Searching for a meaningful and delicious way to spend your Sunday? Jacqui Challinor, executive chef at Nomad, has rallied together some 35 Sydney chefs for a weekend event not to be missed.
The Cook for the Bush event, held this Sunday January 12, is bringing together Australia’s biggest culinary talents in an effort to raise funds for the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal to aid in the recovery of fire-ravaged communities.
Feeling somewhat powerless to the catastrophic happenings around Australia, Challinor decided to throw a fundraising brunch at her Surry Hills restaurant. She texted a few industry friends to gauge interest in whether they might like to help, and received a truly overwhelming response.
Now, a bevvy of notable chefs that include the likes of Alex Prichard (Icebergs Dining Room + Bar), Duncan Welgemoed (Africola), Graeme Hunt (Chin Chin), Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules), James Viles (Biota), Mike McEnearney (Kitchen by Mike), Nathan Brindle (Ester), Peter Gilmore (Quay), Rhiann Mead (Bennelong), and Sujet Saenkham (Spice I Am), will be teaming up for the day for a series of events in the inner city area.
“After feeling completely helpless for weeks, I realised that as a community working together, we could have more of an impact than I ever could alone,” Challinor said in a press release.
“Feeding people is what we do best so it makes sense that we take that and turn it into something truly valuable. What is happening in our country is completely heartbreaking and it’s going to take community spirit, not just money to build us back up again.”
The initial plan for a 450-person brunch at Challinor’s Nomad reached ticket capacity in record time. Luckily, restaurants closeby were more than willing to lend their spaces to keep the party going.
Starting from 10.00am until sold out, a bake sale takeover will be hosted at GoGo Bar at Chin Chin.
Nearby, the stunning rooftop at Paramount Recreational Club will be hosting three two-hour day-dining sessions. There will be drinks mixed by the Tio’s Crew and Trolley’d as well as a cheese station, an oyster bar and roaming kingfish ceviche. Merivale is kindly donating all the drinks.
All proceeds from the oyster bar will be sent direct to The Oyster Coast, while all other proceeds from the day will go directly to the Australian Red Cross.
The aim is to raise $100,000, and we’re absolutely certain this team of dedicated chefs will crack this figure.
Nomad brunch is sold out, but you can book your rooftop session here. Takeaway stalls open from 10.00am until sold out.
We’ll see you there.
If you can, please consider donating to one of the organisations below — your donation will directly benefit bushfire victims, communities and animals affected.
Donate to the NSW Rural Fire Service
Donate to the Victorian Bushfire Relief
Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund
Donate to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
Donate to St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal
Donate to WIRES