Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential chefs, Tetsuya Wakuda remains as soft-spoken and humble as ever. Nearly four decades after redefining Japanese fine dining in Australia, he reflects on legacy, passion, and the quiet pursuit of perfection.

Chef Thao Na’s culinary journey defies convention. In a world where kitchens are often shaped by intensity and bravado, she chose a gentler strength: femininity expressed through patience, intuition, and emotional depth. Her cuisine becomes a form of storytelling, where French discipline frames Vietnamese memory, and each dish reflects the quiet courage of carving her own path.

In a culinary landscape where flavors can echo memories and technique becomes a language of emotion, Chef David Thai stands at the crossroads of East and West, crafting dishes that speak with quiet precision and soulful intention. His story - shaped in Paris and refined in Vietnam - unfolds through a devotion to purity, balance, and authenticity.

At El Toro, dining unfolds with quiet precision, where fire, technique, and restraint come together to shape something deeply personal. In this conversation, Chef Jaiden Nghiem reflects on his journey, his evolving philosophy, and the art of creating spaces where guests can slow down, connect, and simply feel at ease.