NSW country-born Hugh Whitehouse studied classic French cooking in Europe before heading Sydney restaurants Milsons and Jaspers. Whitehouse took Darley's at Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains to a two-hat level and to a Best Regional Restaurant of the Year award. At Saffire Freycinet, he creates an acclaimed dining experience using seasonal and local produce. See saffire-freycinet.com.au.
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WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN TASMANIA?
Sitting at the bench in full view of the kitchen at Franklin, Hobart. I love to watch the chefs prepare and cook amazing food. It's one of the best dining experiences I've enjoyed in recent times. See franklinhobart.com.au.
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
One of the team here at Saffire has a chestnut orchard and beehives on the family farm. After sampling their orgasmic chestnut flower honey, I have created a dessert around this amazing product, featuring locally grown persimmons and almonds.
WHAT IS TASMANIA'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
My own kitchen. Living in Coles Bay, there's nowhere else to dine. I often have friends and family stay and I enjoy cooking with them and showcasing the best of Tasmania's offerings.
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
The big smoke. The last few years have seen Hobart secure itself as a great food and wine destination with new venues opening regularly. Some a little quirky, the food and personalities really defining Tasmania's style. I love Willing Brothers wine bar in West Hobart. See facebook.com/willingbros.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN TASMANIA?
Right now, it has to be Tasmanian black truffles. With the oldest truffle farms in Australia on our doorstep, there's nothing I'd rather top my breakfast eggs with. We buy ours from Truffles of Tasmania near Deloraine. See greatwesterntiers.net.au/food-and-wine/deloraine/truffles-tasmania.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN TASMANIA?
Anything in a pie warmer and restaurants serving fish from Asia.
WHAT'S HOT IN TASMANIA RIGHT NOW?
Not much, it's the middle of winter. However, enjoying a Tasmanian single malt whisky by the fireplace at Saffire is where you'll find me on a cold winter's day.
