I caught up with Murat Ovaz at I Carusi II in St. Kilda and I felt as though I was catching up with an old friend. I spoke to Murat when he opened Yagiz in South Yarra about six years ago and that was a fun conversation about the adventures that had got him into hospitality and becoming a chef. The food at Yagiz was next level. Murat was putting up clever interpretations of the food he grew up with in Turkey and his creativity and talent earned him a loyal following. The person I had a coffee and chat with today was a much more relaxed version of the Murat I first met. Stepping into the kitchen and becoming co-owner of southside pizza institution, I Carusi II, was the change Murat needed and we talked about how he got there, what he has learned about pizza, as well as next week’s Four Hands dinner with friend and celebrity chef, Colin Fassnidge to celebrate I Carusi II’s 20th anniversary. This chat was everything I love about Conversation with a Chef; getting to sit down and hear such great stories about peoples’ lives and passion is a privilege, and I am endlessly grateful.