The thing about living in the capital city of your country is you get just a tiny bit spoilt with all the world-class facilities at our doorstep. Even though we get teased for being ‘The Bush Capital of Australia’; we, who proudly call ‘The Berra’ home, know there are lots of payoffs in living here, one of the perks is if you want to study at the plethora of world class universities & training colleges.
This week I was invited to return to The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) where almost a decade ago I trained to be a chef. As I approached the still familiar kitchens, memories came flooding back to all the big firsts I’d experienced here at CIT. I knew everyone would be filled with nervous anticipation for what they were all about to pull off.
You see, today these guys were training under one of Australia’s leading Patissier & mastermind behind the devilishly finicky but delicious desserts on Masterchef Australia & the now infamous V8 cake & lucky me, got to hang out in the kitchens with Adriano & the apprentice chefs for a couple of hours.
There must be something about growing up in outback Australia to influence a chef’s palate, as Adriano & I laughed about how living in tiny isolated country towns was where it all began for both of us! Adriano raided the confectionary isles of his parent’s supermarket to get his sugar hit whereas my indulgences tended to lean towards sharing a tin of condensed milk in the cubby house with my brother, but whatever the motivation we both ended up in foodie careers & neither would have it any other way.
I asked Adriano how the apprentices were handling having an iconic chef in their kitchens & were they asking lots of questions? He said. “If we don’t teach the young ones coming up through the ranks & teach them our techniques without holding anything back, we’ll just end up being another insecure ‘old chef’. Hopefully these guys can get a different insight into our industry, that’s what we’re here for right?”. Not only is Adriano a fun easy going guy, he’s an awesome hospitality visionary & a bit of a hottie too, but Sshhhh, don’t tell Mr. HG OK?!
The menu was outrageous, it was wild & really, really different, in fact I doubt you’d find anything quite like it in Australia pairing such unlikely ingredients. His desserts are famous and tell a story & it seemed to me this menu was out to make headlines.
Entrée
Tuna and salmon sashimi with lime fluffy and soy and toasted sesame foam
Side of apple, garlic, apple cider bread.
Main
Sous Vide: slow cooked beef cheeks with baked Kipfler potatoes on baby spinach & wasabi puree, with caramel pistachio and fresh peas & shaved fennel salad.
Dessert
Burnt toast ice cream with sweet corn custard and salted caramel popcorn on a corn custriano with corn chip sand and lemon puree
Photos taken by the lovely Anita & Clint and Anna & Mr HG dined as guests of Canberra Institute of Technology.
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78 Comments and Pings on AN AFTERNOON WITH CHEF ADRIANO ZUMBO
I would love to see a chef in his kitchen creating dishes. I am sure you had a wonderful time plus he is very cute too.
.-= Katerina´s last blog ..Gefüllte Halbmöndchen =-.
Yes Katerina, its always lots of fun watching a master at work
What a wonderful experience, being able to watch such a great chef work and then get to taste his creations! The dessert is really unique and sounds delicious!
.-= Faith´s last blog ..Roasted Grapes with Shallots & Thyme =-.
His desserts are really wild & wonderful Faith, guess that’s why he’s the master huh – I would never have attempted to put those together, but somehow they worked
What a fantastic experience for you – THANK YOU FOR SHARING! I love time spend in professional kitchens… and I have not been professionally trained!
Your photos are incredible. The food looked outstanding. Close up shots are always my fav. 
XO
Valerie
(And, from Canada, sadly, I have never heard of this Chef – TV, I guess… different channels… but, I can see he would be one to know!)
.-= A Canadian Foodie´s last blog ..Homemade Pastry with Homemade Rendered Pastry Lard and Rolly-Polly! =-.
Thanks for reading Valerie, time spent in professional kitchens is indeed an amazing experience, such an amazing energy, especially when things are pumping during service. The photos are amazing, they really transport you into the kitchen.
Adriano is a big name here in Oz…. keep your eyes peeled I say, he is going to be big!
I think I want to be you…
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
.-= Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner´s last blog ..Autumn Leaf Books =-.
Hehe… Well come on over to the Berra and we shall hang out, Ill teach you a couple of Anna-risms…. LOL!
oh my goodness – what a wonderful experience indeed!!! Not only is Adriano a fantastic chef – he always comes across as such a nice guy too
It was amazing Lisa, Adriano was fabulous, such a genuine man, so much passion and vision. Loved the experience! Have you met him before?
What a great interview Anna! Adriano is an Aussie icon.
.-= Loll´s last blog ..Sticky banoffee cake =-.
He is, he so is! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Amazing to see behind the scenes workings of a busy restaurant. It looks like you had fun.
.-= Debra Kolkka´s last blog ..Comics & Games Festival in Lucca =-.
There is something about being behind the scenes, working in a busy kitchen like that, so much energy…. Its a real buzz!
Oh WOW! I had no idea Zumbo was in town! Hurrah for you getting to meet him – sounds like he’s a really lovely man! And that dessert… phwoar!!
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Askinosie San Jose Del Tambo 70 Dark Chocolate =-.
Hannah… He was awesome…. It was all about the apprentices, not so much about Zumbo! He snuck in and out of town…. Was so great to meet him! The dessert sure was a treat, soooooooo different!
Sounds like you had a great time and got him to open up to you Anna! Well done!
.-= Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella´s last blog ..Bistro Bruno- Balmain =-.
Yeah, he was fabulous! Such a natural easy going guy, totally enjoyed meeting him.
It was fantastic to watch him work, and teach & train the apprentices. Such a buzz! 
So Anna…this is what part of your days consist of…hmmmm…gotta start re-thinking my day job. LOL
Very nice and interesting post…before this, I hadn’t heard of your handsome chef ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
.-= FOODESSA´s last blog ..October in Quebec SHARE and TELL =-.
Yep, it’s true…. I sure am lucky, hanging out in kitchens with some of Australia’s top chefs.
Adriano was lovely, a real asset to our industry! 
Lucky you – that must have been a very special experience and great fun, too!
It was such great fun, Adriano was fabulous!
What a wonderful experience for you, Anna! Watching a great chef like Adriano I’m sure would be like 10 cooking lessons in one for me. Such an amateur cook like me would sure learn a lot and live an experience like that. Not to mention, such beautiful and delicious sounding dishes. Thank you for sharing this, Anna.
PS
I used to eat bread with condensed milk. It’s seriously THAT good
.-= lequan´s last blog ..Holy Abalone! =-.
It was amazing Lequan, I had such a great time, he is so relaxed… a really fantastic teacher too. The apprentices got a lot out of the day too! Hehe… Im sure you would easily pick up what Adriano teaches, he makes food and cooking approachable for everyone, which is amazing.
PS: We couldn’t sneak the bread too…. But YUM…
I’ve worked with a real chef just ONCE in my life, and it was an incredible experience. Chefs…they just know what they’re doing. I LOVE their confidence in the kitchen, and their ability to just talk up food like it’s sex. Haha, I’m sorry, but I’m sure you know what I mean.
Hey Sophia. Yep, Chefs usually do have a lot of attitude & confidence in their kitchens for sure, sometimes its a bit over the top & sometimes, they’re just so good at what they do & love it so much its infectious. I had a great time, it was really motivating.
Oh you lucky, lucky sod! Nearly a whole year ago I got to taste some of his superb desserts. Unbelievable. The tastes were through the roof, presentation to die for.
What a wonderful experience for you Anna….He does look like a lovely fella.
…and condensed milk my friend, nothing finer. I used to squeeze it out on to my finger like toothpaste at my Nana’s house…(every time I went past the fridge.)
.-= cityhippyfarmgirl´s last blog ..wrap it a little differently =-.
Haha
Gotta love the condensed milk kids huh. Oh yeah….. Adriano sure had some wicked tastes going on there with his desserts for sure Brydie.
It must have been so much fun watching a great chef at work- lucky you!
I’m naturally not into the main dishes, but the dessert sounds really interesting.
.-= Seglare´s last blog ..My First Vegan MoFo =-.
Yep, he’s the sweets master this chef, his goal is to caramelise Australia, I’m up for that
what a lucky girl you are Anna:) he is pretty cute! im sure you had a blast in the kitchen.
Yep
Lots of fun for sure. Nothing like being in big function kitchens leading up to a major event, the vibe is electric.
Sounds like such a fun day! The burnt ice cream dish looks amazing. Wow, I’d love to taste that!
.-= lisaiscooking´s last blog ..Black Pepper Tofu =-.
Burnt ice cream huh. Who would have thought but Adriano Zumbo to put burnt toast together with ice cream. When I saw it all coming together I was so sceptical and yet….., he did it
Crazy stuff but so much fun that’s for sure.
Oooh, he really is a hottie, Anna! How exciting for you! What unusual food parings too – did you like all the combinations? I’ve been to the store in Balmain, some of Zumbo’s creations are mindblowing!
Hey Celia
I’ll say, he goes where angels fear to tread with food pairings doesn’t he. Did I like all the combinations you ask? Gotta say some of the pairings were just too far out for my palate but it was so much fun to go there with the tastes. Overall his menu was just a little too sweet for me but then hey, this was Adriano Zumbo so it wasn’t surprising his dishes go that way…… some of the guys at our table were raving over his burnt toast ice cream though.
Oh my, how fun! I’d be star struck
I think he is tres charismatic. “Burnt toast ice cream with sweet corn custard and salted caramel popcorn on a corn custriano with corn chip sand and lemon puree” – whaaaaa? AMAZING!
Heidi xo
.-= Heidi – Apples Under My Bed´s last blog ..Lemon Buttermilk Cake Sans the Drama =-.
I know right… who else but the tres charismatic Adriano would go there with those flavours huh
Gotta love the masters.
Anna How fun to go back after ten years. I bet you had so much fun being there without all the stress of training there. His pairings looked so good to me. I guess I have a kinda out there pallete. Looks like an amazing day for you. And Celia is right he is a hottie. Ha… B
Hey Beth, great to connect with you
Yep, sure was a lot of fun hitting up the kitchens again after all that time, had a great afternoon that’s for sure.
Oh, that’s SO great, Anna! What a fun and fascinating day you had.
You weren’t kidding about the unusual combination of ingredients. They’re marvelously unique but somehow make sense when you string them together. 
Great job on your interview! 
The ingredients were perfectly balanced on there own, and incredibly different when combined. I experienced taste combinations like none I’ve ever tried before. It certainly was a fun afternoon. :0)
oh cool what a treat! would have been great to pick his brain, oh and to get a chance to sample some of his food. Truly lucky!
.-= Maria@TheGourmetChallenge´s last blog ..Results – Gougères =-.
He was open for any questions we threw at him, such a fantastic teacher he was! His food was great too, really different!
Your life looks so exciting, Anna!
I LOVE reading your words, the way they leap off the page and sizzle makes me feel excited and happy. Truly.
And how’s that dessert… mad and crazy and very yummy-sounding.
Thank you for sharing your passion like you do,
Tricia.
.-= Tricia Karp´s last blog ..True Purpose- Not what it is- but how to make peace with yourself =-.
Wow Tricia…, thanks for such fab support my friend
Yep, mad & crazy & yummy sounding……, couldn’t have said it better myself 
You have NO idea how jealous I am!!!!
.-= Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite´s last blog ..Les Petits Chefs make healthy junk food! =-.
I know right…, it was heaps of fun Mardi
Chef Zumbo is not only amazingly talented but amazingly cute too. I can’t wait to make my way to Australia so I can taste his delicious concoctions. And I can’t wait to meet you too!! One of these days…
.-= Ameena´s last blog ..I Can’t Remember Things Anymore =-.
Your on Ameena
Lets catch up when your in Oz & we’ll go hang out at Adriano Zumbo’s amazing store in Sydney & eat Macarons till we’re silly 
Hi Anna,
What a pleasant view to see. I can say that you really had a great time during this experience not only because of how you look like on pictures but how you written this content. Somehow getting the same happy feeling in reading it.
Thanks Dr Jon
Had a blast hanging out with such an awesome Chef for sure, ’twas a great day indeedy 
Anna, you’re right. He is a cutie! And he looks like a darn good chef as well. That dessert looks so unique and tasty! I love the addition of popcorn, very creative!
.-= Julie M.´s last blog ..Nacho Mama’s Cheese Nachos =-.
What a great experience! Lucky you
I have to try that V8 cake!!!!!
Emanuela @ The Foodie Goddess
Hey Emanuela
Great to connect with you. Wow., let me know how the V8 cake turns out, I haven’t attempted it yet.
I love seeing all those finished plates lined up for service….very cool! What a great experience it must have been for you. – S
.-= Oui, Chef´s last blog ..Italian Pot Roast =-.
Know what you mean Steve, function kitchens all ready to rock n roll are an awesome sight I agree
Oh my dear friend, if I didn’t love you I just might have to hate you! What a great opportunity and great fun too. Lucky duck!
.-= InTolerantChef´s last blog ..A Rose By Any Other Name- Ispahan =-.
Oh Rebecca, he was awesome! Such a great experience!
I want your job
Nuh… You can’t have it…
Oh…, OK, I’ll share then…., but you’ve gotta pop on down to Oz OK 
parts of me wish i could befriend a chef… heck, even date one! LoL but i’m also intimidated since i’m only a beginner cook who relies on photoshop! haha!
.-= boogie´s last blog ..Macaroons =-.
LOL…. Dating a chef may in fact mean you eat less often at home my friend! Unless you dig the spaghetti on toast or even…. just toast! HEHA! Love your food Boogie, keep it a coming!
Fantastic experience Anna! I think Zumbo learned as much frm you as you did from him…
I didn’t know you lived in Canberra – I love that place – next time I’m there I’ll give you a call!
.-= Trissa´s last blog ..Movida’s Braised Beef Cheek in Pedro Ximenez on Cauliflower Puree =-.
Yes, Yes, Yes…. Give me a buzz when you are next in town Trissa, Canberra is so rocking, such a cool city!
And, Zumbo was amazing, the experience was wonderful!
Wow! How exciting! The food looks so good, I’m sooooo jealous
.-= Susan: My Food Obsession´s last blog ..Cherry Coconut Bon Bons =-.
Susan…. the food was so different, making the experience priceless!
i think we’re planning on visiting Canberra this month (for the first time ever!!) whoever took your pictures did an amazing job, btw!
.-= Angela (the diet book junkie)´s last blog ..ya go away to New Zealand for a few days- and suddenly it’s the end of Happy Meals =-.
Thanks Angela, the photos are awesome aren’t they
Canberra looks forward to having you Angela, let me know when your visiting, happy to point you in the right direction.
That sounds like an awesome time you lucky thing. I attended a session with AZ at the Brisbane Masterclass and he seems so genuine. His food is totally amazing he seems to put so much thought into the classes and sessions he runs.
.-= Linda V @ Bubble and Sweet´s last blog ..Lolli-cake-pops tutorial and cake pop bouquet =-.
Yes, I found that too, he is such a genuine person, totally into his passion for food, it was a pleasure to spend the time with him and your right about his food…., amazing
Hi Anna,
Looks like you had a ball and the food looks to die for!
Well done. Looking forward to more of the same!
G
.-= Doc-G´s last blog ..Tasty questions and answers on show =-.
It was George, absolutely a big buzz for me
Times like that are so worth it.
Great post with fantastic pictures. I bet the sous vide beef cheeks were sensational.
.-= Sous Vide Supreme´s last blog ..Forthcoming Food Precincts Whet the Appetite =-.
Everything was awesome
Absolutely sensational for sure 
Adriano is right…It’s all about passing on the skills and techniques so that new ways can be explored.
.-= Sous Vide Supreme´s last blog ..Advantages of Sous Vide Cooking =-.
Couldn’t agree more, it was a great afternoon to spend with such an awesome Chef too
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