Suncoast Fresh Prodcast

Episode 84: Massimo Mele

In this week's episode, we're thrilled to chat with the dynamic @chefmassimomele. We met up with him at the delightful @peppinarestaurant in Hobart, Tasmania and learned all about his incredible journey. We were also lucky enough to secure a table for dinner, and oh my, Massimo and his team prepared a smorgasbord of delights, including artichokes grown and picked right from Massimo's garden at home. 

Massimo's culinary journey began during his formative years in Naples, Italy, where he learned the art of Italian cooking from his beloved Nonna. This is where it all started!

We found it refreshing to hear about Massimo's experiences in the world of food, from his triumphs to challenges, and how he navigated life as a chef.

But Massimo is more than just a chef; he's a people person who forges connections with local farmers and loyal patrons. He's on a mission to rekindle the spirit of Italian cuisine and bring it to life, right at your table. So, instead of hiding in the kitchen, expect a warm hello from the chef himself.

Join us for a flavourful episode where Chef Massimo Mele serves up a generous helping of passion, culinary excellence, and genuine hospitality.

Episode 83: Tasmanian White Asparagus | Farmers Richard Western & Tom Barham

Welcome to Episode 81 of the Prodcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of Tasmanian White Asparagus. Join us as we unravel the story of 'Tasmanian White Asparagus,' a pioneering farm nestled in Brighton, Tasmania. Discover how Richard and Belinda Weston, alongside partners Tom Barham and Jenna Howlett, brought the premium European White Asparagus to Australia.

This journey, inspired by European farming practices, is filled with fresh insights and innovation. Tune in for a taste of the extraordinary, available exclusively during the Australian spring from September to October.

Episode 82: Sergio Perera

Get ready to dive into the world of food, art, and celebrity nutrition with the multi-talented Sergio Perera. Join us as we explore his Spanish roots, culinary creativity, and star-studded clientele, including the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr, and Leonardo DiCaprio. From Spain to Japan to the cutting-edge kitchens of elBulli, Sergio's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how this chef, artist, writer, and photographer continues to push culinary boundaries and inspire. Don't miss this conversation with a true culinary visionary!

Episode 81: Ollie Hansford @chef_ollie_

Dive into Episode 81 of the Prodcast, featuring the remarkable Ollie Hansford, aka @chef_ollie_ Join us as we traverse Ollie's culinary expedition, ignited by a childhood fascination with food. Starting with his family's pâté business, he refined his skills in Leicester and furthered his training at London's prestigious Westminster Kingsway College.

His journey encompasses Michelin-starred roles at Mallory Court and Morston Hall, followed by a leap to Australia. Hansford left his mark at Brisbane's Stokehouse Q, eventually becoming the Executive Chef and securing two coveted Chef's Hats.

More recently, his inventive spirit has illuminated two of his former Brisbane ventures: Siffredi's and Rita's Tequila and Taqueria Bar. Tune in for a feast of insights and inspiration.

Episode 80: Esmè Atkinson | Shima Wasabi

It's time we told you something that may or may not blow your mind... Did you know the Wasabi in those green packets at sushi train isn't Wasabi? It's mainly horseradish, colouring and sugar. If you're yet to taste and cook with the real deal, you ought to do so. It's next level!

 

We recently took a trip to Tasmania with @shimpeiraikuni, the Head Chef of @sushi__room, to see @realshimawasabi - the only commercial Wasabi farm in Australia. We spoke to Esmè @tassiewasabifarmer and her passionate team about their high-quality Wasabi and sustainable farming! They use rainwater to water their crops and introduce species of good bugs to get the bad bugs, rather than relying solely on chemicals. The best part? You can use the entire Wasabi plant - leaf, flower, stem and root, making it a no-waste product.

 

Smack bang in the middle of the farm, we sat down and recorded this awesome Prodcast episode with Esmè and Shimpei. Tune in to episode #80 to learn more!

Episode 79: Mindy Woods

Jingi Wallah (welcome) back to the Prodcast! In this episode, we visited Karkalla in Byron Bay to have a yarn with Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan. Mindy is passionate about connecting people to and celebrating Aboriginal culture through native and local food. Spoiler alert, this is exactly what she has achieved through her restaurant Karkalla.

 

Karkalla features locally sourced, seasonal and native indigenous ingredients and combines ancient food with modern flavours. Located in Byron Bay, a native food bowl, there is an abundance of amazing produce at their doorstep. Our First Nations people have an incredibly rich food culture, and it was great to hear some deadly stories from Mindy's childhood. If you're keen to hear them, sit back, relax and enjoy episode #79. It's a goodie!

Episode 78: Dan Trewatha

Can you imagine a place where you can go, completely unwind, relax and eat delicious food? Well, we found it! Tucked away in the hinterlands of Byron Bay, we give you Gaia Retreat & Spa, Australia's most-awarded boutique lifestyle wellness retreat.

 

We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Head Chef Dan Trewartha. Dan has a whopping 20+ years of experience working in several award-winning restaurants in Byron Bay. Every dish Dan creates for the guests is filled with creativity and passion. His food features the freshest ingredients from their onsite garden and local farms. Dan has a strong connection to nature and values seasonality and sustainability. The food scraps from his kitchen feed the beautiful lush gardens that feed the guests! Making the world go round with one veggie patch at a time. Dan accommodates the guests by catering to every dietary requirement under the sun.

 

When Dan isn't busy providing nourishment for the guests, he loves to surf and spend time with his family. Tune in to episode #78 to hear a few of his most interesting stories!

Episode 77: Elijah Holland

We were lucky enough to chat with a well-known Chef and Forager, Elijah Holland! Elijah is a modern-day hunter and gatherer. He's made his mark through his unique ability to forage and cook with wild ingredients from all over the world. He found his passion for food and foraging, with influences from his family and the beautiful surroundings. 

 

Elijah became a qualified chef at the age of 17, and at 21, he opened and part-owned The Powder Keg as Head Chef. His knack for finding unique local ingredients was recognised by Noma Australia where he worked as Head Forager and Chef along with many other renowned establishments. But he didn't stop with Australia! He has worked all over the world and in some of the best restaurants in China.

Today, you'll find him working as the Executive Chef at Belongil Beach Italian in Byron Bay. It's safe to say, Elijah has packed a lifetime's worth of experience into only 30 years. We are so grateful to hear an insight into what he has achieved.

You can hear more about it too, in Prodcast episode #77. Tune in and enjoy. Don't forget to check him out on insta too: @chefelijahholland

Episode 76: Charly Pretet | Terra Firma

Sitting down with Charly Pretet, a celebrated Chef worldwide, was a pleasure! We felt incredibly aligned in our values and shared love for the earth, fresh produce and cooking. Born in France, after a successful career in hospitality in Paris, he moved to Australia in 2015.

Charly's love of good food, cooking and the great outdoors started when he was a little boy. He spent his childhood fishing, hunting, riding horses and growing organic vegetables on the family property on the West Coast of France.

Charly switched from fine dining to fire dining in 2020 during the pandemic. Inspired by the traditional Argentinian Asado barbecue method, he created Terra Firma Dining. You'll hear all about it in the first Prodcast of 2023, episode #76. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Oooh, and check out their epic photography here: @terra.firma.dining

Episode 75: Bernadette O’Shea

Bernadette O'Shea is a full-time champagne consultant and educator. She lives in Brisbane, enjoys a huge personal following of former and perennial students, and travels professionally throughout Australia and Champagne, France. We were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her talking about all things bubbles and learnt so much.

Bernadette O’Shea has been saluted by France’s finest champagne makers and was knighted by the French Government for her exceptional palate, profound champagne knowledge, and the enthusiasm with which she imparts her skill.

She has been honoured in Australia since 1984, when she became the first non-professional woman to win the coveted Vin de Champagne Award, an award she currently co-judges.  She is an incredible individual and someone we are proud to call a dear friend. So, join in on the experience and tune in to Prodcast #74! Enjoy.