• Manna chef and musician Kenny Austin.

LOCAL chef Kenny Austin says food and music makes the perfect marriage.

The Manna Wholefoods cook, who fronts the band The Aunts, combines his two loves with a night of gastronomical fare and tunes at North Fremantle’s Railway Hotel this Sunday, April 7.

The Michelin-star chef, who’s worked at some of the top nosheries in the UK, says the idea came after playing for friends at their houses, and also cooking their dinners.

“We decided to take it to the next level so we had a Mexican night at the Railway in February and it was really successful,” Austin told the Herald.

“And you get the chance to see six bands as well. It created a completely different vibe because people weren’t drinking copious amounts of alcohol.”

To keep the concept fresh, Austin plans to run the shows every six weeks, with different themes.

This weekend, music-goers can munch down on some curry and rice and dahl, while soaking up local tunes. All for $10.

“We are not doing it to make a profit, it’s just about creating a community vibe,” he says.

“Last time it brought a family-friendly vibe to to the place and a different kind of crowd, instead of people saying is it going to be a titty show.”

Austin isn’t worried about punters throwing food at the bands.

“Absolutely not,” he chuckled.

by BRENDAN FOSTER