Deep in the Weeds - A Food Podcast with Anthony Huckstep

With a long line of influential chefs in her family, Daniela Maiorano spent her childhood rolling gnocchi in the restaurant opened by her great-grandfather after the second world war, and now run by her father Clemente in Sulmona, Abruzzo, Italy. Although she’s been surrounded by food all her life, she fell into the wrong crowd, became addicted to heroin and battled with it for a decade. But finding solace in hospitality, and new avenues to release negative energy she beat her addiction and is now building her own restaurant and organic farm in Northern New South Wales. https://www.instagram.com/daniela.maiorano/?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 some of the world’s best restaurants, Ben Devlin (Pipit Restaurant) was drawn back to the region he grew up in, in the New South Wales Northern Rivers to run a restaurant. Expecting it to be a short pit stop to something in a major city, he soon fell in love with the more laidback lifestyle and different mode of operation in a restaurant. It lead to a yearning to settle, and together with his wife they opened their very own restaurant, and within the first year it was named Australia’s best regional restaurant. https://www.pipitrestaurant.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 career building the foundation of many of Brisbane’s most successful restaurants Peter Marchant (Market Bistro + Wine Store) discovered early on what it takes to create a successful front of house offering, and in particular how to deliver the sommelier experience – free of pretension, and focused on what consumers like, not what the sommelier wants to sell. As Queensland’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, he’s found his unique skill set is ideal for a brand new offering in one of Queensland’s fastest growing areas. https://marketbistro.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 his craft in some of Australia’s best restaurants, Banjo Harris Plane (Good Pair Days) became one of Australia’s best Sommeliers. Keen for change and always with education in mind he began an event to bring hospitality professionals together and started an online wine store that assesses the tastes of each buyer to create personalised recommendations and it’s changed the way we order wine. https://www.goodpairdays.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

While running a dessert business, Pierre Issa (Pepe Saya) found himself with 10 litres of cream leftover heading into the holiday season. Not wanting to waste it, he decided to attempt to make butter. The moment triggered an appetite to create the very best Australian cultured butter, batch churned from single origin cream that is no not only found in restaurants, cafes and on Qantas, but has become the foundation of pastry offerings from the country’s best bakeries too. This episode of Deep in the Weeds was made in partnership with Pepe Saya. https://pepesaya.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 feeling out of his depth as a leader in a kitchen while working as a chef, Darren O’Rourke (Vic’s Meats) decided to reassess his career in the food industry. The moment led him to move into butchery, and a decade later he’s become one of Australia’s very best. https://www.instagram.com/darren.x.orourke/?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 taking maternity leave for the birth of her first child Penny Grant (Shaw + Smith) returned to work only to find her role as Group Sommelier had changed. While grappling with parenthood and a role that wasn’t as fulfilling as she had been used to, the pandemic landed and gave her a chance for change. Now she’s in a role that utilises all of her skills obtained working as a sommelier, and allowing her to educate the next generation of somms too. https://www.shawandsmith.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 her trade in three states at some of Australia’s best restaurants, Eileen Horsnell (Napier Quarter) found the lure to work with former colleagues too powerful to ignore. The connection has spawned one of Australia’s most unique and popular venues, built on the foundation of a shared vision and strong connection with the producers that underpin the food menu. http://napierquarter.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 growing up in a low socio-economic neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada Jesse Orleans (Happyfield), thought the only way to get ahead was to find an illegal side hustle, but when his mother saved enough money to get him into cooking school he started to see his future differently. When an Australian friend spoke of opportunities down under, he bought a plane ticket and nine years later and he’s opened his own diner, and its become the hub of the community. https://www.happyfield.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 an incredible career with some of Sydney’s best restaurants in tandem with her husband Jeremy, Jane Strode’s (A by Adina) world fell apart when he died by suicide. With time to understand the impact, she’s found a way to put herself back together and it’s resulted in perhaps the biggest moment in her career, heading the food team of a new hotel and restaurant that, for the first time in her life, has given her the chance to tell her own food story. This episode of Deep in the Weeds touches on mental health issues, if you need help please contact your GP or contact lifeline on 131114. https://www.instagram.com/favouritenumbersix/?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 opening their dream modern Korean restaurant Illa Kim and Daero Lee (Soul Dining and Soul Deli) felt the impact from loss of trade due to the construction of light rail on their street, and then the pandemic hit. With less than a month’s cash in the bank, the two took a chance on an empty site a few doors down and launched the first Korean deli in Australia. https://souldining.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 growing up in a Vietnamese family in Brisbane, Jerry Mai got an appetite for cooking the cuisine of her heritage. After years of plying her trade learning many other cuisines she embarked on a journey in Melbourne to explore the authentic flavours and combinations of her family home, and her impact on Melbourne’s culinary landscape has been monumental. https://www.instagram.com/chefjerrymai/?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

Leading the team of a renowned family-owned restaurant in Western Australia, Jake Atkinson (Mojo’s) has changed the brand and offering many times to ensure viability and stay relevant. In 2019, long before the pandemic, he created a unique in restaurant bottle shop to make a point of difference, and when the lockdown hit the restaurant sector it not only saved the business from going under, but has put the 20-year old venue in the spotlight again. https://www.mojosrestaurant.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 growing up in the family hospitality business, Kristy Austin (We are Neighbourgood) learned the art of catering large events early on in her childhood. After building a career in the events industry and being behind some of Australia’s very best food festivals, the pandemic landed and took all of her business away. After time to download, she’s finding a greater sense of purpose and connection with new events including the launch of drinks and food festival Naturellement, in Newcastle, NSW. https://www.instagram.com/weareneighbourgood/ 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 kitchens all over Italy, Orazio D’Elia (Matteo Double Bay and Downtown) returned home to Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, to join his family business selling baby supplies. Realising that trading potties for pasta was not in his heart, he embarked on a trip to Australia to make his mark as a chef. After running the kitchen of some award-winning venues for other operators he built up the courage to go out on his and build his own restaurants, and the locals are loving it. https://matteosydney.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 carving out a career in some of Sydney and London’s best restaurants Joel Humphreys (Scotties, Lost Boys Kebabs, Maitland Growers Market) left the big cities for a quieter life and ply his craft in in the country. After finding his feet with a 40-seater restaurant he scored a job curating the local growers market and it’s changed the way he cooks. https://www.instagram.com/joelhumphreys/?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 the foundation of his career in influential, iconic venues in Melbourne David Moyle (Harvest, Barrio, Sparrow Coffee) moved to Byron Bay for work and it triggered a connection with produce of the local land and sea. Ever since he’s been on a journey across Australia to find a greater connection to the produce he cooks, and exploring the challenges and rewards of hunting and sourcing wild foods. The momentum has had life altering changes on perspective, ego and his food focus in the venues he works in. https://www.instagram.com/moyle_david/?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 buying a large property in the Hunter near his award-winning restaurant Troy Rhoades-Brown (Muse) started growing vegetables, housing chickens and soon enough fulfilled a long-time dream of having his own pigs. Although he’d always had great connections with local pig producers, the personal experience of raising pigs was life changing. https://musedining.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 funding and growing a wine venture entirely on front of house fine-dining paychecks in Northern California, Australian Erin Frances Pooley (Little Frances Wines) began her quest to make wine inspired by affordable, food–friendly wines she remembered from Australia. After the pandemic landed she made her way back to Australia and chanced her arm on connecting with local Victorian grape producers to continue her mission and she’s starting to get attention. https://www.littlefrances.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 border closures and a venue housing multiple high-end venues and a boutique hotel Emma Farrelly (State Buildings and Como Treasury, WA) had to not only change their target market, but how they construct the wine program for the across the board. But the changes have brought them closer to locals, and with a clearer perspective on how they’ll cater for international tourists beyond Covid-19. 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 and delivering some of the best eating experiences in Australia with the likes of Momofuku Seiōbo and the Merivale Group Ben Greeno (Hotel Centennial and The Paddington Precinct) decided to focus on how he was fuelling his own body. He challenged himself to cut out alcohol, meat and fish and the positive impact is driving him to create incredible vegetarian and vegan offerings in his venues. https://www.instagram.com/bgreeno/?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 19 years operating one of Western Australia’s very best restaurants Russell Blaikie (Must Wine Bar, WA) decided the time was right to close the doors. Although the pandemic gave him pause to remodel and rejuvenate the space to much success, the events of the last year have him hungry for a new challenge. https://www.instagram.com/russellblaikie/?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 years out of the hospitality game to raise a young family Karena Armstrong (The Salopian Inn) found herself cooking more and more extravagant meals at home, before she realised she missed the connection and joy of working in the hospitality industry. When an offer to run her own restaurant popped up, it was too good to refuse and 8 years on she’s created one of Australia’s best restaurants where guests feel relaxed, comfortable, and eat in their own way. https://www.instagram.com/salopianinn/?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

Last time we caught up with Rowie Dillon (Food & Heart Co.) her company Rowie’s Cakes had lost 90% of business, and with the airlines grounded she wasn’t sure how things would pan out. By late 2020 her dream was over, and the trauma of losing an award-winning gluten-free brand she’d spent over 20 years building took a monumental toll on her. But with her trademark never say die attitude she put the pieces of her life back together and is on the verge of launching something quite special and its already getting attention. https://www.instagram.com/foodandheartco/ 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 working in and launching some of Australia’s best restaurants Nic Wong (Cicciabella) was feeling burnt out and took time out to travel to his fathers homeland of Burma (Myanmar). A country his parents had fled from decades early the connection with his cultural heritage and time with his father made him realise what maters and triggered a huge change in direction for his career. https://www.instagram.com/_nic_wong_/?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 over a role looking after the food offerings for over 30 venues across the country Telina Menzies (Australian Venue Co.) had to navigate border closures, restrictions and multiple product offering shifts to ensure the venues remained viable and hold onto as many staff as possible. But it took its toll. With extended lockdowns and more time on her hands, she turned to the pans to cook for staff and support those in need. The experience rekindled her love for hospitality and is taking her on a new journey. https://www.instagram.com/telina_menzies/?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

Within a week of meeting in Italy Oskar Rossi and Federica Andrisani (Fico, Hobart) knew they wanted to open a restaurant together. After a series of pop ups, and considering options in Italy and Australia, they settled on Hobart and they’ve not only been a huge part of the new wave of dining sweeping the Apple Isle, they’ve created an incredible connection with local producers who star on their menu too. https://www.ficofico.net 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 creating some of Australia’s very best regional restaurants, industry legend Sharon Romeo (Fino Seppeltsfield, Fino Vino) opened a restaurant in Adelaide’s CBD only months before the pandemic hit. After the challenge of lockdown her regional outpost has been booming as people escape the city and hit the regions, but in the CBD things are quiet, and although its meant she’s back running the floor full time to ensure the business remains viable, it’s reminded her of why she fell in love with hospitality in the first place. https://www.finovino.net.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

When Khanh Nguyen (Sunda Dining) was a child, picking herbs and helping in the kitchen was his mother’s way of disciplining him for errant behaviour. But he grew to love the connection he was forming with both the ingredients and techniques that underpin the food of his Vietnamese heritage. It lead to a career in food and a determination to take Vietnamese and South East Asian cuisine to new heights downunder. https://www.instagram.com/genghiskhanh/?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

A year ago to the day we launched the very first episode of Deep in the Weeds. I rang one of Australia’s culinary legends Neil Perry and two hours later we hit record. We had no idea what Deep in the Weeds would become, but back then Neil tried to make sense of the lockdowns and processed the heavy impact that loomed like a dark shadow over the hospitality sector. A year on it’s episode 225 and Neil is a changed man. In this exclusive interview, he talks about retirement, the impact of producing 300,000 meals for international workers on visas with Hope Delivery, and why for the very first time he is investing all of his own capital into a local restaurant named after his mother, Margaret. https://www.instagram.com/chefneilperry/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/margaretdoublebay/ 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 initial shock of the lockdown, and keeping the doors shut for months Kylie Javier Ashton (Momofuku Seiōbo) re-opened the restaurant with new energy and enthusiasm, but a year since the pandemic hit down under comes news of the closure of one of Australia’s very best restaurants. Having run the restaurant from inception she takes us on a journey through the years, reveals why its time to close the doors, and how learning to let go of special things in one’s life is sometimes important for personal growth. https://seiobo.momofuku.com https://www.instagram.com/kyliejavierashton/?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

Part 2 In Part 1 Ross Lusted (Woodcut) took us on a journey through his career from South Africa to Australia and all over the globe. In Part 2 he tells us what lured him home to Australia and the challenges of running a fine dining, multi-awarding restaurant with the Bridge Room and how its success lead to what may be the defining moment in his career, Woodcut Restaurant. 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

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