Conversations A Feast of Cooks — Story Collection
Aug 1, 2025
Join acclaimed chefs Josh Niland, Hetty McKinnon, and Gary Mehigan as they share heartwarming culinary journeys. Niland delves into childhood fishing memories and sustainable seafood practices. McKinnon reflects on the comfort of her mother’s Cantonese broth, showcasing the bond between family and food. Mehigan reveals delightful tales of his grandfather’s secret chocolate stash, illustrating how nostalgia shapes chefs. Together, they celebrate the transformative power of cooking and the joy of sharing meals that connect communities.
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Grandfather's Food Lessons
- Gary Mehigan recalls his grandfather's English country garden and cooking that shaped his love for food.
- His grandfather secretly kept a large block of couverture chocolate just for the grandchildren as a special treat.
Kitchen Hardships and Help
- Gary Mehigan describes working brutal hours and the tough kitchen environment in London hotels.
- A sous chef told him to ask for help and rest when overwhelmed, a pivotal moment in his career.
The Egg and Lemon Soup
- George Calombaris shares his comfort food: his mother’s homemade egg and lemon chicken soup.
- The soup’s simplicity and flavor come from gently cooking and careful temperature control, a skill taught without formal training.