What next for superstar chef Peter Gilmore?

What is next for superstar chef Peter Gilmore/

A new venture in Sydney, perhaps, or a small eatery in Tasmania?

Quay Restaurant in Sydney, where Gilmore's cuisine has shone for 24 years, is to close in February. And Gilmore's consultancy gig at Bennelong finishes at the end of the financial year.

Gilmore already has a farm at Kettering, south of Hobart, where he grows fruit and vegetables, and is a regular at Peppermint Bay, so locals will have their fingers crossed.

Gilmore himself is giving nothing away, saying only: "I look forward to sharing my next chapter with you at some stage in the future."

No clues there.

Sydney-born Gilmore, 57, said on social media this morning that he was proud of his almost a quarter of a century in charge of the Fink family's Quay, one of Australia's finest fine diners.

"I have mixed emotions in announcing that Quay Restaurant will be closing its doors this February," he said.

"Over the past two decades there are many things I am proud of: the hundreds of young chefs and front of house professionals who have passed through our doors contributing their passion and professionalism to the Quay story.

"To have mentored and hopefully inspired, and to see so many go on to do great things. It has been the privilege of my career."

Under Gilmore Quay achieved an Australian record of 23 consecutive three Chefs Hats in the SMH Good Food Guide and spent five years in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

"It’s something that I will always be proud and grateful for," he said. "But more so to have worked so closely with the most incredible farmers, producers and artisans over all these years., to have been able to contribute to the quality and diversity of produce available in Australia through these relationships.

"And to all our guests over the years, I hope we have created memories and experiences that will stay in your hearts for many years to come. What a privilege it has been. At Quay I’ve been able to pursue my love of creativity and natures diversity and the exploration of texture and intensity of flavours in my cuisine."

Quay will operate as usual during the peak summer season and Gilmore will be consulting at Bennelong until the end of June.

Stay tuned.

Leading chefs aim to make sweet music with special Opera House dinners

 

Four of Australia's most prominent chefs will be hosting a series of special dinners at Sydney Opera House during August. 

Chefs of the House is a new dining experience starting on August 1 and featuring the four chefs who already pan handle at the Sydney icon. 

The four acclaimed Opera House chefs - Matt Moran (Opera Bar and House Canteen), Peter Gilmore (Bennelong), Mark Olive (Midden by Mark Olive) and Danielle Alvarez (Yallamundi Rooms) will each host two intimate shared-table dinners in one of the Opera House’s unique venues.

As each chef guides guests through their distinct food philosophy, 270-degree projections and live music performances honouring each chef’s theme will complement the dining experience.

Sounds like fun. Sounds expensive. 

Peter Grutt, general manager of food and beverage, says: "At the Sydney Opera House, we're passionate about providing locals and visitors with extraordinary one-of-a-kind experiences - whether that’s on the stage or the plate.

“Chefs of the House is an epic celebration of our chefs’ diverse talent and a uniquely personal way to experience their individual food philosophies.

“We can’t wait to invite guests in to experience the wonder and possibility of the Opera House, and the culinary artistry within.”

Each Chefs of the House menu will feature a signature dish that will also be available at their respective venues at the Opera House throughout August.

Winter Harvest Symphony from Danielle Alvarez (Yallamundi Rooms culinary director) will run on August 1-2. It will be an ode to the art of seasonal gastronomy with matched wines selected by sommelier Louella Mathews. 

Dreamtime by Mark Olive will run on August 8-9 will fuse native ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques and music from First Nations performers Marimayi. 

The Icons of Bennelong with Peter Gilmore will be held on August15-16 and will explore 50 years of Bennelong menus, showcasing premium Australian produce with paired fine wines. 

“It's an absolute honour to represent Bennelong and our incredible team for Chefs of the House," says Gilmore. 

The final dinners will be Ocean to Table by Matt Moran on August 29-30 with chef Moran reimagining the ‘Paddock to Plate’ philosophy he helped pioneer in Australia. The menu will be built on sustainably and locally sourced seafood served on bespoke plates glazed with crushed mollusc shells from third-generation ceramicist Sam Gordon.

“I’ve curated a menu that features some of my favourite seafood from around Australia," Moran says.

For details: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/chefs-house