Hot Spots: Q&A with Shane Delia

Friday 12 March 2010, 9.48 AM
By Hot Spots Team | Posted in People

A fresh-faced fellow of only 30, Shane Delia is the culinary sensation behind the award-winning Maha Bar & Grill in the city. With the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in full swing this week, we pinned him down to find out a little bit about him and the delicious events he’ll be involved in this year.

You come from four generations of Maltese bakers. What made you put down the rolling pin and don the chef’s hat instead?

Even though baking is in my blood, my love of cooking stems from my love of eating. I truly love food and all it encompasses. Family, friends, food and festivities.

What is your involvement in the festival this year?

I am honoured to be included in the esteemed list of both international and Melbournian chefs, presenting at the 2010 master class series. We are also contributing to some of the exciting events held by the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, including the ever popular restaurant express lunches and the crawl ‘n bite.

What can budding chefs hope to learn at the Langham Melbourne Masterclass? 

What cooking is really about! Honest food that has soul and is just plain delicious!

What are your top picks from the festival program for those who want to stick to the city?

I love the hustle and bustle of street food culture, so my pick is always the Hawkers Market. You can get a taste of all of your favourites, and if you’re anything like me you can’t get enough of Asian textures and flavours.

Maha is tucked away down one of Melbourne many iconic laneways. What are your favourite hard-to-find food experiences in Melbourne city centre?

For great Italian with passion you can’t go past Ricardo Momesso’s Sarti, nestled away in Russell Place above the iconic Gin Palace.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival takes over Melbourne from 12 – 23 March 2010.