Series 1: Episode 2

In the Coral Sea off Gladstone, we join professional reef fisherman Travis for one of his regular six day trips on board the tough fishing boat Jakodi. His target species are Red Emperor and Coral Trout. We’re also joined by executive chef Jake Nicolson, whose Blackbird Restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD is a far cry from the Spartan life of a pro reef fisherman. Jake barbecues a whole Red Emperor with roasted cauliflower leaves and brown butter for a working lunch on board the boat. Back at the restaurant, he prepares Coral Trout Fillets and Mooloolaba Prawns with a Pumpkin and Ginger Beurre Blanc.

JAKE NICOLSON

Executive Chef from Blackbird Restaurant

Jake began his cooking career at the Lake House in Daylesford under the guidance of respected chef and owner Alla Wolf Tasker. Prior to joining the Ghanem Group, Jake worked at Circa the Prince in Melbourne for seven years, taking over as head chef in 2010 where he was recognised with two Chef Hats from The Age Good Food Guide 2012. Jake’s work experience also includes a stint at the famous El Bulli in Spain and previous to that in London at The Vineyard, The Square and The Ledbury.
In 2004 Jake was the winner of the Borges/Ferran Adria culinary Scholarship. He was also selected to represent Australia at the International Food & Wine Festival in Dubai in 2005. In 2008 Jake was named Appetite for Excellence Young Chef of the Year. This saw him travel to Venice where he competed in the prestigious international San Pellegrino Cooking cup in which he placed 3rd.
Outside of his kitchen, Jake is a member of the QLD State Judging Panel for the Delicious Produce Awards, ambassador for Electrolux Appetite for Excellence Program & a member of the Royal National Agricultural beef judging panel.

FEATURED RECIPES

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Quest Apartments Gladstone
39–43 Bramston Street, Gladstone 4680
Tel: +61 7 4970 0900
Email: questgladstone@questapartments.com.au
Web: www.questapartments.com.au