Orana chef Jock Zonfrillo quits Tasting Australia festival
Orana chef and restaurateur Jock Zonfrillo is cutting ties with Tasting Australia, after taking on the role of programming director of the Adelaide-based food festival for the past three years.
His reputation as a culinary superstar has seen him secure big names to headline the festival in recent years, including Marco Pierre White in 2017 and chefs from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Zonfrillo said he was leaving Tasting Australia to concentrate on The Orana Foundation, a project that is looking to protect indigenous Australian ingredients and food culture.
“Moving on at this time is right for me — it creates space for a new approach for the festival, and also allows me more time to spend on new projects in The Orana Foundation,” Zonfrillo told The Herald Sun.
“I am so proud to have been part of the Tasting Australia team for the last three years. We have attracted some of the best talent across Australia and the world to South Australia.”
Chef Simon Bryant will continue in his role as festival director, with “guest programmers” set to join him including festival patron Cheong Liew, beverage director Nick Stock and Tasting Australia event manager Ross Ganf.
“Having the Jock Zonfrillo seal of approval has added great kudos and credibility to an already brilliant event,” Bryant said.
Events SA executive director Hitaf Rasheed said having the opportunity to work with the chef for three years was “a real gift”.
“We thought if we had him sit at our table for one or two years that would be amazing knowing the breadth of his commitments,” Rasheed said.
Sheridan Randall, 30th September 2019
