Analiese Gregory may not be a Sydney local, nor an Australian for that matter, but she’s been embraced as one of the nation’s favourite daughters when it comes to the food scene. Having left her native Auckland for the cuisine capitals of Paris and London, Analiese soon settled down under where she found her stride with stints at Quay and Acme.

Now, after launching Bar Brose in Darlinghurst with Acme’s Mitch Orr, the uber-talented chef is heading down south to Hobart. She will be taking over at the much beloved Franklin from current head chef David Moyle who will be making the move to Melbourne to focus on new Thai venture Longsong. With the permanent move around the corner in July, Analiese spoke to delicious. about making waves down south.

What is it about Franklin in particular that appealed to you?

I’ve been toying with the idea of moving to Tasmania for a few years now. The opportunity of Franklin, with its beautiful open kitchen, wood-fired oven and the ability to plant a garden, make cheese, and start a bread program, is most of what I was wanting for myself for the future. I didn’t envisage making the move this soon but the opportunity came up.

What is your mantra when it comes to cooking?

I suppose it would be to just cook food that you want to eat. Try to use ethical ingredients and not harm the planet at the same time.

 Where do you find your inspiration?

I get inspired the most outside of the kitchen. Being outdoors, picking vegetables, foraging, these are the times I have the most ideas. Also travelling to eat in other countries and discovering new ingredients and methods of preparation.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Hopefully living in the countryside, picking produce every morning a la Michel Bras then hot footing it into the kitchen. Making cheese, making wine and hiking on my days off.

Last but not least – as one of the leading female chefs in the country, what do you think can be done to encourage more women into professional kitchens?

I think it’s largely due to cultural reasons, such as our perception that women need to stay home if they want to have a family. I think child-rearing should be an equal responsibility and firmly encourage men to stay at home too!