ExtraVirgin Food & Travel

In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food & Travel, we're exploring conscious travel and what responsible tourism really looks like in practice. As more travellers seek sustainable travel experiences and meaningful ways to give back, the question becomes: how can we see the world while making a positive impact? Natascha Mirosch chats with Robyn Nixon of Intrepid Travel, who takes small groups everywhere from Africa to the Arctic. They look at the work of The Intrepid Foundation, the charitable arm of Intrepid Travel, which, through grassroots partnerships around the globe, supports local communities, environmental conservation projects and social enterprises, proving that despite all the negativity we hear about its impact, travel can be a force for good. Natascha and Robyn also discuss the extremely well-travelled Robyn's own travel experiences - destinations that changed her life and those she's still eager to visit.

It was a simple coin toss and a chance bus ride - two sliding-door moments that would forever connect Belinda Jackson's destiny to the country of Egypt. In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch is joined by Belle, a multi-award-winning travel journalist, to talk about her second home: Egypt. One of the world's most fascinating destinations, Egypt is often misunderstood. Belle, who considers it her second home and brings years of first-hand experience and professional insight to the conversation, shares practical Egypt travel tips that go beyond the headlines and clichés. From navigating logistics and safety concerns to choosing between independent travel and guided tours, this episode offers clear, honest advice for first-time visitors and return travellers alike, as well as a taste of the country's extraordinary food and culture, must-see sights, from oasis hot springs to breakfasting at the pyramids as well as Belle's professionally-informed picks for the best places to stay. Whether you're researching an upcoming trip or simply dreaming of one, this episode is a practical, immersive Egypt travel guide, designed to help you travel with confidence, curiosity and respect, and to remind you why Egypt is a destination everyone should experience at least once.

Sonya Gellert has the enviable job of being a full-time food writer. She's done a host of fabulous things throughout a career that's taken her from Australia to Japan, the UK and back to Australia. She's been a travel editor, restaurant reviewer, editorial food and drink writer, copywriter and recipe editor. She's written for Table Magazine UK, Escape magazine, delicious Magazine, Vogue Living, Huffington Post and more and worked with food luminaries such as Rachel Khoo and Donna Hay. We're going to hear about Sonya's career trajectory, what she likes to cook and eat, what makes a good recipe, her favourite cookbook and foodie travel destination, what are the most searched-for recipes and more.

Guy Grossi has carved out a distinguished career and made a significant contribution to the hospitality scene over the last forty years, both as a restaurateur and chef. In fact, in 1996, Guy was awarded the L'insegna Del Ristorante Italiano by no less than the president of Italy, for his dedication to presenting and promoting "La Cucina Italiana" and the Italian lifestyle. He's written four cookbooks and has been on a slew of television programs, from "Food Safari" and Iron Chef, to "My Kitchen Rules." He also runs a small empire of highly regarded restaurants countrywide, including his flagship, Grossi Florentino. In this episode of ExtraVirgin, Natascha Mirosch and Guy chat all things food and hospitality, as well as Italian travel. They discuss why Italians don't like penne lisce and the difference between fast and slow dried pasta, what's wrong with the hospitality scene and how the financial crisis is affecting it, his favourite dishes from his Pugliese father and Venetian mother; who he'd invite and what he'd serve at a fantasy dinner party and more. Guy also gives us some great Italy travel and food tips - from the Amalfi Coast to Florence and Puglia.

Have you been thinking of (or dreaming about) taking an Antarctic cruise? Cruising is huge and estimates have the cruise industry growing by another 9% in 2024. For some regular cruisers, particularly those with large disposable incomes, the great white continent, represents just another an as-yet unexplored cruise destination to conquer. For others, Antarctica is a long-cherished dream. But what's it really like? What can you expect on a cruise to Antarctica? Natascha Mirosch puts that question to travel journalist Catherine Marshall, who has been to Antarctica not once, but twice. They discuss the dreaded Drake Crossing, life on board an expedition ship, Antarctica's wildlife and shore excursions. Catherine tells us about the fascinating post office at the end of the world, and the British post mistresses who come to this remote spot to man it as well as the time she had a polar swim. They also talk about the environmental impacts and whether a visit can have a positive impact. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to cruise to Antarctica, have a listen.

Agnes Restaurant was recently awarded Restaurant of the Year by Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant. In this episode of ExtraVirgin, Natascha Mirosch chats with Agnes executive chef, Ben Williamson, who also co-owns other popular restaurants Same Same, Bianca, Honto and Agnes Bakery. Western Australian-born Ben spent time travelling the Middle East, where he sharpenened his kitchen skills and learned about cooking from the heart - something that would become the cornerstone of his culinary philosophy. On his return to Australia, he settled in Brisbane, working in some of the city's most highly regarded restaurants, including a lengthy tenture at Gerard's Bistro, where introduced the city to his modern re-imagining of the cuisine of The Levant, gaining the venue many accolades including two hats. He then went on to establish Agnes, a wood-fired restaurant in a characterful, historic building; a restaurant generally regarded as the best in Brisbane. In their chat, Natascha and Ben not only delve into his background, but discuss his food philosophy and influences, what he might have done differently in his career, food trends, where he likes to eat out, his future plans and more.

Group travel needn't involve being shuttled around on 50-seater coaches, taken to the major sights to snap your instagram pics, then...back on the bus to do it all again. In this podcast, host Natascha Mirosch talks with Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass who offer small group trips to some destinations that are definitely off the well-trod tourist path. But, if you're usually an independent traveller, why would you consider group travel? It's one of the questions that Natascha poses to Lisa. They also discuss how the pandemic has shifted the way many people want to travel, who are the people who take small group tours, the cultural, economic and environmental advantages of travelling this way, as well as the destinations her company covers and more. Lisa's just returned from Georgia, a country that's high on Natascha's bucket list, so they chat about it, including the top sights (turns out Georgia's mountains outdo the Swiss and French alps for hiking and wildlflower spotting.) And wait until you hear what intrepid traveller Lisa's favourite travel experience ever is - we can guarantee it's somewhere you don't expect!

This episode of Extra Virgin Food and Travel's "Postcards,"comes to you from the Republic of Ireland's capital, Dublin. Our guide is Louise Slyth, who's originally from Scotland but has made this enchanting city her home. Louise shows us around 'her' Dublin, her favourite galleries and museums, parks and pubs. She tells us the best places to shop and shares with us her recommendations of where to eat and drink - from simple fish and chips to sophisticated modern Irish; a pint of guiness to a classic cocktail. So, whether you're planning a trip to Dublin or simply daydreaming of a future visit, have a listen, as our guide Louise shows us where to find the craic in Dublin. You can also follow Louise on instgram at @louiseslyth_writer. And if you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast platform.

Being credited with having "the Midas touch" is one thing that riles the seemingly unflappable Tony Kelly. His journey from young apprentice to owning ten successful Sunshine Coast hospitality businesses has been far from easy, nor linear - there have not only been set-backs and hard times, but also periods of intense self-doubt, the chef-turned-restaurateur admits. Today though, Kelly is recognised as a tour de force, a game-changer on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where he employs around 400 people across his group's businesses, that include the incredibly popular "Rice Boi." "Bocca Italian" and newly opened "RB." In this episode, ExtraVirgin Food and Travel host Natascha Mirosch talks to Tony about his earliest years working in hotels, cruise ships and fine diners. They discuss how he manages to steer his hospitality juggernaut and his most memorable meals, she canvasses his opinion on hats, stars and the Michelin Guide, the best advice he's ever received and finds out who he'd invite to dinner. Even if you've not heard of Tony Kelly or dined in one of his establishments, it's guaranteed you'll enjoy listening to Natascha's chat with this modest and very open chef-turned-businessman.

Heading to London? There's a lot more to the city than Buckingham palace and Big Ben. Our guest on this episode of "Postcards," is Che-Marie Trigg, a freelance writer and editor. In February 2023 she relocated from Sydney to London for the second time – she spent two years living and working in the English capital in 2017 and 2018, and has been in the city's grip ever since. In this Postcard, Che Marie shows us her London, sharing her favourite places to eat and drink, off-the-tourist-track sights, including museums and parks (including one with a swimming pond!) and much more. So whether London is an upcoming holiday destination for you, or you're just armchair travelling, sit back and enjoy this postcard from London.

Italians have what is indisputably the best cuisine and lifestyle in the world, right? In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch talks with Silvestro Silvestori, owner and director of cooking school The Awaiting Table, in the beautiful baroque city of Lecce, in Italy's south about how to cook and eat like an Italian. Rich in cooking tips and fascinating facts about this highly regional cuisine, this episode is essential listening for anyone who loves Italy and Italian food. Buon appetito!

What is wrong with our food system? What's threatening food security? Covid and food shortages highlighted one aspect - the supply chain, and climate change is showing us another. There is an urgent need to fundamentally transform the way we farm, shop and cook - it's no longer enough to just try to maintain the status quo, but instead, we need to realise the abundance is finite and adopt a regenerative approach. In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch talks to Jade Miles, CEO of The Sustainable Table, author, podcaster and regenerative farmer about what's wrong with our food systems, what they're doing as an organisation, life on her farm and how we as consumers can do our bit.

Well, some of them! This year has produced a bumper crop of fantastic cookbooks - way too many to give love to in a podcast, so Natascha Mirosch has picked out a few of her favourites from 2022. Some are already sauce splattered and dog-eared, others waiting their turn, but she reckons all are a little bit special - from books that will help nip food wastage in the bud, to easy "Chinese-ish" recipes, a history of food though English puddings and more. If you're looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life, or even you want to give a hint to loved one for your own Christmas present, have a listen.