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Perth chef keen to share hearty cooking at food & wine show

The Good Food and Wine Show in Perth is set to be a vibrant celebration of culinary diversity, and one of its standout participants this year is Brian Cole, the head chef of Hearth at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth. Cole, who is eagerly anticipating the event, plans to bring a unique and personal touch to the show by showcasing his West African heritage through his cooking. His participation in the event, which draws food enthusiasts from across the region, offers a platform to share not only his culinary expertise but also the rich cultural influences that have shaped his journey as a chef.

Brian Cole’s background is deeply rooted in West African traditions, particularly from Nigeria, where food is more than sustenance—it is a vital expression of culture, family, and community. Growing up, Cole was immersed in the vibrant flavors and communal spirit of Nigerian cuisine, which often revolves around bold spices, hearty stews, and staple ingredients like yam, cassava, and plantain. These early experiences in the kitchen, surrounded by family and the aromas of traditional dishes, ignited his passion for cooking and set the foundation for his career. Now, as a celebrated chef in Perth, Cole is excited to bring these flavors to a wider audience at the Good Food and Wine Show, introducing attendees to the diversity and depth of West African gastronomy.

At Hearth, located within the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Cole has already made a name for himself by blending contemporary Australian cuisine with global influences, including those from his heritage. His menu at Hearth often reflects a fusion of techniques and flavors, where local ingredients are paired with international flair. However, for the upcoming show, Cole is focusing specifically on his West African roots, aiming to create dishes that tell a story of his upbringing while educating and inspiring others about the cuisine’s unique characteristics. He sees this as an opportunity to highlight the often underrepresented culinary traditions of West Africa in the Australian food scene, where European and Asian influences tend to dominate.

One of the key elements Cole plans to showcase is the use of traditional West African ingredients and cooking methods. He mentions staples like jollof rice, a beloved one-pot dish made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices that vary by region but often include chili, ginger, and garlic. Jollof rice is not just a meal but a cultural icon in West Africa, with friendly rivalries between countries like Nigeria and Ghana over who makes the best version. Cole is keen to present his take on this dish, perhaps incorporating local Australian produce to create a fusion that bridges his heritage with his current home. Additionally, he may explore other classics such as egusi soup, a thick, nutty stew made from ground melon seeds and often served with pounded yam or fufu, a starchy side made from cassava or plantain.

Beyond specific dishes, Cole is passionate about sharing the communal ethos of West African dining. In many West African cultures, meals are a shared experience, often eaten from a communal bowl with hands, symbolizing unity and togetherness. While the setting at the Good Food and Wine Show may not replicate this exactly, Cole hopes to evoke that spirit through interactive demonstrations and storytelling. He wants attendees to understand the cultural significance behind the food, from the way ingredients are sourced to the rituals of preparation and consumption. For instance, he might discuss the importance of palm oil in West African cooking, a vibrant red oil that adds depth and color to many dishes, or the role of street food like suya, a spicy grilled meat skewer that is a popular snack in Nigeria.

Cole’s participation in the show also reflects a broader trend in the culinary world toward embracing diversity and authenticity. As global cuisines gain prominence, chefs like Cole are at the forefront of introducing lesser-known flavors to new audiences. He believes that food has the power to connect people across cultures, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. By presenting West African cuisine at an event like the Good Food and Wine Show, he hopes to spark curiosity and encourage attendees to explore beyond familiar tastes. This aligns with the event’s ethos of celebrating food as a universal language, where chefs, producers, and food lovers come together to share their passions.

In preparing for the show, Cole has been reflecting on how to balance authenticity with accessibility. While he is committed to staying true to the flavors of his heritage, he is also mindful of adapting his dishes to suit a diverse audience that may not be familiar with West African cuisine. This might involve tweaking spice levels or offering explanations of unfamiliar ingredients to make the experience approachable without diluting its essence. His goal is not just to impress with his culinary skills but to create a meaningful connection with the audience, inviting them into his world through every bite.

Moreover, Cole’s presence at the Good Food and Wine Show is a testament to the growing appreciation for cultural diversity in Perth’s food scene. The city, known for its vibrant multicultural population, has become a hub for international cuisine, with chefs like Cole contributing to a richer, more inclusive culinary landscape. His work at Hearth already showcases this blend of influences, but the show offers a larger stage to reach a broader audience, including home cooks, food enthusiasts, and industry professionals. It’s a chance for him to inspire others to experiment with new flavors in their own kitchens, perhaps encouraging them to seek out West African ingredients at local markets or try their hand at recipes like jollof rice or pepper soup.

As the event approaches, Cole is filled with anticipation about the opportunity to represent his heritage on such a prominent platform. He views cooking as a form of storytelling, where each dish carries memories, traditions, and a sense of identity. For him, the Good Food and Wine Show is not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal endeavor to honor his roots and share a piece of his culture with the world. He hopes that attendees will leave his demonstration with a newfound appreciation for West African cuisine and a desire to learn more about the stories behind the food they eat.

In addition to his live cooking demonstrations, Cole is likely to engage with the audience through discussions about the challenges and rewards of bringing niche cuisines to mainstream platforms. He might share insights into sourcing authentic ingredients in Australia, adapting traditional recipes for modern palates, or navigating cultural expectations as a chef of West African descent in a Western context. These conversations are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural representation in food, highlighting that cuisine is not just about taste but about history, migration, and adaptation.

Ultimately, Brian Cole’s participation in the Good Food and Wine Show is a celebration of West African heritage through the lens of modern culinary artistry. His passion for his craft and his commitment to cultural storytelling promise to make his segment a highlight of the event. By introducing attendees to the bold flavors, communal traditions, and rich history of West African cuisine, Cole is not only showcasing his skills as a chef but also paving the way for greater recognition of diverse food cultures in Australia. His journey from the kitchens of Nigeria to the stage in Perth is a powerful reminder of how food can transcend borders, bringing people together in a shared appreciation of flavor and heritage. As the Good Food and Wine Show unfolds, attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience that tantalizes the taste buds and broadens horizons, one dish at a time.

Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/food/good-food-and-wine-show-hearth-head-chef-brian-cole-looking-forward-to-showcasing-west-african-heritage-c-19360133 ]