New chef elevates Elements of Byron’s culinary offering

AFTER working in luxury resorts from the Whitsundays to Fiji, Craig Robertson has returned to the region where he grew up, taking on the role of executive chef at Elements of Byron resort.

Robertson now brings his expertise to the resort’s signature Azure Bar & Grill, following a 20-year career in high-end hospitality. His resume includes roles at the Langham Hotel Gold Coast, InterContinental Hayman Island and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.

“I’ve been very privileged in my career to work in some amazing places, but my heart has always been in northern NSW,” he said. “My two boys still live in the area, and after many years of travel, my wife and I felt it was time to come home. I have a house in Pottsville Beach, and I’m thrilled to reconnect with local farmers and producers, showcasing the incredible ingredients this region has to offer.”

Since taking the helm, Robertson has introduced a ‘Forest to Foreshore’ dining ethos inspired by the resort’s location between the rainforest and the ocean and the four elements of ancient Greek philosophy — earth, fire, water and air.

“It’s all about celebrating local ingredients and letting them be the heroes,” he said. “Our menu will reflect the rich biodiversity of the region, from exotic mushrooms grown in Stokers Siding by the Shroom Brothers to freshly foraged beach herbs straight from our sand dunes.”

Standout dishes feature native ingredients sourced from the property, such as wild-farmed venison with pickled Ink Gin blueberries, celeriac, and Davidson plum gel, as well as market fish pai with Warrigal greens, Ballina pipis, macadamia and a red coral tuile in a crustacean broth.

Robertson brings with him a swag of industry accolades. These include Chef Hats at Langham Gold Coast’s Tang Court, the first Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat awarded to an IHG hotel restaurant in Australasia at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s Red Salt Restaurant, and five consecutive AGFG Chef Hats for Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff’s Seasons restaurant.