Introducing our 2024 EatWell Christmas special guests! by Eatwell Team November 22, 2024 Meet this year’s star-studded lineup of chefs, growers, gardeners, chocolatiers, musicians, and visionaries, who is joining Emma Dean for a rock-n-roll EatWell TV Christmas celebration. Tune in on the 13th of December at 3:30 pm on Channel 9! Mitch Orr Chef and Creative Director of The Prince Dining RoomHigh-profile Sydney chef Mitch Orr is a trailblazer of the Australian culinary scene, blending Italian roots with a rebellious spirit. As the mastermind behind The Prince Dining Room, Mitch throws out the rulebook, creating bold dishes that push boundaries and explode with flavour. Known for his knack for pasta wizardry, he’s earned a reputation for being the “Prince of Pasta”, but it doesn’t stop there. Expect influences from Japan, South-East Asia and beyond. “Mitch’s style of cooking has that little bit of edge and grit to it, but also finesse and I think that suits St Kilda,” says Andrew Ryan, The Prince Dining Room’s executive director. With a rockstar attitude and a kitchen that’s his stage, Mitch delivers plates that scream creativity. When he’s not busy shaking up the food scene, you might catch him riding motorbikes or fuelling his obsession with streetwear. For Mitch, it’s all about breaking the mould and in his world, every meal is an unforgettable gig. Alex Kaew Chef and Co-Owner of Charlong Alex Kaew is the culinary firestarter behind Charlong, where cosy, home-style Thai traditions meet modern, daring twists. Armed with woks and an arsenal of spices, Alex crafts dishes that are equal parts soulful and incendiary. From her Bangkok roots to the Aussie shores, she’s redefined Thai street food, blending tradition with the unexpected. Charlong isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a stage where Alex’s fiery flavours perform nightly, turning every meal into a full-throttle sensory experience. Kaew grew up in Chanthaburi in eastern Thailand and often helped at her grandmother’s food stall. Those recipes, crafted around charcoal and wok cooking, were a major influence when designing the menu for Charlong, which is a portmanteau of “charcoal” and “prolong”. Kaew has meticulously blended her love for combining Thai and Western ingredients and techniques. Although the menu changes with the seasons, one dish epitomises Kaew’s passion for Thai and Western cuisine: her king prawn dumplings transformed into prawn-filled ravioli and served in a tom yum coconut bisque with squid ink caviar. Always pushing boundaries and innovating, Alex’s passion or the hustle and her love of family roots run deep. Jordan Clay Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Pipi’s KioskJordan Clay is a seaside rebel running the show at Pipi’s Kiosk. With a love for laid-back vibes and seafood that sings with freshness, Jordan has crafted a menu that’s straight out of a coastal dream, blending simplicity with creativity. His dishesare a love letter to the ocean, caught fresh and plated with style. A champion of local ingredients, Jordan doesn’t just cook, he curates experiences that feel like a sunny day at the beach with a cold beer in hand. Whether you’re digging into some grilled prawns or a perfectly seared fish, there’s a hint of rock-n-roll in every bite. Jo Franklin Horticulturist and GardenerJo Franklin is a plant whisperer, horticulturist, gardener and musician who has turned her love of green spaces into an art form. She blends science and creativity to craft lush and vibrant environments to record and rehearse music. Jo’s gardens aren’t just beautiful — they’re wild, bold and full of life. We sit down with Jo as she reflects on the opportunistic nature of her urban oasis. “So much love goes into this and some people see things differently. That’s what Quincy and Helen have brought by starting this garden. You can see all the found objects and what they have turned into. The discarded has been revered and set at centre-stage.” Whether she’s designing an urban oasis or getting her hands dirty in community projects, Jo brings passion and punk attitude to everything she grows. For her, gardening is more than just planting — it’s about cultivating a space where nature can be wild and free. Check out all the 2024 EatWell Christmas recipes here!
