14th May 2021

Brett Graham (The Ledbury) - Build it again

Deep in the Weeds - A Food Podcast with Anthony Huckstep

After running one of the world's best restaurants and reaching number 10 in the world, Brett Graham (The Ledbury) realised what he had worked so hard to build was jeopardy when the pandemic landed. With a venue incapable of function with social distancing in any form and uncertainty around the opening up of society he was left with no choice but to close. But with a never-say-die attitude he has taken the opportunity to explore new ingredients, and the agricultural side associated with food production with astounding results.

‎Link to Apple Podcasts

14th May 2021 - Annabelle Cloros

Hunter Culinary’s Food Fight returns

The Hunter Culinary Association is set to host ultimate Food Fight, which will see four chefs battle it out for glory.

The event returns to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, on Monday 28 June after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Sydney chefs Andrew Wandless from Merivale’s Una Más and Alex Prichard from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar will compete against the Hunter’s Mitchell Beswick from Muse Restaurant and Sam Alexander from Yellow Billy Restaurant.

Each chef will prepare a lunch course that will be paired with a Hunter Valley wine, with the winning dish determined by attendees, who will cast their vote after the feast concludes.

The 2021 event marks the 11th iteration of the Food Fight, which raises money for the Hunter Culinary Association’s Brett Graham Scholarship as well as other support and mentoring opportunities for young talent.

Tickets are now on sale and are priced at $175 for Hunter Culinary members; $90 for apprentices and $195 for non-members.

Image credit: Elfes Images

14th May 2021

A Culinary Comeback – The Hunter Culinary Association Returns

What happens when four gun chefs with a raft of experience and talent from Sydney and the Hunter Valley go head-to-head after a year on the ropes?

The annual Food Fight is the signature event organised by the Hunter Culinary Association (HCA) and this year marks a triumphant return as the industry reunites after missing the 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s line-up promises to be as impressive as ever, with the chefs tasked with creating a standout dish to take out the prestigious title. Each chef will prepare one lunch course, which will be matched with a premium Hunter Valley wine. Guests will vote for their preferred dish at the conclusion of the lunch.

The chefs involved in the 2021 Food Fight are Mitchell Beswick (Muse Restaurant), Alex Prichard (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar), Sam Alexander (Yellow Billy Restaurant) and Andrew Wandless (Una Más – Coogee Pavilion).

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28th April 2021

FOOD & WINE - Wednesday March 24, 2021 By Lisa Rockman

Talent runs in family

Matthew Mirosevich is the winner of this year’s Brett Graham Scholarship. The Signal Box chef cooked off against fellow finalists Jayden Dann (EXP. Restaurant) and Samuel McKinnon (Muse Restaurant) last Wednesday at TAFE NSW Hamilton ……..

Mirosevich has worked in several high-profile restaurants - including Restaurant Mason and Quay Restaurant - and is passionate about Japanese cuisine, butchery and breaking down whole carcasses. He says he would like to work in London and "see where that takes him", and eventually return to his home town of Newcastle to open his own restaurant.

Big brother George had this to say when I asked him (tongue in cheek) if he had taught Matthew everything he knows. “I can’t say I’ve taught him everything he knows, he’s had some great mentors along the way. That’s not to say there haven’t been lots of ‘after service calls’ for advice or to blow off some steam” George replied.

“I’m very proud of Matthew and his commitment to the scholarship, I’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow into a more mature, considerate and well-rounded chef the past eight months while working at Signal Box.

“This year I was able to see a different side of Matthew who proved that he has learned what it takes to win the scholarship, looking past what was directly in front of him and having eyes for the rest of the kitchen”.

Link to Newcastle Herald Full Article

NEWCASTLE LIVE Friday 19th March 2021

Apprentice chef Matthew Mirosevich takes out 2020 Brett Graham Scholarship

Apprentice chef Matthew Mirosevich is bound for London after taking out top honours in the 2020 Brett Graham Scholarship.

Shortlisted from a group of seven apprentice chefs, Matthew was joined by fellow finalists Jayden Dann from EXP Restaurant and Samuel McKinnon from Muse Restaurant at a final cook-off showdown at Hamilton TAFE this week where the hopefuls were tasked with designing and cooking a menu based on ingredients selected by Brett Graham.

And in the end, it was Matthew’s entree of beetroot salad with a whipped onion, pancetta and fennel goat’s curd, a chicken ballotine main and prune and custard tart with cardamom and orange zest ice cream that won the judges hearts and palettes.

“It’s just amazing,” Matthew said of his win. “It’s just such a great foot in the door,” Matthew, who is currently learning his trade at The Signal Box said.

The scholarship, a collaboration between the Hunter TAFE Foundation and the Hunter Culinary Association is names after one of TAFE NSW’s most successful alumni and former Novocastrian Brett Graham.

Link to Newcastle Live Full Article

WEEKENDER FOOD & DRINK - Saturday March 20, 2021 By Lisa Rockman

Scholarship becomes a family affair

MATTHEW Mirosevich is one step closer to realising his restaurant dream, having been crowned the winner of the 2021 Brett Graham Scholarship.

The Signal Box chef cooked off against fellow finalists Jayden Dann (EXP. restaurant) and Samuel McKinnon (Muse Restaurant) on Wednesday night at TAFE NSW Hamilton.

Mirosevich's brother, George, head chef and co-owner of Signal Box, won the same scholarship in 2013.

The $10,000 scholarship, offered annually by TAFE NSW and the Hunter Culinary Association, gives Mirosevich the opportunity to work alongside Michelin-starred chef Brett Graham at his restaurant The Ledbury in Notting Hill.

Graham, as always, set the brief. Contestants had to produce an entree (a warm beetroot salad using different varieties of beetroots, accompanied by various sorrels), a main (leg of chicken filled, poached and roasted, garnished with mashed potatoes, truffle oil, mushrooms and celery) and a dessert (custard tart, blind baked pastry case with a layer of prune).

Link to Newcastle Herald Full Article

Spring is upon us. A beautiful time in the Hunter region when we experience the stunning colour of budburst and the wonderful abundance of fresh produce. We are excited to announce our September promotion – “Hunter on a Plate”. For every day during the month of September, we will be sharing seasonal recipes, culinary delights and special treats from the kitchens, cellars and pantries of our wonderful members.

See our daily post HERE

Giovanni Pilu was guest chef at Hunter Culinary Association's autumn seasonal lunch

The unforgettable tastes of regional Italy were the enjoyed by guest at our (HCA) Autumn Lunch. Sardinian chef Giovanni Pilu demonstrated the art of authentic pasta-based cooking in the masterclass. This was followed by a beautiful 3 course lunch with matching wines at Bistro Molines.

Thank you to all members who attended this great day. See our gallery for pics.