Meet Philippa Sibley: The Culinary Creative Behind Pinotta Bistro

Hey, Meet Philippa Sibley: The Culinary Creative Behind Pinotta Bistro

So, you know Philippa Sibley, right? She’s been around the culinary block and back, starting off in London with all the legendary ratbags. Then she made her way back to Australia in the ’90s and co-founded some pretty big names like Est Est Est, Luxe, and Ondine. After that, she took charge of the kitchen at Albert St Food & Wine and later at Prix Fixe. Oh, and let’s not forget her claim to fame – the Snickers Bar-inspired sweet that got her an invite to make dessert for Oprah when she was in Australia in 2010.

Now, she’s landed a new gig as the executive chef at Fitzroy North’s Pinotta, and she’s bringing her A-game. According to Philippa, she wakes up with new ideas every day, so you never know what’s going to be on the menu.

I got the chance to chat with Philippa for five minutes and here’s what she had to say:

Crafting Culinary Magic

When I asked Philippa to describe her cooking, she said she considers herself a craftsperson. She’s got skills that are no longer taught – the real deal, you know? Cooking with intuition and care, her style is a mix of modern Australian with Mediterranean and French classical roots.

The Kitchen Vibe

At Pinotta, the kitchen is right in the middle of the restaurant, which is pretty unusual. Philippa loves it because it puts her and her team right in the centre of all the action. It’s an open kitchen, so diners can see the magic happening right before their eyes. And the best part? They can walk past and give a shout-out to the chefs. It’s all about that connection and creating a real family vibe.

Creativity Knows No Bounds

When I asked about the effect of the kitchen set-up on creativity, Philippa said that creativity exists in any space. It’s all about what you bring to the table, no matter where you are.

Ambitions for Pinotta

Philippa’s got big plans for Pinotta. She’s bringing in fresh ideas every day and wants to make sure the locals get the best of the best. It’s all about cooking up food that’s respected and, most importantly, enjoyed.

Dessert Queen Turned Savoury Sensation

We all know Philippa for her desserts, but she’s been cooking up a storm with savoury dishes too. Lockdown gave her the chance to reflect and realize that she’s got a whole world of creativity beyond just desserts.

Inspiration in Melbourne’s Produce

Right now, Philippa’s feeling inspired by the incredible produce in Melbourne. It’s all about making the most of the seasonal goodies and creating magic with them.

So, there you have it – a sneak peek into the world of Philippa Sibley and her culinary adventures at Pinotta. Who knows what delicious surprises she’ll whip up next?