Lorne chef wins big for humble bowls club

A LORNE chef has achieved her biggest feat to date, taking out the Chef of the Year award at the prestigious Good Food Guide Awards.

Little Picket restaurant owner and chef, Jo Barrett beat a series of industry heavyweights for the major title last Monday evening at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom.

The hunter, farmer, fly-disher, baker, cheesemaker, archer and sustainability pioneer has worked to push the boundaries of dining in Lorne with Little Picket.

She said it came as a huge surprise to win the prestigious award.

 

“It was very unexpected; we didn’t even expect to get a chefs hat!

“We are just a little humble bowls club, so to be among our peers from all around the state was pretty amazing.

“We had only just started the restaurant when the awards were last year, so it was really cool to go to Melbourne and see things come to life after such hard times.”

Ms Barrett uses the freshest produce at Little Picket, with menu items including ethically wild sourced game like feral boar dim sims and culled wallaby terrine featuring on the menu.

All cheese is made in house, fruit and vegetables come from nearby eco- farms, and the kitchen minimises plastic and food waste in favour of more sustainable techniques.

Based out of a small bowls club on the beach, Little Picket is revered by the local community and tourists alike for its comfortable setting, breathtaking views and delicious and unique ways of cooking.

 

“We felt so lucky to get the lease of this place in July last year and to reopen it up in August,” Mrs Barrett said.

“We endeavour to use the best local produce to serve our local community and we change the menu alot with just what’s around and what is available.

“We compost, do our own waste management, we don’t use chemicals and we lots of co-farming.

“We just want to be a community spot. It’s not about fine dining, we just want everyone to come, enjoy and feel part of the community.”

“It’s definitely been busy from the get-go, but we are looking forward to an exciting summer season.”

Little Picket is open Friday to Sunday.

For more, head to www.littlepicket.com.au/