As a passionate regional food lover, Alana Brabin has been lucky to have been part of the incredible Barossa food community and is now one of the Head Chefs at The Enchanted Fig Tree on Kangaroo Island. Inspired by fig mythology, the island location, sea, land, and earth – Alana creates a special hand-crafted menu that includes a hint of local history, a splash of fairy tale, and a sprinkle of the unexpected. With a fierce love of fire, local producers, and celebrating the bountiful harvests of the seasons, Alana is passionate about using native foods. You will often find her foraging for unconventional ingredients and experimenting constantly with minimal waste, minimal intervention and cooking intuitively.

Alana was lucky enough to have a lifelong passion for food, hospitality and entertaining as part of her DNA. Her parents would entertain with dinner parties, where both of her parents would prepare beautiful food for friends, play music and have nights of feasting. Alana loved watching this and recreating these magical moments throughout her career.

During her formative years, Alana and her family spent time in different parts of NSW, as her parents worked in education. Growing up, adapting to different towns, cultures and making friends with everybody, Alana love’s still to this day, invites from families to dinner, where she’ll learn about traditional cooking from the source! Alana is currently working on her vision of a cooking school and culinary experience on her little patch in the Barossa. Featuring fire cooking techniques and local foraging. Working alongside guests to enjoy the basics of hospitality, connection and sharing.

Alana has been featured at Tasting Australia Town Square, Beer and BBQ festival, Pinot Palooza, and key part of The travelling table festival – celebrating migrant culture and food. Her aim is to share the joy of cooking, creating and sharing food. This includes gardening and visits to farms and markets.