Chefs regularly align themselves with airlines and kitchen products: Mike McEnearney has opted instead for a market.
The former head chef at Rockpool and Rosebery's Kitchen by Mike has signed on as creative director at Carriageworks Farmers Market.
"I don't know too many places where art and great food meet, but we have an excellent opportunity here," McEnearney said.
The chef joins at a time of change at the market, which quickly became a staple for a ravenous Sydney public after opening in 2008 as Eveleigh Markets. This weekend it changes its name to Carriageworks Farmers Market after management of the market switched last year from Australian Technology Park to Carriageworks.
McEnearney has ambitious plans for the market. He wants it to complement the neighbouring arts centre, where Grace Jones recently performed. The chef will introduce more guided produce tours and cooking demonstrations, and sell the message of NSW produce. McEnearney wants the market to be one of the first stops for foodies visiting Sydney.
"You've only got look at all the food magazines and food shows. Australians are ready to engage with food. They are more savvy about what they eat. They want to know where it is grown, how it is grown and is it going to be there next year?" he said.
The chef isn't turning his back entirely on restaurants. Kitchen by Mike, the uber canteen he co-founded then departed in June, has announced it will close in Rosebery next Friday. While his former partners have plans for a new eatery opening in the space later this month, McEnearney is looking elsewhere.
"We are developing a new site at the moment. We're excited about the next incarnation of Kitchen by Mike and being in a space that gives us the opportunity to change things up a bit," he said.
For the moment he's content getting his hands dirty down at Carriageworks.
"There are already some great people already involved at the market, we just want to grow that. Take some inspiration from places such as London's Borough Market and some of the great farmers markets in the United States. Markets give you a sense of community. You engage with people, you converse with people. You might have a coffee. You don't get that at a supermarket," he said.
