Clayton Donovan, acclaimed chef and star of ABC’s Wild Kitchen, has announced plans to open a native eatery at Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley.

Called Oishii’s PAN Pop-Up, the new 30-seater venue will sit alongside sister eatery Oishii at Roche Estate, where it will serve up an Australasian menu based around native ingredients sourced from across the pan-Pacific. “That means we’ll have access to a huge range of herbs and spices, and we’re just going to have fun with it,” says Donovan.

The food menu will be made up of playful bites and snacks, with dishes tested first in a dedicated food lab.  While the menu is still a work in progress, Donovan plans to include a braised Burrawong duck and Balmain bug roll in addition to Humpty Doo barramundi, hiramasa kingfish, Huon salmon and Paroo kangaroo, each with its own native twist. “You’ll be able to sit there and have one plate or six or even 14, it’ll be up to you,” he said. “We’re going to keep it interesting with constantly changing flavours and plenty of choice.”

Edible weeds will also be a focus for the eatery. “We don’t often look at thistles or farmer’s friends as something we can eat, so I’m hoping to introduce diners to a number of edible weeds.”

Drinks with native botanicals alongside a selection of Hunter Valley boutique wines and beers will complement the offerings.

Oishii’s PAN Pop-Up is slated to open at Roche Estate in January 2020.