Leading culinary masterminds from around Australia are joining forces for an extraordinary event in aid of one of the country’s most unique charitiesHeld on Tuesday 8 September at Ivy Ballroom, The ‘R U OK? Dinner, presented by Merivale’, will raise money for the not-for-profit organisation whose vision is a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide. The event will be hosted by comedianPaul McCarthy and renowned food writer Joanna Savill, with a spectacular live performance by award-winning singer/songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Last tickets on sale now from http://www.ruok.org.au/chefsdinner

Captained by the revered Jeremy Strode, Executive Chef of Merivale’s Bistrode CBD and The Fish Shop, the exceptional line-up of chefs will form groups to collaborate on a set course.  The result will be an impressive seventh-course feast, passionately prepared by all chefs who are donating their time and expertise to this not-to-be-missed epicurean extravaganza:

FIRST COURSE

David Swain – Fino (South Australia)

Morgan McGlone – Belles Hot Chicken & Bar Clarine (Melbourne)

Dan Pepperell – 10 William St (Sydney)

Richard Purdue – Group Executive Chef, Merivale Events (Sydney)

Moët & Chandon Impérial

Cocktails by Trolleyd

Beer by Lord Nelson Brewery

Pristine Oysters, Wakame & Brown Rice

Hot Chicken Wingette, Ranch Cream & Pickle Powder

Calvolonero Chip, Young Garlic Cream & Anchovy

Cured Petuna Ocean Trout, Roe & Rice Wafers

SECOND COURSE

Ben Shewry – Attica (Melbourne)

Darren Robertson & Mark Lebrooy – Three Blue Ducks (Sydney)

2012 Crawford River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Hently, Vic 

Cultured Butter Potatoes with Roasted Yeast, Shiitake Broth, Sweet Potato Leaves & Smoked Potato Skin Salt

THIRD COURSE

Danielle Alvarez – Paddington, Merivale (Sydney)

Ben Greeno – Paddington Arms, Merivale (Sydney)

Jonathan Barthelmess – Apollo & Cho Cho San (Sydney)

2013 Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Vic

Smoked Hervey Bay Scallop Sausage, Pickled Vegetables

FOURTH COURSE

Ian Curley – The European (Melbourne)

Colin Fassnidge – Four in Hand & 4 Fourteen (Sydney)

2011 Curly Flat Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges, Vic 

Poached Inglewood Chicken, Broad Beans & Mint

Spouts & Seeded Mustard Dressing

Kipflers Potatoes & Sauerkraut

FIFTH COURSE

Dan Hunter – Brae (Victoria)

Thomas Lim – Goldies (Los Angeles)

Graillot Syrah 2013, Heathcote Vic

O’Conner Beef Short Rib Cooked Over Night with Smoked Eel & Mountain Pepper, Seeds & Green Things

SIXTH COURSE

David Lovett – Uccello, Merivale (Sydney)

2013 Muscat du Cap Corse, Antoine Arena, Corsica, France

Goats Cheese, Quince, Grappa & Pane Carasau

SEVENTH COURSE

Brent Savage – Bentley, Yellow & Monopole (Sydney)

Luke Burgess – ex-Garagistes (Tasmania)

2013 Jean-Claude Lapalu ‘Aléotoire’ Petillant Naturel, Beaujolais, France

Strawberries, Cream, Fennel & Borage

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Service will be orchestrated by the best of the business, led by Merivale’s own Food and Beverage Director, Frank Roberts.  The Ivy Ballroom and all event staff are donated by the event’s presenting partner, Merivale.

Wine will be provided courtesy of Jeremy’s favourite local wineries and importers including Andrew Guard, Bibendum, Crawford River, Curly Flat, Garagistes and Tim Stock.  All produce  is kindly supplied by Cooks Co-Op, Feather & Bone, Nicholas Seafood’s and Vic’s Meats.

Jeremy Strode said: “We, as an industry, are becoming much more aware of the need to know how our employees and workmates are going, not just in the workplace but outside too.  The hospitality industry is renowned for its unforgiving nature, adding pressure personally and on our relationships.  Having the foresight and taking the time to have a conversation with someone you may or may not know and asking if they’re ok, is a wonderful thing.”

Aya Larkin, Board Director, R U OK?, said: “It’s great that Jeremy Strode, Merivale and the hospitality industry are getting behind the R U OK? Campaign.  So many meaningful conversations happen over a shared meal and this is a wonderful way to shine a light on the message.  This is an industry, like many others, where looking out for one another is very important.  The calibre of those generously lending their talents and time to this event will leave a lasting legacy.”

Funds raised from this event will support R U OK?’s Community Ambassador program, which enables local engagement with schools, community groups and workplaces to encourage regular, meaningful conversations.

R U OK? Dinner

A special event presented by Merivale

Tuesday 8 September, Ivy Ballroom, Sydney

Tickets: $350 each, $3500 per table (10pax)

Book at: http://www.ruok.org.au/chefsdinner

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