Food delivery Adelaide: Chefs on Wheels keeps quality dining on the menu

Home food delivery is going up-market in Adelaide as our top chefs keep quality dining on the menu despite restaurants being forced to close their doors.

Chefs Paul Baker from Chefs on Wheels with Terry Intarakhamhaeng, head chef Soi 38 and Emma McCaskill, head chef at Sparkke at the Whitmore, cooking up a storm in the Edible Exchange kitchen in Glynde. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

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Pappardelle with duck ragu. Thai chicken skewers with pickled cucumber and chilli. Masterstock spiced pork shoulder with charred eggplant and preserved lemon.

Just weeks ago, these were the type of dishes being served in some of Adelaide’s best restaurants. Now, chefs are whipping them up for families at home as part of an initiative to keep hospitality workers in employment.

Home food delivery service Chefs on Wheels has had an “overwhelming” response since launching just a week ago, with top chefs Paul Baker (Botanic Gardens Restaurant), Emma McCaskill (Fare) and Terry Intarakhamhaeng (Soi. 38) cooking the food they love in 400g and 2kg packs.

New additions to the service include the Chianti and Bar Torino crew – and more restaurants are jumping on board.

“It’s not take-out,” says Mr Baker, a former Advertiser Chef of the Year. “It’s Terry’s curries and shallot cakes; Emma’s dals; my truffled mac and cheese. No one’s competing against each other – there is no point. Diners can create their own adventure.”

SA food wholesaler Edible Exchange – which had been supplying about 250 of SA’s restaurants before the national shutdown – packs and delivers the food.

The idea came from EE’s director and Paul’s wife Annabelle Baker. She describes it as a “more sustainable” option to conventional takeaway.

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A 200g pack costs $10; 2kg is $30, and they last in the fridge for at least seven days or can be frozen for the long haul.

“The idea of the packs is that you can use your pantry staples with them,” Ms Baker says. “Terry’s curry doesn’t come with rice because everyone’s got that.

“Last week, we got one of his curries and were able to get six meals out of it.”

The website is also serving as a platform for producers who are now overstocked, including K & R Produce.

“The more we grow, the more staff we can bring back or increase shifts,” Mr Baker says.

Those playing at home will even be able to tune into their chef’s favourite Spotify playlist, included with delivery.

Visit chefsonwheels.com.au

Originally published as Food delivery Adelaide: Chefs on Wheels keeps quality dining on the menu