In our Leading Sustainable Chef series, we were privileged to chat with Massimo Mele of Grain of Silo's in Tasmania.
Some cheeky, insightful words showing how passionate this Massimo is about our changing world today.
Who first inspired you to cook?
Well, I guess I grew up in the family restaurant. Both my parents worked in the restaurant. My dad did savoury, and mum did sweets. So when I was nine years old, I started working in the restaurant after school. I'd love to say I remember being five years old and watching nonna cook, but I only remember eating it! Being a five-year-old, I was waiting for MY food!
What inspired you and inspires you now?
Lots of different people have inspired me in the past, but now I am more inspired by what's in the garden, and this is a full circle. Not just inspiration but more a way of life. Garden, family, and traditions - I am now living what I preach. For the first time in my career, it is no bull - it is more honest and authentic than in the past. Traditions are of the highest value.
What is your favourite "go-to" when cooking at home?
Pasta - and also whatever is in the garden, no doubt! Last night grilled steak with veggies. One treat I make is for my wife, it is her favourite pasta - carbonara.
What are you excited about in food trends right now?
I'm excited about seeing a lot of people returning to the farms and to the source of our food, I mean, there was a marketing angle before, but now it REALLY does mean something. I am enjoying watching Chefs source their food and getting out of the kitchen. I am also enjoying watching a lot of people grow their own produce. People who have space in the country and even people in a house in Surry Hills, inner city - encouraging them to put in a couple of garden beds, putting in something as simple as silverbeet and herbs. Watching people embrace "PICK ME". Getting on socials to let everyone know what they are doing, the more we talk about it, the more we inspire people around us. As chefs, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to not only get people to come to our restaurants, but get to REALLY know the food. Learn where your food comes from. It is not a trend anymore; it is a movement. Making the most out of zero waste - is really an inspiration to me.
What is the next big event you are planning for?
Grain of Silos - We have our "meet the producers" event soon - basically showcasing the producers. We invite ten producers to join the guests on the night - they are scattered around, and they talk to the guests, educate them and tell them the real story of their produce. It is a real Paddock to plate. It is also a great way to thank our producers for all their hard work.
If, in this crazy world, there was a movie made about you … who would star as you in the movie? Go big!
Haha … I'm not sure. They would have to be very good-looking, charismatic - at heart, a momma's boy!
What do you love about wearing Cream Collection chef uniforms?
I love it because it is so comfortable, it feels good, and it is a good fit.
Italians have three important values - family, food, and looking good! In the past, I have looked back on photos and thought - that doesn't fit properly, and I need not only to look good, but I also need to be comfortable.
Also, the fabric in the aprons is fantastic. Chefs need to be comfortable on the floor - we need to look smart. Gone are the days when Chefs used to appear in a dirty jacket with a tea towel thrown over their shoulders.
It is a different kind of "presence" today. People want to see well-presented Chefs producing well-presented food.
_ Thank you Massmio, love your work, love your style and love everything you are doing for the food industry now. You truly are a leading sustainable chef. xxx
Store owner replied:
Wow! What awesome pics Josh, you look great as usual :) Thanks for your ongoing support.
Whether working the grill, pass or larder. You are always going to look good in the shirt. Comfortable & cool (if you are standing over a coal grill for 12hrs you are gonna sweat no matter what you wear). Always feel proud rolling into a shift in one of these.
Store owner replied:
Wow! You look great Olly, and Thank you for your beautiful review. It's much appreciated and we are sure this will assist other chefs who work in hot environments and want to look and feel cool. Thank you again.
The apron is well made of a lovely quality material, was well packaged and delivered promptly. Very happy with the purchase!
Store owner replied:
Hi Jullo, we are sorry to hear that you are disappointed, but there are numerous images of the "Mystery pack colour combinations" and as it is a Mystery pack with a saving of $32, is no specific colour that you can order. There are numerous images of the various colour combinations for this product, so it is a "mystery pack" as to what colour you will receive. Please feel free to reach out to us directly to see how we can turn your disappointment into a win, as we are here to assist at any time. Hope this helps.
I love the product, comfy and cool to wear. Special the apron really love it with the design.
Store owner replied:
Hi Phillip, thanks for taking the time to leave your comment - glad that you appreciate the quality of the apron which is made here in Australia. You're absolutely correct, this is lightweight denim as we mention on the website. Although it feels lightweight, these aprons last for many years and are absolutely loved by our chefs and I hope that they'll become a firm favourite of yours too. I'm here to assist with any questions you may have.
Store owner replied:
That's great to know that the aprons are comfortable to wear, thanks Nika, your comment is very much appreciated.
I was excited to order and received my 100% organic cotton chef Jackets and Aprons but was disappointed to find that there is a 2% spandex (Lycra) which takes away from the organic that you promote so strongly. Is there a reason for this and why isn’t it on your website under fabric content.
As far as I know the addition of spandex to your products takes it away from the circular economy as it is a synthetic material and makes the whole garment no recyclable.
I have been a chef for over 30 years and don’t think I have ever come across a chefs Jacket with spandex in it (polyester yes) A good fit should make putting a stretch material unnecessary.
Store owner replied:
Hi Sion, Thank you for your review. You are 100% correct, and I personally take full responsibility for this. We have added the fabric content this morning on all products. I can assure you we don't intend to mislead anyone - it was an oversight when changing the product descriptions recently. The 98% cotton is certified organic cotton. The 2% addition of spandex is woven in as when we worked with chefs to develop the collection, they wanted an element of stretch in the garments to allow the garments to be more tailored but move with the wearer to make them super comfortable. I will also email you directly to assist further.
Love it so light weight and breezy good for working in a fast paced kitchen wile still looking sharp cheer
Store owner replied:
Yay! That's great to hear that you're loving the softness of the fabric. Thanks for letting us know and may you enjoy wearing them for many shifts. xxx
This is probably theee best fitting and comfy jacket I’ve ever owned! I’m going to order a few more in the new year!
Thanks again guys for being so easy about the return due to them not fitting properly!
Thanks
Store owner replied:
You chose well Amanda! So glad he loves the fit and comfort of it. Thanks for letting us know.
Very flattering shirt. My only comment would be that the small is quite small. I’m a straight size 8 and I feel this is more like a size 6.5-7. But I’m still very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Glad you like the flattering fit of this chef shirt Kaye. Thanks for letting us know about the sizing, we will consider this if we repeat this style in the future.
I have been a professionally trained cook for the past 40 years, so I have come through the traditional whites in a brigade system.
So far one of the best aprons / gear you can see some thought has been put into the design
Very nice
Les
Store owner replied:
Thank YOU Mr Leslie. Sorry you had to wait 40 years to wear "one of the best" but glad you found Cream Collection eventually. Enjoy every moment wearing the gear.
Was a present for my son. He is very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Thanks Bea for your 5 star review, glad you love the comfort of the chef shirt. Enjoy!
I purchased the white Jo apron. Great quality apron, however the design was slightly different from the other photos of the same apron in different colours. I would prefer the pen pocket to be straight at the top (rather than slanted) and from an aesthetic standpoint I wasn’t fan of the round ring on the neck strap (but that’s probably me being picky)
Store owner replied:
Hi Andrew, Thanks for your 4 star review. I'll contact you about the images as the image of the white apron is as per the image on our website. The reason the pocket opening is slanted is that it is designed for ergonomic reasons, but we understand that every wearer has their personal preferences. Hope you are enjoying the comfort and fit of the apron. Thanks again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Philipp! What a lovely review you have given, we appreciate it and glad that you are happy with the "insane quality" Thank you again.
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