From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked bread or the buttery layers of a perfectly crafted croissant. Artisan baking is more than just technique - it’s tradition, patience and a deep respect for quality ingredients. This week, we’re diving into the world of handcrafted loaves, flaky pastries and the passionate Australian bakers keeping the craft alive.
From sourdough secrets to the rise of small-batch patisseries, get ready to indulge in the comforting art of baking from scratch.
Marie-Antoinette Issa takes us on a journey through pastries and pop culture, along with asking ‘Is burnt the new baked?’ We explore unexpected sweet and savoury flavour combinations, along with take-the-cake decorating hacks for the avid home baker.
This week, we welcome our new travel blogger, Chiara Barbera from Vera Italia, to AGFG ranks. Chase your Italian dream with Chiara as she takes us on a journey of family, fun and frivolity all under the banner of a travel holiday.
"It all started with my four beautiful Italian grandparents, my Nonni! I found it absurd that I had so many relatives that I barely knew and although we were fortunate to travel a couple of times with my parents, we would only spend a day or two together before moving on to the next town to visit other relatives,” she explains.
"So, my dream was to head off on a one-way ticket and explore my roots, visit my family members and really get to know them; and oh boy did that dream come true!”
Don’t miss Chiara’s regular blogs where she will share intimate stories of her travels and inspire you to investigate your family heritage.
Dalton Fernandes’ culinary journey began in the vibrant kitchens of Mumbai in India where his passion for cooking was ignited.
Over the years, his relentless pursuit of excellence has led him to prestigious establishments from the luxurious Royal Caribbean International to iconic venues like Sydney Tower’s Sky Feast, Crown Towers Sydney and now Chef-hatted Angelo’s Cabarita.
Here he blends his global expertise with local Australian produce, crafting a menu that has elevated the restaurant to a premier dining destination. His leadership and innovation continue to set benchmarks in the hospitality industry.
We chat to Dalton about his journey and he shares his signature dessert recipe for tiramisu espuma.
Raise a glass, Australia! For a limited time, Wild Turkey is launching Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. This exclusive release isn’t just bourbon - it’s an iconic celebration of one man’s extraordinary 70-year legacy of crafting liquid gold.
Born and raised in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Jimmy’s journey began in the very town that would later crown him the ‘Buddha of Bourbon’. After joining Wild Turkey in 1954, Jimmy immersed himself in the art of bourbon making, learning the craft from masters who came before him.
"I’ve never worked a day in my life” he says. "The day I do, I’ll retire. Until then, I’ll keep making the bourbon I love.”
Embrace Jimmy’s work-life philosophy and don’t miss the chance to experience this legendary release - it is history in a glass and it’s waiting to be poured right here in Australia.
Let’s bake the world a better place!
