Shake the Crate podcast

Naomi Lowry is the quintessential chef - Resilient, authentic, loyal and above all witty and fun. A person we all want in our tribe, sitting with us in the crate circle, enriching our lives.  There arent  many of us who have had to face the challenges this young woman has had to endure in the past 3 years but in true Naomi style she has not only survived but thrived!  A remarkable journey with many laughs and few moments of reflection. Naomi has also given us the scoop on her new adventure into the world of TV,  Food Producer to a new series being released on Channel 7 soon - Plate of Origin - The world cup of cooking. This podcast is a resource for any chef struggling with the confinements and challenges of the current climate COVID has created. Resilience it is a word we all use but have we actually ever had a better example.... You be the judge 

Julio Azzarello, Director Sales and Marketing, Gourmand Providore takes us on a guided market tour of the Flemington Markets. We learn, and discuss what is in season, how many different types of potatoes and onions there are. We share with you fun facts which we picked up along the way. Julio is passionate about the paddock to plate philosophy and champions our producers. This insightful and at times funny podcast, is full of useful information and cost saving tips for all chefs' and procurement. Enabling you to maximise your fruit and vegetable purchases. By keeping you inspired and up to date on the seasonal availability this podcast will arm you with the ability to make educated purchasing decisions to showcase your skills and maximise your food costs. Take a virtual tour with Julio and his team at http://gourmandprovidore.com.au/market-tours/ We hope you find the information in this podcast as interesting as we did!

Gerry Maher – You can take the boy out of Dublin, but you cannot take Dublin out of the man!  When we think about who we want sitting with us chewing the fat on a milk crate, everybody needs a Gerry Maher! As I was editing this podcast I found myself smiling and laughing out loud at some of the stories Gerry shared. Gerry Maher, is a truly inspiring individual, he Is humble, passionate but above all somebody who has great respect for the Australian producers and his dedicated team.  From the humble beginnings in Dublin to the “new life” beginnings as he and his wife moved to Australia, nothing was off limits and we certainly dug deep into many topics. Listening to a journey from pot washer to Executive Chef of Rosehill Gardens, Australian Turf Club, Gerry inspired Adam Moore and I with his wisdom and passion. Sharing a laugh over the challenges of interpretation of produce terminology to the challenges and opportunities COVID has presented. A refreshing view on supplier relationships and managing food costs in a kitchen who can do events catering for up to 2000 sit down guests and retail spaces catering to crowds of 25,000  Listening to this podcast you will be reminded of why it is that we love what we do...  Inspiring. Happy listening!

In this episode of Shake the Crate, Venessa Barnes and Adam Moore discuss with Wes Lambert the changing landscape of the Australian dining scene. With the announcement this week with changes to the job Keepers and Job Seekers to the importance of Track and Trace implementation within all food venues. Restaurant and Catering have a dedicated page - Corona Virus Hub, to keep you up to date with all changes as they happen and resources you need http://rca.asn.au/rca/about/   More Exciting news....  Wes has released his book this week - Saving Hospitality, one venue at a time.  The 7 pillars to pivoting your business through a crisis. A valuable resource for any person/business wanting to not only Survive but thrive through this incredibly challenging crisis. 

Four hospitality industry professionals have come together to launch the Chef’s Milk Crate (CMC), a dedicated professional network that brings together industry chefs, cooks, and apprentices. Co-Founders Adam Moore, Venessa Barnes, Tawnya Bahr and Laura McLachlan are the experts behind the new not for profit community driven network that will officially launch on May 26, 2020.  Adam Moore says, “We’re focused on creating a supportive community and a hub of associated experts to communicate, innovate, collaborate, share and learn. Our team is committed to inspiring chefs and cooks through connection and support, with a focus on education and expert opinion via skilled leaders and partners of the Chef’s Milk Crate.” A core pillar of CMC is personal development support. The network will provide valuable resources and expert education to keep up with the fast-paced and ever-changing hospitality industry. CMC will also partner with experts to promote camaraderie, community and the culinary education of chefs, cooks and apprentices. “Our collective is committed to helping create tomorrow’s culinary leaders through our mentoring program. We offer recognition, professional development and ongoing support through our mentoring opportunities, and provides confidence and insight for emerging leaders in our industry,” says Venessa Barnes.  “Chefs from all genres are the main focus for CMC, as many in the hospitality industry are faced with challenging situations, especially as we move into this unknown new world post covid. Through our broad experience across the industry, we as a group are passionate about working on ways that we can be making a real difference”, says Laura McLachlan. Tawnya Bahr shares how CMC has come together to provide a supportive and holistic environment for all chefs at every level of experience. The milk crate is where chefs do their best thinking and so think of this growing group as a virtual meeting place where we are all sitting in the alley solving all the problems of the world together.    For more info, visit our Facebook page @chefsmilkcrate