The local I couldn’t live without is…
Young Henry’s in Newtown, Sydney. It’s everything beer lovers could desire, and it’s exactly like drinking in someone’s garage, because basically you are! Their Newtowner beer always satisfies.

Best place to satisfy sweet cravings?
Anywhere that sells quality chocolate – it’s my weakness. Aside from that, the morning bun at Sonoma is all cinnamon and sugar, and quite a fix! Black Star Pastry in Newtown also makes fantastic cakes.

Top choice for a top tipple?
I love a good Cava, and Victoria’s Mia Valley Estate’s Mia Mia is also really good. Pink Lady Cider is excellent and crisp, and I’m a sucker for a good Armagnac.

Best place for small bites?
Surry Hills’ 121BC Cantina & Enoteca and by small bites, I mean small tipples too.

Best meal off the beaten track?
A recent trip to Newcastle proved that Beau Vincent’s contemporary restaurant Subo is fantastic and well worth visiting.

My recent foodie discovery is…
Seaweed. I am currently testing it on the menu at Sonoma in a hot-smoked salmon dish – it’s a delicious and enriching flavour.

Favourite spot for a caffeine fix?
Coffee Alchemy in Sydney’s Marrickville, although I don’t get there often enough.

Top spot for seafood?
Sydney Fish Market is always great if you want to celebrate the sea.

Most memorable meal?
My farewell meal when I finished working at The Square Restaurant in London. Philip Howard is one of my favourite chefs, respectful and excellent. The meal also signified the end of one of the most rewarding jobs I ever had – that kitchen was the toughest place I had ever worked.

Where I want to eat next…
Victor Liong’s (ex-Marque and Mr Wong’s) Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne’s Collingwood. This lad can cook.

Ingredient I can’t cook without is…
Time. I believe if you want the very best from your produce it requires time. Time to grow, to wait for the right season – cooking can often be a waiting game.

My ultimate comfort food is…
Roast chicken, potatoes and gravy.