Page 47 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • TROPIC TASTE

Matt Black (L) Jacob Mackenzie (R)

Q&A with chef Jacob Mackenzie

What’s your background as a chef? Most popular item on the menu?
I began my apprenticeship at Nu Nu Restaurant at the Easily, the chilli scramble – soft folded egg on toasted
age of 15, where I had the opportunity to work under some brioche with our house smoked salmon, chilli jam and
amazing chefs like Isa Raku, Luke D’Arcy and Hamish coriander salad, dressed with a Vietnamese nuoc cham.
Penner-Wilson. It was here that I discovered my passion Yum!
and love for cooking. My journey has taken me to the USA,
Tasmania and the Gold Coast, where I was previously the Tell us about Botanica’s own ferments and pickles?
Head Chef of well renowned Jimmy Wah’s in Burleigh Of the wide range of ferments and pickles we use, my
Heads. Family has brought me back to Cairns and I am favourites are the red apple kimchi and the zuni pickle
excited to see what this next chapter has in store for me. (picked zucchini). Not made in the traditional way, the red
apple kimchi has a sweet but crisp texture and is absolutely
Tell us about Botanica’s menu. delicious. The zuni pickle is a sour, salty and mustardy
While I’m excited about working with such versatile dishes, pickle that holds so much flavour. You can try all of them in
unfortunately I can’t take credit for this amazing menu. our Botanica Bowl!
The food that we’re doing at Botanica uses a combination of
old and new cooking techniques to create fun and playful 5 weird things in your home kitchen?
flavours. Our menu also changes seasonally as we source Pickled broccoli, dinosaur pasta, chilli-infused maple syrup,
the best and freshest produce that Far North Queensland mango-coated bananas and 0% beers.
has to offer. I am looking forward to adding my own spin on
our already delicious menu. Where do you go to get inspiration?
I’m inspired by flavours. I love creating new and exciting
dishes from the beautiful local produce. That’s what
inspires me!

MORE: botanicaedgehill.com.au

47 • tropicnow.com.au