Gary Mehigan takes a fresh look at traditional dining

LiSTNR has partnered with American Express and its ‘Shop Small’ movement to launch a new podcast, ‘More than a Menu’ hosted by Gary Mehigan.

In the podcast, leading chef Gary Mehigan speaks to small Sydney businesses in the food and wine industry about how they are conceptualising a fresh take on traditional dining experiences.

More than a Menu’s guests are asked by Mehigan where their love of food and drinks came from and how they refined that love, why their local communities have embraced their concepts, and how they give back to the community.

From reimagining the bog-standard bottle shop, to a fish monger who calls himself a ‘butcher’, Mehigan explores how these businesses rely on their locals ‘shopping small’ and equally how they play such an important role in bringing joy to the people who dine with and buy from them.

Mehigan has lined up some of Sydney’s best dining and shopping experiences. Included in the line-up is:

• Pilu Restaurant’s Giovanni Pilu to discuss reimagined Italian
• Adrian Sheather to discuss how The Rising Sun Workshop combines Ramen, and motorcycle workshop for the community to use
• Josh Niland from Saint Peter on becoming the now famous ‘fish butcher’.

SCA Head of Commercial – Podcasts and Partnerships, Kim Norman, said: “The More than a Menu podcast series perfectly complements American Express’ annual Shop Small initiative by getting a rare insight into some of Sydney’s best local dining, drinking, and shopping experiences.”

“Gary Mehigan explores the unique and important relationship that these businesses have with their local communities that have allowed them to thrive – everything from bakers and bottle shops to coffee and cuisines. We are thrilled with the resulting podcast which will prove to be popular with LiSTNR audiences.”

Naysla Edwards, Vice President of Brand, Charge Cards and Member Experience for American Express, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with LiSTNR to launch More than a Menu and working with Gary Mehigan to showcase the incredible people behind some of the best dining establishments that Sydney has to offer.”

“More than a Menu offers listeners a unique and wonderful opportunity to hear from some of the most inspiring, fascinating and talented connoisseurs in the industry.”

Gary Mehigan is one of Australia’s most loved chefs and food commentators. He has more than 35 years’ experience as a chef, beginning his career in London before moving to Melbourne. He was a co-host of Australian MasterChef for 13 years and has authored six cookbooks.

The podcast complements the special American Express Shop Small partnership with SCA’s The Locals’ Guide. Launched as an interactive smart speaker skill in Sydney, the voice-activated guide showcases locally owned dining and retail businesses that a part of the American Express small business network.

American Express’ ‘Shop Small’ launched in Australia in 2013 and is dedicated to highlighting the importance of small businesses and encouraging people to support them – which is now more important than ever.

More than a Menu will have 10 episodes and is available on LiSTNR from 7 December.