Page 106 - Port Douglas Magazine 36

Spencer & Reina

HARRISONS

It’s no secret that the Douglas Shire is a White, playing an integral role in bringing and drink events. The Taste brought together
playground for the food-centric visitor. three-star Michelin glory to the infamous chef. local producers and restaurants showcasing
And no wonder — it boasts a remarkable Reina, a modern Renaissance Woman excelled the best of the region’s tropical produce across
bounty of fresh local produce that presents in a variety of pursuits before completely the town.
a delicious palette for any creative chef to throwing herself into the highs of restaurants. In both business and life, the two balance each
flourish. She became a worldly presence, traveling other out. Spencer is the creative, Reina the
Port Douglas has become a global powerhouse to America and Europe while studying realist. He comes up with the ideas and she
in the culinary world that punches well above communications and tourism as well as reigns them back in.
its weight. Largely thanks for these accolades naturopathy and nutrition. “Between the two of us, we have the full skillset
is in part because of the passion, commitment On the back of the caravan travels Reina and required to run our business,” said Reina.
and drive of dynamic duo Reina and Spencer Spencer set up shop in 2007 when they arrived
Patrick, founders of Taste Port Douglas and in Port Douglas and opened their first business “What I can’t do, Spencer can, and vice versa.
This has been one of the key factors behind
owners of Harrisons Restaurant. The duo together, the acclaimed restaurant Harrisons, a us being able to operate our businesses
recently took home the title of ‘Restaurateurs name close to the couple’s heart as a nod to
of the Year 2022’, a major award category at their first-born son. Opening first in the heart successfully - we have the confidence that we
the Restaurant and Catering Association’s of Port Douglas, it grew to be relocated to the have each other’s back 100%.”
centenary awards. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort where it can be This is an endearing snapshot of how the pair
complement each other, a loving relationship,
For the married couple, it was the vibe of Port found today. like a secret ingredient, each knowing how to
Douglas that captivated Reina and Spencer to The founding of Taste Port Douglas, which get the best from the other.
call the Douglas Shire home 15 years ago. launched in 2014, was natural for the
“After travelling around Australia and arriving ambitious and supportive pair. The festival The grind of operating a high-end restaurant
in Port Douglas, we were instantly attracted to was born from a collective desire to include and the year-long preparation of organising
the energy of the town,” Reina said. Port Douglas in the national food conversation a world-class culinary festival would be
quicksand for most husbands and wives,
“We arrived in August, and neither of us like and to shine a light on the town’s restaurant however, for this culinary couple, it has had
the cold too much so were delighted with what and food scene. huge benefits.
‘winter’ looked like in the tropics. “We wanted to see Port Douglas restaurants
and the region’s producers spoken about in “People often ask us how we can live, work
and parent together. It is not for everyone, but
it works for us and for the industry we are in,”
Reina said.
“The hospitality industry’s hours are not
friendly at the best of times so to have a partner
that understands that completely and with
whom you can work within the framework
you have, is fantastic.”
Prioritising time with family is essential.
“Days off are generally spent around our house
and always involve a large meal together. We
spend a lot of time around our table eating!”
“We live and work in paradise! Seeing our kids
grow up in a place surrounded by beauty and
making incredible memories is the best.”
Reina and Spencer have woven themselves
into the community for which they have
immense pride.
“When running a business and raising a family
in a small community you get to contribute to
the fabric of that community and contribute
“We instantly found good coffee, great places mainstream media and we didn’t want our to your home on many different levels. It’s an
to enjoy a wine, and amazing food. Fifteen geographic distance from major cities to mean honour to be part of a place in such a special
years later we’re still enjoying all these things, that we were considered any less important way,” said Reina.
but we would have to say that the best ‘side than our peers and colleagues in major cities,” “It’s a close small community that looks out for
effect’ of living here is the lifestyle our kids said Spencer. each other. Everyone here has helped support
have and their ability to grow up as kids,” said “It has always been very important to us each other through the last few turbulent
Reina. that Port Douglas restaurants be included in years and now that town has opened up again
The two first met in 2005 at a Melbourne eatery national awards programs and publications and events are back it’s incredible to see the
where Reina was working front of house and providing a platform for personal and community out enjoying and supporting
Spencer was a culinary consultant, and this professional satisfaction, something that is them.”
was the catalyst ultimately for the two working very important for any business owner.” “The people of Port Douglas have so much in
and sharing a life together. Recently celebrating a successful sixth series, our town to be proud of and that makes it a
Spencer, a clever and savvy chef from London this year’s Taste Port Douglas set the bar high special place to be a part of.”
who has snaffled just about every culinary making it one of the most significant food The duo look forward to staging Taste Port
gong over his 30 years in the hospitality festivals in the country. With an all-star line- Douglas in 2023 from 10 – 13 August.
industry, cut his teeth in the kitchens of up of Australian chefs it delivered culinary
Michelin Star restaurants. At the beginning masterclasses, signature dinners, and unique
of his career, he trained under Marco Pierre dining experiences over more than 20 food harrisonsrestaurant.com.au