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Chef Alejandro Saravia’s iconic Melbourne venues
We Wear Cargo Crew: Chef Profile
Chef Alejandro Saravia brings the best of Gippsland's stunning culinary produce to the Melbourne CBD with his 3-storey retail, dining and grazing experience, Farmer's Daughters. Located in the prestigious 80 Collins Street precinct and having recieved a coveted Hat in the Good Food Guide Awards in 2023, Farmer's Daughters offers farm-to-table seasonal dining that is a truely memorable experience for diners.
Expanding on the success of this provenance-based cuisine, Alejandro's latest culinary experience, Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters takes it one step further and pays tribute to the produce, people and places of the whole state of Victoria.
Yes, we may be biased (being a Victorian business), but we took 5 with Executive Chef, Alejandro Saravia to explore both venues, and get the inside knowledge of creating an unforgettable dining experience and the benefits of going regional… without leaving the city.
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters takes diners on a journey of stories from farmers, producers, growers, makers, artists and artisans from regions throughout Victoria. Located in the heart of Melbourne, overlooking the Yarra River in Federation Square, the expansive venue takes you on a sensory adventure from the moment you walk in.
From artwork, visual installations to through the menu and uniforms, nothing has been left to chance in this encompassing dining experience.
"After forging these direct relationships with growers and farmers, it was important to me that experience and passion wasn’t lost in the venue. Every detail, right down to the chef & front of house uniforms being designed in Victoria was important."
ALEJANDRO SARAVIA
Executive Chef, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters
What trends have your seen from food consumers in the post covid world?
“We are seeing a real shift towards people visiting their own backyards and heading to the regions. A lot of people bought online from producers and growers markets through lockdowns and this has encouraged their curiosity to go and visit where the producers are and get out to the regions.”
Any changes to the hospitality industry in the past year that have really struck a chord with you?
“There is also a real shift on how hospitality is managed, going back to the basics of what hospitality is. A long time ago we lost that appreciation that we are here to create an experience for diners, and good moments. The trend is to go back to the human part, the sensitivity and the art – the passion for being in the hospitality market. Operators are investing now in their staff for example with mental health training, prevention, maintenance and awareness. They are doing this through reducing working hours and providing a good work life balance.”
Alejandro Saravia, Executive Chef.
“Operators are now curating training programs so that hospitality workers are more officially trained and not just learning on the job. Young hospitality professionals are asking for more training and growth, they’re asking for a bigger vision on how operators are running their business and what else is there for them.”
ALEJANDRO SARAVIA
On the future of HR in the Hospitality Industry
Two Venues, Two Uniform Identities
Curating a uniform for two different venues meant delivering two looks for the staff, that exude both a cohesive feel while having unique identities.
At original venue; Farmer's Daughters; Alejandro and his team chose an earthy khaki and white base for the chefwear and classic chambrey workshirts for the wait staff complimented with Deluxe Canvas aprons.
While at his latest venue, Victoria by Farmer's Daughers, the chef team opted for the Navy chef apron and white chef jacket. With the wait staff also choosing blue uniform tones to set the vibe for a delicious night of dining.
Discover the full range of restaurant uniforms Alejandro and his staff bought to life at Victoria and Farmer's Daughters.
A must-read hospitality trend report for 2023 with insights from the best in the business. Stay ahead of the game, be inspired and put some creative thinking into action.
