Marty is our extremely loveable Head Chef at Red Spice QV. We take some time to get to know Marty a little better – he is a fascinating man after all! 🙂

What inspired you to be a chef?
Helping my granny bake. The Sunday lunches she cooked were so good that I just had to know how to make such comforting food. It kindled my interest, so I began trying to cook things I had never eaten before. My first effort wasn’t very pretty… I had some pork escallops and instead of crumbing them I rubbed them with chopped onion, pan fried them, and oops, the onions got really dark and almost burnt. It certainly wasn’t pretty, but it still tasted like success, because, I had made it.
Also, the fact that no day is the same. There is always something new happening in the kitchen.
What is your favourite thing to cook?
My granny’s walnut and apricot slices – no question.
Where is your favourite place to eat out?
Hawker hall
What is your perfect Melbourne day?
A sleep in. A strong coffee. A hearty meal from the Japanese Cafe. A remedial massage then some $4 pizzas at the Lucky Coq and after all of that, some couch time.
What are 3 things that make you smile?
A sleep in after a long shift.
Happy customers passing the kitchen as they depart.
Some super tasty food at a Bangkok Street stall.
Favourite place you have travelled to?
The South of France and Rome
Do you have a personal motto?
Everything I needed to learn in life, I learnt from Mr Spock.
Who is your hero – real or fictional?
My mum, because she put up with me as a rebellious teenager and looked after me always.
Can you describe Red Spice QV in one sentence?
Super happy fun time!
What is your favourite dish on the new Red Spice QV menu?
Lamb ribs, chicken wings, pork belly, everything that is fried… Yum!

Thanks Marty!