The Ingredients

Smithburg isn't just a burger joint; it's a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the kind of operational honesty that prioritises substance over ego. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Dehne Bingham, founder of Smithburg, inside the South Melbourne market venue that's become one of Melbourne's most compelling American diner experiences. Dehne shares his remarka...

St Ali isn't just a Melbourne coffee institution; it's a 20-year masterclass in craft, scale, and the kind of brand building that prioritises authenticity over expansion. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Lachlan Ward, CEO of St Ali, inside the original South Melbourne venue that remains the beating heart of the business. Lachlan shares his remarkable 15-year journey...

GreenStreat isn't just a salad brand; it's a values-driven mission to change how Australians eat, feel, and experience fast casual hospitality. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Jackson McGrath, co-founder of Green Street, inside their Little Collins Street location in Melbourne. Jackson shares his remarkable journey from growing up in his parents' restaurant to buil...

Hofbräuhaus Melbourne isn't just a German restaurant; it's a 50-year exercise in cultural authenticity, operational complexity, and the kind of hospitality that prioritises genuine care over transactional service. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Philipp Hockenberger, Brand Manager at Hofbräuhaus Melbourne, in the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown. Philipp shares his j...

Fino Vino isn't just a restaurant brand; it's a 20-year masterclass in regional and city hospitality, resilience, and the kind of service that prioritises connection over everything else. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Sharon, co-owner of Fino Vino in Adelaide's CBD and the iconic Seppeltsfield destination restaurant in the Barossa Valley. Sharon shares her remark...

Maybe Mae isn't just a cocktail bar; it's a masterclass in seasonality, sustainability, and the kind of service that prioritises dialogue over decoration. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down with Nick Corletto, operating partner at Maybe Mae, tucked away in the basement just off Peel Street in Adelaide. Nick shares his journey from working on his family's vineyard in Clare...

Africola isn’t just one of Adelaide’s most influential restaurants; it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, people, and product are put ahead of ego and expansion. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down inside Africola with Duncan Welgemoed and Lauren Parsons to unpack the real story behind the venue: the fires (literal ones), the decisions not to scale,...

Africola isn’t just one of Adelaide’s most influential restaurants; it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when culture, people, and product are put ahead of ego and expansion. In this episode of The Ingredients Podcast, Shaun sits down inside Africola with Duncan Welgemoed and Lauren Parsons to unpack the real story behind the venue: the fires (literal ones), the decisions not to scale,...

Summary In this episode of the Ingredients Podcast, host Shaun de Vries speaks with Alexis Besseau, executive chef of La Louisiane in Adelaide. Alexis shares his remarkable culinary journey, from his childhood in France through various international experiences to his ultimate settling in Australia. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship, the challenges of building a cohesive ki...

In this conversation, Matt Hill discusses the intricacies of hospitality marketing, emphasising the importance of authenticity, the evolution of influencer marketing, and the integration of traditional and digital strategies. He highlights the need for businesses to understand their unique voice and the significance of regular strategy reviews to stay competitive in the ever-evolving market. Matt...

Summary In this conversation, Matt Hill discusses the intricacies of hospitality marketing, emphasising the importance of authenticity, the evolution of influencer marketing, and the integration of traditional and digital strategies. He highlights the need for businesses to understand their unique voice and the significance of regular strategy reviews to stay competitive in the ever-evolving marke...

Adam de Vries owns and runs The Postcode, a café inside Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane. In this episode, we dive into what it means to deliver comfort, connection, and care through hospitality in a setting where people are often stressed or grieving. Adam shares how simple, thoughtful food and genuine service can bring a sense of calm and community when it's needed most. Takeaways: – Hos...

In this episode of The Ingredients, Shaun de Vries sits down with Yanan Zhou, the dynamic General Manager of Melbourne’s much-loved Oriental Tea House. Yanan shares her journey from teenage shifts in hospitality to leading multiple venues, and why she believes hospitality will never die — no matter the challenges it faces. We talk about: -How to keep each venue’s personality and avoid the “cookie-...

In this episode of The Ingredients , I’m joined by Yanan Zhou, the powerhouse General Manager behind Melbourne’s beloved Oriental Tea House. Yanan’s career began in hospitality as a teenager, and over the years, she’s moved through a variety of roles that have given her a deep, hands-on understanding of what makes a venue thrive. Today, she oversees multiple sites and continues to champion the bel...

Full Episode OUT NOW

This podcast episode elucidates the journey of a small business owner who has successfully established a vibrant venue within the hospitality sector. Alex Gavioli is a very experienced and successful owner of two of the best venues in Melbourne: Don's in Prahran & Cordelia in Carlton. Alex shares insights on how his initial vision for the venue evolved into a thriving community hub that resona...

This podcast episode elucidates the journey of a small business owner who has successfully established a vibrant venue within the hospitality sector. Alex Gavioli is a very experienced and successful owner of two of the best venues in Melbourne: Don's in Prahran & Cordelia in Carlton. Alex shares insights on how his initial vision for the venue evolved into a thriving community hub that re...