INTRODUCTION - AT THE BEGINNING

The Hunter Valley is home to a wonderful array of unique food producers. These producers have much to offer to the most discerning of gourmet food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Mountains, green valleys,  an area rich in history, but obviously embracing innovation and value adding... this is the Hunter Valley.

No wonder the food producers are committed to promoting such a pristine environment where they are able to live and work. Experience the delights of the Hunter Valley Food... "Something to please every palate."

The Hunter Chefs and Co will achieve its vision: To produce the best food products from any wine region.

Membership Information




Our Mission

To strive for absolute excellence in delivering a superior culinary experience for visitors to the Hunter Region, through exceptional world class chefs, internationally acclaimed local produce and outstanding service regimes, established by the finest restaurateurs in the country.


to our customers
you will always experience the passion of our work.

to our members
a great support network that will always represent you at the highest professional level and an organisation that  focuses on delivering  tangible benefits.

to our providores
to always work hand in hand to ensure the best produce is always on the table.

to our sponsors
that you can always be assured of our appreciation of your support.


Objectives

Hunter Chefs and Co was founded in 2006 as not for profit organisation with the following objectives:
  • Business Development
Foster a greater consumer awareness of the excellent quality of restaurants and food services in the Hunter region, supporting Australia's leading wine tourism destination.
  • Creating Talent for the Future
Working with educational facilities across the Hunter, assist in carrying out a broad range of in house master classes for Chefs at all levels, exposing them to a variety cuisines and culinary operations. Actively encourage people of all ages to become part of the Hunter hospitality industry.
  • Promotion to key Markets
Create opportunities for Hunter Chefs to participate in key market events through representation, media appearances and trade show involvement.
  • Entertainment

Produce and conduct a series of fun and interesting culinary experiences with guest chef appearances open to members and their guests.


Committee

Hunter Chefs and Co draws upon the collective expertise of Executive Chefs and boutique food producers from around the Hunter Valley. Committee meetings currently scheduled for 2011 are: 

Thursday 13 October 2011
Thursday 10 November 2011
Thursday 15 December 2011

Our current committee is:  

Chairman (Membership and Sponsorship)
Ben Neil                
Hospitality Recruitment Solutions
Click to read bio 

Luncheons and Events
Andy Wright          
Chef/Proprietor
The Cellar Restaurant
Click to read bio

Vice Chairman (Member Correspondence)
Nick Vivian
Executive Chef
Hunter Valley Gardens
Click to read bio 
       
Treasurer (Awards)
Helen Dyball
Owner
Snails Bon Appetit
Click to read bio 
     
Committee Member 
Tim Montgomery
Executive Chef
Bacchus Restaurant

Secretary (Website)
Simon Gough
Binnore Dairy
Click to read bio

Front of house workshops and Membership
Megan Rhodes- Brown
Owner
Muse


Committee Meeting Minutes  

11th August 2011 Click Here

18th February 2011 Click here

7th December 2010 Click Here

8th April 2010 Click Here

15th March 2010 Click Here

11th February 2010 Click Here

2009 Annual General Meeting Minutes Click Here




OUR PARTNERS
Hunter Chefs are proud of the quality of produce available within the Hunter Valley.  With the drive and passion of some of the area's most established Executive Chefs and with approximately 64 restaurants in the Wine Country, our association is destined to become a focal point for the Hunter, working in conjunction with other local associations to boost the awareness of Wine Country.

Click Here to visit  The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association




BECOME A SPONSOR

Hunter Chefs and Co. is a perfect environment where members and sponsors can meet to exchange ideas, discuss common issues and work together to develop and expand the Hunter Region's brand as a dining destination and promoting business opportunities and growth.

Sponsorship participation offers,

Networking
 
  connecting with like minded professionals continuing valuable contacts and making new ones. 
Visibility
   putting your organization at the forefront of the industry. 
Information, research and education:  
  through workshop and luncheon participation, Hunter Chefs and Co newsletters, and introduction to regional suppliers and resources. 
Business and industry growth
  lowering promotional costs and increasing regional initiatives to further promote the region as a food tourism destination. 
Influence with policy makers, media and analysts
   through association outreach to government and commercial organizations to influence changes in our industry and region. 
Innovation
   exploring new ways of approaching common business goals, food techniques, standards and new products. 

We are currently seeking interest from regional businesses to partner with us as sponsors for 2011 to further promote the initiatives of Hunter Chefs and Co. 

For further information please contact:
Ben Neil 0438622649 or via email on mail@hunterchefs.com.au
1&


LUNCHES


Hunter Chefs and Co hold a regular  series of networking and educational lunches throughout the various restaurants of the region. 
We want to showcase the creativity and skills of our chefs, educate our apprentices and discover the local ingredients.
We quite enjoy having lunch, too!!

The Hunter Chefs and Co Seasonal Luncheons are held every Autumn, Winter and Spring. The association invites a renowned chef from outside the region to share their story, passion and knowledge.We have been lucky enough to have lunch with the likes of Armando Pecuoco, Serge Danserau, Justin North and Tony Bilson. Members and local apprentices have the opportunity to participate in our members only workshops with our guests and always walk away feeling inspired by what they have learnt.





Join us for our next available Hunter Chefs Lunch on the 7th of November at Restaurant Sanctuary with special guest speaker Ronnie Khan from Oz Harvest - more details to come!

Click here to view our current Newsletter

Other news and Information

In the News.....

Food Fight Frenzy, July 2011

Hunter Chefs meet Thomsen "#0000ff">Making Mysterouis Master Chefs - Brett Graham Awards Hunter Tafe Sponsored by Hunter Chefs and co


Hunter Chefs 2010 Apprentice Encouragement Recognition Awards Announcement 1st Novemeber

Hunter Chef's Annual Food Fight - Wine Country Tourism September 2010

Appetite for Excellence produce tour gets a taste of the Hunter Valley - Cessnock Advertiser July 14 2010

Hunter Chefs Inspiration From Peter Kuruvita's Sri Lankan Kitchen

Chefs Toss Talent into Mix - Newcastle Herald March 2010

Masters and Apprentices Entertain at Tempus Two - Cessnock Advertiser October 2010

THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS:

Bistro Molines, Mount View Rd, MOUNT VIEW

Bacchus, NEWCASTLE

C Restaurant, CAVES BEACH

Caves Beachside Hotel, Mawson Clse CAVES BEACH

Cellar Restaurant, Broke Rd Hunter Valley Gardens, POKOLBIN

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Wine Country Dr, LOVEDALE

Emerson's Restaurant, Hermitage Rd POKOLBIN

Esca Restaurant, Bimbadgen Estate, McDonalds Rd, ROTHBURY

Hunter Valley Hotel Academy, NSW Tafe

Hunter Valley Steakhouse, Crn McDonalds and Broke Rd POKOLBIN

Il Cacciatore Restaurant, McDonalds Rd, POKOLBIN 

Hunter Valley Business Chamber

Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Rd POKOLBIN

Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month - June

Nor'East NEWCASTLE

Margan Restaurant, Milbrodale Rd, BROKE

Mount Pleasant Wines, Marrowbone Rd POKOLBIN

Muse, Broke Rd POKOLBIN

Restaurant Sanctuary, POKOLBIN 

Scarborough Wines, Gillards Rd POKOLBIN

Scratchley, Wharf Rd NEWCASTLE

Shakey Tables, NORTH ROTHBURY

Tuscany Wine Estate, Mistletoe Ln, POKOLBIN

Two Fat Blokes, HUNTER VALLEY

The Verandah Restaurant, Palmers Ln POKOLBIN

Zest Restaurant, Stockland St NELSONS BAY

Arnott's Bakehouse Restaurant, MORPETH

La Vespa Restaurant, CHARLESTOWN












 
    



 









 



 

 

 

 
OUR PROVIDORES MEMBERS:

     .






Produce with Passion!


JOIN HUNTER CHEFS

Hunter Chefs and Co was launched in the Hunter Valley by the late Len Evans in mid August. Hunter Chefs and Co. was founded by executive chefs who have been in the Hunter Valley for many years and we hope you will consider becoming a member of the group.

Hunter Chefs is a non-profit group established to:

  • Foster a greater awareness of the excellent quality of restaurants and food services in the Hunter region and contribute to inbound tourism in the area.
  • Develop new talent within the region working with TAFE and through apprentices, conducting master classes and exposing them to different catering operations.
  • Build on the education and training for Hunter Chefs
  • Establish a schedule of events and exposure for Hunter chefs to represent the area in the key markets of Newcastle, Sydney and interstate. These opportunities can involve media appearances, event appearances to name a few.
  • Generate greater positive exposure of and visitation to Hunter Valley Wine Country by increasing the awareness of the high quality and diversity of its restaurants, cafes, function facilities and local produce.

All income generated by the Hunter Chefs will be used to promote Hunter Valley Wine Country. Hunter Chefs and Co will not be pursuing catering within the Wine Country unless it is a Hunter Chefs generated event for Public Relation purposes to benefit the Hunter region.

The Hunter Chefs Association will hold an Annual General Meeting for all members. This meeting will provide members with a report from the Association on the activities and plans of the Association and determine the formation of the Committee for the upcoming year. Of course as a member you will receive regular correspondence regarding the group and upcoming events.

Hunter Chefs will promote and educate local dining establishments, encouraging their future growth and utilising the well respected name the area has earned for its restaurants and fresh produce. This will be achieved through different ventures that have been set up by a committee that has the areas best interest at heart.

To join Hunter Chefs, please fill in the PDF membership form.







BECOME A SPONSOR
Hunter Chefs are proud of the quality of produce available within the Hunter Valley.  With the drive and passion of some of the area's most established Executive Chefs and with approximately 64 restaurants in the Wine Country, our association is destined to become a focal point for the Hunter, working in conjunction with other local committees to boost the awareness of Wine Country.

To achieve these goals we are seeking financial sponsorship from suppliers with vision, who share our inspiration and will benefit from the growth of combining forces.
   

Please fill out the Sponsorship Commitment form or contact:
 
Nick Vivian on 4998 4000
or Samantha Glover via the contact form on this site.
Thank you.





&