In 1986 she was co owner of Pegrums in Paddington, Sydney, a restaurant serving fine cuisine which received 'a one hat award' from the 'Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide'. In 1991 Piera Potter and her husband, celebrated chef Ralph Potter, set up and opened Darley's restaurant at Lilianfels Resort in the Blue Mountains. Piera took on the role of restaurant manager. During this time they received the 'one hat award' from the 'Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide' for best service and fine food.

Whilst still at Lilianfels, in 1994 both Piera and Ralph Potter set up a casual eatery Abitza in Darlinghurst receiving rave reviews for introducing an establishment serving gourmet cuisine and a vast range of fine wines by the glass in a casual setting. They received the 'goblet' award from the 'Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide'. In 2002 Piera Potter left Lilianfels to run Bambini Trust Cafe in Sydney and was an integral part of the setting up of their wine room, which again received rave reviews from all wine and food magazines in Australia. In 2007 the Bambini Trust Wine Room won 'best bar' in the 'Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide'.

Piera Potter over the years has had an enormous interest in art, hence her association with NG Art. This has led her to set up this unique space with her business partner Nicky Ginsberg where their collaborative venture allowed them to create a fusion of art and food.

NICKY GINSBERG

Nicky Ginsberg ran Chez Louisette Wine Bar in London from 1980 to 1983 and then went on to set up the Back Row Wine Bar, an 'in house wine bar' for Foote Cone and Belding Advertising Agency employing over 300 people. Nicky left London in 1986 and immigrated to Sydney where she owned and operated the Good Day Cafe in Paddington, Sydney for eight years from 1987 to 1995.

During this time her passion and interest for the arts inspired her to set up her existing business NG Art. For over fifteen years Nicky Ginsberg has dedicated herself to showcasing the very best in Australian Contemporary Art. Many of the artists represented by NG Art have built formidable reputations in their respective disciplines. In addition the gallery is committed to nurturing young talent as well as promoting the works of mid career and established artists. It has been a vision for both Piera Potter and Nicky Ginsberg to establish a restaurant bar and gallery that combines two of their most loved passions - art and food.

DAVID LOVETT

Chic Chippendale eatery Mission has a new chef at the helm, the delightful and charismatic David Lovett.

Having learnt his craft at venerable institutions such as Bills, Bayswater Brasserie, Danks Street Depot and more recently North Bondi Italian, Lovett accepted his first head chef position at Mission in January 2010.

Owners Piera Potter and Nicky Ginsberg are thrilled to have welcomed David into their creative team.

Growing up in Adelaide, Lovett began cheffing in his late teens. He’s now 28 and his ongoing enthusiasm for food is tangible. “I have many food heroes, some well known, some not so... Drawing from their knowledge and passion along with my own, my food is full of honesty, flavour & tradition, but most of all it is food that I want to eat & share with family & friends... Eat, drink, love....”

After his recent three month stint in Italy exploring regional foods, Lovett’s menus are full of traditional Italian references as well influences from the great chefs of our time including Giorgio Locatelli from Locanda Locatelli in London, Fergus Henderson from St John’s in Smithfield and Marco Pierre White at Harvey’s, Wandsworth amongst others.

A few top quality ingredients cooked to perfection is Lovett’s philosophy. His generous slabs of homemade bread, hearty roasts and earthy, robust flavours are testament to this.

His unique, rustic style is fast earning a devoted following. As the art in the gallery changes and evolves so does Lovett’s food. Delicious recent additions to the menu include: Bruschetta of squid braised in squid ink, Rabbit rillettes with cornichons & earl grey prunes and Pappardelle con ragu di cinghiale – ‘wild boar ragu’.

Lovett has been pivotal in the creation of Mission’s new produce range. Available are delectable, beautifully packaged jams, chutneys, relishes, syrups and more.

He has also delighted in continuing the esteemed monthly Feast For The Senses dinners held at Mission & NG Art Gallery, designing 3 course themed dinners for up to 60 people intent upon discussing food and art.

Perpetually upbeat and energetic, Lovett still has time for more, having convinced Potter and Ginsberg to introduce weekly cooking classes. He is intent upon inspiring others with his simple approach to flavoursome Mediterranean home-style cooking.

For more information about David Lovett, menus, Mission produce, Feast For The Senses dinners and cooking classes, call Nicky Ginsberg on 9318 2992 or email info@missionbar.com.au