SOME chefs choose the lifestyle and sometimes cookery claims them.
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The Clubhouse Bar and Bistro head chef Brendan Rickard had started another trade for 12 months when he got lured back to the commercial kitchen.
"I've always liked cooking and it was the only thing I was good at in school," he quipped.
Following an apprenticeship at The Blazing Stump Hotel in Wodonga, Rickard worked at O'Maille's Pub in Wodonga, Culcairn Hotel, Hotel Australia at Corowa and Yackandandah Hotel.
Now 28, Rickard started at The Clubhouse Bar and Bistro last spring and heads a team of five, including his mum Cathy Rickard.
His mum has worked in the hospitality industry for about a decade.
"We know when we set foot in the place we have a professional relationship," Brendan said.
"I stick to my steak section and help out on the fryers and Mum calls the dockets.
“When we set foot outside the restaurant, we have a family relationship again."
Rickard said he favoured wholesome food over fine dining.
"I like simple food, done well," he said.
"We started our new winter menu - it has dishes like Osso Bucco, Seafood Marinara and Pumpkin Risotto.”
Together with partner Laura, Rickard has three children: Tyler, 9, Brydie, 2-1/2, and Seth, 4 months.
Tyler has already shown promise in the kitchen.
"As soon as the kids hear the car pull in, they change the TV from the kids' shows to the cookery shows," Rickard said.
What's your favourite dish?
One I don't have to cook!
What are the staples in your pantry?
Asian and Mexican staples like rice and tortillas.
What's your secret vice?
None that come to mind.
What is your recipe standby?
Osso Bucco.
What is your most unforgettable meal and where?
My Wodonga-based Nan's (Marie Hawkins) vegie soup. She always had a pot cooking when we went around.
What's your favourite cooking utensil?
Knives. Victorinox, forged series.
What's in your kitchen toolkit?
No longer wooden spoons on this side of the border due to health issues. NSW chefs can keep them in their kitchens!
What did you have for dinner last night?
Chicken and vegetables
What are you drinking?
Coke
Details:
The Clubhouse Bar and Bistro,
10 Clubhouse Place, Wodonga
Phone (02) 6059 1079.
