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Out of Spring

Kym Machin

Changes at Spring Food and Wine will see star chef Kym Machin on the move, but no news as yet where. An announcement on Kym’s replacement won’t be made until 2013. New at Spring is Events Manager Fiona Parsons and Restaurant Manager Jade Karipa.

Surfs up

Ben O'Donoghue

Celebrity Chef Ben O’Donoghue has announced his departure as part owner of Brisbane restaurant, South Bank Surf Club. Ben says he is on the lookout for restaurant locations and opportunities in Brisbane and finishing his new book on Farmers Markets around Australia. I’d like a copy of that under the Christmas tree please.

Dine out to help out

Breakfast at Ole

From little things big things grow and just $2 on your dining bill pre Christmas can help out in a big way. Thirteen South Bank restaurants are amongst the many involved this year in DineSmart, run by StreetSmart Australia. The campaign pairs restaurants with diners to raise funds for local, grassroots organisations that are providing critical services and emergency aid in a sustainable and empowering way. $2 is added to every bill at participating restaurants, in an opt-out system, Give more if you can. A big thumbs up to - La Via, South Bank Surf Club, Olé, The Point Bistro, Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant, Dell ‘Ugo, The Plough Inn, Cove Bar + Dining, Piaf Bistro, Sardine Tin, StokehouseQ, Bacchus and Next Door Kitchen and Bar. www.streetsmartaustralia.org

Cook for your career

Want to be in the mix or know someone who can cook? Head to www.cookforyourcareer.com.au, upload a photo of your signature dish along with why you’d like to win an apprenticeship with one of Australia’s leading restaurants. Entries are close 7 December 2012. This year’s participating chefs are Shane Delia – Maha (VIC), Peter Doyle - @ The Quay (NSW), Ryan Squires – Esquire (QLD), Nick Moutou – Il Piatto (NT), Camillo Crugnale – Assagio (SA), David Coomer – Print Hall (WA) and Graham Taute – Wrest Point (Tasmania).

Bean in the business 20 years!

Dean Merlo

Merlo Coffee celebrates 20 years of serving fresh espresso to Queenslanders on November 22. The classic success tale started when an Italian immigrant, Gino Merlo, introduced the first espresso machine into Queensland at his newly-opened, soon to be famous restaurant, Milanos, and his son, Dean Merlo, made a massive career change from barrister to barista.

Merlo Coffee, voted Australia’s favourite coffee by Lifestyle food awards, is now one of the busiest online coffee retailers, able to deliver coffee anywhere (yes, you have just found your perfect Christmas gift fairy!). www.merlo.com.au