Renowned food journalist Bob Hart, who pioneered Aussie grilling, has passed away at the age of 81

Father, grandfather and former Herald Sun journalist Bob Hart has passed away, aged 81, leaving the industry mourning in his wake.

Respected Melbourne journalist Bob Hart has died. Picture: supplied

Respected Melbourne journalist, food writer and beloved grandfather Bob Hart has died, aged 81.

Hart was a prominent figure in Melbourne’s food scene for almost three decades, championing local producers and restaurateurs as well as expressing his love of the barbeque.

Hart wrote a popular daily column for the Herald Sun, from the mid-1990s well into the 2000s, which tapped into the heartbeat of the city, as well as writing regular restaurant reviews.

Hart’s daughter Kristina, who lives in Colorado, said her dad loved travelling to visit his three grandchildren.

“Dad once told his grandchildren never to eat anything bigger than your head or it might eat you,” she said.

Herald Sun journalist Bob Hart has died, aged 81. Picture: supplied

“And 17 years later they still live by this.”

An avid dog-lover, Hart never went anywhere without his faithful hound Bart by his side.

“He walked everyday and was well known amongst all the dog owners at the park where he’d take his whippets for a run,” Kristina said.

Hart’s Danish-born wife Iris died in 2009.

Originally from Queensland, Hart worked on Fleet St before heading back to Australia.

He returned to Brisbane in the 1980s working for the Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail for more than a decade before moving to Melbourne.

Hart penned an eponymous column for the Herald Sun from the mid-1990s until the late 2000s, tapping in to the heartbeat of the city.

Hart was a prominent figure in Melbourne’s food scene for almost three decades. Picture: supplied

The food lover wrote restaurant reviews which were admired and respected for their wordcraft and love of food, and were respected by people in the hospitality industry.

Peter Blunden, Hart’s long-time former editor, described him as “one of the great characters of journalism”.

“Bob was worldy, highly intelligent and possessed the sharpest of wits. He was the ultimate bon vivant whose daily Herald Sun columns were a must read for many years.

“Bob was famed for his barbecuing expertise, but my memory will always be of his enduring romance with late Danish-born wife, Iris. They were quite the couple.”

Former Herald Sun colleague and regular dining companion Simon Plant said Hart was a great mentor and writer.

“His wisdom and his wit are the two values I will remember the most,‘’ Plant said.

“And behind the wit he had a great intellect - he had great knowledge of literature, art and history.

“He would surprise you over and over again.

“And he would often quote Mark Twain who was his favourite author.

“Bob had a great curiosity which is the mark of a great journalist.”

Bob Hart was an avid dog lover and rarely seen without his faithful hound Bart by his side. Picture: supplied

Former 3AW host Dee Dee Dunleavy described Hart as an “absolute genius” who was adored by everyone.

Ms Dunleavy co-hosted The Weekend Break with Peter “Grubby” Stubbs, where Hart was a regular contributor with his segment “Thrill Of The Grill”.

“He totally changed the way I cooked, for the better. ”

“He was an entertaining storyteller, with an extraordinary past as a Fleet Street journalist and as a music industry executive in LA.”

Wes Lambert, chief executive of the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association, described Hart as “a true original whose passion for food, fire and storytelling left an indelible mark on our nation’s culinary culture‘’.

Herald Sun journalist Bob Hart has been remembered as a “tireless champion of flavour”. Picture: HWT.

“Bob wasn’t just a journalist who wrote about food; he was a tireless champion of flavour, a trailblazer of the Australian barbecue movement, and a voice that brought food to life for countless readers, listeners, and viewers across the country.

“Whether on the airwaves of 3AW, the pages of the Herald Sun or The Age, or behind the grill on Hart of the Barbecue, Bob’s infectious enthusiasm inspired a generation to rediscover the joy of cooking—and eating—together.

“He had an unmatched ability to elevate the simple pleasure of a good meal into a rich, shared experience.

“May his grill always be hot, his wine perfectly poured, and his legacy never forgotten.”

Bob Hart is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca and Kristina.

Originally published as Renowned food journalist Bob Hart, who pioneered Aussie grilling, has passed away at the age of 81