#346 Zoe Birch  | Greasy Zöes

#346 Zoe Birch | Greasy Zöes

From Conversation with a chef by Jo Rittey

April 11, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

Jo Rittey shares a memorable conversation with chef Zoe Birch about her restaurant Greasy Zöes and the philosophy behind their cooking.

People often ask me what my favourite conversation with a chef has been, and I usually say that I don’t have one. I love them all. Everyone has a story to tell, and I feel genuinely privileged to be able to hear and share those stories, which makes it hard to single one out. But sometimes a conversation lingers. Sitting inside Greasy Zoes in Hurstbridge, after that gentle shift from city to rolling hills, it became clear. What Zoe Birch and her partner, Lachlan have created here, with intention, conviction, and deep connection to place, people, and produce is the result of years of quiet confidence and commitment. This was a glorious conversation about choosing risk, staying small, cooking honestly, and building a life that makes sense. And now if you ask me what my favourite conversation has been, I have an answer: Zoe Birch.

People in this episode

Host: Jo Rittey

Guest: Zoe Birch

Topics covered

  • cooking
  • risk-taking
  • small business
  • community
  • food culture

Keywords

  • Zoe Birch
  • Greasy Zöes
  • Hurstbridge
  • cooking
  • food culture
  • small business
  • risk-taking

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Greasy Zöes

Places: Hurstbridge

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