Jack Brown, an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine, is on a mission to redefine Australian cuisine by incorporating native Indigenous ingredients into everyday cooking. His passion for his heritage and exceptional culinary skills fuel his commitment to showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Australia’s native resources.
Inspiration from Different Cultures
Born in Melbourne, Brown spent his childhood traveling with his family, experiencing a variety of cultures and international cuisines. He was particularly influenced by the street food scene in Singapore, where dishes were served that combined different cultures, such as char kway teow and char siu pork.
Discovering His Passion for Cooking
Brown began his culinary journey at the age of 17 as a kitchen hand at an Italian restaurant in Hornsby. When given the opportunity to cook, he seized it immediately, launching his culinary career and taking him to various restaurants in Sydney and Western New South Wales.
Promoting Native Ingredients
Brown seeks to empower Australian native ingredients by incorporating them into everyday cooking, not just in fine dining establishments. He believes that many native ingredients, such as wattle seeds and warrigal greens, are underutilized despite their abundance.
“We are not giving our native ingredients the justice they deserve,” Brown said. “I see many opportunities to use wattle seeds in lattes and warrigal greens instead of spinach.”
Innovative Creations
Brown’s creativity shines when he encounters unique native ingredients like bunya nuts. He begins innovating ways to incorporate them into new and exciting dishes, such as bunya nut ice cream and bunya nut miso caramel.
A More Inclusive Future for Australian Cuisine
Through his culinary vision, Brown aims to redefine Australian cuisine by embracing native ingredients. His vision inspires chefs and home cooks alike to explore the possibilities of Indigenous ingredients and celebrate them. This new approach encourages greater appreciation of Australia’s rich heritage and native culinary culture.
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Tel: 0419431649.
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