Diego Cardenas
Head Chef, Pincho Disco
Biography:
Colombian-born chef Diego Cardenas brings more than 12 years of culinary experience to his position as Head Chef at Pincho Disco – Collingwood’s newly opened modern Latin-American restaurant. Hailing from Bogotá, Cardenas learnt his craft in kitchens across Colombia, Peru and Spain.
Before following his heart to Melbourne in 2019, he spent a significant period working as the Executive Chef of Chilli Chang Asian Bistró and then at the eponymous Harry Sasson restaurant (Colombia’s most famous chef-restaurateur and a regular on Latin America’s World’s 50 Best restaurant list), as well as a transformative season as a student at two Michelin starred Casa Marcial in Asturias, Spain.
Upon arrival in Melbourne, Cardenas first worked as the Head Chef at Club Colombia Café Restaurant, before later working at Café four7six, Waterfront, Copycat and Royal Saxon. Cardenas joined Kickon Group in 2023. Under the direction of Kickon Group Culinary Director Jake Furst, Cardenas has been fundamental in bringing an authentic take on modern Latin-American cuisine to Collingwood.
A huge fan of seafood and inspired by the cuisine of South America’s coastal regions, Cardenas’s menu at Pincho Disco will serve up a fiesta of flavour and colour, including a nod to the venue’s namesake with a selection of ‘pinchos’ cooked over fire. From this November (2023), expect a tantalising dance of Latin-American flavours and cutting-edge cooking techniques.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
Diego Cardenas previous experience:
- Royal Saxon (Melbourne) - Head Chef Aug 2022 - Oct 2023
- Copycat Restaurant and Bar (Melbourne) Aug 2021 - Aug 2022
- Waterfront (Melbourne) - Sous Chef Nov 2020 – Aug 2021
- Café four7six (Melbourne) - Head Chef Oct 2019 - Dec 2020
- Club Colombia Café Restaurant (Melbourne) - Head Chef Jan 2019 – Oct 2019
- Chilli Chang Asian Bistró (Bogotá - Cali, Colombia) - Executive Chef Dec 2013 - Aug 2016
- Harry Sasson (Bogotá - Colombia) - Chef de Partie Jun 2012 - Dec 2013
- Casa Marcial (Asturias – Spain) - Apprentice Nov 2011 - Jun 2012
- La Mar de Alabardero (Madrid - Spain) - Chef de Partie Mar 2011 - Oct 2011
- Restaurante la Botillería (Madrid - Spain) - Chef de Partie Oct 2010 - Mar 2011
- Café Colombia (Lima - Perú) - Chef Aug 2009 - Aug 2010
- Hacienda Sion (Bogotá - Colombia) - Chef Dec 2008 - July 2009
- El Artista (Bogotá - Colombia) - Kitchen Hand Jul 2008 - Nov 2008
Hi-res imagery: via Dropbox
About Pincho Disco:
Pincho Disco is the latest venue from Kickon Group. Inspired by Latin American cuisine, Pincho Disco is set to become a vibrant, yet elevated dining experience in the Collingwood community. Fuelled by shared dishes created by Culinary Director Jake Furst, and Head Chef Diego Cardenas, diners can expect to hang around long after their meal.
Address: 59 Cambridge St, Collingwood, VIC, 3066
Website: www.pinchodisco.com
TikTok: @pinchodisco Instagram: @pinchodisco
Facebook: Pincho Disco
About Kickon Group
Kickon Group, founded by publican Craig Shearer, owns and operates multiple venues across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Queensland. Its portfolio includes The Terminus Hotel and its restaurant Cinder, revitalised Sorrento stalwart The Continental Hotel Sorrento, along with The Collective on Palm Beach and The Dock in Mooloolaba.
