Deep in the Weeds - A Food Podcast with Anthony Huckstep

Part 1 After falling into the wrong crowd as a teen, Ross Lusted (Woodcut) found the energy and opportunity of the hospitality as a means to pull him out of bad habits and a life that was heading in the wrong direction. After building his career in hotels a chance dinner at David Thompson’s Darley Street Bistro changed his focus as a chef, and triggered a series of events that would see him create some of the most incredible experiences across the globe. https://www.crownsydney.com.au/indulge/woodcut Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

In March 2020 she delivered such a raw and real account of the impact of lockdown in just the second episode of Deep in the Weeds, it set the tone for the podcast series thereafter. In a year that included 6 months without work, Jacqui Challinor (Nomad) came face to face with her demons. In one of the bravest, open and inspiring episodes of the series she reveals how sweeping changes in her life have not only changed who she is, but how she lives her life too. This episode of Deep in the Weeds is proudly supported by Olsson’s Salt, Australia’s oldest family-owned salt company. https://nomad.sydney https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_challinor/?hl=en http://www.olssons.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After years of owning a construction company, Jason Stephenson (Boston Bay Smallgoods) was spending too much time away form family and feeling burnt out. Wanting a greater connection to his loved ones and the region he lives in, he invested in a pig farm, and began to revolutionise pork production best practices with their extensive natural bush grazing systems, and chefs are taking note. http://bostonbaysmallgoods.com.au Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

After securing on old pub to expand her Adelaide-based Sparkke brew pub concept into Melbourne the pandemic landed and stopped all Rose Kentish’s (Sparkke Change Beverage Co) hopes and plans in their tracks. A year on and Rose still hasn’t been to Melbourne to fitout the new space, but with a new vintage in McClaren Vale on the go, a new 4 bedroom luxury retreat to open, and having recently taken ownership of a regenerative farm on Kangaroo Island, she’s busier than ever. https://sparkke.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After falling in love with baking as a child in regional New South Wales, Nadine Ingram (Flour and Stone) began a career working in the pastry section of some of London’s best establishments. But it wasn’t until a stint at Bourke Street Bakery where she realised a whole new side to her craft – the connection and interaction with customers and the joy cakes bring people. It inspired her to go out on her own and create one of Australia’s best artisan bakeries underpinned by community and human connection through the medium of cake. https://flourandstone.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After being part of the ARC Dining team that took Brisbane and Australia by storm, sommelier Millie Gosney (Bianca, Brisbane) was on leave when news broke of its closure as the pandemic struck. Without a job she began working as a wine rep but felt like a fish out of water, until an offer to join on of the states most active and dynamic groups came along and it’s renewed her faith in her craft. https://www.instagram.com/milliegosney/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

With one of Sydney’s best local restaurants RJ Lines (One Penny Red, Vernon’s Bar) felt the full power of community spirit when his local community got behind their restaurant and supported it through the tough times of 2020. Even with that support they had to remodel and alter everything they do, and the changes have not only helped streamline the offering, but locals are loving the offering even more and its given them pause to broaden their horizons. https://onepennyred.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

With people working from home and a natural wine bar with food centered around a hulking wood oven and grill in the heart of the CBD, Dave Verheul (Embla, Saison Vermouth) knew he had to get creative and to stay afloat. He devised an at home model, opened a rooftop bar and cinema and started his own vermouth brand too. https://embla.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

There are some that choose a life in hospitality, and there are others for whom hospitality choose them. Growing up in family run hospitality businesses, Nicky Riemer found the lure to carve out her own career in the industry was so strong it has felt like second nature. https://www.instagram.com/nickyriemer/?hl=en Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

With a restaurant in New Zealand and another in France, Nick Honeyman (Paris Butter, New Zealand and Le petit Leon in France) came face to face with failure and had to fight to save his establishments. He found solace in his family and realised everything would be ok if he lost the restaurants, because he had his family. The turning point and clarity allowed him to make better decisions and it’s changed the way he cooks, and forced him to relinquish control and its made running his restaurants a lot more enjoyable. https://parisbutter.co.nz Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

At the age of 14 Lucio De Falco (Lucio Pizzeria) began making pizzas at his Auntie’s pizzeria in Naples and it wasn’t long before he started to make a name for himself. At the age of 21 he was approached by a Sydney-based chef scout to work in Sydney for one year cooking Neapolitan pizzas at a new pizzeria. Thirteen years later and he now owns two of Sydney’s best pizzerias and has been crowned Australia’s best Pizza maker and rang the bell at number 5 in the world too. https://luciopizzeria.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

While carving out a career in California’s restaurant industry a trip down under had Danielle Alvarez (Fred’s) intimating to friends that she would love to work in Australia’s thriving food scene. It set off a chain of events that led to an offer by the Merivale Group to build her dream in Sydney - a farm to table style restaurant. Rather than doing it gratuitously. she set about forming connections and strong bonds with the people growing the produce she intended to use in the restaurant and its not only allowed her a greater ability to let produce shine on the plate, but has fostered and formed part of what is now considered one of Australia’s premier dining experiences. https://www.instagram.com/daniellemariealvarez/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After leaving war-torn Lebanon for a better life in Australia, Ibby Moubadder (Nour, Henrietta, Cuckoo Calley, Lilymu) completed a nursing degree and was studying to become a doctor when we decided to buy a hole in the wall café to make ends meet. He soon fell in love with hospitality, let go of his dreams of becoming a doctor and jumped into the industry feet first. He now has four successful venues, and even more on the horizon. https://noursydney.com https://www.instagram.com/ibby.moubadder/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

Just before COVID-19 hit, Willa Arantz (Racine, Orange) and her husband Shaun had over 40 staff, a flat out bakery, busy restaurant, two weddings a week and sometimes up to 4 functions a week too. The next week, everything came to a stand still. But being forced to close made her re-evaluate what they were doing, and why they’re in hospitality, cut out what wasn’t working and get back a work life balance. https://www.instagram.com/racineorange/?utm_source=ig_embed&hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After starting a restaurant just a few months before the pandemic landed Shaun Christie-David (Colombo Social, PlateitForward) quickly realised how many people in his community needed support. It become a huge turning point and he started a movement called PlateitForward - a meal donation program of 1,000 meals per week to vulnerable community members, a training school for people from vulnerable communities, a restaurant, a Community Kitchen as well as best-in-class venues where those from vulnerable communities are be given the skills and education to run all aspects of a kitchen. https://colombosocial.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After years in an absorbing role running three huge venues Tom Walton (Dolphin hotel, Bondi Beach Public bar, and Hotel Harrys) needed to re-energise creatively, emotionally and physically. With time away from his busy hospitality life, he’s spent more time with family and realised that hospitality is not a career, but a lifestyle and your family are along for all the bumps in the road. The break has allowed him to re-connect, rebuild and come back stronger and with a new perspective. https://www.instagram.com/cheftomwalton/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After working in restaurants to earn a living while studying architecture, Ameer El-Issa (The Bearded Bakers, Knafeh Bakery), realised the energy and passion of the hospitality industry was too much to ignore. Combining his two passions he bought a shipping container, decked it out and launched a food offering based around one single offering - Knafeh, and its not only been a resounding success but has added vibrant colour, and unbridled energy to the culinary landscape. http://www.thebeardedbakers.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

With a lack of domestic tourism and a heavy reliance on international tourists, Singapore’s hospitality industry had to remodel itself. With different types of licensing introduced Emmanuel Benardos (Fairmont Singapore and The Swisshotel the Stamford) had to find new opportunities for the huge food and beverage offering over multiple sites with off premise wine sales and afternoon tea booming. https://www.instagram.com/ebenardos/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

Leaving Sydney in early 2020 to settle into coastal life on the Tweed Coast just as the lockdown landed proved serendipitous for Australian culinary icon Christine Manfield. Having the time to settle into her new lifestyle gave her time to reflect and focus on how to move forward, to be grounded, to connect with her new community in a more meaningful way, finding what’s most important and how she can express that in her work. https://christinemanfield.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

]The bushfires during the summer of 2020 not only saw a dramatic drop in tourism to the Hunter Valley, but smoke taint ruined most of the vintage too. Then the pandemic hit, and while the initial lockdown was hard, Lisa Margan (Margan, Hunter Valley) and many in the region experienced a huge uplift in tourism to the area. She believes that while international travel off the cards that it’s the perfect time for Australian’s to explore their own backyard. https://www.margan.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After the 2020 AFL Season went into hiatus due to Covid-19, Mirinda Boaz-Cole lost her job as the Sydney Swans chef. Feeling a bit disillusioned with life in Sydney and with no employment she decided to head back to the town she grew up in, Byron, and get a closer connection to produce and enjoy a more peaceful, less chaotic lifestyle and she’s reaping the benefits already. https://www.instagram.com/chef_mirinsta/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After carving out a career at some of Sydney’s best restaurants Colin Selwood (The Cottage Restaurant, Scone) was at the end of his tether and the desire to regularly breathe the country air was too strong. When an opportunity to open a restaurant of his own in a beautifully restored 1860’s cottage nestled in the main street of a country town he jumped at the chance and the move not only restored helped him manage his work and life balance, but is putting the tiny regional town on the culinary map too. http://www.thecottagescone.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

Fearing a serious outbreak of Covid-19 in Hong Kong Ambrose Chiang (Project Ambrose Consultancy) decided to move back to Sydney in March 2020. After just three weeks where he opened bank accounts and found an apartment he ventured back to Hong Kong for a Three-day trip to celebrate his mother's birthday the same weekend Australia went into lockdown and he became stuck in Hong Kong. With uncertainty of when he could return and a need to pay the rent on his Sydney apartment he established a wine consultancy business and, trade is booming. https://www.projectambroseconsultancy.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

When it comes to food the sophistication and celebration in simplicity means there is no place to hide. To find produce at its optimum, then let it shine on the plate without too much interference takes bravery, knowledge and years of dedication to master. As the right hand man to one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs Neil Perry, Corey Costelloe is an unsung, talented chef with an uncanny ability to reveal the true character of quality ingredients. http://www.rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au https://www.instagram.com/coreycostelloe/?hl=en Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

After becoming a father at a very young age Cuong Nguyen (Hello Auntie, Banh Meats + Co) fell into the industry out of the necessity of a full time job and a means to put food on the table. But after years playing his trade in some of Australia’s best restaurants, he’s now one of the leading purveyors of Vietnamese cuisine down under and is on a mission to change perceptions of it being ‘cheap eats’. https://www.hello-auntie.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

To mark the 200th episode of Deep in the Weeds Australian culinary legend Mark Best shares kitchen tales from the pinnacle dining at Marque over 17 years, why degustations are off the menu, the eternal dissatisfaction of creative minds, and how hard it is to balance perfection, push the realms of gastronomy and ensure profitability in the hospitality game. An extraordinary chat with one of Australia’s most influential chefs. https://markbest.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

At the age of 45 Will Mahusay (Sydney Cebu Lechon Native Filipino Eatery) left the corporate world and took over the Cebu Lechon family business that was started in 1991 by his father. Serving arguably the best Filipino food down under he’s undertaken a mission to bring Filipino cuisine, culture & community to the hearts and taste buds of Australians. https://linktr.ee/sydneycebulechon Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After working in the family Thai restaurant to get through university, Becky Khanthavongsa (Zaab Street Food) found work with a large restaurant franchise group, and, even opened her own franchise restaurant too. Buoyed by the skills she obtained from both she set about opening her very own restaurant to pay homage to Thai and Lao food, in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. When the pandemic hit the systems and structure she learnt in franchising helped her streamline her restaurant and its not only changed the way the business operates, but has set it up to expand too. https://zaabstreetfood.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After traveling four hours a day trying to run a restaurant, award-winning chef and restaurateur Matt Dempsey started to burn out. With a yearning to be closer to family, a heritage-listed building in Port Fairy became available and he knew he could create something special closer to home. Six years later and he’s not only running two successful restaurants, but evidence that a tree change can offer as many spoils as the city for hospitality professionals. https://www.conlanswinestore.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

Sustainability has become one of the most pressing issues of our generation. While many in the industry are only just now looking at new ways to change, ethically sourced food and sustainability practises are nothing new to WA chef Melissa Palinkas. having grown up in a household where nose-to-tail cooking and eating where everyday practises, she has made sustainability the backbone of everything that she does in her restaurants too. https://www.younggeorge.com.au Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

After opening a successful restaurant in Liverpool, England during 2019 Anthony Power (The Fitzroy Feast) returned home to Melbourne in early March 2020 to host a series of pop-up dinners and see family. Then the lockdown hit and he not only got stuck in Australia, but as lock down after lock down hit the UK he had to let go of and walk away from his restaurant and life in the UK. He decided to self-fund and launch The Fitzroy Feast - a live-fire BBQ and bar in Melbourne, but just as things were looking good, an accident put his plans on ice. https://www.anthpower.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After a stellar career running some of Australia’s best restaurants Naomi Lowry (Banksia Hotel) discovered she had breast cancer. While dealing with the trauma and sickness of chemotherapy, the industry rallied around her and guided her towards the light on the other side of the tunnel. As she got back on her feet she scored a job as food producer on TV show Plate of Origin, and it’s lead to a new role where she’s happier than ever as head chef working alongside industry legend Colin Fassnidge. https://www.instagram.com/chef_naomi_lowry/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

With the pandemic sending most of Europe into lockdown Isobel Little (LP’s Quality Meats) set her sights on heading back home to Australia to be closer to family and to take up an opportunity at one of Sydney’s best restaurants. But with flight after flight cancelled it took 6 months to finally make it back home. She’s not only realized the importance of family, and how lucky it is to live in Australia, but full of nervous energy as she embarks on her very first head chef role. https://www.instagram.com/isobelittle/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After building a successful restaurant group, with four very different restaurants, Nick Hildebrandt (The Bentley Restaurant Group) took the opportunity to move award winning wine bar Monopole to the city and launch Ria Pizza and Wine - a local pizza bar in the small Potts Point site. After one of the toughest years on record, he’s discovered that ‘relevance’, no matter what level your offering, is the key not only to the location and demographic, but to viability and longevity too. https://www.thebentley.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After learning the art of Japanese cookery from his father, Chase Kojima (Sokyo, Kiyomi, Chuuka) had an opportunity to open a Japanese restaurant in Australia. He knew nothing about Australia and knew no one down under, but he jumped on a plane and got swept of his feet by not only in our food landscape, but the culture too. After almost a decade he’s become one of our most influential proponents of modern Japanese food. https://www.instagram.com/chasekojima/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

For many that grow up on the land, it’s hard to let go of the deep connection with the land and the great outdoors. After working as a builder and personal trainer Frank and Anne Marie Vigilante (Talucca Park) found themselves heading to their south coast farm every weekend to escape the big smoke. Two days turned to 3, then 4 until finally they bit the bullet and made a tree change to become full time farmers. The decision has resulted in a greter connection with their kids and their pork has got the attention of some of Australia’s best chefs, who champion it on their menu Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

Last time we caught up with Lauren Murdoch (Bullo River Station) she had left Sydney, spent time in quarantine and was starting to work as a chef on a cattle station in the Northern Territory. Well, she’s still working there, but currently stuck in WA in a lockdown on Voyager Estate. In one of the funniest Quick Bites, she shares tales of milking bulls, confrontations with buffalos and breaking down in the middle of the outback. https://www.instagram.com/lammmur/ Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After carving out a career at a landmark restaurant in Bondi Andy Davies (Chef Andy Davies) yearned for a quieter life and moved to Noosa to join a quality restaurant group and embed himself in the local community. After the pandemic hit he turned his hand to cooking extravagant dinners for people at home and its set him off on a new path that has not only re-invigorated his passion a for cooking, but given him more time with his family too. https://chefandydavies.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After heading to England to attend the funeral of his father, award-winning chef and restaurateur Stephen Clarke (Clarke’s of North Beach) and his family had to go into hotel quarantine to get home because the pandemic had landed down under. With a venue closed and time to think he teamed up with his wife to comb through every element of their restaurant and they’ve not only discovered a better work/life balance and higher profit margin, but embraced a new energy for their 18 year old establishment too. http://www.clarkesofnorthbeach.com Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After plying his craft in Western Australia, Tasmania and Melbourne Chris Howard (The Humble Onion) returned home to Perth with an eye on opening his own venue. The pandemic hit and in order to keep busy and creative he started a youtube channel sharing recipes. It soon gained notoriety and lead to an opportunity to begin his very first venue – with just one minor set back. He was due to open the very day WA went back into lockdown. https://www.instagram.com/the.humble.onion/ Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After 10 months with 4 lockdowns and a pandemic still out of control in London, Matt Abé (Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London) has not only held onto his entire team but, was awarded with Three Stars Michelin for the 20th consecutive year. With the majority of 2020 in lockdown he was afforded the rare opportunity to not only re-invigorate his love for food and re-think his craft, but found a greater connection with his brigade too. https://www.instagram.com/chef.mattabe/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

They say fame can change people. But what is fame, and what image does it present? The notion of celebrity chef has become a driving force on television, but for most that make a crust in the limelight, it came after years of hard work learning their craft. Who is Manu Feildel? http://manufeildel.com.au Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

After being given a second chance at cheffing Amy Hamilton (Liberte restaurant) travelled around Australia only to find herself in Albany at one of the most southern tips of Western Australia. Keen to begin a family and anchor herself in the region, she bought a local haunted wine bar housed in one of the oldest buildings in the state and turned it into one of WA’s leading restaurants. https://libertealbany.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After spending the last nine years turning his award-winning venue into the benchmark local sustainable restaurant Kane Pollard (Topiary and Sôl Bar & Restaurant) he took the opportunity to take his knowledge and ideas to a larger scale at a brand new restaurant on top of Skycity Adelaide. With a determination to create a sense of place on the plate and ensure a perfect circle of sustainability, its proving to be the most challenging and fulfilling challenge he’s had. https://www.instagram.com/chefkanepollard/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After leaving his full time job right before the pandemic hit Tai Tate (Built to Spill Wines) decided the best plan of survival was to roll the dice on a dream business. With no money and no income he withdrew money from his superannuation account and joined forces Crowbar and Unified Music Group to start a unique music and wine project connecting some of Australia's best musicians and wine makers, and business is booming. https://builttospill.wine Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

While working at Barangaroo House Daniel Duffy Sykes had an accident on his way home and woke up face down on the ground. At the same time his Josh brother was having problems with his heart in his sleep. After seeing specialists they became the youngest brothers in Australia to receive pacemakers. With a new lease on life and an opportunity they couldn’t refuse, the pair joined forced and open a café in their hometown. https://www.facebook.com/CABANACAFEBAR Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After a decade working with one of Australia’s most influential chefs, Andrew McConnell, JP Twomey decided the time was right to go in search of his own identity, his own style of cookery. As he soon discovered the incredible foundation built over the last decade gave him the confidence to not only step out of his comfort zone, but deliver Melbourne one of its very best restaurants too. https://www.instagram.com/jp.twomey/?hl=en Follow The Crackling https://www.instagram.com/thecracklingpodcast/ Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow PorkStar https://www.instagram.com/porkstars/?hl=en https://www.porkstar.com.au

Cacao is one of the most sought after and traded commodities on the planet and is mostly grown in third-world countries in tropical zones, but is consumed in large amounts in the first world in the form of Chocolate. After working in plantations in the South Pacific and connecting with growers, workers and chefs of the region leading chocolatier Jessica Pedemont (Chocolate Artisan and South Pacific Cacao) started a social enterprise dedicated to helping the people in the South Pacific through cacao and the impact is changing lives. http://www.chocolateartisan.com.au Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After plying his trade in award-winning restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney Max Walker (Paranormal Wines, ACT) moved to Canberra with plans to open his very first venue aimed at taking the fear and intimidation out of the wine experience. Inspired by visits to Paris' caves à manger and Venice's bacaros, and lessons learnt from the industry’s need to adapt, survive and run a resilient business, he’s created a unique wine shop and bar where customers can grab a great bottle to take home or take a seat and enjoy interesting wines, great snacks and feel right at home in an informal setting. https://www.instagram.com/paranormalwines/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

After a career in events and nightclubs, Jad Nehmetallah (The Picnic) turned a hole in the wall café into a thriving business. Keen to up the ante he drew inspiration from his family to create one of Sydney’s busiest hospitality venues, but in an exclusive for Deep in the Weeds, things are about to change dramatically. https://www.instagram.com/jadfunk/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Huck https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS Dirty Linen with Dani Valent https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dirty-linen-a-food-podcast-with-dani-valent/id1518946986 The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling