Radio Cairo was born in 1992.

RADIO CAIRO is a modern Australian restaurant story; born originally at my first restaurant “Mosquito Bar” in the mid 1980’s; at a time chefs like Phillip Searle, Janni Kyristis, Mogens Bay Esbensen, Christien Mansfield, Neil Perry, Tetsuya and a multitude of other amazing chefs, were starting out on an Australian culinary journey. They all wanted to say who they were and who we are as Australian’s, expressed in what we ate. With absolute respect for produce and total respect of cultural nuance, a modern Australia cuisine was born. Today, it is whatever we want it to be, thanks to these pioneers.

My love of food and the inspiration these chefs gave me, led me to following my own culinary journey. Afterall a self-taught cook with an Arts degree from Sydney uni, with absolutely no money: what could possibly go wrong?

Thankfully what I saw in Australia in 1992 was a blind-belief in what was possible in Australia. I saw in Australia an extraordinary ability to reinvent ourselves. The cuisine of Radio Cairo is just that. A Cuisine borne from a brutal colonial past, my past; now moving on in a delicious way for all of us to embrace, without the angst.

After 3o years the only review, which I still hold dear to my heart is not about food, but what food and sharing can give to us all. The reviewer finished off what was possibly a mildly unflattering review by saying “Radio Cairo, I couldn’t think of a better place for a first date!” WOW he has no idea what a compliment that was: best review ever.

I hope to see you at Radio Cairo a truly LOCAL restaurant with staff who have been working with me, for nearly as long as the restaurant has existed. These are tough times for all of us. Have fun at Radio Cairo the next time you come, without having to spend a fortune; unless you want to.

Whatever the occasion – enjoy the occasion!!