Digging Deep - Cooks in Conversation

Join an all-star culinary lineup including award-winning cookbook author and TV host Alice Zaslavsky, local cooks Tony Tan and Liam Downes, and moderator Jacinta Parsons (host of Friday Revue and Saturday Mornings on ABC Radio) as they discuss everyone’s favourite tuber, the humble spud.

Discover how they use potatoes and what makes them the basis of some of the all-time great recipes. Hear first-hand tales from the kitchen, learn about their commitment to food, and how it nourishes their lives.

Alice Zaslavsky
Described as Australia’s friendliest voice in food, Alice is a fierce advocate for veg-forward cooking, creating delectable dishes from what she has on hand. Acclaimed author, James Beard Award Finalist, and host of 'A Bite to Eat with Alice', her boundless love of food will put a spring in your culinary step.

Tony Tan
Tony Tan is a cook’s cook known for his mastery of technique, depth of knowledge, and generosity of spirit. Renowned author and teacher, Tony is a Trentham resident who spends his time writing, tending to his veggie patch and chickens, and whose cooking school has no shortage of students wishing to learn from the master.

Liam Downes
When Liam dons his apron, he has one goal in mind—to make other people happy. Growing up in Ballarat amongst the potato paddocks of our region, Liam is one of regional Victoria’s most lauded chefs. Earning his stripes in some of Melbourne’s best diners, you will now find him creating soulful food at the Black Cat Truffle Farm and Restaurant in Wattle Flat.

Jacinta Parsons
Broadcaster, radio maker, writer, public speaker and facilitator, Jacinta currently co-hosts The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis and Saturday Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Jacinta is a passionate spud eater and describes potatoes as her religion, Pontiacs her denomination.