![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/2026-06-1811.30.35_86360.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
After years in cities, connecting with producers and stepping away from the expectations of working in restaurants has been freeing.<\/p>\n
“We’re finding new stuff all the time and that inspires us to create new things,” he said.<\/p>\n
The move followed the closure of the duo’s renowned Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio, ending one chapter and creating space for another.<\/p>\n
Purchese said the bakery was a dream come true, but like many creative pursuits, it stopped providing the same outlet over time.<\/p>\n
“It was really fantastic to just leave it behind and go ‘Right, what’s next?’,” Purchese said.<\/p>\n
Pivoting some of their work online during the Covid-19 lockdowns also laid the foundation for their next move.<\/p>\n
Studio Kitchen grew from a need to connect audiences from afar and marked an early step away from full-time kitchen work.<\/p>\n
Today, they only take on projects that excite them, whether behind the scenes or in front of camera.<\/p>\n
It’s a privilege they credit to decades of work.<\/p>\n
“You can’t keep doing the same stuff,” Puchese said.<\/p>\n
“We’ve always been good at evolving what we want to do and physically you can’t run around the kitchen like when you’re 18 forever.<\/p>\n
“We’re really lucky to be in this position. We’ve run lots of businesses over time and we’ll probably run more again but for the time being, we’re really enjoying having a variety of different roles.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alongside their Tastes of Greater Geelong ambassador work, the pair are developing a bespoke Flinders Island culinary experience.<\/p>\n TV opportunities have also increased, with Purchese judging the past three seasons of The Great Australian Bake Off.<\/p>\n While Purchese appears on screen, Claringbold works behind the scenes helping prepare technical bakes and supporting production.<\/p>\n She said those two months each year have added new skills to their food work.<\/p>\n “It’s incredibly fulfilling to have things we can jump in and out of and cover off all your passions,” Claringbold said.<\/p>\n “There is just so much to learn, and you don’t get enough time to do it.”<\/p>\n Whether curating menus, appearing on screen or sourcing produce at local markets, they see a common thread across all their work.<\/p>\n “Every job that we do is about communicating our love of food and trying to increase the skills of people who are also excited,” Purchese said.<\/p>\n As for the future on the Bellarine, they say there is still much to explore.<\/p>\n “You’re never going to be the master of cooking or business, there’s always something to learn,” Purchese said.<\/p>\n “If you approach things, with an open mind and ready to take on new ideas, then I think you’ll always stay fresh.”<\/p>\n Claringbold and Puchese are ambassadors for the 2026 Tastes of Greater Geelong festival, which runs until 19 July.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" DARREN Purchese and Cath Claringbold love coming home. The culinary powerhouses moved to Point Lonsdale 18 months ago in search of a sea change and have embraced the food and drink scene around them. From small-batch wineries to boutique restaurants, farmers markets and fresh seafood, the pair have settled into life on the Bellarine with […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/2026-06-1811.15.26_86379.jpg\")