Joel Alderdice grew up in Badger Creek in the Yarra Ranges and completed his apprenticeship at TarraWarra Estate under chef Robin Sutcliffe. Having completed his training and won Best Apprenticeship of the Year, Robin encouraged him to broaden his horizons and move to the city to check out some other venues. He certainly did that, working with friend of the podcast and legend chef, Nicky Riemer at Union Dining, sous cheffing at Ebenezer Restaurant and The Healesville Hotel before taking on the role of head chef at Bar Liberty in Fitzroy and gaining a chef’s hat there in 2017. Now, in a full circle, he is back at TarraWarra Estate as head chef and loving every minute of it. Joel is all about the hospitality. He loves chatting to diners and getting their feedback and his goal is always to give the guests a lovely time. This was a phone call, but I have been out to TarraWarra before and I love that part of the world. I’m looking forward to getting back there and trying out some of Joel’s food. I somehow ended up sharing one of my own family secret recipes, the old vegemite and chip sandwich, and I’m fairly certain Joel liked the sound of it. If you are out at TarraWarra any time soon, let me know if it appears on the menu!