Mecca Bah Head Chef "Justin Cortellino"

Chef Justin has been serving up tantalizing Middle Eastern cuisine at Mecca Bah as Head Chef since 2005 and recently showed off his talents on stage at the HIA Home Ideas Show.

5 minutes with Chef Justin Cortellino

Q) When did you start at Mecca Bah?

A) Yes, I have been Head Chef at Mecca Bah since October 2005

Q) What inspired you to become a Chef?

A) My mum inspired me to become a Chef…she had always and still does, introduce different flavours into our family. She was never trained, but had a desire for good flavour from different regions around the world.

Q) What’s your cooking style?

A) Simplicity is my key to developing dishes. I don’t overload on a lot of ingredients, I guess you can say my cooking style is a little rustic with a fresh approach.

Q) Have you cooked for anyone famous?

A) A real career highlight for me was cooking for the Italian President while working at Scusa Mi

Q) Favourite snack?

A) I can’t pass up an offer for a serve of fries…well, fat chips that is!!! How bad is that!!! But boureks are always on my menu, so they help with my snacking habits.

Q) What about your favourite indulgence?

A) A good block of 75% cocoa chocolate breaks the drought

Q) Tools of the trade?

A) My top 3 favourite cooking tools: A fish slide or turner is the best all rounder. Silicon rubber spatula, for its high heat capabilities. A timer for extra insurance.

Food Demonstrations

Justin took to the stage at this year's HIA Home Ideas Show (April 2009) at the Melbourne Exhibition & Concention Centre.

He prepared Atlantic Salmon with Tomato Confit Couscous before a crowd of hungry on lookers... who jumped at the opportunity to grab a sample at the end of the show.