Daniel Sponiar: Yes Chef!

Overview

George Calombaris is a long way from Masterchef. In the world of Sydney photographer, Daniel Sponiar, Calombaris is embroiled in a coup de etat with his head chef and sommelier — knife poised for the final strike. In other snaps, Shane Delia plays racecars with his son, and Guy Grossi is practically the Godfather. The world of Australian cuisine is nothing if not diverse.

Showing at Edmund Pearce as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Yes Chef! is a playful look at the men behind the menus. Produced in discussion with the chefs themselves, Sponair's photographs tap into their lives beyond the kitchen. "My aim is to present a fresh perspective that reveals who they really are, what has led to their success or what drives their creativity," says Sponiar. For some the answer seems straightforward — family, or leisure in the form of a motorcycle or a surfboard. For Calombaris it worryingly seems he's driven by the murderous rage of his colleagues. Everyone knew the kitchen was cut-throat.