By Leigh O’Connor.
Dominic Grundy wanted to be a footballer growing up…he still does!
However, it is on the pans at Gracie’s Restaurant on Broadford-Flowerdale Road in Strath Creek that you will find this Manchester United fan and local. Nestled within an historic 1842 homestead, this dining destination is an idyllic location for an intimate meal or family celebration.
Nestled within function venue Flowerdale Estate, the restaurant boasts an outdoor deck for sipping a wine on balmy days overlooking picturesque scenery and gardens, while indoors is warm and inviting as guests enjoy everything from high teas to romantic dinners.
"As a young lad growing up who was better at practical activities and team games, going to college or university didn’t seem the right path for me,” Dominic tells AGFG. "Working in a kitchen as part of a team seemed like a good idea.
"I started in Warrington, working at Paul Heathcote’s restaurants – he had a few strings to his bow, from outside catering to a pizzeria and Michelin-starred restaurant – everything from fast food to fine dining. I was lucky enough to work in all of them and managed to get a wide and broad kitchen training, alongside industry-standard college qualifications.”
Moving to the bright lights of London, Dominic took advantage of opportunities to focus on fine dining:
"Long hours and high-pressure service became the norm for me, allowing me to spend time learning my trade in the hot-bed that was La Gavroche – one of the oldest and most respected French fine dining restaurants in London. I was following in the footsteps of my idols – Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay. I learnt so much about all aspects of being a Chef on their training scheme.”
A couple of years in Perth followed before homesickness led Dominic back to the UK where he continued to develop his skills both in the kitchen and at Executive Chef level.
"I worked in a number of different kitchens in country hotels in the Lakes District and Yorkshire, using ingredients from our own gardens, and in city-centre restaurants in Manchester and Liverpool. While working at The Lowry in Manchester, I provided meals to the stars, including Manchester United football players – a boyhood dream!”
Travelling back Down Under after COVID travel restrictions were lifted, Dominic found himself at Flowerdale Estate.
"Living in Victoria gives me access to so many food experiences and I work to incorporate them into my menus. I want to please adventurous diners and at the same time introduce traditionally conservative diners to new tastes.
"At Flowerdale Estate, we have an extensive kitchen garden and that allows me to experiment with new combinations of ingredients. The current trend of food that comes directly from the ground to the plate is easy to follow.”
Dominic describes his style as adaptable – presenting relatable food done really well.
"I like the fusion of classic French meals with Asian tastes. There are no rules when it comes to experimentation. This is an area where I spend a lot of my time, exploring what happens when European dishes are prepared with Japanese methods and ingredients.”
Dominic shares his recipe for blue swimmer crab, cockle and prawn arancini Kiev, with café de Paris butter and green goddess purée:
"This dish is wholesome and satisfying to make and delicious to eat. Different elements of the dish can be used for other meals whether it be the café de Paris butter on steak or grilled fish, or using the green goddess puree as a dressing for a salad.”
So, what does this Chef love so much about the hospitality industry?
"It has given me the opportunity to travel the world – my skills are universal and opportunities are huge. People will always need to eat. In every culture people come together around a dining table and providing a superb experience is extremely satisfying. I am always popular at family get-togethers when I end up doing the cooking!”
Confessing to a secret fear of heights, especially in tall buildings, Dominic says working in the Panoramic in Liverpool proved one of his biggest challenges overlooking the Mersey River every day through floor-to-ceiling windows on the 54th floor.
While content working Flowerdale Estate for the next few years, Dominic can’t help but wonder what would happen if Man U came calling…
