DJ Crabtree, chef and owner of the restaurant Searles Garagiste, is a qualified winemaker with a passion for all things flavourful.
“I am extremely passionate about using my environment and surroundings to shape my design and conceptualisation of the menu, one that reflects the space around it,” he said. “I try to use as many natural ingredients as possible, ones that are produced from our immediate ecosystems.”
Crabtree draws inspiration from many chefs and their unique way of thinking about food. “I enjoy the ‘off the beaten track’ chefs as they break the boundaries with flavours and how they can reshuffle ingredients to create a whole new concept.” He also loves making fresh pasta due to its endless possibilities. “You can create, flavour or incorporate different ingredients in the process. There is something very therapeutic about making pasta and slowly taking the process step by step, no shortcuts.”