British born Darren Robertson is a gourmet chef and Co-owner of Rocker in North Bondi and Three Blue Ducks which has locations in Brisbane, Byron, Melbourne, Sydney and Snowy Valley, NSW.
He is also a cookbook author and a media personality who has appeared on many TV cooking shows including MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules. Being a contributor to ‘Delicious’ magazine adds to his impressive list of experience, and when he’s not doing all that he spends time with his family, Magdalena Roze and sons Archie and Charlie.
Darren has created a special macadamia, miso and chocolate palmier to celebrate Macadamia Nut Day 2022 so we were thrilled to stop and take a macadamia moment with him.
When did you discover your love of food?
To be honest I started my apprenticeship at seventeen so I could travel the world with a skill. After a couple years I was lucky enough to work with some pretty incredible chefs and cooking began to take over my life. The world of food is endlessly fascinating, I’m still constantly learning and still love it many years down the track.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are creating a recipe or menu?
The farmers markets are probably the biggest inspiration, my favourite is New Brighton Farmers Market which is held every Tuesday morning.
What’s the one ingredient you can’t live without?
Coffee
Do you remember when you first tried a macadamia nut?
I’m not exactly sure when, but I’m pretty sure it was covered in milk chocolate, I was quite intrigued by the texture and quite possibly finished the lot!
What’s your favourite way to enjoy macadamias?
So many ways! We have served them puréed with miso, smoked blueberries and raw venison at Three Blue Ducks which worked really well, or simply roasted with buckwheat and fennel pollen to top ice cream and strawberries.
What do you like most about your work?
I love the hospitality community, certainly after the past couple of years, there’s so much support.
What’s your favourite non-work thing to do right now?
Go on road trips, camp out and cook with my kids.
If you were an ice cream what flavour would you be?
Cookies and cream
