Top chef Neil Perry reveals how the virus changed his appetite

Celebrity chef Neil Perry has revealed how he has been keeping his Covid cravings at bay while in isolation. Here’s what he’s been eating at home.

Top Australian chef Neil Perry has described the current hospitality staff shortage crisis as dire.

Speaking from his home, where he’s isolating due to contracting Covid-19, Perry said the lack of hospitality staff plus additional pressures of staff isolation rules have been devastating for the industry.

“We are dying in the trenches,” Perry said. “It’s devastating. I can’t think about what is going to happen next month, all I can think about is tomorrow.”

Chef Neil Perry at his new restaurant, Margaret in Double Bay. Picture: John Appleyard

Perry, who runs Margaret in Double Bay, explained it’s a daily juggle with rosters to cover the shortage and those who have been diagnosed with Covid.

Perry himself tested positive for the virus and while he didn’t close the popular eatery, he’s been forced to reduce the number of patrons.

“The industry has been ravaged by the staff shortage. We’ve had staff who worked every shift over the past 12 weeks. It’s not sustainable. People are at breaking point and it doesn’t look like anything is changing.”

Perry is calling on the Federal Government to be more proactive in bringing skilled workers, from wait staff to fish mongers, into the country by making it easier to access working holiday visas.

“We need migrants to help rebuild the hospitality industry and kickstart the economy,” he said.

In terms of his health, Perry said for him the virus has been “not as bad as the worst cold but not great.”

“I’ve been better. I’m just very grateful I haven’t lost my sense of taste or smell,” he said.

The chef has been keeping his social media followers up to date with his Covid food cravings while in isolation.

Neil Perry has enjoyed roast duck while in lockdown.

Red meat has been a staple for the celebrity chef.

Over the weekend, staff from his restaurant delivered a dry aged scotch from Coppertree Farms to his door.

He also ate a toasted prosciutto, cheese and mustard fruit toastie while watching Star Wars.

Like the virus itself, the list of Sydney’s top chefs to catch Covid is growing rapidly.

Sweet treats delivered to Neil Perry in isolation.

The celebrity chef has also tucked in to a number of savoury delights.

Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge revealed he tested positive last week and has since been doing humourous cooking videos with the leftover ingredients in his fridge.

While MuMu’s Dan Hong has also recently come out of isolation.

Another delivery for Neil Perry after the top chef contracted Covid.

Perry has certainly not gone hungry during his isolation period.