Luke Mangan

The full chef profile for Luke Mangan is an inspirational story for emerging chefs and also proves to be an intriguing tale of business success for inquiring industry followers.  Since the release of his autobiography ‘The Making of a Chef’ in November 2010, Luke Mangan’s Salt enterprise has continued to expand; less than a year later, his contribution to the Gold Coast’s culinary scene, Salt grill at Hilton Surfers Paradise opened up for a hungry audience ready to savour the celebrated chef’s newest menu.

 

Profiling Luke is hard to do without reference to his autobiography, ‘The Making of a Chef’, as it truly outlines his journey to fame in the foodie world within Australia and beyond.  His chef status was born in part from the success of Salt at The Kirkton fame years ago upon earning 2 hats and ‘Best New Restaurant’ acclaim from the Sydney Morning Herald in 2000. However, the full story of chef Luke Mangan stems from childhood and explains more about the man behind the fine food. 

 

We were given the opportunity to speak with Luke while he was abroad in Japan, taking care of his international ventures in Salt grill Singapore and Salt Tokyo.  Since much has been written on Luke Mangan and he’s a familiar face on television, we indulged in a few good humoured curiosities peppered with some pertinent career type questions and he gracefully obliged despite a bit of jet lag.

 

 

Passionate – about the industry; simple, as well.  Relaxed.

 

Rose & Chardonnay.  Not a lot of food.  I travel around a lot so I shop for the moment.  Mum’s homemade tomato chutney and a Dijon mustard may be on hand.

 

 

Sea urchin.  The flavour doesn’t sit well because it’s pretty full-on and dominating.

 

Size 9.

 

 

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with Jimmy Stewart.  I’ve seen it about 20 times.  It shows the protagonist what a powerful influence he has on peoples’ lives.

 

 

I enjoy nice long lunches with friends and going to the movies; also barbecues and simple pleasures… it’s all good.

 

 

I have a publishing deal with New Holland and wanted to tell my story, making it an autobiography about cooking.  The intention was to inspire young chefs, including those who may be struggling, and since I directed how the book was put together we kept everything in that I felt was important.

 

 

My businesses are doing really well so things are good; we’re in a good place and that will continue… There’s a lot of negativity around though, so I make sure to keep an eye on the figures & emphasize that every customer who walks through the door counts.

   

 

It’s my style of cuisine, but a little different. I really enjoy Surfers Paradise and just hope it’s going to be fun for people.

In ‘The Making of a Chef’ you’ve written of your personal and professional relationship with Lucy that eventually evolved into friendship. Anyone special in your life at the moment?

 

 

When you’re having a romantic evening, do you ever surrender the reins in your kitchen and if so what’s your weakness -a tip for chefs of the female persuasion?

 

 

Your last cookbook, released November 2009, ‘At Home & in the Mood’ covers the whole gamut of meals; what’s your favourite meal of the day?

I’m into long barbecue lunches.

 

 

I don't have a pet right now, though if I did it would be a dog.

 

 

Paul Newman when he was younger.

 

Read more about Luke Mangan's work in the AGFG book review for his November 2009 cookbook 'At Home & in the Mood'.