Street Smart Sydney : Front of House All Stars

During the set up for Front of House All Stars dinner at Coast Sydney recently I was moved to say ”There but for the grace of God go I” to CEO Street Smart Australia, Adam Robinson. He told me there are a lot of misunderstandings about why people become homeless. It can take just one turn in life such as bereavement or a long family illness, to take away our ability to cope financially or mentally.

“It was  amazing how many top sommeliers, chefs and front of house staff donated their time and skills to put on a wonderful night wonderful night for StreetSmart and Sydney diners.  We were able to enjoy the speciality dishes from seven great Sydney restaurants, many great wines and fantastic service.  StreetSmart is so grateful for the generosity of the diners and the supporting restaurants.  The proceeds from this event will help us continue to fundraise for local homeless projects.” Adam Robinson, CEO StreetSmart Australia.

I was fortuntate to be one of 120 Sydney diners who were treated to stellar service and fantastic food at the Front of House All Stars event. Sarah Wilson hosted the event with style and seven top restaurants: Otto Ristorante, Coast, Longrain, Fix St James, Bistrode, Sailors Thai and the Wine Library all donated a course, a matched wine and a team of spectacular servers to create a wonderful dining experience.  The All Stars also brought staff and kitchen teams who donated their time – it was inspiring to have the event so well supported by so many – what a buzz and a fantastic fantastic night!

Menu

Tim Connell – Coast
Spanish anchovy, smoked tomato
Sydney rock oyster, braised leek, sorrel and champagne
Sauteed mushroom crostini, parmesan and chive
Green pea soup and truffled goats cheese
Croser vintage 2007

Stuart Knox – Fix St James
Country Terrine with candied cumquats
Capital Wines ‘The Whip’ Riesling 2009

John Fink – Otto Ristorante
Ravioli of pickled beetroot, goats curd, pistachio and horseradish
Wild Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Howard Flannagan – Bistrode CBD
Twice cooked Petuna salmon and spring vegetable salad
Crawford River Rose 2010

Sam Christie – Longrain
Yellow Curry of Mirool Creek lamb with steamed bok choy, pickled ginger and jasmine rice
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles, Grenache/Mataro/Shiraz 2009

Traci Trinder – The Wine Library
Delice de Bourgogne, cows milk triple cream, Burgundy France
‘Lini 910′ Labrusca NV

Colin Nelson and Charles Leung with Janni Kryitsis
Galaktoboureko
Paul Jaboulet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

All of the dinner and wines were totally scrumptious. The top photo is from Otto and was Chef Richard Ptacnik’s choice for the event. It is one of his signature dishes, and completely original. And here’s the recipe of the Beetroot Ravioli from Otto in the Street Smart newsletter.

I totally agree with (Quay and Otto) restauranteur and Front of House All Star, John Fink when he told me “ It was a fun night, and a good chance to catch up with some of the heavyweights in the industry.” Indeed! There was wonderful industry comraderie, and a real buzz on the floor all night. It was great to catch up with food friends Lauren Murdoch and Stuart Knox. Sam Christie was an original Street Smart supporter for the Melbourne dinners and backed up for this first Sydney event. A highlight for me also was having time to chat with Janni Kryitsis who came out of retirement to support the dinner.

“It is a good charity, and the funds we raise as a restaurant go directly into our local community in Woolloomooloo. A great way of tilling back into the soil.” Fink said … and … ”How about someone paying $1k for my hat!” he added about the charity auction on the night at which I put in the winning bids for two items: a bar night for 16 friends at Coast restaurant, and the winning 2009 SIFF Sydney International Food Festival ‘Shoot the Chef’ photo from Jonathan May.

Thanks also to Jonathan May for the photos in this article.

http://www.jonathanmayphotography.com/
http://jonathanmayphotography.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all the Front of House All Stars, chefs and participating restaurants. It was a great night for a great cause.

Street Smart ‘Dine Out to Help Out” will be held from 8th November to 24 December,and is run through Australian restaurants by asking people to add a small donation to their bill. The money collected is then donated directly to support homeless refuges and charities selected based on their need and proximity to participating restaurants.