Geraldine is a lovely rural town in South Canterbury in the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand and it is also home to the family-owned business, Barker’s. Barker’s have been filling kiwi pantries since 1969 and their products are still made on the family farm in Geraldine. I remember Barker’s blackcurrant syrup and Barker’s jams when I was growing up, but they have so many more products than that now: chutneys, sauces, compotes and meal bases. I was pleasantly surprised when I was walking down Park Street in South Melbourne to see the Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery sign and had to go in. The café stocks a lot of Barker’s products and chef, Elle Casta’s menu showcases them. Elle started her cheffing career a little later after working as a paralegal and then in advertising. She always loved cooking for her friends and, after apprenticeships at Ocha in Kew and Vue de Monde, her love for cooking only grew and there was no looking back. She now very happily works day shifts and particularly loves her loyal following of the Barker’s dogs for whom she bakes big batches of peanut butter and oatmeal cookies every day.