Local chef triumphs in culinary awards

EUREKA Hotel’s head chef Eli Grubb has been named regional Victoria’s best chef at the 2024 Golden Plate Awards, after he triumphed in a MasterChef-style mystery box cook off earlier this year.

The awards, which were held earlier this month, recognise the best of regional Victoria’s hospitality scene.

The judging panel was filled with praise for Grubb’s approach, labelling him a “talented chef that pushes the boundaries”, “evokes emotion” and “excites the tastebuds”.

Presented with a box of about ten ingredients during the cook off, Grubb delivered a two-course meal comprised of a Japanese-styled katsu beef entrée, with crumbed wagyu, crispy potatoes, a stock-infused mayonnaise and pickled asparagus, and a honey mousse dessert.

Not only were the judges impressed with Grubb’s “exceptional understanding of flavours, techniques and creativity”, but they also noted the experienced chef’s ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

“My method was just to, as soon as I got in, figure out exactly what I wanted to make and just stick with that,” Grubb said.

“I think, a lot of times, you can get caught up in the details and…complicate everything and you’re not able to put up your best product because you’ve made it harder for yourself.

“In general, and when it comes to kitchens as well, your high-pressure situations and when it’s busy, it’s the most logical thing to do to stay calm because when you, especially as a leader, get frustrated and fed up and angry, you pass that onto your team and you set that example.”

He said the win was humbling.

“To actually get some sort of recognition from food critics and judges helps you realise why you do what you do, and I think it keeps you motivated and passionate about what you’re doing.”

Geelong’s Mediterranean-inspired fine dining establishment Nectar Kitchen and Bar was also recognised at this year’s Golden Plate Awards and took home the Ambience gong.

“Nectar is true to their word; this is truly a place for any season or any reason,” the judges said.

“A beautiful intimate restaurant with a bar and open kitchen to keep you entertained, an awesome drinks program alongside some excellent service.”

The restaurant, which opened in Moorabool Street in October last year, was also highly commended in the Best Contemporary Dining award category, an award that ultimately went to the Bellarine Peninsula’s Jack Rabbit Restaurant.

Meanwhile, Non Disclosure Bar’s Tim Arnott was named regional Victoria’s Bartender of the Year at the awards night, besting 1915’s Justin Gozales, 18th Amendment Bar’s Ella Dumanesq and fellow Non Disclosure Bar mixologist Jackson Wilde in a finalist competition.