A Legacy Forged in Flavour: Introducing Melbourne Chef Rodney Van Oirschot

When Melbourne residents think of culinary excellence rooted in community, one name stands out: Rodney Van Oirschot. With over 30 years of shaping the city’s food culture, Rodney has become more than a chef  – he’s a steward of tradition, compassion, and local connection.

Recently, he shared his journey on Wednesday Magazine, hosted by Gary Ross on 96.5 InnerFM, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the heart of a man whose knives have sliced through the fast-paced kitchens of Manhattan and now gently craft meals for grieving families in Melbourne.

His appearance on the radio wasn’t just a promotional moment – it was a heartfelt dialogue that revealed how food, when guided by empathy, becomes a powerful social force.

From Manhattan’s Appetisers to Melbourne’s Soul

Rodney worked at “8 Mile Creek” and “Della Femina’s” in Manhattan, during a formative New York era that deeply influenced his approach to gastronomy. Jerry Della Femina, an ad man and restaurateur was associated with a dining scene Rodney recalls vividly.

“I was in Manhattan during a golden era of American gastronomy,” Rodney reflects. “It wasn’t just about technique – it was about storytelling through food. Every dish had a reason.”

His mastery of charcuterie, soups, and seasonal plating was influenced by deep immersion in Northeastern U.S. culinary traditions. The precision and pace of New York kitchens left an indelible mark, teaching him how to perform under pressure while maintaining integrity in every plate.

Building a Food Empire Rooted in Community

Back in Melbourne, Rodney didn’t just open a restaurant – he created a community hub. Today, he leads three interconnected ventures, each reflecting a different facet of his mission: culinary excellence, celebration, and compassion.

Four Leaves Food Store – More Than a Café

Since 2016, Four Leaves Food Store in Rosanna has been a hub of flavour and connection. More than a café, it’s a delicatessen, bakery, wine shop, and provedore all in one. Locals flock here for artisan sandwiches, house-cured meats, and seasonal produce. As a judge for the Australian Meat Industry Council’s Charcuterie Excellence Awards, Rodney’s expertise is nationally recognised.

“The idea was simple,” Rodney says. “Create a place where every ingredient tells a story – and where people feel at home.”

Their legendary Reuben sandwich, praised across Melbourne food blogs, features house-brined corned beef, fermented sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye – all made in-house.

But Four Leaves is about more than food. It hosts local art displays, supports neighbourhood school fundraisers, and sponsors youth programs. It’s a true community hub where baristas know names and regulars become family.

“As a business owner,” Rodney says, “you have a responsibility. If you’re taking from the community, you must give back – not just in donations, but in time, energy, and presence.”

Classic Catering Melbourne – Elegance, Perfected

Born from the success of Four Leaves, Classic Catering Melbourne serves high-end events across the city. From corporate galas to weddings, Rodney’s team delivers culinary excellence with unflinching attention to detail.

“We don’t just cater events – we elevate moments,” he says. “When someone celebrates a milestone with our food, we’re part of their memory.”

With over 25 years of experience, Classic Catering blends European technique with Australian freshness, offering menus that are both innovative and timeless. They offer canapés, seated dinners, buffet spreads, and themed menus – from Mediterranean feasts to modern Australian fusion. Dietary needs are accommodated with care, and presentation is always impeccable.

“Our team spends months refining techniques,” Rodney notes. “But the real skill is reading the room – knowing when to be seen and when to fade into the background.”

With Respects Catering — Compassion on a Plate

Perhaps the most profound of Rodney’s ventures is With Respects Catering, a service dedicated to funeral, memorial, and wake catering. Here, food becomes a language of empathy.

“During loss, people don’t need extravagance — they need comfort, warmth, and care,” Rodney explains. “Our meals are designed to honour the departed and nourish the living.”

Operating across Melbourne, With Respects has become a trusted partner for families and funeral homes, offering menus that reflect cultural diversity — including vegetarian, and vegan options. Packaged in elegant, eco-friendly containers, meals are delivered with discretion and care.

“We once served a family who had lost a young mother,” Rodney recalls. “Afterward, the father told us, ‘For the first time in days, we ate together as a family.’ That’s the power of food.”

A Life Intertwined with Community

Rodney and his family have long supported local causes — from sponsoring community festivals to donating meals during crises. His businesses source ingredients from regional farms, reinforcing his belief in the local economy.

“Hospitality isn’t just about serving food,” he says. “It’s about building relationships, supporting neighbours, and giving back.”

This ethos has made him deeply connected across Melbourne’s cultural, culinary, and civic networks — a chef who doesn’t just serve food, but sustains communities.

Gary Ross and the Voice of Inner Melbourne

No conversation about community media is complete without Gary Ross, host of Wednesday Magazine on 96.5 InnerFM. Every Wednesday morning from 9am, Gary brings together music, interviews, and local stories in a two-hour celebration of Melbourne’s spirit.

Though details of his broader career are sparse in public records, his presence on InnerFM reveals a deep commitment to community storytelling. The station’s programming supports local artists, historians, and change-makers — aligning perfectly with Rodney’s values.

“What struck me about Rodney,” Gary shared after the broadcast, “was how his entire career is about presence — being there, for the moment, for the people.”

Gary is a veteran broadcaster who values authenticity and connection — qualities that shine through in his long-standing role.

A Moment on the Airwaves

The appearance on Gary Ross’s Wednesday Magazine was not a promotional stunt — it was a heartfelt conversation. Gary asked about Rodney’s transition from high-pressure kitchens to intimate community service.

“I realised I wanted to cook for people, not just for critics,” Rodney answered. “Melbourne raised me. Now I want to help raise it — one meal at a time.”

Listeners flooded the station with messages, sharing stories of meals that helped them through grief, celebration, or everyday joy.

The Philosophy Behind the Knife

Rodney’s approach combines technical mastery with emotional intelligence. He believes food should comfort, connect, and celebrate — never alienate or impress for show.

“Fine dining taught me precision,” he says. “But real life taught me humility. A plate of soup can mean more than a five-course tasting menu.”

This philosophy binds his three businesses into a unified mission: to serve with purpose.

The Future of Food and Community

As urban life grows faster and more digital, Rodney Van Oirschot stands as a reminder of what truly sustains us. His legacy isn’t just in businesses — it’s in the thousands of meals shared, the farmers supported, the families comforted.

And every Wednesday, voices like his are lifted — thanks to platforms like InnerFM, where community still matters.

Final Thoughts: The Recipe for Legacy

Rodney’s story teaches us that true success isn’t measured in Michelin stars, but in the lives nourished and the community strengthened.

“Cooking is my craft,” he says, “but service is my calling.”

In every sandwich at Four Leaves, every platter from Classic Catering, and every meal from With Respects, that calling shines through — a warm, human touch in a world that often forgets to slow down and share a meal.