Suncoast Fresh Prodcast

Tessa is one of the most cool, calm and collected contestants to enter the coveted Masterchef kitchen. Not only has she finished in the @masterchefau top 10, but she’s done it twice, two seasons in a row. We got Tessa out of bed early this week to wander the markets, chat about all things fruit & Veg, growing in Queensland and what's next for this incredible cook. We couldn’t drag her out of bed w...

While eating crickets might bowl you over it is certainly nothing new, people around the world have been munching on crickets for centuries. Farming insects requires very little water, food and land which makes them an incredibly eco-friendly ingredient. I was keen to learn more about these little critters, which are gaining popularity around the world and we roped in a leading man in the industry...

Nothing like Sharing delicious food with friends. This episode of the Prodcast is with Michael Dalton from Fino Foods. Michael and the team at Fino take great pride in selecting the finest artisan produce, sourced both locally and abroad. We chatted sourcing products and working with the people who produce them and the people who get to enjoy them. This will give you even more respect for the food...

Debbie Oliver loves Truffles and Caviar, and in my opinion she is THE person to talk to when it comes to these delicacies. Did you know Australia is the 4th largest Truffle producer with over 300 farms? Well lucky for us, Debbie knows so much about this amazing Australian industry and how you can help support our amazing Truffle producers. I learnt so much from Debbie in this episode, and Im sure...

This episode of the podcast is a special one, because you get to hear from me about what it’s been like navigating the crazy COVID period. So I roped in my mate Vic who’s been involved with us throughout the journey, to try and give all of you wonderful people a window into our world. It felt weird looking back on what we’ve achieved, the challenges and the hardships we’ve faced, and the wonderful...

Dan Arnold is one of the leaders in modern Australian fine dining, and his restaurant, which is aptly named Restaurant Dan Arnold, is a perfect reflection of his career. Dan’s a local Brisbane boy, and after learning his craft, he moved to work in Paris, and hasn’t looked back since. Did I mention he also represented Australia in the BOCUSE D’OR competition? This was a real treat to speak to such...

If you live in Queensland and haven’t heard about Balter Brewing then you either don’t like beer, or you’ve probably been living under a rock. Balter Brewing is an absolute institution on the Gold Coast, and Stirling Howland has been there from day one. We sat down at the Balter Brewing headquarters to chat about how the brand was born, the stories behind how some of the best surfers in the world...

Alex Labart has always been ahead of the curve. After making the move from Sydney with his wife, their restaurant Labart helped turn Burleigh Heads into the dining destination that it is today. But it was his quick change to home delivery in response to COVID that cemented his place as one of my favourite chefs. Today Labart at Home is thriving and it’s all thanks to Alex and his amazing team. I r...

Reducing meat consumption is something that I speak with people about often but along with a lot of the population I love the taste and texture of a good piece of protein. @Micheal Fox from Fable Food Company along with his partners @Jim Fuller and @Chris McLoghlin developed a Mushroom product that resembles pulled beef or braised beef, it looks just like meat. We BBQ’d some up and had a burger wi...

Simon Gloftis is a man on a mission. Whether it’s opening a string of cafe’s, starting his own University, or planning for his restaurant Hellenika’s post-COVID comeback. Did I mention that he’s a tremendous chef as well? If you don’t follow his instagram account you’re missing out on some beautiful recipes dishes. Simon’s amazing story is a classic combination of hard work and talent, and it was...

I like to call Sam Saulwick from The Bread Social the Columbian bread lord because his bread is that good. If you haven’t had the chance to try it yet, do yourself a favour as soon as you can. His team at The Bread Social create beautiful organic, sustainable baked goods and it was a real treat getting to know how the business has grown to become what it is today as well as what makes Sam’s bakery...

Manny with his partner Dan Clark have created one of Australia's finest Italian restaurants, 1889 Enoteca. In Italy, ‘enoteca’ means wine library. Enoteca serves up some of the best pasta in the city, paying respect to Rome. We recorded this podcast downstairs in the private dining room/cellar surrounded by wine that consists almost entirely of bottles sourced from small producers from across Ital...

This Prodcast was recorded before the Covid-19 outbreak in Australia. A lot can happen in a month, since we recorded this episode with James Viles so we are calling this Part 1. Biota Dining in Bowral is no longer in operation but James has big plans which we will discuss in part 2. We recorded this episode on the edge of the Sydney Harbour with views from the city to Sydney heads. An amazing guy...

It’s easy to tell when you come across a genuinely good person, and Tarzan from Survivor is definitely one of those people. Did I mention he also grows beautiful limes for Suncoast Fresh? Tarzan is an absolute character and as a fan of both Survivor and his amazing limes, it was so much fun to sit down to get to know him. I know you’ll enjoy this one!

Matt Moran is an Aussie Icon in the culinary scene, and an all round fantastic guy. Matt’s story reads like the quintessential Australian dream and has taken him from humble beginnings in Blacktown, to the glitz and glamour of Barangaroo. Despite facing early challenges, he found a way to succeed through hard work and perseverance. We also chat about his friendships with Anthony Bourdain and Gordo...

Guillaume Zika is the head Chef and opener at the amazing Burleigh Pavilion. Since day one the 'Pav' has had a lineup around the corner and he tells me the success is due to a few things: accessibility, building the right concept and of course his beautiful menu. Guillaume has had a really interesting life and it was awesome to hear how his travels have influenced his work at the Burleigh Pavilion...

Palm Cove in far North Queensland is a hidden gem that’s at ease in its own skin, just like Nick Holloway. Nick is the head Chef at Nu Nu, and I was lucky enough to sit down at his amazing restaurant for what I think was one of my favourite episode’s yet. In the industry, you hear a lot about the importance of authenticity, and Nick embodies what it means to be authentic. I can’t thank Nick enough...

Peter from Fruit Forest Farm is one of the most amazing tropical fruit growers in the country. We were lucky enough to take a tour of his beautiful farm before recording and I was blown away. To Peter his farm isn’t just work, it’s a lifestyle and a passion. I was honoured to speak with such a knowledgeable grower who really loves what he does. Enjoy! !

Louis Tikaram is a rock star. He’s the head chef at the two-storey waterfront eatery, Stanley. A Cantonese style restaurant and Brisbane’s latest addition to the Howard Smith Wharves. Louis has travelled the world and worked in some of the world’s best restaurants. His hard work has taken him from the Tweed Valley to the world stage and back again. Can’t wait to get into this one, enjoy!

Becky and her family from the Big Hear Bamboo Farm at Eumundi are pioneers in the Industry.⁠ Her farm grows 250 varieties of Bamboo and wow does she know her stuff! I was absolutely blown away 🌬️by the spirituality of her property. It’s amazing what this plant can do, from filtering water and helping combat climate change to being a fantastic building material and of course tasting absolutely deli...

Matt Golinski is one of Australia’s best Chefs and people in my opinion, so I was honoured to have him on the Prodcast.  Matt has had an amazing journey on his way to the top, which has included a whole bunch of ups and downs along the way. His life is as inspirational as it gets, and it was an absolute pleasure to chat with him on this episode of the Prodcast. As always if you haven’t already don...

If you've ever thought about how the wonderful world of mushrooms works, from the way they’re grown to why certain varieties love the Australian climate, then this is the Prodcast for you. I was lucky enough to sit down with Abel from The Shroom Brothers who supply totally organic, spray free and delicious mushrooms that are really difficult to come by. Who knew that organic coffee grounds from th...

This episode of the Prodcast is special because I get to introduce you to my friend Alanna Sapwell. Alanna is Head Chef at ARC Dining and Wine Bar at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves and has worked around the world in some pretty special places and kitchens. From her humble beginnings in Gympie, to selling jam drops from the back of her bike in Italy all the way through to running one of Brisbane’s...

I'm so excited about this episode of the Prodcast because I get to introduce you to GQ Chef of the year Matt Stone straight from the Oakridge Winery in the Yarra Valley. Matt started out in the industry as a kitchen hand because it wouldn't interfere with his love of surfing. Now he’s the GQ Chef of the year and one of the leading voices in the Industry. Enjoy!

If you like Bees and all things honey, then this is the Prodcast for you. On this episode I sit down with Jack Wilson Stone from Bee One Third and delve into the world of Bees and how important they are to not only the industry but the world! Did you know that one third of our global food supply is dependant on the work of bees? Can’t wait to get into this one - enjoy episode two of the Prodcast.