Suncoast Fresh Prodcast

Did you know salt is the world's oldest seasoning? Many of the world's most distinguished chefs recognise the taste advantage of sea salt over other salts. But how is this magic condiment mined.   We've got James White, the General Manager of Olsson's Salt, on the poddy to spill all the salty secrets! With a love for good-quality ingredients, sustainable food and regenerative agriculture, James is here to tell us how Olsson Sea Salt is one of the most eco-friendly seasonings on the planet.   The Olsson family have been crafting their iconic salts since 1948—Australia's oldest family-owned sea salt makers! From cattle to consumers, it's an epic journey you don't want to miss. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Cooking magpies! Wait what? You'll have to listen in. From working scrubbing dishes at age 12 to winning hundreds of thousands of dollars at global cooking competitions, John McFadden's cheffing journey is nothing short of legendary.   Throughout his epic 35+ year career, he has racked up some pretty impressive titles like World Food Champion in 2022 and World Seafood Champion in 2022 and 2023. Oh, and did we mention he's one of the youngest Aussie chefs to cook at The James Beard Foundation in New York?   He is a true mentor and motivator, and he loves sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of culinary talent. We are so grateful to gain some insight as well as some crazy kitchen tales from him in episode #103. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Robert Pekin puts the culture into agriculture. The former dairy farmer has lived quite a life— from living wild like Bear Grylls in the Tasmanian bush to working as an aircraft maintenance engineer—he's seen it all. But his journey eventually led him back to his farming roots, with a mission to flip the script on industrial agriculture by promoting it as dignifying life and respecting the landscape.   Enter Food Connect Shed, Robert's passion project and home to over 20 food businesses, including OzHarvest, Food Connect Foundation and Ballistic Beer Co. It's a buzzing hub for the local food economy, where food lovers collaborate to build a healthier, fairer, and regenerative food system.   In this episode, Robert had us feeling incredibly inspired and left us wanting more. Get keen for round 2! Catch episode #102 to hear the real deal on how food, fibre, and agriculture shape our planet—what's the real price of that Maccas burger on our planet? Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Guess who's back? It's the one and only Raymond Capaldi from @raycapaldiconsultancy, joining us for the 7th and final instalment of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series! Fun fact: Ray once worked at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, where the festival is held every year. He returned this year as an ambassador, marking his 8th year at this incredible event!   In this episode, Ray touches on the controversies that sparked from his previous episode. We chat about how these honest, unfiltered conversations are making waves and supporting chefs dealing with mental health struggles.   Get ready for some big questions: Can food really save the world? You'll have to listen in to find out! Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

We've hit the big 100! Who better to celebrate with than the remarkable @michael.lambie for part 6 of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series.   Michael's culinary journey is nothing short of epic. From being a head chef under Marco Pierre White to bringing his talents Down Under, he's turned England’s loss into Melbourne’s gain. He’s the mastermind behind iconic spots like @taxikitchenmelbourne @lamaroshotel @thesmithprahran and @lucyliumelbourne. Rumour has it that a new restaurant, @junimelbourne, could be spicing up Melbourne’s dining scene very soon… stay tuned!   For over 20 years, Michael has been a culinary trailblazer in Australia, and he's just as passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs as he is about creating mouthwatering dishes.   Tune in to hear more about his incredible journey and what's cooking next. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Culinary mastermind @chefiancurley joins us for Part 5 of our @tasteportdouglas Speed Dating Series.   Ian co-owns the kitchens at @frenchsaloon and @kirkswinebar in Melbourne. Ian’s expertise extends beyond the kitchen—he also lends his talents and knowledge to @ovolohotels and @melbourneracingclub through his consultancy work. You might have also seen him on TV shows like Conviction Kitchen, @masterchefau, Yes Chef, and @9postcards.   Part of the legendary 'Brit Pack,' Ian shares wild stories from the intense, high-pressure British kitchens. From a charity dinner in India that had him confined to his hotel room to the last time he shed a tear, Ian doesn't hold back. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into what he believes is the future of Australian cuisine.   Tune in and enjoy this raw and honest chat. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website.

Dear friend of the Podcast, @benwilliamsonisgood, is back for Part 4 of our Speed Dating Series from @tasteportdouglas. The real question is, what hasn't Ben been up to? He’s the co-owner of @anyday.hospitality, which owns a string of hotspots including @agnes.restaurant, @agnes.bakery.brisbane, @bianca.restaurant, @same.same.restaurant, @honto.restaurant and @los.landofsmiles.   Despite his packed schedule, he still makes time to head to epic events like the Taste Festival, where he hosts incredible masterclasses. In this episode, he shares what it’s like working alongside chefs he’s admired throughout his career, talks about his decision to cut back on alcohol, and gives us a sneak peek into some exciting travel plans on the horizon.   Crack open a non-alcoholic beer, sit back, relax and enjoy. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. 

One of Australia's favourite French chefs and TV royalty @manufeildelofficial joins us for Part 3 of our Speed Dating Series from @tasteportdouglas.   Manu has been lighting up our screens since 2006, starring in favourites like @mykitchenrules, Australia's Got Talent, @plateoforiginau, Boys Weekend, @readysteadycookau, Dancing With The Stars and @sasaustralia. But he doesn’t stop there—Manu’s also crafted his own sauce range, @bymanuf, and even runs a production, catering and event space, @labotaniquesydney. Talk about a multitasking legend.   From the moment Manu started speaking, we were captivated—he's a natural entertainer! In this episode, Manu dives into the incredible friendships he’s built in the industry, the challenges of juggling family and career, and how the game has changed over the years. Have we all gone soft? Manu doesn’t hold back, offering his unfiltered and honest take.   You definitely don't want to miss this one. Hit play and get ready to be laughing along with us. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. Link in bio!

Join us for another incredible chat from @tasteportdouglas with globally recognised Chef @markbest, renowned for his consultancy work with @thecalilehotel and his appearances on @masterchefau and @netflix The Final Table.   Mark is like a living encyclopedia, brimming with inspiration, knowledge, and insight. His wise and warm energy is truly captivating.   In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of the festival's standout moments, shares stories behind some epic dishes he prepared at Taste, reflects on the impact of clickbait headlines and media attention, and offers a glimpse into his latest ventures.   It's the perfect time to get comfy, pour yourself a cuppa, and tune in to the legend we know as Mark Best. Available on all your favourite streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or directly from our website. 

Colin Fassnidge (@colinfassnidge) – what a breath of fresh air! We meet some incredible people within the hospitality industry through our Prodcast, and Colin is no exception. We recently spent a few days at @tasteportdouglas and managed to catch up with the man himself. With a career spanning over two decades, Colin is renowned for his bold and refined approach to modern pub dining and nose-to-tail cuisine. He shared captivating stories of his travels, including eating horse and cooking a sheep inside its own stomach, as well as his upcoming adventures with the iconic @fooddiaryseries alongside @james_white__ and @robertroworth From being trained by Raymond Blanc to becoming a TV personality and cookbook author, Colin’s journey is a testament to his creativity and dedication to the culinary arts. As a judge on My Kitchen Rules and the author of Four Kitchens, he continues to inspire with his no-nonsense attitude and innovative cuisine. Tune in to hear about Colin’s dynamic career, his experiences at Taste Port Douglas, his views on modern dining, and his latest projects. This episode is packed with passion and insight—don’t miss it! Available on all your favorite listening platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and more.

We had an incredible time chatting with the legendary Peter Wright (@globalhospitalitygroup). With over 35 years in the hospitality industry, Peter is a true powerhouse, known for his unparalleled expertise in large-scale event management and global food service. He shared fascinating insights into the world of Olympic and major event catering, reflecting on his experiences from the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the Sydney Olympics and beyond. Peter’s career is a testament to his dedication, from his early days as an apprentice chef to leading major food service projects worldwide. As the new Director of the Chef of the Year Competition, Peter is excited to build on its success and further elevate the competition’s profile. Tune in to hear about Peter’s journey, his commitment to supporting chefs, and his vision for the future of food service. This episode is packed with inspiration and expertise—don’t miss it!

We loved this raw and honest chat with Scottish-born chef Raymond Capaldi (@raycapaldiconsultancy). He shared the highs and lows of life in the kitchen, opening up about his challenging youth and recounting some intense stories of the old-school kitchen culture in Scotland, complete with a few knocks to the head and car park scraps.   Ray’s impressive career includes prestigious spots like the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, the Park Lane Hotel in Hong Kong, the British Embassy in Moscow, and Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas.   Named 'Scottish Chef of the Year' in 1992, Ray is now a familiar face in Melbourne thanks to his time at the Sofitel cooking academy and his pie company, Wonder Pies (@wonderpiesmelb), which he runs with his beautiful wife, Jodie, who is Ray's ultimate right-hand women. This ep is a goodie, so tune in and enjoy!

We have 'a pretty epic' guest on the Prodcast (if you know you know)! Legend Darren Robertson (@darrenrobertsonfood) took a break from surfing and cooking up a storm on insta to join us for episode #92.     Born and bred in the UK, Daz moved to Australia to work for Tetsuya Wakuda at the ripe age of 24. He is extremely passionate about sustainability and ethically farmed produce, which is part of the reason he started Three Blue Ducks (@threeblueducks) with a few of his other mates back in 2012. He aims to provide delicious food in a relaxed setting with that authentic paddock-to-plate feel. It was great to sit down and get his take on what's happening with the food industry at the moment. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Ciao Amici (hello friends)! This ep will leave you inspired and hungry for more! We have an incredible guest joining us for episode 91. Daniela Maiorano lives and breathes Italian food; it's literally in her DNA! Daniela is a fourth-generation chef from Abruzzo, Italy and grew up helping her Nonna roll gnocchi and helping her Dad in the family restaurant.   Food is her love language, and she's on a mission to share that love with everyone she meets. We can confirm we felt it as soon as we walked into her restaurant, Lilium and were greeted with the warmest hug. Passionate about old-school hospitality, Daniela makes having a meal an experience, no rushing, just pure enjoyment. Maybe we should all take a leaf out of her book. You're not going to want to miss this one. You know what to do. Sit back, relax and tune in. Enjoy! 

Oui Oui! We're going global. Welcome back to episode 90 of the Prodcast featuring Grenville Snowdon, one of the owners of The French Garden. The French Garden is a supplier of premium fresh produce in France and Italy, based in London's New Covent Garden Market and Paris's Rungis Market. So, if you've eaten at any of Britain's leading restaurants in the past 25 years, chances are you've enjoyed ingredients supplied by the man himself.  In this episode, Grenville runs us through some of the  differences between the markets in Paris and London compared to our humble ones in Brisbane. He also shares an intriguing tale of one of his truck drivers' unexpected brush with the law! Don't miss out—tune in to episode #90 for more.

We were lucky to have Thai cuisine guru and owner of Short Grain (@shortgrainbymb) Martin Boetz (@martinboetz) in the hot seat for this weeks Prodcast ep! Marty's inventive Asian dishes and iconic restaurants Longrain in Melbourne and Sydney receive acclaim from diners worldwide. After 14 years with Longrain, he returned to Brissie to open Short Grain.  In this episode, Marty details his time working under the mentorship of internationally acclaimed Thai expert David Thompson and how he discovered his love for Thai food and seasonal and unique produce. Get ready for some great stories in Prodcast #89. Enjoy! 

Keen to learn more about exotic fruit? Well, we have the perfect guest - our friend John Picone, the co-owner of Picone Exotics Farm (@piconeexotics)! He's a walking encyclopedia when it comes to exotic fruits! John and his wife Lyndall grow over 300 varieties of tropical and subtropical fruits throughout the year, just a stone's throw away from Byron Bay. In this ep, John gives us an audio tour of his exotic orchard and all the epic varieties he is growing. He also talks about his connection to his land and the sustainable methods they are practising. Tune in to episode #88, and enjoy!

Joining us on the mic all the way from San Diego, California, is Produce expert Bob Harrington (@bobatspecialtyproduce)! Bob is the president of Specialty Produce, a family-owned wholesale produce company in San Diego that's been serving the community since 1989. Specialty Produce is a culinary hub for chefs, foodies and retail consumers. So, basically the Suncoast Fresh of the States!    He is an extremely down to earth guy and accredits much of his success to his epic team. While running this huge operation, Bob is also on what he refers to as his' 100-year' quest to discover and share everything he can about fruits and vegetables. In fact, he's tried just about all of them. Curious to know what his top pick is? You'll have to tune in to episode #87!

Welcome back, friends, to our first Prodcast episode of 2024! Who better to kick this season off than the incredible Mark Best (@markbest). While introductions may not be necessary, we'll give it our best shot!   Mark's catalogue of accolades and accomplishments is never-ending, from starring in the World's 50 best restaurant list to being crowned Chef of the Year a few years back in the annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. We also must mention his onscreen appearance on Netflix's 'The Final Table'! He's the Culinary Advisor at The Calile Hotel (@thecalilehotel), a Restaurateur, Chef, Author, Photographer and Media Presenter. Honestly, what can't he do?   Mark has a unique outlook on food and inspires many aspiring chefs. He is gifted in creating extraordinary dishes out of what are often thought to be 'ordinary' ingredients. Yes, we're talking about the famous parsnip ice cream! To hear more about this recipe and this amazing human, kick back, relax and tune in to episode 86 of the Suncoast Fresh Prodcast.

This episode was a long time coming!  We met Brendan at the Good Food & Wine Show last year. From the moment we met him, it was like a match made in culinary heaven. You know when you meet someone, and you instantly think, "I need to be friends with this guy"? Well, that's exactly what happened. Brendan's charm, quick wit and genuine personality had us hooked faster than you can say "dumpling." Born into a Mauritian Chinese family, this guy was practically raised in a kitchen filled with passionate foodies. And let's not forget his Grandmere, who carried down the sacred art of making lip-smacking dumplings. We're talking about generations of dumpling mastery here, guys! In between all that cooking wizardry, Brendan decided to open his restaurant, and what else would he call it but "Bumplings"? (Brendan, dumplings...get it?!) Before setting up shop permanently in Fremantle, he dabbled in some pop-up ventures, and in the first four nights in 2014 he sold over 10,000 dumplings! This is when he knew he was truly onto something. So, without us revealing too much, hook into episode 85 of the Suncoast Fresh Prodcast. Enjoy! 

In this week's episode, we're thrilled to chat with the dynamic @chefmassimomele. We met up with him at the delightful @peppinarestaurant in Hobart, Tasmania and learned all about his incredible journey. We were also lucky enough to secure a table for dinner, and oh my, Massimo and his team prepared a smorgasbord of delights, including artichokes grown and picked right from Massimo's garden at home.  Massimo's culinary journey began during his formative years in Naples, Italy, where he learned the art of Italian cooking from his beloved Nonna. This is where it all started! We found it refreshing to hear about Massimo's experiences in the world of food, from his triumphs to challenges, and how he navigated life as a chef. But Massimo is more than just a chef; he's a people person who forges connections with local farmers and loyal patrons. He's on a mission to rekindle the spirit of Italian cuisine and bring it to life, right at your table. So, instead of hiding in the kitchen, expect a warm hello from the chef himself. Join us for a flavourful episode where Chef Massimo Mele serves up a generous helping of passion, culinary excellence, and genuine hospitality.

Welcome to Episode 81 of the Prodcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of Tasmanian White Asparagus. Join us as we unravel the story of 'Tasmanian White Asparagus,' a pioneering farm nestled in Brighton, Tasmania. Discover how Richard and Belinda Weston, alongside partners Tom Barham and Jenna Howlett, brought the premium European White Asparagus to Australia. This journey, inspired by European farming practices, is filled with fresh insights and innovation. Tune in for a taste of the extraordinary, available exclusively during the Australian spring from September to October.

Get ready to dive into the world of food, art, and celebrity nutrition with the multi-talented Sergio Perera. Join us as we explore his Spanish roots, culinary creativity, and star-studded clientele, including the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr, and Leonardo DiCaprio. From Spain to Japan to the cutting-edge kitchens of elBulli, Sergio's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how this chef, artist, writer, and photographer continues to push culinary boundaries and inspire. Don't miss this conversation with a true culinary visionary!

Dive into Episode 81 of the Prodcast, featuring the remarkable Ollie Hansford, aka @chef_ollie_ Join us as we traverse Ollie's culinary expedition, ignited by a childhood fascination with food. Starting with his family's pâté business, he refined his skills in Leicester and furthered his training at London's prestigious Westminster Kingsway College. His journey encompasses Michelin-starred roles at Mallory Court and Morston Hall, followed by a leap to Australia. Hansford left his mark at Brisbane's Stokehouse Q, eventually becoming the Executive Chef and securing two coveted Chef's Hats. More recently, his inventive spirit has illuminated two of his former Brisbane ventures: Siffredi's and Rita's Tequila and Taqueria Bar. Tune in for a feast of insights and inspiration.

It's time we told you something that may or may not blow your mind... Did you know the Wasabi in those green packets at sushi train isn't Wasabi? It's mainly horseradish, colouring and sugar. If you're yet to taste and cook with the real deal, you ought to do so. It's next level!   We recently took a trip to Tasmania with @shimpeiraikuni, the Head Chef of @sushi__room, to see @realshimawasabi - the only commercial Wasabi farm in Australia. We spoke to Esmè @tassiewasabifarmer and her passionate team about their high-quality Wasabi and sustainable farming! They use rainwater to water their crops and introduce species of good bugs to get the bad bugs, rather than relying solely on chemicals. The best part? You can use the entire Wasabi plant - leaf, flower, stem and root, making it a no-waste product.   Smack bang in the middle of the farm, we sat down and recorded this awesome Prodcast episode with Esmè and Shimpei. Tune in to episode #80 to learn more!

Jingi Wallah (welcome) back to the Prodcast! In this episode, we visited Karkalla in Byron Bay to have a yarn with Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan. Mindy is passionate about connecting people to and celebrating Aboriginal culture through native and local food. Spoiler alert, this is exactly what she has achieved through her restaurant Karkalla.   Karkalla features locally sourced, seasonal and native indigenous ingredients and combines ancient food with modern flavours. Located in Byron Bay, a native food bowl, there is an abundance of amazing produce at their doorstep. Our First Nations people have an incredibly rich food culture, and it was great to hear some deadly stories from Mindy's childhood. If you're keen to hear them, sit back, relax and enjoy episode #79. It's a goodie!

Can you imagine a place where you can go, completely unwind, relax and eat delicious food? Well, we found it! Tucked away in the hinterlands of Byron Bay, we give you Gaia Retreat & Spa, Australia's most-awarded boutique lifestyle wellness retreat.   We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Head Chef Dan Trewartha. Dan has a whopping 20+ years of experience working in several award-winning restaurants in Byron Bay. Every dish Dan creates for the guests is filled with creativity and passion. His food features the freshest ingredients from their onsite garden and local farms. Dan has a strong connection to nature and values seasonality and sustainability. The food scraps from his kitchen feed the beautiful lush gardens that feed the guests! Making the world go round with one veggie patch at a time. Dan accommodates the guests by catering to every dietary requirement under the sun.   When Dan isn't busy providing nourishment for the guests, he loves to surf and spend time with his family. Tune in to episode #78 to hear a few of his most interesting stories!

We were lucky enough to chat with a well-known Chef and Forager, Elijah Holland! Elijah is a modern-day hunter and gatherer. He's made his mark through his unique ability to forage and cook with wild ingredients from all over the world. He found his passion for food and foraging, with influences from his family and the beautiful surroundings.    Elijah became a qualified chef at the age of 17, and at 21, he opened and part-owned The Powder Keg as Head Chef. His knack for finding unique local ingredients was recognised by Noma Australia where he worked as Head Forager and Chef along with many other renowned establishments. But he didn't stop with Australia! He has worked all over the world and in some of the best restaurants in China. Today, you'll find him working as the Executive Chef at Belongil Beach Italian in Byron Bay. It's safe to say, Elijah has packed a lifetime's worth of experience into only 30 years. We are so grateful to hear an insight into what he has achieved. You can hear more about it too, in Prodcast episode #77. Tune in and enjoy. Don't forget to check him out on insta too: @chefelijahholland

Sitting down with Charly Pretet, a celebrated Chef worldwide, was a pleasure! We felt incredibly aligned in our values and shared love for the earth, fresh produce and cooking. Born in France, after a successful career in hospitality in Paris, he moved to Australia in 2015. Charly's love of good food, cooking and the great outdoors started when he was a little boy. He spent his childhood fishing, hunting, riding horses and growing organic vegetables on the family property on the West Coast of France. Charly switched from fine dining to fire dining in 2020 during the pandemic. Inspired by the traditional Argentinian Asado barbecue method, he created Terra Firma Dining. You'll hear all about it in the first Prodcast of 2023, episode #76. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Oooh, and check out their epic photography here: @terra.firma.dining

Bernadette O'Shea is a full-time champagne consultant and educator. She lives in Brisbane, enjoys a huge personal following of former and perennial students, and travels professionally throughout Australia and Champagne, France. We were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her talking about all things bubbles and learnt so much. Bernadette O’Shea has been saluted by France’s finest champagne makers and was knighted by the French Government for her exceptional palate, profound champagne knowledge, and the enthusiasm with which she imparts her skill. She has been honoured in Australia since 1984, when she became the first non-professional woman to win the coveted Vin de Champagne Award, an award she currently co-judges.  She is an incredible individual and someone we are proud to call a dear friend. So, join in on the experience and tune in to Prodcast #74! Enjoy. 

We are lucky to have the world's most sought-after edible flowers right here at Suncoast Fresh. Our latest Prodcast features the founder and owner of Petite Ingredient, Jocelyn Cross. Over the years, we have been lucky enough to have a wonderful friendship with Jocelyn. She and her team abide by organic practices and grow their beautiful blooms in the Yarra Valley's volcanic soil, which offers the ideal substrate for healthy plants and prolific flowering.    We chat with Jocelyn about all things flowers, the fantastic book she wrote alongside Mat Pember called Root to Bloom. Her strong self-belief and the challenges she has overcome in her life, professionally and personally. How her team has become her family, and so much more. So, grab yourself a cuppa or crack open a bevvo - it's Prodcast time. Tune in and enjoy! 

We caught up with Paul Conroy, CEO of FareShare Australia for Prodcast episode 73!  FareShare rescues food from supermarkets, wholesalers, manufacturers and farmers and then cooks it into nutritious meals for people in need. Paul heads operations including our kitchens, logistics and kitchen gardens. Their Chefs and volunteers work hand in hand to cook thousands of meals. But what makes them so different? They recognised that people enduring food insecurity often don't eat every day. When they do, it's usually just one meal for the day, so FareShare does everything possible to make nutritious meals that boost physical and mental health. Why? Because we are what we eat and if it's only going to be one meal, it better be a good one, right?! The connection between food, mood and overall health and performance is astronomical. So without further or do, let's get into the episode where we chat to the legendary Paul. Enjoy!

Future Wild creates epic culinary gardens for chefs. Owner and founder Ellia Guy has always been most comfortable outdoors. That is possibly a legacy of spending most of her childhood playing outside, climbing trees, and exploring the creeks around her childhood neighbourhood. After studying Environmental Science and working in Europe, Ellia became homesick for Australian landscapes. The hum of the bush, the expansive, enlivening open sky, and the cacophony of birdsong brought her home. Working in the built environment field, Ellia realised that almost all landscapes designed and planted in Australia do little to consider ecological function, habitat, biodiversity and food production. So, founding Future Wild was a no-brainer for Ellia! @future.wild is a business that envisions our cities transformed into a green mosaic of edible gardens and native habitat patches! Ellia is putting this vision into action and has installed (and maintains) a beautiful rooftop garden for Calile Hotel growing produce primarily for The Lobby Bar, as well as edible gardens for Howard Smith Wharves. Keen to learn more? Tune in to Procast 72 to learn more about Ellia, Future Wild, urban and organic farming, our connection to growing food, and so much more!

If you struggle with bloating, acne, skin conditions or other gut related health issues then this is the episode for you! We had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with artisanal baker Geoff Dance, the face behind The Burleigh Baker. He let us in on all the secrets to making delicious and nutritious bakery treats your body will thank you for. We walked away feeling so empowered! Having YEARS of experience in the grain and bread-making space, Geoff educated us on many big topics. We chatted about all things fermentation, gut health, nutrition and grain selection. He recounts his extensive travels and fills us in on the super cool story of how he got his sourdough starter all the way from France. Yes, it involved a toothpaste tube...Tune in and enjoy!

We took a trip to Lismore, New South Wales, a few months after two of the most historic floods engulfed the town, and we're lucky enough to speak to local legend Graeme Stockdale, who played a crucial part in getting things back to normal. Graeme cooked and fed thousands of Lismore locals with the help of his team at Stockpot Kitchen, plus a few nearby butches and producers that weren't within the affected areas.    Everything was donated, including food, drinks, time, and more! The community support was second to none, with everyone facing the challenge together. Even still, Lismore was a bit of a ghost town when we visited, with shops still boarded up. We recorded Prodcast 70 in the Stockpot Kitchen, or what was left of it! We explored Graeme's favourite flavours, cooking methods, and his love for BBQs, burgers, birds, homemade hot sauces, and so much more. Crack a beer or pour yourself a cuppa. Tune in now and enjoy! 

Jim grew up as a BBQ lovin’ whiskey swillin’ Texan. He began his career as a fine dining chef 21 years ago in Texas, USA. Jim went on to study Chemical Engineering and Agricultural Science before embarking on a career as a Mycologist (Mushroom Scientist). Jim has 15 years’ experience in cultivating culinary, exotic and medicinal mushrooms. Combining his unique knowledge of mushrooms, chemical engineering, nutritional science with his expertise as a chef and a mushroom farmer, Jim heads up research and development at Fable, where he has forged new ground in the meat alternative market with Fable’s delicious meaty food made from mushrooms.  Jim shares a heap of awesome stories in Prodcast 69. Enjoy!

Ayyyoo! This year, we've had a pretty intense start at Suncoast Fresh with multiple floods and ongoing pandemic-related issues, which ultimately led us to start the Prodcast a little later than anticipated. But we have missed it so much and are soo keen for an epic season as we have some incredible guests lined up. So if you are new, hola, and if you've been here all along, 'ello poppet. This Prodcast features a collection of stories from industry experts, local legends, food critics, business owners and more!   So without further or do, drum roll please, the first Prodcast of the season in 2022 is with Andrew Ballard! Andrew is a humble, genuine chef full of creativity - a complete rockstar who flies under the radar. He has championed more than one competition and recently took out the 2021 Australian Professional Chef of The Year, Foodservice Australia! Andrew was also selected to represent his home country of New Zealand in the Bocuse D'or in Lyon, France. This competition was the brainchild of famed French chef Paul Bocuse and is considered to be the Olympics for chefs. So you could say this legend knows a thing or two. So grab a bevvie or pour yourself a cuppa. This one is a goodie!

In Prodcast 67, we caught up with Peter Kuruvita and were blown away by his beautiful outlook on life and genuine energy. Peter is an award-winning chef and restauranteur, TV presenter, author, industry speaker tour guide, food & beverage consultant and a true legend.  He walks us through his extraordinary life featuring his upbringing and vibrant family history, cooking with his family and his first job in the kitchen. He speaks passionately of the beautiful ingredients hidden all over Sri Lanka and their unique significance, his memorable trips to Fiji and ooohhh so much more.  This is actually our last Prodcast of 2021! We had the most memorable time getting to know every single one of our guests and feel so fortunate to be able to listen to the incredible stories shared by all. Whether you're a chef, friend, farmer, supplier, industry expert or local legend, we learnt something new each Prodcast and hope you did too! We will kick off the 2022 season in Feb!

When two wild worlds collide, you get a cyclone of fun balanced with food, travel, videography and so much more. Justin and John are two legends we had the privilege to chat with recently, and it honestly felt like we'd known these guys for a lifetime. They're truly genuine human beings who possess an infectious and charismatic energy. Justin and John (up until our mate rona came in) travelled the globe, met like-minded chefs, cooked and ate some scrumptious food and filmed everything along the way. In Prodcast 65, we dove deep into their lives of being Snow Chef's, what they're trying to create with the hopes to travel and work around the world, a few epic untold stories featuring incredible locations like Japan, how they connect with brands on their trips, how they work together and what each of them brings to the table to make such a great duo. Now, that rona is slowly but surely making its way out, and international travel is soon becoming a thing they'll be back on the road in no time. Listen in to find out what's next for the guys. Enjoy! 

In Prodcast 64, we sat down with Season Six MasterChef runner up Laura Sharrad! Laura's earliest memory of food is at the ripe age of four when she learnt how to make gnocchi, her first-ever dish! After that, she regularly sat on the kitchen benches, watching and helping her nonna's cook and trying every dish along the way.  She was lucky enough to live a beautiful life surrounded by her heritage and learnt all the secrets to Italian cooking, some of which are revealed in this very Prodcast! We took a gondola through her life, learning about her fruitful upbringing, her fond memories of living in Italy, her short but sweet stint at uni studying teaching, how she applied for MasterChef and when she got that incredible call back to be on the show at just 18.  We then went into the details of the show, talking about a few behind the scenes moments, how her career flourished after the show and so much more. So, as always, sit back, relax and tune in - enjoy! 

We had the lovely opportunity to sit down with chef, author, food advocate and presenter Dominique Rizzo while away for the @tasteportdouglas festival. Dominique is one of Queensland's leading female chefs who has been within the business of food for over 30 years. She launched her career with a memorable stint on Ready Steady Cook, and from there, took life by the reins, crafting a beautiful story full of tasty flavours and good times. We chatted in detail about the strategies she uses to balance life, her general ethos behind the beautiful dishes she creates, how confidence changes the way you cook in the kitchen, her renowned Food Tours and Travel Experiences (that you can be a part of!), her fantastic cookbooks and last but not least her NEW Cooking School! We had a blast getting to know Dominique, and we think you will too. Listen now and enjoy! 

As I live and breathe! The next Suncoast Fresh Prodcast is with the brilliant Alastair McLeod. He is an absolute legend and someone we're proud to call a dear friend. A committed family man, a cook, the best MC you'll ever come across, a television personality, and last but not least, the Al'FreshCo Catering founder. Alastair McLeod was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, trained classically in Europe, and then worked his way around the globe, working in several Michelin Star restaurants. He now resides in Brisbane, living a conscious life, ensuring he is treading lightly on this earth.  We caught up with Alastair at the Taste Port Douglas  festival and dug deep into his life and how his career progressed. He tells us stories about his remarkably talented family, speaks about his ethos behind his catering business and so much more. So you know what to do. Sit back, relax and tune in. Enjoy!

We were lucky enough to visit @thestargoldcoast, where we recorded a Prodcast with Carolyne Hemly, the Chef de Cuisine at the Sovereign, in The Star. Carolyn moved to the Gold Coast in 2008 and since then has been the mastermind behind the culinary offering of the property's luxury suite hotel, The Darling.  Initially, she found herself in the corporate world of communication and acquired her Bachelor of Business Communications and a Master in Corporate Communication at Bond University. However, it wasn't until a San Diego trip where she found herself surrounded by beautiful food and culinary entrepreneurs that she wanted to leap into cooking. She now leads a team of over 20 chefs and stands tall for all women in leading positions within the kitchen worldwide. Carolyn is a captivating individual who is incredibly genuine and warm. Her food is next level and we loved every moment of this Prodcast. If you would like to learn more about how Carolyne got to where she is today, sit back, relax and tune in! Enjoy.

Episode 60 has hit the decks with Spencer Patrick! He began his career in the 90s, where he was trained by British chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Marco Pierre White, his ultimate dream! His next leap led him to The Café Royal Grill Room in Piccadilly, where he was Head Chef and awarded a Michelin Star at the ripe age of 26.  Born and bred in Leicestershire, England, Spencer came to Australia in 2008 to pursue a new adventure, and this was the best decision he ever made because Reina came into his life, his beautiful wife. They now find themselves in Port Douglas at their very own restaurant called Harrisons, named after their firstborn son. Oh, and they're even organising Taste Port Douglas, where they're welcoming some of Australia's best chefs and industry experts. This festival is a foodies dream and we're so excited to attend in October.  It was an absolute joy to crack some beers and learn more about Spencer and his incredible career. To hear more about all the achievements and stops in between, tune in to episode 60 on the Suncoast Fresh Proadcast. Enjoy!  To find out more about Taste Port Douglas, head to www.tasteportdouglas.com.au 

Here we gooo! Oscar Solomon is next off the rank for our Suncoast Fresh Prodcast. It was an absolute pleasure talking to him and learning more about his story. His career progression is a little different to your typical chef. He started as a designer studying graphic design and textiles and even started a fashion label with a friend in his early 20s.  Soon after that, he launched himself into cooking and discovered his true passion. He now finds himself as Head Chef at an INCREDIBLE Japanese restaurant along Howard Smith Wharfs called Yoko. Their menu is second to none and everything you eat is of the absolute best quality and freshness, especially the produce.  We chat about how to keep it fun in the kitchen, hierarchical practices in business, owning your mistakes, training your staff rather than blaming them, how art and design influences his approach to food, his favourite books, the challenge of dietary requirements in the kitchen and ohhh so much more. So what are ya waiting for? Take a break, sit back, relax and tune in!

What's the secret to a pumping Italian restaurant? Well, well, well, wouldn't you like to know! We had an awesome chat with Cordell Khoury, the head chef and co-owner of @beccofinoteneriffe, @juliuspizzeria and @barbrutusbne, and he may have just let us in on the secret... The collective success between the establishments has been astronomical. It's the type of pizza and pasta you'd eat even if you were gluten intolerant because the pain is so worth the gain. So, if you haven't been to Beccofino and tried their famous Duck Ragu pasta or even their classic Calamari, you'll need to get their asap. Or perhaps, you'd be keen for a few drinks at Brutus!? In Prodast 57, we chat with Cordell about how his career progressed, why keeping things consistent matters, his annual trips to Italy & the US and how that influences their approach, plus so much more. Crack a bevvy or pour yourself a cuppa and tune in!

We were lucky enough to visit humble farmers Brendon and Ash Hoyle from Ashbern Farms right near the Glass House Mountains. We felt so welcomed by team and loved every moment of it. We had a tour of the farm, got acquainted with the fastest pickers in Aus and, of course, recorded episode #56 with Brendon on the Suncoast Fresh Prodcast. We discuss the perfect strawberry, soil health, challenges, successes, organics, breeding, sustainable practices, biological control, food waste, farm history, innovations and how things have evolved.  Each piece of produce is different, and it's imperative to recognise how much work goes into that perfect product. In peak periods, pickers work from sun up to sundown, and growers spend immense amounts of time perfecting soil health, maximising yield, testing varieties, managing pests and disease, and so much more. It was a privilege to learn about the intensive work that goes into it all. We really do appreciate our farmers and suppliers who put in the effort and time to do things right. Tune in to learn more. Link in bio, enjoy!

Can you imagine swimming with dolphins on your lunch break? Can you imagine travelling to the most beautiful spots around the world while working? How good with that be?! Our latest Prodcast guest, Dean Harrison, does precisely that. For the last 12 years, Dean has combined his passion for cooking with his love for the ocean, working and living on superyachts, and loving every single moment.  Tune in to learn more about how Dean got the opportunity to cook for the rich and famous. His first-hand experiences that led him to feel concerned for ocean health,  his fun travel experiences, the yachting community he has created, his next big project, plus so much more. You know what to do. Crack a beer, pour wine, relax and tune in! You're going to love this one. 

In Prodcast 53, we sat down with Tony Kelly, a Chef, Restaurateur and Consultant. He is the mastermind behind some of the best places to eat and drink around the Sunny Coast and Australia. Rice Boi, Market Bistro, Giddy Geisha, Hello Harry and Spero are just a few of his flavourful creations.   It's almost as if he has perfected the blueprint to a flourishing food-based business. In fact, we think he has! We get into the thick of what it takes to attract and keep skilled and passionate employees, how he launched a multitude of successful companies, his career progression, challenges, successes, family life and so much more. Whether you're at the start of a hospo career eager to learn or you're a mature and skilled chef who is looking to develop even further, we believe you'll get a lot out of this Prodcast! Listen in and enjoy. 

Can mushrooms extracts enhance human potential? We'll let you be the judge! In Prodcast 52, we took a trip to Byron Bay to catch up with the co-founder of @lifecykel Julian Mitchell @julianmitchelllc Life Cykel began in 2015 when Julian and his business partner Ryan Creed discovered that mushrooms could grow and thrive in urban environments with the help of agricultural waste like coffee grounds.   Life Cykel has caught global attention, and with 107K followers on Instagram and an incredibly engaged community, we thought it was worth checking out. Julian speaks about health, wellness, mushroom extracts like Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Reishi and Shiitake. The research and studies surrounding these mushrooms and the legitimacy, the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness, what life will be like in 200 years, UFC fighters, Olympic runners, steep learning curves in businesses, mushroom forages in Alaska, and so much more. You know what to do, sit back, relax and enjoy!