From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
This week we are transitioning to Autumn in all its splendour as we focus on Italian comfort food and celebrate Australian women in hospitality for International Women’s Day.
Escape to Italy with us as we eat like an Italian – Marie-Antoinette Issa serves up traditional dishes you won’t find at the local pizza joint, along with eating rules you don’t want to break!
Nonna knows best…Aussie Chefs share their secrets as we delve into the Italian kitchen, as well as look at the Italian immigration story Down Under and the food trends it has created.
How do you eat an elephant? According to Chef, Super Mum, author, TV presenter and nutritionist, Zoe Bingley-Pullin, the answer is one bite at a time.
Don’t miss our exclusive chat with Zoe as we unravel the biggest challenges Australian women face with the expectation they have to do it all – balancing career, family, friendships, parenting and personal well-being.
It’s the first in a series of articles, where Zoe will share her health and food tips from dealing with fussy eaters, to creating a better relationship with food.
We shine a light on women in hospitality this week in interviews with influential players in the industry, Chefs and authors:
At the heart of every kitchen, behind every simmering pot and fragrant spice, lies a story - one of resilience, heritage and love. If food is a universal language, then mother-daughter duo, Sivine Tabbouch and Karima Hazim Chatila, are perfectly positioned to tell their tale.
With hands dusted in flour and hearts steeped in tradition, they have crafted more than just meals; they have woven a tapestry of culture, connection and community. Through their immersive cooking experience, Sunday Kitchen and their lovingly penned cookbook, Sofra, the pair has become stewards of a cuisine that transcends borders, binding generations together with each lovingly prepared dish.
In the high-heat, even higher-stakes world of hospitality, where the pressure is as relentless as a baker's oven, Kay-Lene Tan has found her sweet spot.
As Executive Pastry Chef at LK Hospitality’s Yugen Dining, she’s stirring up the industry - one meticulously crafted dessert at a time. Kay-Lene’s journey to the top has been anything but a cakewalk.
From finding her voice in male-dominated kitchens to championing cultural representation in food, Kay-Lene embodies the resilience, passion and artistry that women bring to hospitality.
Vera Italia, a travel platform start-up, is changing how the world experiences Italy and we chat to founder Chiara Barbera about her vision for the business.
Designed for travellers seeking authentic and transformative journeys, the platform connects visitors with locals who are eager to share their traditions, stories and way of life.
Chiara explains: "Vera Italia isn’t just a travel platform - it’s a movement. It’s about creating connections, preserving traditions and sharing the magic of Italy with the world.”
So, let’s raise a glass to Italian holidays and the fantastic women of hospitality!
