Where Chefs Eat: Masterchef’s Jamie Fleming Shares His “Life-Giving Sandwiches”

Back in 2014, Adelaide-born Jamie Fleming competed on season six of Masterchef and came fourth. Five years later, he opened Alba Bar and Deli and it quickly became one of that year’s hottest openings. Due to economic pressures, Fleming closed Alba in June 2024. Last year, he and his partner Clare relocated to the Sunshine Coast and opened Spill Wine in Maleny.

He's currently competing on Masterchef Australia: Back To Win. Broadsheet spoke to Fleming to find out where (and what) he’s eating on the Sunshine Coast.

Why is the Sunshine Coast’s food and drink scene so underrated?
I’m still relatively new to the scene up here but it seems to be a bit of a historic thing from my perspective. I think there is a hangover from the old guard saying, “The only place to go on the coast is Hastings Street in Noosa”, when it just isn’t the case. There are plenty of smaller, excellent venues opening with produce and locality at their core. That’s what I’m about and I try to push that as much as I can.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu at Spill Wine and why?
The roasted cauliflower dish is probably my new favourite. Roasted cauliflower is just so good and with romesco, it’s a no-brainer.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
It’s normally late morning, straight off the beach and I’m heading to Criminal Coffee in Maroochydore to grab a batchy and a kimchi toastie. Those sandwiches are life-giving, some days.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you headed?
Bask in Peregian. Beautiful food, beautiful venue. I would happily sit there all day.

Where do you go for a long lunch?
I can’t lie, Sum Yung Guys in Noosa is still a go-to. I know I will be looked after. I know the food is delicious and I know I can keep ordering roti if another bottle of wine happens to hit the table. What’s not to love?

Who do you reckon does the best desserts or baked goods?
It’s pretty hard to discuss Sunshine Coast hospitality, in particular the hinterland, without mentioning Kenilworth Bakery. The [team] is an absolute powerhouse and I have so much respect. Without doubt my kids’ favourite part of any trip: doughnuts and pies. Job done.

Is there a hidden gem that you think is underrated but great?
I gotta shout-out the tiny team at Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach. With only 14 seats, you could easily miss it, but it’s well worth the trip. Great food, beautiful wine and the kind of experience that can only come from tiny venues.

Tell us about a local producer you can’t stop thinking about.
Trevor from Cedar Street Cheeserie in Maleny is a boss. They make the cheese about 400 metres from the front door of Spill Wine and it’s incredible. Beautiful burrata, unbelievable haloumi and this “Love Supreme” soft cheese that’s perfect with bread or crudité.

What’s your favourite spot for a late-night feed?
It has to be Theo’s in Noosa Junction. This is where I end up every time I stay in Noosa and that won’t change. Whether it’s mid-arvo or late into the night, the vibe is always fun, Jake’s food is on point, and some cheeky vermouth and vino is always flowing. Good times.

If you had a chef friend visiting from out of town, where would you tell them to go and why?
Mapleton Public House. It’s connected with Falls Farm who are an incredible producer up here and provide a bunch of the best restaurants in Queensland with produce. It’s proper farm-to-table modern pub grub in an absolutely stunning setting looking all the way down to the coast from the top of the Blackall Range. Its every chef’s dream to have access to [their] own farm and these guys are amazing at it. Get the Buffalo carrots, they’re the best.

What’s your favourite kitchen utensil in your kitchen and why?
It’s straight-up my chef’s knife. I got given my first proper knife at 13 and had that one for nearly 20 years until it was stolen. I went out and bought the exact same Wusthof chef’s knife and haven’t looked back. It has carried me through both professional cooking and cooking at home.

What’s your favourite kitchen appliance at home and why?
The pressure cooker for sure. I use it all the time. Chuck a beef curry in there while I knock out a stir-fry and a papaya salad and the family has a full meal on the table in an hour. Close second would be a proper rice cooker. They are the best.

Jamie Fleming is appearing on Masterchef Australia: Back to Win , which continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play.

@jamieflemingofficial
@spillwine.maleny
www.spillwine.com.au