Future of Food and Drink

Mitch Orr is one of Australia’s most exciting chefs. He specialises in modern Italianate fare with a twist and has logged time at the likes of 121BC, Buzo, and Duke Bistro. Most recently, though, the experimental chef co-founded culinary outpost Acme in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay. Here, he has helped develop a truly modern dining experience. Continually pushing the envelope when it comes to what defines modern fine dining, Orr’s cuisine tends to be backed by a killer soundtrack. This is not the white tablecloths and silver service of old, people.

As a political science graduate with a passion for food and the environment, Nikki To channels her personal interests directly into her celebrated lifestyle photography. Most recently, though, she also launched Buffet Digital with Sophie McComas. Buffet is a content creation studio that collaborates directly with food and beverage businesses such as the Fink Group, Archie Rose Distillery, Young Henrys and Qantas Epicure. Basically, Nikki is a master in the art of crafting a strong message and nailing great branding, especially within the world of food and drink.

Belles Hot Chicken is renowned for its natural wine list. So, naturally, their Beverage Director Christian Robertson knows a lot about ‘natty juices’. Curating a killer list down at all of the Belles venues, Christian has also collaborated with minimal intervention winemakers Rob Burley from Unkel Wines and Barney Flanders from Côtier Wines, to produce Belles’ very own blend, Little Darling. He knows what’s up, basically.

Melbourne sandwich shop Hector’s Deli centres around one of Australia’s favourite food staples. But it is unlike any other sandwich shop we know. Founded in 2017 by Stokehouse alum Dom Wilton and Jason Barratt (who also worked at Attica), Hector’s was recently described by Broadsheet as perhaps the most over-qualified sandwich shop in Melbourne. By focusing on quality ingredients and simple construction, the Hector’s team proves that sometimes the best food comes fast and fuss-free.

O Tama Carey has spent time in the kitchens of some of Australia’s finest dining establishments — including Kylie Kwong and Berta, just to name a few. Most recently, though, Carey returned to her Sri Lankan roots to create a much-hyped stall at Carriageworks markets in Redfern. In 2018, that stall is getting its very own Sydney outpost. As Carey prepares to open Lankan Filling Station in its new permanent location, her culinary journey proves the power of community and simplicity.

Oscar McMahon was born and raised in Sydney. After a misspent youth of skateboarding and rock 'n' roll, Oscar chose bartending as a suitable profession. Following a chance meeting over a bar, he and a few compatriots set off together and founded Young Henrys Brewing in April 2012. Oscar is passionate about music, beer, hospitality and the world around him. He is a founder and director of Young Henrys, plays guitar in the Persian Drugs, co-owns the Unicorn Hotel in Paddington and sits on the boards of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Vanguard. He loves Sydney and believes we are all responsible for preserving and promoting its incredible culture.