Deep in the Weeds - A Food Podcast with Anthony Huckstep

Two friends, Nav Grewal & Paul Hayes found they have a lifetime passion for tequila and so began the story of Vivir. Recently launched in Australia and quickly collecting accolades across the world, premium tequila has a brand new star. https://www.vivirtequila.com Follow Over a Glass https://www.instagram.com/overtheglasspod Host Shanteh Wale https://www.instagram.com/shantehwale/?hl=en Executive...

Last time we caught up with Marty Boetz he dished up an incredible double episode account of his life in food, which all led to one of regional Australia’s best culinary offerings, but after 2 years of uncertainty Marty is calling it a day on the Cook’s Shed in the Hawkesbury, New South Wales. https://www.instagram.com/martinboetz/?hl=en Follow Deep In The Weeds on Instagram https://www.instagram....

Born and raised in Adelaide, Justin Miles (The Windy Point Restaurant, Adelaide) first refined his culinary skills under the direction of Ann Oliver at Mistress Augustine’s in North Adelaide. Continuing his craft, he travelled around the world, working in London, the NSW ski fields and Noosa Springs Golf Resort until an opportunity in his home city was too good to ignore. Some fourteen years later...

Reuben Mardan is the founder and owner of Sample Coffee, a cafe, roastery, retailer and wholesaler in Sydney. Reuben first worked in coffee as a side job but his engagement grew as the specialty coffee scene burgeoned and the first Sample outlet opened in 2011. After a decade in the business, Reuben still finds the industry enriching, especially because it allows him to connect with people at the...

We caught up with Attila Yilmaz (Pazar Food Collective) way back in episode 8 of Deep in the Weeds more than two years ago. He took us on a journey from his father’s Turkish restaurant, to a career in the police force and the switch to successful restaurateur. We also spoke of the damage and uncertainty of the pandemic, and two years of that upheaval has resulted in a decision to close the doors....

The path to becoming a chef is different for everyone, but for Louis Couttoupes (Onzieme, Canberra) it came much later in life. After a decade in the public service, he handed in his resignation and went travelling and by luck or chance found a job in a kitchen in France. He quickly realised where he wanted his future to go. https://www.onzieme.com.au https://www.instagram.com/louiscouttoupes/?hl=...

Wild Salmon is a truly unique and special fish. Regarded by chefs, environmentalists, gourmands and nutritionists alike as the best salmon to be found, it accounts for only 20% of the salmon consumed, the remainder being farmed. Each May to Septmber the wild salmon run on the West Coast of North America sees the fish migrate from the open ocean back up the rivers to the lakes of their birth to lay...

Adam Wadewitz is without a doubt is one of the most talented and capable winemakers in Australia. Known for his razor-sharp palate and a career that; so far, has been stratospheric He role today is Chief winemaker and Joint CEO of Shaw + Smith. https://www.shawandsmith.com Follow Over a Glass https://www.instagram.com/overtheglasspod Host Shanteh Wale https://www.instagram.com/shantehwale/?hl=en E...

Life-long friendships are made in the hospitality industry. Long hours, the reliance on teamwork and genuine commitment to the trade help foster the strongest connections. Many go into business with friends, but what’s it like taking a friendship into a business relationship? Massimo Bonvegna (La Madia Pizzeria) and his best friend Fabio opened their very first restaurant together in Clovelly NSW,...

We’ve talked about the leaps and bounds plant-based eating and offerings have come in recent years. But in the UK the plant-based movement is much more evolved than in Australia, with an array of restaurants at all levels focussing on meat-free menus. Mildred’s in the UK has been leading by example for over 30 years. Sam Anstey (Mildred’s Restaurant Group) joins us to give a picture of one of the...

When the pandemic landed, it forced most in the food industry to re-think offering. With a handful of successful restaurants, the likes of Dear Saint Eloise, Love Tilly Devine and Ragazzi a young dynamic group began making fresh pasta to heat and serve at home. Cam Birt, a professional in the realms of artisan, bespoke food products saw an opportunity, not just as a stop gap, but to create a whole...

Growing up in the Swan Valley Caroline Taylor (Swan Valley food Ambassador) had the most incredible upbringing in regard to local food and produce. She never really had dreams of a career in food, but a unique set of circumstances led to her leading the team in a café in the house she grew up in. Now after a stellar career as a chef, she’s in a role that celebrates the produce, both farmed and nat...

Belinda Hagan (McIvor Farm Foods) and her Husband Jason left their careers on the land to take the reins of a family farm. Although they are farming pigs the Hagan’s consider themselves soil farmers who run pigs across the property to help regenerate the land to create a closed loop system. They grow as much of the food as they can for the pigs, and in turn the pigs help to aerate and turn the soi...

The small scale, artisanal fisherman is incredibly important to the supply of fresh, local, seasonal seafood. With a focus on seasonal species, they need to be adept at a range of fishing methods, demanding a range of skills. Through the training of Ocean Watch, a pro-fishing sustainability NGO, many artisanal fishers have become certified Master Fishermen - a recognition which ensures the highest...

Emily Zegar was born and raised in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, her journey in wine has taken her back and forth across the globe focusing on all aspects of sales and marketing. Today she heads up her role as 'Director of Sales for the West Division and Export’ for one of the pioneering families of Oregon wine, Sokol Blosser https://sokolblosser.com Follow Over a Glass https://www.instagram.co...

After being told to move to Melbourne if he wanted to go anywhere with his cheffing career, a world of opportunity opened up for Andy Ashby (C’est Bon). It led to working with one of Australia’s best chefs Scott Pickett, fine dining on an island and finally and unexpectedly to his own restaurant where he has become a big part of the new wave of dining in Brisbane. https://cestbon.com.au Follow Dee...

We’ve talked on many occasions about the boom in regional dining. About creating a voice in a region, and connecting with the growers to deliver their story on the plate. There are some that have made a tree-change to make these connections, and others that, over decades have been the beating culinary heart of a region and continue to share its story. Culinary legend Kim Currie (The Zin House, Low...

Third-generation farmer Catherine Velisha is the managing director of Velisha Farms, based in Werribee South on the outskirts of Melbourne. She’s also the founder of VegEducation, a training organisation that promotes the diverse opportunities in farm work, as well as extolling the virtues of veg to the broader community. The way she sees it, horticulture is nourishing in every way: a great busine...

After falling into the industry in Adelaide Tom Robinson (The Lane, SA) headed to Japan for what was meant to be a short-term TAFE exchange. He ended immersing himself for 2 years into Japans hospitality sector and it triggered a love for the craft of finer dining and put him on journey for a decade away from home to work with some of Australia’s best chefs. But home was calling, and an opportunit...

Australia has one of the most colourful culinary landscapes on the planet. Our fascination with the many cuisines of Asia is no surprise given our proximity, but Filipino food is one that has taken longer to take hold than others. However, there is a throng of young, enthusiastic professionals, lead by chef Ross Magnaye who are exploring the bounty of the 7000+ islands of the Philippines. https://...

In Part 2 of Bering Sea King Crab Fisherman, Sean Dwyer, tells us how he fishes some of the roughest and most dangerous waters on the planet. Below freezing conditions, 100kmh ice laden winds, drifting ice-packs and 20 metre waves are just another day at the office. Hear his story of fishing, family and being a star of reality series “ Deadliest Catch” https://www.instagram.com/captseandwyer/?hl=e...

Andy Miller is the CEO and co-founder of Heaps Normal. He has a career that spans over 15 years working in a multitude of diverse industries. Today he joins us to tell us the story of how a designer, a brewer, a pro surfer and a ginger came to create one of the tastiest beverages known to man! https://heapsnormal.com Follow Over a Glass https://www.instagram.com/overtheglasspod Host Shanteh Wale h...

Born into a family with a long history and association with the food industry, Rohan Park (Old Young’s Kitchen) had a unique upbringing in regards to food. After trying his hand in mining and viticulture he fell into and in love with the craft in a commercial kitchen. After years immersing himself in the industry, he’s landed a dream role where he can put his own voice on the plate through the len...

After living in New York and embracing the deli culture Joel Mevissen (Westmont Pickles) saw an opportunity for quality Australian pickled cucumbers. Over a couple of beers in the backyard with good mate and chef Calvin Lidden they began working with a local farm network to develop and foster a local market for pickling cucumbers. https://www.westmontpickles.com Follow The Producers on Instagram h...

With a successful career as a marine biologist in Mexico, Daniella Guevara Munoz (La Popular Taqueria, SA) dreamt of a job on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. When the opportunity arose for her and her husband Kor, also a Marine Biologist, they leapt at the chance. All the while a career change was bubbling away in the back of her mind, and when they moved to Adelaide Daneilla jumped at the chan...