By Laura Rancie.
Our KITCHENS by Opinel vertical officially launched in December and we are so happy to offer a way to bridge the home cook with Hatted Chefs. Welcome to edition one of our KITCHENS end-of-month highlights.
It does beg the question though, priding myself to be the home cook that I am, how was it that until I turned 41 I had not yet tried an air-fryer? Yes, it may shock people! Full disclosure – I also do not own a Thermomix, or a rice cooker.
What I do have though are my glorious, shiny and very heavy Mauviel French copper pots. An entire set of them was purchased as an indulgence many years back. I promised each one of them I would never replace them with shinier, younger versions of kitchen appliances and I plan to stick to that promise till death do us part.
However, I may have strayed slightly earlier in the month when offered the chance to test out the brand-new Philips 7000 Series Air Fryer XXXL; full story here. I also commenced on a sourdough journey where through a tornado and floods, I started an actual starter - which got mouldy and I was then rescued by the super tightknit Sourdough Bakers Australia Facebook community.
Talking about community, there is none quite as tight as a school community and as kids headed back to school we caught up with ex-Bachelor contestant Tim Robbards for his tips on what he packs in his daughter’s lunchbox. Clue - bananas are key!
While families were busily planning their school routes and packing lunchboxes, we were about to announce the 2024 Chef Hat awards – the event went off with excitement and exhilaration as we celebrated the best restaurants in Australia.
Meanwhile, The Rise of the Mini Chef in Australia was a common thread we had been talking about. How these incredible Chefs we now admire, respect and spend weeks in anticipation as we excitedly make dinner reservations for just a bite of their food - all starts with little people in the kitchen. Think Darren Haunold, from 18-Hatted Wills Domain Winery who dreamed big from the start, or Danielle Alvarez who grew up with strong maternal influences in the kitchen.
Finally, our first competition of the year is in full swing and it is INCREDIBLE!! Our friends at Opinel have organised a Meet the Chef experience for your Mini-Chef. Calling children all across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore who aspire to get into hospitality, this is the contest for you - enter here for your chance to meet a Chef in real life + a full dining experience for the whole family + a $1000 Opinel Mini-Chef Pro Pack.
