Bite Size

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Australia’s most‑awarded coffee roaster? Join Xanny for an insightful and surprisingly candid conversation with Mark Bignell, one of the three co-owners of Bellissimo Coffee. In this episode, Mark shares the origins of Bellissimo Coffee, how the brand has continued to stay relevant and deeply connected with its customers, and why quality ingredients are essential for crafting the perfect cup. He even reveals where he’s had his all‑time favourite coffee — and you'll be surprised by the answer! Whether you’re a long‑time Bellissimo fan like Xanny or simply curious about the coffee industry, this episode is the perfect companion for your next brew. Want more of Bellissimo? Follow them on Instagram at @bellissimocoffeeau Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube. Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram at @priestleysgourmetdelights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au.

Ever wondered what to pair with a glass of Champagne? Look no further! This episode might just be your answer. Join Xanny as she sits down with Bernadette O’Shea, one of Australia’s most well-known Champagne consultants, who expertise spans across both Australia and France. With countless awards to her name, and even a knighthood from the French Government for her contribution to the champagne industry, Bernadette brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Together, Bernadette and Xanny sip their way through an array of exquisite French Champagnes, perfectly paired with decadent desserts that suit any occasion, big or small. You’ll discover which desserts pair best with Bernadette’s recommended Champagnes, and how these flavour combinations elevate each other to create an unforgettable experience. Bernadette also shares fascinating stories from her journey as a floral designer working for her family to becoming a Champagne authority, along with insider insights into the art of growing and crafting the perfect Champagne. If you love Champagne, or just want to sip smarter, this episode is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of pairing bubbles with sweet indulgence. Want to know more about Champagne? Book a Champagne class with Bernadette O’Shea via her website at www.champagneconsultant.com.au. Produced by The Podcast boss

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Alastair McLeod, a much-loved Brisbane-based celebrity chef, whose stellar career has taken him from Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe to television screens and dining tables around Australia. Known for his warmth, wit and signature Irish charm, the executive chef of former Brisbane favourite, Brett’s Wharf, shares stories from his incredible career, his extensive international travels, his love of people and the joy of thoughtfully preparing meals using locally grown produce. Xanny and Alastair chat about how taking cooking back to the basics creates a deeper connection to food, the land it’s grown on and the people who grow it. This grassroots philosophy is what inspired Alastair to start his catering businesses and what continues to drive his passion today. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook or simply love a good laugh and a great story, this episode will leave you inspired, entertained and maybe even a little bit hungry! Want more of Alastair? Follow him on Instagram at @chef_mcleod or his business Al’FreshCo Catering at @alfreshco_catering. Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au. Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Sam Burke, Corporate Executive Chef and Foodservice Business Development Manager for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). A true champion of Aussie red meat, Sam has had red meat in his veins since day one. Starting out as an apprentice chef, he carved out a remarkable career across butcher shops, corporate catering, leisure and sporting events, including the Olympics and Rugby World Cup and even royalty dinners. Since stepping into the Executive Chef role at MLA in 2014, Sam has been a global ambassador for premium Australian red meat, proudly showcasing its quality and versatility to chefs and communities around the world. Sam and Xanny chat about how the Australian foodservice industry has evolved over the last three decades, why building ‘culinary confidence’ is key to creating a better dining experience and Sam’s new YouTube series, Raise the Steaks. Whether you’re curious about the behind the scenes of Australia’s red meat industry or just love a good chat from a chef who’s seen it all, this episode is packed with insights for both business and consumers that you won’t want to miss! Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

In part two of this episode, we sit down with Michelle Redfern, an award-winning advisor, speaker and inclusion strategist, to explore what real inclusion leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast paced industries. From her corporate beginnings to becoming a powerhouse advocate for gender equity and workplace inclusion, Michelle shares key moments that shaped her mission and how unconscious bias continues to show up in workplaces today. Xanny and Michelle unpack the unique challenges faced by hospitality businesses, including the lack of diversity at leadership levels despite frontline representation, and the culture shifts needed to create truly equitable workplaces. Michelle also draws on her work with elite women in sport, revealing powerful parallels between kitchens, venues, and locker rooms. Packed with real-world examples, practical advice and an empowering message, this episode is a must-listen for venue owners, operators, and anyone passionate about building a fairer, more inclusive future for the hospitality industry. Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

Welcome to Bite Size! In today’s episode, Xanny interviews the woman described as Queensland’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw, Brooke Falvey! Brooke shares how being part of the multi-generational hospitality family behind Falvey Hotels has influenced her career, and how she balances working for her family while building her impressive fashion career, with over 93k followers on Instagram. She offers a unique perspective of integrating the family business into her freelance lifestyle and how she draws inspiration from travel, food and fashion. Xanny and Brooke also discuss how food and fashion are surprisingly connected and how together, they can create incredible dining experiences. Thanks to Brooke for giving us her time and for bringing some insights into the workings of her family business, Falvey Hotels and how she has turned her love of fashion into a career. About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry. You can connect with Xanny on LinkedIn here. About your co-host: Brooke Falvey is a talented, award-winning fashion stylist and travel blogger, balancing a successful career in both media and hospitality. Hailing from a multi-generational Queensland family business, Brooke works with Falvey’s Hotels while also building her presence as a fashion stylist and Instagram personality, with over 93k followers. You can connect with Brooke on Instagram, at @BrookeFalvey Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @PriestleysGourmetDelights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode, Jillian and Xanny delve into the best strategies on how to find confidence in presenting and why it's critical to elevate your communication style as a woman in business. Media powerhouse, Jillian Whiting (known for her roles on Seven’s Sunrise, Weekender and Nine News Queensland) reveals why learning how to communicate authentically and clearly is a skill that everyone should learn. She offers a unique insight into ‘imposter syndrome’ and why we need to lean into the anxious and uncomfortable feeling to build our confidence in these circumstances. Jillian and Xanny share their personal experiences of presenting to an audience, how to ‘fail fast’ and how to use this opportunity to best influence your audience. Whether you are an established CEO or just starting your venture into the business and hospitality industry, join us to discover why communicating with confidence is a critical life skill for everyone! About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry. About your co-host: Jillian Whiting is no stranger to the spotlight, as you may have seen her on Nine News Queensland, Sunrise at Channel 7, or the travel show Weekender. With over 25 years of experience in the media as a newsreader, a journalist and now director of her consulting business, Media Potential, Jillian has all the best tips on how to be a confident speaker and an expert in communication. Her current role as director of Media Potential, has allowed for her to gain an in-depth understanding of how women can best advocate for themselves in an assertive and effective manner. You can connect with Jillian on LinkedIn, at @Jillian Whiting Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or, listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Kat at kbramadat@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

In this episode, we’re tackling the age-old question: How do you get your business out there? How do you harness the power of marketing to connect with your audience and separate yourself from the competition? Hospitality marketing expert Astrid Kelaher (known for her roles at Crown Resorts, Lavazza Australia, Treasury Wines, and PUBLIC) reveals the vital role marketing plays in Australia's AUD 26.7 billion dollar hospitality industry. She shares tactics for small venues to compete with giants, the power of user-generated content, and sustainable marketing practices. Astrid provides a glimpse of emerging trends that will reshape the industry. Join us to discover actionable strategies that empower hospitality businesses of all sizes to thrive in today's competitive landscape and prepare for tomorrow's challenges About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry. About your co-host: Astrid Kelaher brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality marketing industry, having worked across all facets of the industry, including branding, positioning media planning, , communications, trade marketing, ambassador and sponsorship negotiations and more. Her career is marked by her time at Crown Resorts, Lavazza Australia, Treasury Wines. Her current role as General Manager of Marketing and Communications at PUBLIC Group hones her skills in project management, investor negotiations and of course, delivering quality and impactful marketing and communications that uplift the PUBLIC brand. You can connect with Astrid on LinkedIn, at @Astrid Kelaher About Public: PUBLIC is a diversified hospitality business founded on authentic experiences in accommodation, food and barrage through its expanding portfolio of intimate and purposeful local hospitality brands. From concept to build, PUBLIC delivers individual environments that always deliver something new to the market while respecting, understanding and acknowledging the heritage of every property and its place in the local community. PUBLIC uncovers the layers of history in places by restoring inner city properties to their former glory for the neighbourhood. The ambition is simple; create pillars of the community that are owned by all. Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or, listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Manager, Kat at kbramadat@pgdelights.com.au Produced By The Podcast Boss

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of the foodservice industry, teamwork is the secret ingredient that can make or break a restaurant's success. In this episode of Bite Size, we delve into the art of team building and explore its crucial role in the foodservice industry. Join us as our host Xanny Christophersen sits down with industry expert, and renowned Executive Chef, Gary Johnson, who has mastered the art of fostering strong and cohesive teams. This episode uncovers the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of managing people and how to foster the best team culture in the fast-paced foodservice industry. We dive into Gary's recipe for success, "people+product+passion=profit" and reveal the common mistakes managers make when team building. If you manage people, this episode is a must-listen! About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry. About your co-host: Executive Chef, Gary Johnson, is an internationally award-winning chef with over 40 years’ experience and leadership across a variety of venues. He is currently the Group Executive Chef of ALH Hotels, and is responsible for the culinary direction within the group including conceptual development; hotel projects, menu management; Executive and Head chef development, brand standards, food strategy and innovation. The ALH Group has over 350+ hotels with 1100+ chefs generating $500m+ in food sales annually. Please contact us if you: Want to come on board as a show sponsor Are interested in joining the show as a co-host Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make this show better Produced By The Podcast Boss

Technology. It's interesting when you utter this word - it can bring a look of dread or exhilaration in the hospitality and foodservice industry, depending on your experience. In this episode, we speak with Andrew Low, co-founder of Ordermentum, on how technology can drive meaningful insights that can transform your business - resulting in streamlining your processes, supporting your teams and helping with cash flow. We hope this sparks some ideas for your venue.