Where Chefs Eat: Laura Sharrad Says Adelaide Is “The Food and Wine Capital of the Country”

Laura Sharrad has almost won Masterchef – twice. She’s back for another swing at the title, and she’s bringing with her a wealth of knowledge. Since her first Masterchef appearance, she’s worked alongside the late Jock Zonfrillo at Orana, Hentley Farm and Andre’s Cucina.

She’s also a co-owner of two of Adelaide’s best pasta spots – Nido and Fugazzi – where she crafts homely menus that draw on her Italian heritage.

Sharrad is currently competing on Masterchef Australia: Back To Win, where she hopes to take out the top spot. Broadsheet spoke to Sharrad to find out where (and what) she’s eating in Adelaide.

Why is Adelaide’s food and drink scene so underrated?
I think it’s the fact we have a small-city vibe. We’ve kept quiet about how special this place is and now everyone is (finally) catching on. Adelaide is always seen as one step behind the “bigger cities” but, honestly, I’m going to say it’s the food and wine capital of the country. We have most of the top wine regions in Australia and in the world, the produce is world-class, and it’s all at our doorstep.

What’s your favourite dish on your menu and why?
At Fugazzi, the hand-picked blue swimmer crab tagliarini. It’s my favourite pasta of all time and [my husband] Max put it on the menu just for me. It uses the best crab in the country from Dennis and Karen at Two Gulf’s Crabs, our famous fermented chilli and the perfect al dente tagliarini, which is hand-rolled in-house daily.

At Nido, it’s the gnocco fritto for me. It always has been – and always will. It was our first-ever menu item and a famous staple. People travel far and wide to understand the hype. The best compliment I’ve ever received was, “Can we create an IV drip from this dish so I can be constantly hooked up to it?”

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
Mandoo; a small, hole-in-the-wall family-run business. It’s been in Adelaide for about 15 years now, and the father hand-rolls every single mandu every day, fills them by hand, and then steams or fries them. It’s a gem on Bank Street that cannot be missed. No bookings, walk-in only, until 3pm – that’s when the place closes so the family can sit down and have lunch together, before the dinner rush.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you headed?
Magill Estate Restaurant is one of my favourite dining destinations in the country. Scott Huggins is a true legend of the SA food scene. Scott serves the highest quality local produce – a lot of it grown on his own farm in the Hills; the wines, the view, the service is absolutely next to none. It’s not stale or over the top, it’s personal but so exciting. The tableside service touches from the chefs with each course are a fantastic way to get the guests interacting with the food.

Where do you go for a long lunch?
Lost Phoenix Farm. It’s a bit of a trek down south but worth it even just for the day, or you can book a night away along the Fleurieu Coast. Will Doak and the team there are absolutely smashing it. It’s our favourite place to unwind and relax, especially on a summer’s weekend. The food looks simple yet is refined, ballsy and absolutely punching with flavour. The cotoletta visits me in my dreams on regular occasions. Add a few limoncello spritzes in the sun and your afternoon is sorted.

Who do you reckon does the best desserts or baked goods?
Emma Shearer at The Lost Loaf. Her sourdough loaves are some of the best I’ve ever had. On the weekends they have fresh sandwiches that are to die for. At Christmas, the fruit mince pies are a must. Her plain croissant? Pure perfection.

Is there a hidden gem that you think is underrated but great?
Manna on Kensington Road. It’s the best Hainanese chicken rice I’ve had in a long, long time. The laksa is epic, honestly. You can’t order wrong here. The chicken rice is so authentic and the sauces are punchy and insanely wild in flavour. It’s a hole-in-the-wall kinda place, casual as, but never disappoints.

Tell us about a local producer you can’t stop thinking about?
Shawn and Anthea at Kangaroo Island Living Honey are producing what I think is the best honey in the country. It’s a small production, but it’s insanely good honey. They offer a really fun, hands-on beekeeping experience you can book. It’s a must when visiting Kangaroo Island.

What’s your favourite spot for a late-night feed?
Sunny’s Pizza. If the eggplant parmigiana pizza ever leaves the menu, I’ll be rioting out the front. It’s got all the vibes: a DJ, an epic small and fun wine list, fried chicken. My tip? Always ask for the chilli oil.

If you had a chef friend visiting from out of town, where would you tell them to go and why?
Parwana, always. BYO at $10 a bottle that’s donated to charity; homely and wholesome food that tells stories of the family’s way of life. It’s the kind of food that continues to put the biggest smile on your face and never disappoints.

What's your favourite kitchen utensil and why?
The Pacojet – it churns your ice-cream in no time at all. It’s extremely dangerous to have around if you love a good ice-cream.

What's your favourite kitchen appliance at home and why?
My pasta machine, hands down. I’ve had an electric attachment to my stand mixer for ages and only just got my first old-school roller from my parents for my 30th birthday. Old school is always best.

@laurasharrad
@fugazzi.bdr
@nidobarpasta

Laura Sharrad appears on Masterchef Australia: Back to Win, which continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play.