Mick Hobson, Chef, Goat Pie Guy
If you want to make a change, make a change ...
If you’ve found yourself ambling through the farmers markets at Manly, Mitchelton or Brisbane Powerhouse on a weekend, your nostrils have probably been treated to the rich aroma of Mick Hobson’s slow-cooked pies. A man of many interests and a chef by trade, Mick was kicking around the kitchen at Spoon Deli Cafe when he happened to cook up a slow-roasted shoulder of goat for his father-in-law. His guest was so in awe of the dish that he implored Mick to take it a step further. So the following morning, the chef rolled out a few sheets of shortcrust pastry and crafted what he describes as ‘the ugliest pie ever made’. But Mick’s homemade goat pie was a hit. Before he knew it, his wife Meg had registered a business name and arranged for him to run a stall at the Jan Power’s Farmers Market. So off he went the following week, 190 pies tucked into the esky. By 7:45 am on his first day, every single pie was gone. Several years later and Mick now tallies about 1500 pie sales a weekend. It’s been a crazy ride, but Mick wouldn’t change it for anything. The Weekend Edition tracked down the Goat Pie Guy to talk weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
With a favourable weather forecast for the markets!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Yum cha.
How do you like to unwind?
Camping, cooking and playing guitar.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A trip to the markets, friends and a feast … or feasts.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Chores! I keep meaning to clean out the shed but I can always find something tastier to do.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Relax with homemade pizza, wine and movies.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
A rare Saturday off and a trip to Mooloolaba – there will be Bloody Marys and prawns for breakfast.
What are you reading at the moment?
Robert G. Barrett’s You Wouldn’t be Dead for Quids.
What inspires you?
Unconditional love and support from my amazing wife and extended family.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a race-car driver – wasn’t everyone’s?
What has been your greatest achievement?
The Goat Pie Guy journey.
What is success to you?
Making a living from my food dream and having the freedom to enjoy it.
What are your words of wisdom?
If you want to make a change, make a change.
Only a local would know … there is an excellent, authentic Japanese restaurant in Strathpine. Yes, really! Tanuki on Lincoln Street.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Generations, Sandgate.
Relax … Camping at Gallagher’s Point, Bribie Island.
Dine … Peasant, The Barracks.
Indulge … Ortiga, Fortitude Valley.
Shop … James St Market, Fortitude Valley.
Catch-up … Cardigan Bar, Sandgate.
Be inspired … Chateau de Hobbo (that’s my place, with a kitchen full of foodie friends).