Australia’s hospitality community will show their support for the family of late chef Jeremy Strode at a gala dinner to be held in Sydney later this month. When he passed away in July last year, Strode left behind his wife, acclaimed chef Jane Strode, and two sons aged nine and 12, as well as a legacy of mentoring the next generation of Australian kitchen talent. Now, colleagues and friends of the Sydney-based chef are giving back in the hope of raising funds for the Strode family.
The likes of Danielle Alvarez, Ben Shewry, Neil Perry and Darren Robertson are throwing their weight behind the event, donating their time and skills on the night or contributing to prizes including lunch for eight people at Bert’s at The Newport, a Flour & Stone cake delivery every week for a year, and a barbecue dinner cooked by Ben Shewry and Neil Perry in your own home.
“Jeremy was a mate and I respected his cooking and work ethic,” Perry says. “Jane, his wife, was a long-time employee of mine from Rockpool, so I knew the family well.”
Fourteen chefs will collaborate on the gala dinner’s four-course menu, which includes canapés by Brae’s Dan Hunter and Bistrode CBD’s Lauren Murdoch as well as entrées prepared by Martin Benn of Sepia and Christine Manfield among others. Expect a white-cut chicken dressed with Sichuan chilli oil; the recreation of a Jeremy Strode classic, corned beef with mustard sauce; and desserts including a Valhrona and passionfruit tart from the capable hands of Lorraine Godsmark, Peter Doyle (Est), Martin Boetz and 4Fourteen’s Colin Fassnidge. Wines being poured on the night include a Beechworth rosé from Domenica, Matthias et Emile Roblin Sancerre and Curly Flat pinot noir.
The star-studded rollcall of names hints at the reputation Strode held in the industry as a chef, leader and friend throughout his career spent in London, Melbourne and Sydney at the helm of award-winning restaurants including Bistrode and The Fish Shop.
Strode Family Dinner, 27 March, 6.30pm, Ivy Ballroom, Level 1, 320 George St, Sydney, NSW. Tickets $300 each or $3000 for a table of 10, includes four courses and drinks.
