As the weather begins to warm up and holidaymakers gear up to hit the road with their caravans, Executive Chef of the Prince Hotel, Dan Hawkins, encourages travellers to plan ahead and keep it simple when it comes to camping meals in a new YouTube series by Australia’s number one caravan and RV manufacturer, Jayco.
The conversation-based video series, which launches on Friday 1st November, features Australia’s greatest thinkers and deep dives into how they innovate in each of their fields, while also discussing their love for caravanning and camping, and their experiences of outdoor and adventure.
“My family and I are always going camping. When we’re on the road, it’s important that I do the cooking and my wife and family put their feet up and relax, so it’s always about what I can do to make it easier for myself. The key is in the preparation. Planning ahead and keeping meals simple always helps,” Hawkins said.
As a chef working in the heart of Australia’s food capital, Hawkins is a big advocate for sourcing local produce and is strongly committed to finding ways to innovate to ensure his menu stands out from the pack.
“I get inspired by food from our country’s farmers and producers. Many chefs write a menu and then try and find the food; I find the food and then write the menu. It’s all about working to our seasons and what’s available. If you have great quality produce at the right time of the year, then you’re on a winner,” Hawkins said.
“At the Prince Hotel, I deliver a meridional influenced vegetable led menu that highlights the humble side dish. The produce featured within these menu items is sourced from local St Kilda markets, farmers and producers that demonstrate the same commitment I have to traceability and sustainability,” he said.
Jayco CEO, Garry Moore, said Jayco’s new YouTube innovation series gives people a front row seat to watch and hear unexpected and interesting stories of Australians who have sharpened their edge and are willing to think differently.
“From world-class engineering to market-leading technology, innovation continues to be at the forefront of everything we do at Jayco. That’s why we’re proud to launch our new YouTube series to connect with like-minded Australian innovators making waves in their industries, and uncover their secrets of success, and how camping and caravanning helps them switch off,” said Mr Moore.
Each interview features a new host and Jayco product, with the launch episode presented by popular Australian television personality, Emmylou Maccarthy and highlights the compact and lightweight, Jayco CrossTrak.
Perfect for lovers of outdoor living, the Jayco CrossTrak features an external kitchen with a two-burner gas cooktop, stainless steel sink, overhead storage, towel rail and plenty of bench-space. The off-road hybrid also includes leading technology to help those who go completely off-grid stay connected.
Jayco’s innovation series launches on Friday 1st November. To view the episodes, visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/JaycoCorporation
DAN HAWKINS’ TOP CARAVANNING MEAL PREP TIPS
Plan your meals in advance
From the shopping list to the plate, planning ahead always helps. Even if it sounds tedious, sit down and work out a menu for your upcoming trip. Not only will you avoid unnecessary stress, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your meals are prepped!
Keep it simple
Embrace rustic cooking. Whether you’re cooking on the stove or the BBQ, enjoy your views and relax a little. Keeping it simple will take away some of the meal time pressures.
Stock the caravan pantry with your favourite staples
For me, it would be a quality olive oil, a decent vinegar and a punchy mustard. These three simple ingredients can create flavour magic!
Leave the recipe books at home
Recipe books can be helpful at home but on the road, you may have limited supplies. If you get stuck for ideas, take one of your go-to meals and be creative. Substitute items you don’t have for items you do. For example, that delicious broccoli and almond salad you make could be equally delicious if made with green beans!
Try the local delicacies
Be adventurous in your food choices. Visit the local butcher, stop at the farm gates and ask the locals for help and tips what’s good in the area you’re in. Every place has something unique and special to them. You never know what you might find when you start looking!
Have fun and enjoy your surroundings
Most importantly folks, enjoy the adventure wherever your travels take you. Indulge in your surroundings and take it all in.
Public Relations Agency Melbourne contact:
Jackie Smiles
03 9092 8449
jackie@flourishpr.com