11 Oct 2016
Merivale has announced two new appointments in its impressive line-up of chefs - Ben Fitton joins the Merivale team as Head Chef of The Fish Shop, supported by the leadership of Executive Chef, Jeremy Strode. Toby Worthington joins Papi Chulo as Head Chef, working under the guidance of Executive Chefs Patrick Friesen and Christopher Hogarth.
Ben Fitton takes the reins at The Fish Shop, Merivale's taste of the sea in the heart of Potts Point. Running the kitchen at Sean's Panorama in Bondi for just over two years, Ben worked closely with a family-run team, developing the menu to showcase the fantastic flavours and generous produce of Australia. He then joined Damien Pignolet, the Godfather of French cuisine, as Head Chef of the re-opened Regatta Restaurant in Rose Bay. Ben will work alongside the revered Jeremy Strode to deliver and develop a fresh, new menu showcasing the ever-changing market list of local, seasonable and sustainable Australian seafood.
Toby Worthington joins Papi Chulo after three years working alongside Peter Doyle at the award-winning est. He began his career at The Culinary Institute of New Zealand, before venturing to the United Kingdom to earn his stripes in the fast-paced and frenetic world of London. Here, he developed his culinary skills under the tutelage of Ashley Palmer-Watts at Dinner by Heston, one of the world's most renowned restaurants. Relocating to the Southern Hemisphere in 2012, Toby moved from European cuisine to modern Australian at Manly Pavilion, before joining the Merivale team.
Toby will continue to develop Papi Chulo's eclectic fashion of flavours, smokehouse meats and succulent seafood that has won legions of fans across Sydney. Patrick Friesen and Christopher remain Executive Chefs of Papi Chulo, while they also lead the kitchen at Merivale's new venue, The Queen Victoria Hotel, set to open its doors in November.
For further information and media enquiries please contact:
Rebecca Gibbs
Publicity Manager, Merivale
Phone: 02 9240 3000
Email: rebecca.gibbs@merivale.com
Tessa Conboy
PR Coordinator, Merivale
Phone: 02 9240 3010
