A popular attraction at this annual Italian event is the cooking stage featuring 'chefs with taste' where festival goers can chat with chefs, learn the secrets of Italian cooking and enjoy tastings.  Joining  the Italian chefs this year is Executive Chef Oliver Heath of new 'fresh food' restaurant, The Garden in Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.  He said, “The Garden is set to be Sydney's largest 'farm to fork' destination in the Inner West.  The traditional Italian way aligns with our approach of sourcing the best seasonal produce from local farmers and milling our own flour in-house for the freshest pizza dough.” 

Oliver's cooking career started at the ripe old age of 26 inspired by my Mother's French culinary know-how and a desire to work in a creative industry – beginning under the tutorship of a French chef in a UK Brighton pub gained a firm understanding of classic French cooking techniques. He later attended the prestigious Westminster Kingsway College which gave him access to a bygone world of cookery practiced by the great Auguste Escoffier. 

On moving to Australia his first job was Head Chef at the Design Bar before what some might call a 'culinary tour of Australia' working as a temp chef - everything from a Mexican restaurant to 5 star hotels to cooking for the Governor General.  These experiences broaden my palate and introduced me to a massive variety of workflows - crucial in the establishment of a successful kitchen.  Among his work opportunities was time spent at Blue Hill Farm Stone Barns - ranked 48th best restaurant in the world - where he attended daily kitchen meetings and learned from Dan Barber his philosophies and cooking methods.

His latest role at Wests Ashfield Leagues club is working on the opening of The Garden restaurant,  a farm-to-fork casual dining experience for the Inner West. This exciting project has me collaborating directly with NSW farmers - on an unprecedented level in casual dining in Australia. 

At Festa Oliver will a family favourite lamb dish 'Lamb Back Strap with Seasonal Vegetable Salad, Ricotta Cheese and an Avocado Salsa Verde', a beautiful easy Italian-inspired dish, which represents 'farm to fork' on a plate. For the recipe, contact Marjorie Anderson AM – 0412 017 014 mha@andersonknight.com.au  -

Norton Street Italian Festa Leichhardt - Big 3 'O' – Festa's 30th Anniversario-  Sunday, 30 October – 10am to 5pm - www.nortonstreetfesta.com.au – Festa attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year into the heart of Sydney's Little Italy.  Market stalls with great food & drinks, and a long communal table for family and friends to get together.  Fun activities for the 'little kids'; Auto Festa – Sydney's largest collection of Italian cars – for the 'big kids'; soccer clinics and much more at Festa.