In this series, Frank 151 invites you on a captivating journey around the globe, providing a unique glimpse into the narratives and imaginative landscapes of individuals who are driving creativity to new heights worldwide.
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Join us as we connect with the crème de la crème of the creative realm, bringing forth a diverse spectrum of perspectives that highlight the intersection of artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From the pulse of urban streets to the serene landscapes, this series promises to capture the essence of the global creative scene, providing an immersive experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the multifaceted expressions of human ingenuity.
Justin “Just Baked” Triffett is Australia’s trailblazing cannabis-infused chef, serving up bold flavours with a mellow twist. Blending gourmet creativity with elevated experiences, Just Baked turns every dish into a vibe. From the bush to the beach, it’s high time Aussie cuisine got lit.
Frank 151: Let’s start with your name — “Just Baked.” What’s the story behind that?
I actually do not even really remember now how Just Baked came to be, I know it had something to do with my first name being Justin and it just clicked and I rolled with it.
Frank 151: How did you first get into cooking with cannabis? Was it through food or through weed?
It was purely by chance i went in to a smoke shop one day to buy some papers and started talking to the owners and one thing lead to another. I had been cooking already for around 8 years professionally at this time.
Frank 151: What drew you to combine culinary arts with cannabis culture?
I was passionate for fine dining and was a Head Chef at that stage of a fine dinning restaurant I was eager to push the limits and infuse meals that you would normally find at a la carte restaurant but infused.
Frank 151: What’s the cannabis scene like in Australia right now — both legally and culturally?
The cannabis scene is still in its early days in Australia I believe legally but culturally we continue to take huge strides forward!
Frank 151: Is there an underground cannabis food movement in Australia, or are you helping pioneer that?
It is something that continues to grow but there is a lot of set backs in Australia but I foresee a bright future for cannabis down under.
Frank 151: How do you approach flavour when cooking with cannabis? Do you work with specific terpene profiles?
I believe when you are eating infused meals and food you do not want to take a bite and feel like you are chewing on a bud so with flavouring, I think it is just like normal cooking and complementing food profiles and flavours correctly to make them work together.
Frank 151: Do certain strains lend themselves better to specific types of food or flavours?
Once again just because you are infusing food , Cooking and flavours are the same as if you are cooking normal food. Don’t over complicate it, Work with flavours and pick the correct infusion method.
Frank 151: Can you walk us through your infusion process? What machines or tools do you use in your kitchen?
Generally you cant go wrong with a nice infused oil as you can infuse a lot of different meals with oil. At the moment I am using a new machine that has just come to the market in Australia called “NOIDS”. It takes all the work out of it and guessing. Decarbs, infuses all in one. Makes the process very simple. Check it out at https://www.noids.com.au/
Frank 151: Any favourite gadgets or equipment that you swear by for making infused dishes or oils?
My Favourite gadget currently at the moment is the NOIDS machine as you set it and walk away, takes all the extra work out of it.
Frank 151: How do you balance potency with taste in your cooking? Do you dose your meals precisely?
As i generally cook 3 courses i tend to start with a light infusion in entrees and increase through the courses. The effect slowly comes on and by dessert you are feeling very nice and relaxed. Yes, I try to dose them as precisely as I can.
Frank 151: What’s your favourite cannabis-infused dish you’ve ever made?
Good Question , I have made so many its hard to think of just one that is my favourite but probably the cheesecakes or the desserts are always good fun and can get creative.
Frank 151: Have you ever had any edible experiments go hilariously wrong?
There has been many laughs over the years, I do remember at one event I was catering for a client freaked him self out so much before he had eaten anything, he had only smoked a few joints. He got so high that he was convinced he needed to go to the hospital.
Frank 151: Do you think Australia is ready for a cannabis culinary boom like we’re seeing in parts of the US?
I believe Australia is more than ready and just waiting for the politics to catch up to the rest of the world. What it will generate in so many different ways for Australia will be game changing.
Frank 151: What’s the biggest misconception people have about cannabis cuisine?
That it only will taste like cannabis and nothing else.
Frank 151: Are you seeing more people getting curious about cannabis cooking — even those who don’t smoke?
Yes , I remember back in 2017 you did not see many people cooking with it but now it is quiet common. The average person i would say now cooks with it, Yes people that do not even smoke. I have seen a lot of older people get in to edibles and cooking with it as it helps in so many different ways over pharmaceuticals.
Frank 151 Who inspires your work, whether they’re chefs, growers, or cultural figures?
I remember as a young boy watching Gordon Ramsay on TV and he inspired me so much. I wanted to create pieces of art on a plate as he did. I think Australia is very gifted with growers no more than any where else in the world.
Frank 15: If cannabis were fully legalized tomorrow, what’s the first big thing you’d launch?
I’ve always said if it was legalized tomorrow I would buy a food van and deck it out and just tour around Australia. Could you imagine food van at Bondi Beach with infused snacks and meals!
Frank 151: Any advice for home cooks wanting to start experimenting with weed in the kitchen?
Take the step , with Machines and equipment out there today any home cook can start cooking !
Frank 151: What’s next for Just Baked? Any events, collabs, or secret menus coming up?
With out saying to much secret menus are always coming up , also got some cooking demos coming up.
Website: https://www.noids.com.au/
IG: @__justbak3d__