantock (Clementine, Yass) - new sun rise
28 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After building their dream restaurant in the country and receiving a string of accolades as one of Australia’s best regional restaurants the pandemi...
Ben Liebmann (Noma) - the re-opening
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with Ben Liebmann, the borders in Denmark were closed, and Noma was on the verge of re-opening as a wine bar to welcome back th...
Jan McKenzie (Café Sydney) - Heart starter
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With corporate clients leaving the city in droves after lockdown, Jan McKenzie (Café Sydney) had no choice but to mothball the iconic CBD restaurant ...
Peter Gilmore (Quay & Bennelong) - Live for the moment
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the pandemic hit many operators believed the road to recovery was through everyday, heart-warming eats, and that fine dining may have finally had...
Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) - Bright future
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the pandemic landed Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) was on the verge of opening a new site at Marvel Stadium, and had successful restaurants in Sydney...
Rowie Dillon (Rowie's Cakes) - New dietaries
21 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With no one flying and the restaurant sector shut down Rowie Dillon (Rowie’s Cakes) lost all business literally overnight. After spending 20 years b...
Quick Bite - Annie Smithers (du Fermier) - From garden to table
20 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with Annie Smithers, she had closed du Fermier and was yearning to be with her team again. Well, the restaurant is open again a...
Quick Bite - Jackie Middleton (Earl Canteen) - First orders
19 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Last time we caught up with Jackie Middleton, she had temporarily closed all Earl Canteen sites and was running a takeaway model from her catering arm...
David Tsirekas (Homer on Homer) - Mad genius
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the viability of almost every restaurant in the country under pressure due to the pandemic, how crazy would you need to be to open a restaurant d...
Nathan Outlaw (Restaurant Nathan Outlaw and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen) - Catch of the day
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In England the pandemic spread so quickly the government closed down restaurants and it’s put the future of the industry in doubt for many. But Mich...
Teage Ezard - Going out on a high
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The true impact of the pandemic is beginning to take its toll on many operators. After 20 years, Teage Ezard has closed the doors on award-winning Mel...
Scott De Bruin (Mayura Station Wagyu) - Take the bull by the horns
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With restaurants and international markets shut down Scott De Bruin (Mayura Station Limestone Coast, South Australia) saw sales of his award-winning f...
Joel Valvasori (Lulu La Delizia - Perth) - Maintain your identity
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With so many operators pivoting to take away, veg boxes or grocers Joel Valvasori (Perth’s Lulu La Delizia) thought the best chance to maintain his ...
Spencer Patrick (Harrisons, Port Douglas) - Border control
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Food has become the major reason for travelling, but the global pandemic put an end to all travel, home and abroad. With a heavy reliance on a tourist...