Dirty Linen - A Food Podcast with Dani Valent

We head to the Orange area to chat to chef Charles Woodward from Sisters Rock Restaurant at Borodell Estate. This part of country NSW is not in lockdown but it's very quiet without Sydney trade. We talk about the state of the industry - how does work-life balance relate to pricing relate to staffing relate to apples for tarte tatin? It's all connected... https://borrodell.com.au/sisters-rock-restaurant/ Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Chef Nicky Riemer found lockdown number 6 a tough one to wrap her head around. We talk strategies for coping with bad news and tricky times, plus some financial words of wisdom, especially for women in hospitality. And then there's food: pigeon pie, a very fine cabbage, and the coming of spring, green and sprightly and full of promise. https://www.instagram.com/nickyriemer/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen kicks off another week in lockdown with a deep dive into the art of hospitality and the service experience with Society's Danilo Mancini. Melbourne's much anticipated Society Restaurant hadn't been open a week when it had to close for another lockdown. How does Danilo keep his young front-of-house team upbeat and engaged? We also find out how he trains waiters from scratch and why he thinks hospitality is the best industry in the world. https://www.lucas.online/venues/society/ Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Vaccinated US travellers were the first to book in for cookbook author Emiko Davies' Tuscan villa getaway. Meanwhile, your vaccinated Dirty Linen host is trapped in Fortress Australia. Sigh. We talk Venetian snacks, Italian lockdowns and green passes for COVIDsafe travel and dining. https://www.emikodavies.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen looks forward to cheese dreams after today's chat with Cam Rowan from Milawa Cheese Company. The north-east Victorian cheese factory is artisan in approach but works at scale - we talk about the challenges and intense rewards of doing so. We learn about a lifechanging trip to France and why there was a bucket of cow poo in the cheesery, plus Cam's stint running a goat cheese factory in England. https://www.milawacheese.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

With three Sydney restaurants, each in different local government areas, Antonio Tarzia is having an interesting time of it. We talk about lockdown takeaway, the merits of JobKeeper vs COVID Disaster Payment and the challenges of dealing with landlords and suppliers. Antonio is concerned that recovery will be hampered by hospo workers leaving the industry and a lack of diner confidence and cash but he's still in it for the long haul and feeling mostly optimistic. https://pecarestaurant.com.au http://fat-franks.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://linktr.ee/DirtyLinenPodcast The Crackling with Anthony Huckstep https://linktr.ee/thecrackling

Wani Sakellaropoulos owns Cremorne's Ms Frankie with her partner Melinda. Their restaurant was a Tier One exposure site in Melbourne's recent outbreak and Wani, Mel and most of their staff ended up with coronavirus - their chef is still in hospital. It's been an incredibly tough time but Wani has wise words born of hard experience about COVID-safe procedures, vaccination and her hopes for a powerful collective voice in hospitality. https://msfrankie.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

When Prahran Market was named a COVID exposure site, traders went into isolation. We catch up with Sweet Greek's Kathy Tsaples who shares the shock of being locked out of the shop that's been at the centre of her life for a decade. Even though she's not allowed to leave home, she's making the most of her time in quarantine. https://sweetgreek.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Greg Malouf http://gregmalouf.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/ Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

What does it feel like to toss in a high-flying corporate job for a Greek donut hustle and have it turn into a runaway success that's then derailed by a fire and COVID? We find out from Melbourne loukoumades legend Dean Giannakis whose St Gerry's business has adapted from events to bricks-and-mortar and a sometimes frustrating delivery model. Why is everything in this world rated out of five anyway? PS Leave a rating for this podcast ;) https://www.stgerrys.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dirtylinenpodcast Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen heads to Sydney to talk to John Lepouris, owner of cafe/deli Against the Grind and dark kitchen Crumbed - House of the Schnitty. We talk about neighbourhoods helping small business through lockdown and the trials and tribulations of trying to run a business that relies on delivery platforms: unhelpful, unresponsive and definitely too expensive. Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

From one lockdown to another: Melbourne to Johannesburg. We talk to OG food blogger Ed Charles, who now lives in South Africa where society is fraying, food security is fragile and COVID cases are rising. We also talk food media and the early days of influencers and Ed shares his perspective from afar on the difficult times Australian hospitality is navigating. Overall, he reckons better days are coming. https://tomatom.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen chatted to outspoken Seattle chef Eric Rivera way back in episode 10. With the US reopening, It's time to check back and see what's happening at Eric's indie restaurant. Addo is open to small numbers of vaccinated diners, the menu changes daily and Eric is enjoying feeding customers in person. But he's also fighting hard - and frustratedly - against injustice, inequality and virtue-signalling. https://www.ericriveracooks.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

We head to Victoria's Yarra Valley to talk to chef Grant Flack. As well as all the lockdowns, his crew at Balgownie Estate also had to deal with the restaurant burning down last winter. As part of a project to keep chins up and minds ticking, Grant is making sure his team look beyond the immediate crisis to a bright future: a new dining room on the way and loyal diners keen to get back out there and support the regions as soon as it's possible. https://www.balgownie.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen clocks up 250 episodes with an inspiring and fortifying chat with Paolo Arlotta. The Italian chef started his Australian cooking career at Vue de monde but it was a step sideways to social enterprise Kinfolk Cafe that opened his mind to a new direction. He opened vegetarian, sustainable-minded, small-scale Riso Diner during Melbourne's long 2020 lockdown. Though it's been very challenging, he is grateful for what he's been able to achieve and learn. https://www.risodiner.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Julian Hills is not loving Melbourne's 5th lockdown: it's tough on him and his staff at Navi and Zymurgy in Melbourne's inner west. The mental health implications are significant, not least because it's impossible to see a clear path forward that doesn't involve more disruptions to business and creative flow. https://www.restaurantnavi.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Melbourne joins Sydney in lockdown so Dirty Linen talks pasta and positivity with Pino's Vino E Cucina chef Cristiano Patacca. Why is pasta the ultimate comfort food? How do you stay upbeat and hopeful when times are tough? And what is it like being so far from your birth country when it's going through extremely hard times? https://www.pinosvinoecucina.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

We head to Brisbane to talk to Andy Ashby, owner of C'est Bon. It's Bastille Day and he has a huge day ahead at the French restaurant he took on just before the pandemic swept in. We discuss New Zealand baking, time working with Scott Pickett, strategies for shepherding staff through COVID and how he's brought knowledge from hotels and resorts to his multi-pronged urban bistro. https://cestbon.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen heads to western Sydney to talk to Pazar Food Collective's Attila Yilmaz. With the city in lockdown, things are tough and the light at the end of the tunnel isn't exactly blinding him. We talk about leadership, inconsistencies and policing - Attila is an ex-cop and he has some views. Despite all the uncertainty, he's managing to stay optimistic. https://www.pazar.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Comedian Jennifer Wong's new iView show Chopsticks or Fork? visits regional Chinese Australian restaurants, finding out their stories and the secrets behind their deep-fried ice cream, prawn cutlets and sizzling beef. The tone is warm, generous and light-hearted but there's important anti-racist work in here too.. https://jenniferwong.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

We're talking mental health and hospitality with psychologist Rhonda Andrews, Managing Director of Barrington Centre. Rhonda has researched the hospitality industry's challenges around mental wellbeing and has developed a framework for discussing and solving them. Her approach is multifaceted, ranging from the very specific and small (have a shower) to society-wide and structural (national skills shortages). It's a great chat! https://www.barringtoncentre.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

We head to locked down Wollongong to chat to Jerusalem 'Sara' Taddesse. With her market stall on hold and catering business closed, Sara is bunkered down with family. We talk about Ethiopian cuisine, her hopes and ambitions for her business, and her desire to share the joy and traditions of her culture. https://www.instagram.com/ethiopian_cuisine_wollongong/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Yamatji-Noongar woman Sharon Brindley owns Cooee Cafe and Jala Jala Treats. We talk about life as an Aboriginal business owner: what are the challenges, joys and preconceptions faced. We're talking during NAIDOC week, a spotlit opportunity for reconciliation in action. https://www.cooeecafeandcatering.com.au/index.php Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

When the pandemic hit Australia, Andrea Vignali was a chef at Grossi Florentino on a sponsorship visa. Suddenly out of work, he started Al Dente, a pasta delivery hustle which has now turned into a real life restaurant. It's been hard - the visa stuff sucks - but Andrea's rule in life is to look beyond the problems to the possibilities. He digs the semolina out of his phone - "that always happens" - and we settle in for a chat... https://www.aldenteenoteca.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Dirty Linen heads underground, into Melbourne's Campbell Arcade subway to chat to Courtney Patterson, co-owner of Cup of Truth espresso bar. With $6000 needed to repair their coffee machine and money very tight, Cup of Truth reached out to their regulars and were overwhelmed by the response. https://www.goodfood.com.au/eat-out/news/completely-overwhelmed-loyal-customers-raise-funds-to-support-muchloved-melbourne-cafe-20210702-h1wvzy https://www.cupoftruth.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

With Melbourne in the very unusual state of being open while much of the rest of Australia is in lockdown, we check in with Port Melbourne publican Anna Streater. Anna's Prince Alfred pub battled through four lockdowns with humbling support from its regulars but is now facing a new challenge: an anti-vax pile-on that's made her feel vulnerable and besieged. https://www.princealfred.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Just as he was about to open Margaret, the Double Bay restaurant that brought him out of a five-minute retirement, Neil Perry had to close it down. We talk about lockdown, perspective, the courage in simplicity and the challenges and pleasures of running restaurants with compliance and work-life balance in mind. https://www.margaretdoublebay.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Caterers have had a super tough time during the pandemic, operating at the junction of arts, entertainment and hospitality. We chat to Sydney caterer Peter McCloskey, owner and founder of The Fresh Collective, which runs events in public institutions such as Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art and Brisbane's Queensland Museum. The pandemic has pushed Peter's retirement timeline into the far distance but he's feeling good about his team and hoping the current outbreak doesn't derail recovery too much. https://thefreshcollective.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

With Sydney in lockdown, we chat to Jarrod Walsh, owner of Hartsyard in Newtown. The fire-focused restaurant got ahead of the city-wide lockdown, closing early and shifting to takeaway as cancellations rolled in. The first weekend of take-home meals has been a success and if it's just two weeks, Jarrod reckons it will be OK. Fingers crossed... https://hartsyard.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

With New South Wales fighting an expanding COVID cluster, we check in with Stuart Knox from Sydney's Fix Wine Bar. With two staff in isolation, masks on and city trade tanking, he's watching the situation with March 2020 vibes, and hoping he doesn't have to negotiate a lockdown without JobKeeper and rent relief. Meanwhile, he planning to open a pinot... https://fixwine.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Behind the complex and ever-changing rules of the pandemic are human stories of plans stymied and lives upended. We check in with Sarah Todd, ex-MasterChef contestant and owner of restaurants in India - she's just out of quarantine after making enormous - and ultimately unsuccessful - efforts to get to Goa. https://www.instagram.com/sarahtodd/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Hash Tayeh was born in Palestine and moved to Melbourne by himself while still a teenager. He launched his first business at 17 and is now the owner of Burgertory and Melbourne's EzyMart convenience stores. As well as being an inspiring entrepreneur, Hash is open about his mental health struggles and shares his recent revelations about self-care. https://www.burgertory.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Eamon Walmsley has dealt with plenty of crises during 16 years in hospitality but nothing has caused more headaches than the outdoor dining tent he erected to cope with winter 2021 at his Seddon wine bar Charles and Gamon. We chat about this epic local government saga before moving on to learn about Eamon's work with Odonata, a biodiversity enterprise that is about to open Sky Farm Melbourne. https://www.odonata.org.au https://www.melbourneskyfarm.com.au/ Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

As if a lockdown and easing restrictions wasn't enough, restaurants in large swathes of Victoria have also been battered by severe storms. We chat to chef Soren Thogersen from Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley about power outages, adapting to constant change and why he still feels lucky. https://www.instagram.com/spthogersen/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Are there any barriers to who can cook what cuisine? David Lakhi doesn't think so. He's the Indian-born chef of Heidelberg, Melbourne restaurant Little Black Pig & Sons and he stands behind the heart, soul and flavour of his Italian menu. David has been embraced by the community - they supported each other through lockdown after lockdown - but he's also been subject to gross and undermining racism. https://www.thestaffcanteen.com/Editorials-and-Advertorials/aktar-islam-kicks-back-at-the-notion-that-he-shouldn-t-be-able-to-cook-different-cuisines-on-the-basis-of-his-ethnicity https://www.littleblackpigandsons.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

As Joseph Abboud's Rumi marks 15 years, we celebrate the endurance of this modern Middle Eastern restaurant in Melbourne's Brunswick East and mourn the passing of the city's Bar Saracen. What is it that makes a restaurant work, and how does Abboud now balance risk and reward as he charts a path forward? https://www.rumirestaurant.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

When chef Peter Doyle closed Sydney's Est in 2018, the then 66-year-old was calling time on a stellar career as chef-restaurateur that spanned five decades. He stepped into a leadership role at Merivale's internal chef apprenticeship school. We talk about the program, why it's necessary and how best to train and inspire chefs. We also chat about Merivale's move to Melbourne: should we be dismayed or delighted? https://merivale.com/chef-apprenticeship/ Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Restrictions are easing in Melbourne and restaurants are allowed to reopen but it's not as simple as that, especially in the CBD. We talk to cafe owner Elisa Mariani of Mayday in Richmond, and Greta and Maverick in the city. As she musters the energy to build business back up again, she knows it's not going to be easy with offices capped at 25% capacity and masks compulsory. But what can you do? She's throwing everything at it - again - to make her businesses work. https://www.instagram.com/maverick.melbourne/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/greta.melbourne/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

As Melbourne emerges from Lockdown #4, we chat to Byron Barrowclough from Moorabbin pub Wilbury & Sons. Byron talks about clawing back lockdown losses, the ongoing issue of staffing and some silver linings: after months stuck in 5K, Melbourne is loving its neighbourhoods and a cosy pub for locals feels like just the ticket. Bring on the lamb shanks... https://www.wilburyandsons.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

As a graduate visa holder, Pranav Kapoor's pathway through the pandemic has been perilous, often literally. When he lost his job last year, he took up work as a delivery rider, skidding around Melbourne's streets in the rain. Now he's got a great job managing the coffee shop, restaurant and bar in a five-star hotel...or at least he will when Melbourne comes back out of lockdown. https://www.instagram.com/kapoorpranav13/?utm_medium=copy_link Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

For 20 years, Ashley Palmer-Watts was Heston Blumenthal's right-hand man. As the UK emerges from lockdown, Ash talks expansively about what he's up to now (coffee and cycle tours) plus the broader situation: a staffing crisis, Brexit, the post-isolation return to activity. We also discuss the endlessly invigorating Heston years and Ash shares inspiring insights into creativity, team-building and constantly striving to do better. https://www.instagram.com/ashleypalmerwatts/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

With Melbourne still in lockdown, we chat to inspiring micro-business owner Christy Tania of Glace Desserts. Christy refuses to be a victim of difficult circumstances. While admitting every day is scary and hard right now, she continues to create, energise, refashion and take control. She shares ideas for mindset and self-care as well as business strategy. https://www.instagram.com/christytania/?hl=en Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

As lockdown eases in regional Victoria, we chat to Liam Thornycroft, owner of Cliffy's Emporium and Beppe in Daylesford. Given the diner and density restrictions, Liam has been crunching the numbers and working out if and when to reopen with his staff's needs foremost in his mind. He's also dreading checking postcodes to ensure Melbourne diners aren't sneaking in and hoping that kindness, patience and big spending is order of the day.

As Melbourne heads towards the end of the circuit breaker lockdown and into its extension, we chat to someone who is used to getting no government support. Adam Walsh is from the UK and has been working at Mesa Verde. But with no work at the moment, he's reverted to his old side hustle making candles and selling them on Instagram. Adam is studying fitness and he gives us all some tips for mental and physical health - well worth a listen. https://instagram.com/elementscandle?utm_medium=copy_link Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Ideally, we would spend our time with Guy Grossi talking about ragu and tiramisu but with Melbourne in lockdown and much to worry about, we talk mindset, strategies, passion and determination - oh and lasagne because there's always time for lasagne. http://www.grossi.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

How's it going for international students? Mexican American Robert Holguin came to Melbourne on a whim and a working holiday visa in 2019. He loved it...until the pandemic set in. After a long, lean lockdown he enrolled in a commercial cookery course and paid for a student visa. Unfortunately, the whole thing feels like a scam. On the up side, he loves his job in the kitchen at Shannon Martinez's Lona Misa. Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

The night Melbourne went into lockdown, Dirty Linen host Dani Valent was supposed to be dining at the Royal Mail Hotel, four hours west of Melbourne. Oh well. In lieu of eating the food, Dani talks to chef Robin Wickens. We chat about what would have been on the menu, maturing as a cook and mentor, and about the 'copycat scandal' in 2006 when Wickens was called out for replicating dishes from famous US chefs at his Fitzroy restaurant Interlude. It was a dark period and Wickens became disillusioned with the restaurant industry but now welcomes the opportunity it gave him to shed ego and grow as a chef. https://royalmail.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

LOCKDOWN #4. As Victoria goes back into lockdown, we talk to Etta Dining's Hannah Green. With cases in Brunswick and other nearby suburbs, Hannah thinks locking down is the right thing to do. She flipped quickly to takeaway to try to create stability and income for her staff. She's depleted and drained but trying to keep things in perspective and focus on what's really important: health, kindness, community. https://ettadining.com.au Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Staffing! How do you hire, train, inspire and hang onto staff and what are some menu creation strategies that allow you to operate with less experienced workers? We dig into it with experienced consultant, trainer and chef Mark Normoyle, co-owner of Luna’s Food & Wine in Melbourne’s St Kilda. https://www.lunas.com.au/ Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/

Andrew Prior parlayed his stint as a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2013 into a food tour business, first in Melbourne and since 2016 in France. At the end of 2019 he was flying high after a super successful trip through the Cote d'Azur. Since then it's been tough - food tourism and pandemics don't really vibe. We speak as France opens up to outdoor dining but with daily cases in the thousands and vaccination rates low, Andrew isn't feeling like steak frites on the terrace just yet. https://www.andrewpriorfabulously.com Follow Dirty Linen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Dani https://www.instagram.com/danivalent Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepintheweedspodcast/?hl=en Follow Rob Locke (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/ Follow Huck (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/