Delicious Love Stories: Topiary owners partners in life and work
Many of SA’s best restaurants are run by couples who are partners in both business and love. In the first of a new video series, Kane and Adele Pollard tell of the connection between fine food and family.
delicious SA
Don't miss out on the headlines from delicious SA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Revealed: South Australia’s top 100 restaurants
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Taking time out is important for any family – even more so when parents are partners in both life and work.
Take Adele and Kane Pollard, the front-of-house and chef team behind Topiary, a top-rated restaurant in South Australia’s delicious100 list.
After meeting at Kane’s 21st birthday, the pair found love for each other and for food, building their business and then, a family.
Their story features in part one of a new Advertiser video series called “Delicious Love Stories”, by video journalist Veathika Jain and videographer Emily Dawe (watch it above).
“It took our strength to another level; having a child was a challenging part, but it’s incredible,” says Kane, 33. Their daughter Isla, 5, is an extra special reason to make time together outside of work.
“We’re fortunate to be closed at night – evenings are super special, it’s just the whole balance thing,” Kane says. “When I have proper time with Isla, the creative juices flow a little bit more and my head’s in a much better space.”
If Kane Pollard needs honest feedback on a new concept he is trialling in the kitchen, he doesn’t need to go far.
Adele will always play it straight.
“She doesn’t hesitate to tell me what she thinks,” he says. “That’s really helped me. If there have been certain dishes I think are good she will tell me if she reckons they can be improved. It can be hard to take at the time. But then you go and rework it a bit and it’s a lot better.”
The young couple has overseen the remarkable transformation of a garden centre café into one of Adelaide’s most exciting modern eateries.
Kane grows and forages for many of his ingredients and is passionate about wasting as little as possible.
“I’ve never met someone who pushes themselves so hard and comes out with incredible results every day,” Adele says. “You can see how proud I am. The evolution of the place has been incredible to watch.”
Kane is equally proud of his wife. “I see so much in her that she doesn’t see in herself,” he says. “The way she delivers the passion I have in the kitchen to the customers is pure gold.”
Enjoyed watching this video? Watch Parts Two and Three of our Delicious Love Stories series here:
Episode #2: D’Arenberg Cube — Two chefs (in love) don’t spoil the broth
Episode #3: Soi 38 — How romance spices things up at top restaurant