Meet Steel Bar and Grill chef Damian Heads

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If you had just three ingredients to cook with, what would they be?

Three of my favourites - dry-aged steak, Binnorie Dairy fetta and vegies galore. And then it would have to change for the next meal!

Are there any popular food trends you’re excited about at the moment?

I don’t take much notice of trends, I believe simple, honest flavours and casual dining are driving the charge these days.

What’s your idea of the ultimate meal?

Doesn’t matter what you’re eating as long as you’re with good friends.

Most memorable restaurant experience?

When I was 21 I went to my first Michelin starred restaurant, Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison by Raymond Blanc – it changed my world.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Crisps – they come out with the beer!

What’s your favourite dish to cook at home and why?

BBQ – less dishes to wash, gets the family outside and have a long leisurely meal grazing. It’s a great easy option any night in summer.

RECIPE: Damian Heads' sashimi tuna spring roll

Who would you most love to cook for?

I love cooking for my kids, their excitement with new flavours is cool. My 3 year old daughter loves spit roast pig with olives!

Which chefs do you most admire?

The ones that stick to their guns.

What has been your proudest moment?

Winning the Josephine Pignolet Award (SMH young chef of the year 2003).

Can you recall your biggest cooking disaster?

Too many to recall!

What meal do you remember most from your childhood?

The meal I craved the most as a child was a Works burger and a chocolate milk shake – not much has changed!

Christmas is coming up - how do you celebrate the festive season? Do you have a favourite Christmas dish?

Exhausted after December trade – Christmas is all about the kids – I just need some of Mum’s boozy rumballs, a good BBQ feed which I often end up preparing, and some smoked ham.

What's your best basic kitchen tip for aspiring home cooks?

Baby steps and follow recipes from tried, proven cookbooks. Don’t start with the tricky dishes from the summer magazines!

Steel Bar and Grill are offering a special summer deal at Spreets. Enjoy a seafood platter, sharing plates and wine for just $59. Find the deal here!

Watch the video to find out how to make a strawberry trifle:

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