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Shawn Sheather

Born: Windsor NSW

History: Shawn’s impressive career commenced in the town of Bomaderry on the NSW South Coast. Studying under the watchful eye of some of the state’s most awarded chefs at Bomaderry TAFE, Shawn was invited to enter the Australian Young Chef Competition as a State finalist. This distinction drove him to further his culinary career and ignited his appetite for excellence. “I worked through a number of awarded outlets on the NSW South Coast and in Sydney, and gained invaluable experience that I still draw upon to this day.”

Venturing west to the iconic Blue Mountains town of Katoomba, Shawn launched without pause into the first of numerous fine dining ventures, transforming a local café into one of the region’s most decorated restaurants; as head chef of Fresh Pallet, Shawn earned instant recognition attracting a variety of awards and media attention.

From the rugged bush lands of Katoomba, opportunity beckoned from the north. The seaside setting of Shoal Bay Resort and Spa in the picturesque town of Port Stephens proved too good an opportunity to pass up and saw Shawn relocate with his family. “This position allowed me to gain full knowledge of mass catering, multi-outlet management, and developing a large, focused team.”

This new wealth of knowledge armed Shawn with priceless skills forging the way to craft several more award-winning boutique resorts and restaurants. “I have been fortunate to be able to control my career, including where I work and whom I work with. I’ve catered aboard whale watching tour vessels in Port Stephens, worked as a chef in internationally acclaimed Peppers and Novotel Resorts, and excelled in Brisbane-based award winning restaurants, Boroughs and Jellyfish,” explains Shawn Sheather.

Recently Shawn’s traditional role as chef has changed with his appointment by the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide to Chef in Residence. “In my role here I get to call on both chef skills and industry acumen - best of all, I still get to cook!” Throughout his career, Shawn has created exceptional seasonal menus and truly inspiring dishes. His trend of excellence will continue as he develops original recipes and shares them in the AGFG Recipe section.

Have you always wanted to be a chef?

I have always loved the service industry and taken pride in exceeding guest expectations. For me a successful night in the kitchen is one that results in diners discovering new and exciting tastes, textures and emotions.

How would you define your style?

Modern Australian with indigenous characteristics. My menus always have a natural aspect. I have used many regional as well as native, traditional ingredients. One of my awarded dishes is my rare paperbark smoked kangaroo, seared then lightly smoked and served resting in a nutted pesto on a parsnip puree with a warm tomato and fennel salsa and a juniper berry jus. It goes down well, and it’s a great dish with which to introduce kangaroo to people’s palates.

What is your feature flavour these days?

I must say it’s star anise; I find it under-utilised in most kitchens. I have used it in so many forms, from a simple entrée of star anise infused pork belly with caramelised scallops through to a delectable dessert of caramelised fig with shaved black truffle over toasted brioche with an organic honey infused mascarpone.

Obsessive compulsive about?

Keep it clean, tidy up as you go and always have a sorted, organised cool room and dry store. Then there’s the pressed uniform and polished shoes. Oh, and sharp knives. To sum it up, be professional!

Your greatest culinary inspirations?

Early in my career it was the pioneers of Sydney’s dining scene, guys like Peter Doyle and Luke Mangan. These days it’s hard to go past the Heston style of cooking, so I respect guys like Brent Savage who are continuing to create experiences for diners.

What do you love about this business?

Everyone is on a journey; they are just visiting you on their journey so you need to make a great experience for them, create a memory.

An ingredient you can’t live without?

Flaked salt! And fresh ground pepper.

Most ‘eyebrow raising’ menu item?

Sweetbreads – the old school guys love it.

Signature dish?

So many to recall, but one of my favourites is my strawberry risotto with fine shavings of mint, double cream bitter chocolate ice-cream, and candied orange powder.