Our Mount Zero Hero for the month of February is Mauro Callegari from The Independent - a world class restaurant in sleepy Gembrook, a town best known as the Puffing Billy's end-of-the-line. Many are shocked to find an Argentinian restaurant/bar with such a flamboyant menu and striking architectural design in this locale, but we think it adds to the charm!

Head Chef, Mauro Callegari (pictured below right) is at the helm, plying a trade learned working in his mother's restaurantand developed in 5 star restaurants in Argentina and Michelin star restaurants in London. His Australian journey has included working amongst some of our finest chefs - Marcus Moore at the Sofitel and Raymond Capaldi at Fenix.

The restaurant's ethos is built on the philosophy of the food….“Good food should be about great produce, bringing my home to yours, affordable and above all an experience that should be shared. Engaging where I am now (Gembrook) and combining where I’ve been (Argentina), the food will be an expression of myself” - Mauro

The Independent - Mount Zero Hero Recipes

Week 1 - Mauro's Grilled Octopus

Week 2 - Mushroom and Lime Freekeh Risotto