AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards
Stephen Hickman
Born:
Hobart.
History:
I completed my apprenticeship in Tasmania, before moving to Sydney in 2001, where I landed a job as a Commis Chef at Café Sydney. In 2003, I moved up to a Sous Chef position at Garfish Kirribilli, before going on a 2-year working holiday in 2005, where I worked through Canada and the UK.
I returned to Sydney in 2007 and took up a Head Chef position back at Garfish Kirribilli, before moving back to Hobart in 2009 and taking up the Head Chef position at The New Sydney Hotel. I also did quite a long stint at The Grand Chancellor Hotel, where I stayed until 2016. On December 22, 2016, we opened Driftwood Restaurant in Lauderdale Tasmania.
Have you always wanted to be a Chef?
Yes, I was always involved in cooking at home and found a love for it about the age of 12. I took subjects throughout school that led in that general direction.
How would you define your style?
Modern Australian, as I like to borrow flavours and ideas from the places I’ve travelled.
What is your feature flavour these days?
I love to smoke things! I play with ingredients used in the smoke flavours, for example, fennel and lemon with wood chips when smoking fish.
Obsessive compulsive about?
Cleanliness.
Your greatest culinary inspirations/influences:
Dinner at Eden in Banff Canada where we had an 11-course degustation with wine pairing. Expect the unexpected and don’t say no just because it’s different.
What do you love about this business?
We have an open kitchen and I enjoy watching the guests.
An ingredient you can’t live without?
Garlic, salt and olive oil.
Most ‘eyebrow raising’ menu item?
Smoked salt and cured egg yolks.
Signature dish:
I don’t ever want to have just one…
Driftwood Restaurant
Situated on North Terrace, Lauderdale, Driftwood Restaurant offers relaxed, poolside dining with a refined coastal touch at Ingenia Holidays Rivershore. Inspired by the Sunshine Coast’s abundance of fresh local produce, the menu evolves with the seasons, delivering thoughtfully crafted dishes that balance flavour, freshness and ease. The atmosphere blends laid-back holiday vibes with understated elegance, making it just as suited to a mid-morning coffee and cake as it is to a family lunch or sunset dinner. With beautiful views, welcoming service and a menu designed to please all ages, Driftwood is a go-to for effortless dining in a breezy, holiday-inspired setting.
More Chefs
Latest Articles
