AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards
Luke McGregor-Allen

Luke McGregor-Allen

Born:

Melbourne.

History:

Spending a chunk of my childhood in Malaysia and South East Asia, where we had Chinese and Indian cooks in our home kitchens, I developed a passion for different types of food and flavours at an early age. This passion developed further as I grew up. 

I was 14 when I took on my first role in a commercial kitchen. At this time, my passion grew into an addiction. However, I moved away from the industry for several years, where I went on to become a qualified aircraft engineer. With this qualification, I went on to start and grow a very successful aviation-related engineering business. The aviation industry developed my zero-compromise attitude on quality and honed my managerial skills. I travelled extensively to various countries and the cuisines I came across while travelling re-ignited my addiction to fine food and flavours. 

So, some 15 years ago, I jumped back into hospitality and commenced my formal training. Since then, I’ve gone on to own and operate some successful venues, as well as head up some very well-respected kitchens across Melbourne. 

I have a passion for training and inspiring young Chefs to develop their skill sets and techniques, as well as develop their management skills. 

Have you always wanted to be a Chef?

Yes, it has been a lifelong passion.

How would you define your style?

Modern Australian, with an Asian fusion influence.

What is your feature flavour these days?

Fresh and seasonal.

Obsessive-compulsive about?

Perfection and consistency down to every, last, detail.

What do you love about this business?

The pace and pressure of a busy service. The satisfaction of seeing satisfied diners. 

An ingredient you can’t live without?

Ginger, coriander, chilli and garlic.