Harold Fleming, Owner-chef, The Bun Mobile
Success is creating something new and exciting that everyone can share ...
You may have seen the chipper food truck winding its way through Brisbane’s streets – and you may have even sunk your teeth into the handcrafted steamed buns dished up by The Bun Mobile’s creators and guardians, Harold and Christine Fleming. Launched by the local couple in March 2012, The Bun Mobile was the first gourmet food truck to roll in to Brisbane, offering bestsellers like twice-cooked pork, Wagyu beef and teriyaki chicken buns, along with vegetarian and daily specials. Harry has been a key player in the Brisbane dining scene for the past few decades, rattling the pans as executive chef of Port of Brisbane and running his own series of venues, including treasures like Harry’s Purveyors of Fine Foods in Clayfield, Harry’s Posh Cafe in Spring Hill and Harry’s Diner in Windsor. The couple’s blue southside Bun Mobile has now been joined by a northside red beast, owned and operated by family members and former executive chef Daniel Clark and his wife Natasha McCarthy. The Weekend Edition took five with Harold to talk weekend essentials and childhood dreams.
How do you like to start your weekend?
We work every Saturday, so our weekend starts on Sunday. Usually we love to read the papers in bed, and then I take our dog Dougie for his morning wee walk.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I like nothing more than to have a leisurely breakfast at home, then a bit of a potter in the veggie garden where I grow a lot of the herbs we use for The Bun Mobile.
How do you like to unwind?
Sharing a bottle of Louis Roederer champagne and a natter with Christine.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Good food, some great wine and having all the kids around for a long, lazy lunch on our deck.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
We’ve been meaning to take our granddaughter Jamie to Australia Zoo to see the elephants, but never seem to get there.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Have an early shower, get into my PJs and then watch something mindless on TV.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
On Sunday, we’re hosting a family morning tea at home, then we’re off to a catch-up with friends for drinks and dinner. Monday will probably be spent doing The Bun Mobile prep and paperwork.
What are you reading at the moment?
I love the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child – I’m currently in the middle of Never Go Back, his latest adventure.
What inspires you?
My wife’s love and support for every crazy thing I want to do.
What was your childhood dream?
I had several dreams – I wanted to join the circus and ride ponies around the ring, then because of my love of animals, I wanted to become a vet.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Marrying my beautiful wife, Christine.
What is success to you?
Creating something new and exciting that everyone can share.
What are your words of wisdom?
My mother’s favourite quote: ‘They can copy all they can copy, but they cannot copy my mind. I left them struggling in the mud a mile and a half behind.’
Only a local would know … Capalaba Produce has a great little animal zoo and menagerie.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … A long ocean swim.
Relax … At home.
Dine … Bucci Restaurant in James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Indulge … Noosa Heads.
Shop … Westfield Carindale.
Catch-up … Anywhere that’s got decent beer on tap.
Be inspired … A meal at home with the kids, throwing ideas around the table for amazing specials for The Bun Mobile.
