Renowned Australian chef Gary Mehigan shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim, showcasing his innovative approach to cooking. Discover his passion for food, commitment to excellence, and collaborations with The Ardmore Legacy and Conosh. Explore his exploration of Indian cuisine and his exciting ventures in the culinary world. Get inspired by his guiding principles, favorite techniques, and advice for aspiring chefs. Join Gary Mehigan on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more.
Gary Mehigan: A Culinary Journey of Passion and Excellence
( Credit to: Financialexpress )
Renowned Australian chef and restaurateur, Gary Mehigan, has taken the culinary world by storm with his passion for food and commitment to excellence. In an exclusive interview, Gary shares his inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to international acclaim. With each course that arrived during our dinner, Gary's stories unfolded, showcasing his innovative approach to cooking. This unforgettable experience left me with a newfound appreciation for the art of gastronomy.
Finding Inspiration in Family Roots:
Gary's passion for cooking was inspired by his grandfather, a retired chef. As a young teenager, Gary would watch his grandfather cook delicious meals using ingredients from his own garden. This sparked a love for the culinary arts and set Gary on his path to becoming a chef.
Collaborating with The Ardmore: A Perfect Match of Whisky and Indian Cuisine
Gary's collaboration with The Ardmore was a perfect match, as whisky is immensely popular in India. The smoky and citrusy flavors of The Ardmore Legacy paired exceptionally well with Indian cuisine. The menu was carefully crafted to incorporate the unique characteristics of The Ardmore, creating a delightful dining experience.
Memorable Moments in Gary's Culinary Journey
Gary reflects on pivotal moments in his career, such as his decision to move to London after completing his culinary diploma. Working at the Michelin-starred Avocado Hotel under the guidance of chef Michelle further shaped his skills and approach to cooking. These experiences were instrumental in his culinary development.
Guiding Principles in Cooking and Running a Kitchen
Passion and a commitment to excellence are at the core of Gary's approach to cooking and running a kitchen. He values the passion and dedication of his team, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and consistency in every aspect of the cooking process.
Incorporating Indian Flavors and Ingredients
Gary embraces local ingredients and flavors wherever he goes. During his visits to India, he incorporates seasonal produce and discovers new ingredients to create unique dishes. While he appreciates Indian cuisine, Gary focuses on using his classical French training and love for Italian and Spanish flavors to create his own culinary style.
Exploring Regional Cuisines in India
Gary has extensively explored India's diverse regional cuisines, from the Himalayas to Kerala. He plans to further explore regions like Leh, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, and Chennai. He has witnessed the rise of vibrant food scenes in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and is excited to continue discovering new culinary gems across the country.
Indian Cuisine's Influence on Global Culinary Trends
Gary believes that the world is increasingly recognizing the diversity and regional variations of Indian cuisine. Beyond popular dishes like butter chicken and street food, there is a growing interest in indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Indian cuisine's influence is set to expand as more chefs and food enthusiasts explore its rich flavors and culinary heritage.
Exciting Collaborations and Projects in India
Gary is thrilled to collaborate with Conosh and The Ardmore Legacy for various events in India. He plans to curate food festivals, pop-ups, and experiences, while also providing opportunities for Indian chefs to collaborate internationally. The culinary scene in India is evolving rapidly, and Gary is excited to be a part of it.
Qualities of a Successful Chef
As a judge on cooking shows, Gary believes that passion, commitment, and a vision for growth are crucial qualities for a successful chef. He also emphasizes the importance of constant learning and experimentation in the culinary world.
Advice for Aspiring Chefs
Gary advises aspiring chefs to have a deep passion for their craft, a strong commitment to improvement, and a clear vision for their culinary journey. With the right drive and dedication, aspiring chefs can find success in the hospitality industry.
Favorite Techniques and Ingredients
Gary loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, particularly fresh fish and cheese. He enjoys a variety of cooking techniques, from intricate preparations to simple tasks like baking bread. His love for cooking stems from the joy of creating delicious dishes using quality ingredients.
Balancing Tradition and Modern Culinary Trends
Gary believes that traditional recipes can coexist with modern culinary trends. While new techniques and presentations may emerge, the essence of traditional dishes remains intact. He encourages chefs to embrace new ideas while staying true to the roots and flavors that make traditional recipes special.
Promoting Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Restaurants play a vital role in promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients. Top chefs and restaurants are at the forefront of sourcing unique and local ingredients, supporting local farmers, and advocating for fresh, home-cooked meals. Gary emphasizes the importance of avoiding highly processed foods and returning to basics.
Exciting Ventures in the Culinary World
Gary has several exciting projects lined up, including the opening of an outlet at the Qantas terminal in Melbourne. He is also collaborating with Luxury Escapes and Matt Preston to curate food tours in various destinations, including India. Additionally, he is involved in TV shows, food festivals, and pop-ups.
Conclusion:
Gary Mehigan's culinary journey is a testament to his passion, commitment, and innovative approach to cooking. From his family roots to collaborations with The Ardmore Legacy and his exploration of Indian cuisine, Gary continues to push the boundaries of gastronomy. With upcoming projects and ventures, he remains at the forefront of the culinary world, inspiring aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts around the globe.