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31.05.10
New chef makes his mark at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Just weeks after relocating to the Hunter Valley from Canberra, where he was head chef for Parliament House Catering by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), new executive chef Steve Forrester has transformed the dining experiences at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.
Drawing on his extensive experience delivering five-star cuisine to Australia’s top political figureheads, Steve has revamped the cuisine on offer across the hotel’s two restaurants, in-room dining, cafe and two bars, to showcase creative dishes using only the best fresh produce from the local region.
“When you’re working with top quality ingredients, the produce can be the star of the plate, with only a few influences added by the chef,” Steve said.
“In the Hunter, we are fortunate to have vast selection of top quality local produce at our fingertips which allow us to achieve this result, from rainbow trout from Singleton and poultry from Nulkaba to Angus beef from Glenelg, not to mention a great range of locally-made cheeses, olive oils and boutique deli products.”
Steve has also introduced a new series of winemakers’ degustation table events, launching Saturday June 5 at the hotel’s Redsalt Restaurant.
“Partnering with select local boutique wineries, our degustation dinners will allow the talented culinary team at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley the chance to really show off our menu creations and share our passion for fine food and wine with guests,” Steve said.
The first dinner will feature top drops from Ballabourneen Wine Co presented by winemaker Daniel Binet, matched to a menu including poached Glenelg Black Angus beef cheek terrine with Ballabourneen Gamay noir jus and pickled beets and petit lemon cino with dehydrated raspberry dust.
The winemakers’ degustation table events will be held regularly, for $77 per person. The second dinner will be held on Saturday, June 19. For bookings, call the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on (02) 4991 0917.
In addition to overseeing the numerous dining experiences on offer, Steve will be sharing his skills and knowledge with his talented team of chefs, currently training five apprentices at the hotel. He is also supporting local producers, fostering partnerships with local associations, such as the Hunter Chefs and Co, other local chefs in the region and local community groups such as OzHarvest.
To celebrate the arrival of the new executive chef, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is offering great rates on its Dinner Package, which includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe hotel room, three-course dinner for two in either Redsalt Restaurant or star anise (beverages not included), and buffet breakfast for two, from $320 weekdays (Sun-Thurs) and from $460 weekends (Fri-Sat).*
For more information on Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley or to make a booking, call 02 4991 0900 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.au/huntervalley.
*Subject to availability. Minimum two-night stay applies to Saturday nights. The Dinner Package rates are valid until August 31, 2010. Terms and conditions apply.
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