At 15, Nik Hill traded the classroom for the kitchen — and never looked back. In this candid chat with Lucy Allon, he reveals how mentorship, competitions, and mastering the fundamentals of French cuisine cooking propelled him from young apprentice to the creative force behind Sydney’s Porcine Bistro. From fine dining to smoked eels, discover the flavours, philosophies, and hard-earned lessons that define Nik’s recipe for leadership and his unique mark on the city’s dining scene.

Takeaways

• Nik started cooking professionally at 15.
• The organisation and adrenaline of service in kitchens were significant motivators.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Nik’s career development.
• Transitioning from fine dining to British pub food was a refreshing change for Nik. 
• Nik says that focusing on cooking ‘properly’ is essential for great food.
• The concept of Porcine was influenced by Nik’s time at the Old Fitz pub in Sydney.
• Innovative use of secondary cuts and lesser-known ingredients is key.
• Competitions provide valuable learning experiences and mindset training.
• Leadership in the kitchen emphasises cooking skills over titles.

Standout Quotes:

• "I just wanted to get out of school."
• "It's a long game."
• "Be the cook, not the chef."

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nik Hill and His Culinary Journey

02:47 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

05:58 Mentorship and Growth in Elite Kitchens

08:58 Transitioning to the Old Fitz and British Pub Cuisine

11:57 The Concept and Development of Porcine

14:57 Innovative Projects: Smoketrap Eels

19:59 Defining the Unique Style of Porcine

22:56 The Role of Competitions in Nik's Career

25:56 Leadership Style and Mentoring Young Chefs

29:53 Future of Sydney's Dining Scene and Nik's Vision

Links

Nik Hill: https://www.instagram.com/nikhill_smoketrap 

Website: https://www.porcine.com.au/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porcinebistro 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Porcinebistro/ 

This episode is proudly presented in partnership with UNOX Australia, leaders in smart oven innovation for commercial and residential kitchens. Learn more atwww.unox.com 

#cooking #mentorship #restaurant #culinary #competition #leadership #diningscene #Australiancuisine #Britishpubfood #innovativecooking #Porcine #SmoketrapEels

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