Catering Melbourne Blog

Gordon Ramsay’s got a recipe for success you can swear by

Like the rest of the world, I have become obsessed with Gordon F****** Ramsay. Along with the sex and swearing of Underbelly, he has f****** saved the f*** out of Channel Nine’s disastrous figures. As a passive aggressive male, who avoids conflict at all costs, I admire Ramsay’s upfront approach to cooking and life. The recipe seems to be “a good pinch of salt and a good f****** kick up the arse of the lazy f****** chef who’s ruining the f****** business”. Passive aggressives such as myself are more inclined to pout, sulk and needle to get our way. Aggressive aggressives like Ramsay tend to punch, swear and kick the s*** out of anyone in their path. His work on Kitchen Nightmares must be part cabaret: an act that has been working beautifully for him. From the safety of our lounges and through the window of television, we all enjoy conflict. Sunday Telegraph, April 27.

Oprah woos our chef

Oprah Winfrey’s love affair with Aussies continues. Now celebrity chef Curtis Stone has won the powerful talk-show host’s seal of approval. Stone, the former host of My Restaurant Rules, filmed a segment with Winfrey earlier this month. Speaking from Taipei, Stone said appearing on Winfrey’s show was “a bit of a dream.’” “She is really nice. She is really quick witted,” Stone said. “She has got this aura around her and you are a bit nervous to meet her. The second you have done her show it is like, `Oh, you have done Oprah’ and it changes the way everyone looks and deals with you.” Stone has become a major star in the US foodie world thanks to his cable-TV series, Take Home Chef, and his easy-going style. He looks set to become a fortnightly guest on the NBC’s Today Show. Sunday Herald Sun, April 27.

Swiss chef creates culinary masterpieces

The Northbourne Restaurant is located within the Marque Hotel Canberra and it is fast becoming a notable hotspot in the city. Serving delicious meals at reasonable prices, it is little wonder the restaurant is growing in popularity. Swiss born and trained chef Beat Ettlin’s classical training affords him the knowledge and discipline to experiment with flavours, while maintaining the integrity of produce.. He is meticulous in choosing local, seasonal produce of the finest quality, ensuring the menu provides sensory scintillation sure to delight even the most demanding gourmand. Ettlin revels in the art of food and the visual impact of the plates is breathtaking. The explosion of flavour from the enigmatic combination of ingredients has inspired several awards and accolades. Ettlin’s menu has been said to rival that of great restaurants throughout Europe. “Simplicity with a modern Australian twist is what I try to achieve in my menu design,” Ettlin said. “I want to give our clients a culinary experience of flavours and freshness - a wow effect.” Canberra Times, April 27.

Delay on smoking ban Council to pause on outdoor dining move

A ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas of Hobart looks set to be delayed. In February Hobart City Council asked staff to report on the feasibility of banning smoking in outdoor dining areas, such as footpaths and Elizabeth Mall. But the Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant and Catering Association is worried about the impact on business, the council’s environment health manager Mark Dwyer says in a report. He recommends the council have talks with the AHA and RCA, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tourism Council of Tasmania. Mr Dwyer said the AHA and RCA’s major concerns included fewer customers. It could also cause some city businesses to relocate to neighbouring municipal areas where smoking in alfresco dining areas on council-owned land is still allowed. The AHA and RCA (which have merged), were worried there was inconsistency across greater Hobart which could confuse both the public and the hospitality industry. Mr Dwyer said outdoor smoking could still have an effect on alfresco dining through smokers congregating on public footpaths next to dining areas. Hobart Mercury, April 26.

Council bid to cook up ban on fats

New cafes, restaurants and take-away outlets will be banned from using harmful trans fats in their food under a plan by a Sydney council to tackle heart disease. In an Australian first, Kogarah Council, in Sydney’s south, is expected to pass a motion tomorrow night to use its planning powers to ban synthetic trans fatty acids in deep-and shallow-fat frying in food outlets and council childcare centres. Conditions will be placed on all new development applications for food outlets in the local area—believed to be about a dozen a year—while an education campaign will be launched to encourage existing businesses to switch to less harmful alternatives. Restaurant and Catering NSW executive director Robert Goldman dismissed the motion as a stunt and said the council should focus on roads and playgrounds. `Councils can’t do the jobs that they were given to do. What in the world are they doing with trans fats?” Mr Goldman said. Sunday Telegraph (Sydney), April 27.

Hi Lauren,

Thank you for providing the great food for our party on Sunday. It was enjoyed by all.

Sorry that I didn’t get to pay John. Would you please email me your bank details so that I can pay online or would you prefer if I sent a cheque?

Kind regards,

Mark Given

Hi Lauren

just wanted to say that the staff you sent were fabulous, Pia had actually been here before, they were both brilliant and all the guests were very impressed.

Thanks again

Nathalie

Nathalie Brown
**************
Ringwood North
Victoria 3134
Australia

Hi Lauren,

Thanks again for your help getting set for the Party and a huge thanks to the wonderful “Bev and Caroline” for making my husband’s 40th such a great night. The food was top notch and there was heaps of it and combined with the fabulous service on top made the night very memorable and absolutely smooth sailing, especially for little ol’ pregnant me!

I will definitely be using your servicing again for bub’s Christening and Birthday Party and will drop you a note when bubs arrives so you can tell the girls!

Best

Jen

Hey Lauren

A quick note to say an enormous THANKS!!

Your help with the wedding was so fantastic we really couldn’t have pulled off catering for 115 pax from mum’s tiny kitchen without you. Everyone RAVED about the food. They loved it. You were a delight to deal with, nothing was too much trouble, you helped me with anything I asked, and I will absolutely certainly use you guys again and recommend others to do so. If all companies offered customer service like you offered, the world would be a better place!!

I’m more than happy to be a referee if you ever need one!

Ps. Aprons are on the courier to you tomorrow.

Cheers!

Louise Bland

Senior PR Consultant

Marketing

JETSTAR AIRWAYS

Lauren, the platter of sandwiches was lovely nice and fresh and healthy!

Many thanks once again for accommodating my late requests it is sincerely appreciated.

I have passed your invoices on to our accounts for payment.

Kind regards

Shirley Bolmers
Executive Assistant
Southern Cross Care (Vic)