In a gastronomic sense, Andrew Wood has been a jack of all trades (and some would say master of none). At the age of 15 he plunged head first into the world of hospitality working part-time at Woolworths behind the roast chicken counter, which in hindsight was a smart career choice because there was only one direction he could go, up. It also didn't take him long to find his entrepreneurial feet. By the age of 18 he was part-owner of the Dixon's Creek general store in the Yarra Valley. During this time his culinary repertoire expanded to include hotdogs, pies, hamburgers and the occasional T-bone steak, chips and salad (iceberg lettuce, tinned beetroot and the ubiquitous orange slice).
A succession of businesses followed: greengrocer, wholesale fruit and vegetables, restaurant and delicatessen. It was during this period (when he was about 25 years old) that he discovered old Australian shiraz (which could still be picked up for ludicrously low prices). From then on, wine took on a whole new meaning, as did food. Stephanie Alexander had just published her first book and it became the basis of the food he cooked in his restaurant. In two short years, food and wine had gone from a passing interest to an obsession. It was the beginning of the end.
After 15 years in hospitality and having gone through the owning-your-own-business thing, followed by several unsatisfactory years managing businesses in Acland Street (Melbourne), it was time for a career change. With no publishing background, but armed with a formidable wine and food knowledge Wood launched Divine magazine. Based in Melbourne and now in its ninth year, Divine has established itself as Australia's leading food and wine magazine and very much reflects Andrew's own views towards gastronomy and the pursuit of excellence. In an age where 'lifestyle' reigns supreme, the magazine prides itself in that substance takes precedence over fashion and marketing hype, but without being too up itself or academic (after all, eating and drinking are meant to be enjoyable).
Find out more about Divine Magazine.
When Andrew is not playing magazine magnate, he also organises public wine tastings in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. Otherwise, he can be found in the kitchen doing what he loves best, cooking. He is also considering forming the Bring Back the Dinner Party political party in time for the upcoming federal elections and if elected would implement an 800% tax on fast food served from franchise food outlets, abolish tax on wine, introduce food and wine appreciation in every secondary school in the country, liberalise the liquor licensing laws in Queensland and NSW so it's possible to get a drink anytime of the day, anywhere, and ensure that every capital city has a fresh produce market located near the CBD.
If you are interested in subscribing to Divine Magazine visit the website at www.divinemagazine.com.au and click on Subscription Form. |
Recent articles
 Tasting Spain
null
Xanadu
During a madly intense week of wine tasting in Margaret River, Xanadu Estate's Jurg Muggli is the only winemaker I meet who has a whiff of alcohol about him, writes Divine Magazine's Campbell Mattinson.
Recent articles, news and wine reviews by this author
|
