The Louise Executive Chef | Asher Blackford

Reopening spring 2022, Executive Chef Asher Blackford leads the talented culinary team at The Louise. Asher is driven by the possibilities created by fresh, local produce and so the Barossa Valley and the hub of small-scale farmers and growers – many of whom embrace sustainable and organic methods – is a dream fit for him. Asher delivers an interpretation of the sights, scents, tastes and emotions of the Barossa to the plate. ‘Earthy, witty and wise’ is how Asher describes his culinary style. Just-picked ingredients from the kitchen garden are a highlight on every menu.

Having headed up his own restaurants in Melbourne and Brisbane, Asher is now very much at home in the Baillie Lodges kitchen. Asher has previously led the charge at award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Asher has honed the Baillie Lodges culinary philosophy of delivering a ‘sense of place’ via personally curated menus created from the finest regional ingredients and fresh seasonal produce from the Barossa community’s farmers, growers and friends. Asher and his team are all about fresh ingredients which is reflected in the fact that 85% of their menu comes from within the Barossa Valley and South Australia. The kitchen garden is a great resource as well as the close relationships we have with local purveyors, farmers and growers.

The award-winning Appellation restaurant headlines the lodge’s dining offering while Contour bar and kitchen, a walk-in wine cellar and sink-in lounges complete a gourmand’s delight. Appellation and Contour both welcome guests at The Louise as well as casual diners for dinner.

Please contact the lodge to make a booking on +61 8 8562 2722 or enquire online.