Returning to Australia in 1999 Tobie set up his own restaurant ‘Termini’ in Melbourne which went on to win ‘Best Italian Restaurant 2002′ by the Young Australian Achiever Awards. But it wasn’t long before his old mate Jamie had a bigger challenge for him and so it was in 2001 Tobie returned to the UK to become Head Chef of the first Fifteen Restaurant, a venture that teaches under-privileged young people how to become Chefs.
Tobie seized the opportunity and was instrumental in helping ‘Fifteen’ – London achieve its status as ‘Tatler’s – Restaurant of the Year’ in 2003. In 2005 Tobie returned home to Australia to make his own dream a reality and in September 2006 Australia’s first Fifteen Restaurant and Foundation opened in Melbourne. Here Tobie continued Jamie and the Fifteen Foundations work by each year giving 15-20 under privileged Australian youths the chance to become qualified Chefs.
Tobie’s honest but light-hearted approach and passion for topics such as organics, sustainability, seasonality, and ethical eating, has seen him in high demand as a guest on some of Australia’s favourite programs; ‘The Circle’, ‘Good Morning Australia’ and ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and writing for Australian titles such a Delicious Magazine, Sunday Life and Good Taste. He also appears at all Australia’s major food events such as the; ‘Good Food Show’s’, ‘Organic Expo’, ‘Great Barrier Feast’ and ‘Gluten Free Expo’.
With his Channel 10 hit series ‘Jamie’s Kitchen – Australia’ in 2006 and Lifestyle FOOD TV series ‘Tobie and Matt – Europe and Asia’ in 2008, the launch of his two best selling cook books ‘Daily Italian’ in 2006 and ‘Italian Local’ in August 2008, his latest book ‘Cook Like an Italian’ launched in late 2010 and his work with Woolworths, the last 6 years has seen Tobie become one of Australia’s most well known and loved celebrity chefs.
Far from slowing down in 2011 Tobie opened his new venture ‘The Kitchen Cat’ in January. With a locally sourced, seasonal, rustic Italian menu and a laid back cosy atmosphere, ‘The Kitchen Cat’ embodies everything that is Tobie Puttock.
