In the heart of Sydney, beneath the iconic sails of the Opera House, an exceptional culinary collaboration is about to unfold. For three exclusive nights in January 2025, two of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Dan Hunter and Danielle Alvarez, will bring their purpose-driven, sustainability-focused cuisine to the city. This rare dining event promises to offer a transformative gastronomic experience that merges exceptional talent, Australian produce, and a deep respect for nature.
A Unique Collaboration Between Two Culinary Masters
Dan Hunter, the acclaimed chef-owner of Brae in regional Victoria, and Danielle Alvarez, the visionary Culinary Director of the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms, are uniting for a bespoke dining experience that will immerse guests in a journey of sustainability and luxury. Hunter’s Brae has long been lauded for its commitment to organic farming and ethical sourcing, a philosophy he has built from the ground up. Alvarez, renowned for her farm-to-table approach, brings her own dedication to local, seasonal produce, honed through years of experience at world-class restaurants like The French Laundry and Chez Panisse. Their collaboration is not just about food; it’s about purpose. The event will showcase a six-course tasting menu, featuring the finest ethically sourced ingredients from both local farms and Hunter’s own award-winning farm at Brae. The carefully curated dishes will reflect the chefs’ shared commitment to seasonality, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the land.
A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Sustainability
Hunter and Alvarez’s approach to cooking is deeply intertwined with sustainability and a commitment to transparency in sourcing. At Brae, Hunter has transformed his restaurant into a model of sustainability, with up to 90% of the menu sourced directly from his farm. From vegetables and citrus fruits to honey and native Australian plants, everything on the plate tells a story of care, community, and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, Brae was awarded three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, an extraordinary achievement that underscores the significance of its sustainability-driven ethos. Alvarez’s philosophy mirrors Hunter’s, though with her distinctive touch. Having worked closely with some of Australia’s most respected farmers, such as Living Earth Farm and Moonacres Farm, Alvarez has become a champion for quality, ethically sourced produce. For her, purpose-driven cooking is about bringing joy to the table.
A Venue That Matches the Vision
The Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms, with its panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary dining event. The venue itself is an architectural masterpiece, and its crescent-shaped design with terrazzo flooring offers a modern, sophisticated setting for what promises to be a spectacular evening. Guests will dine in an intimate setting with only 70 tickets available per night, ensuring an exclusive and unparalleled experience. For this collaboration, the Trippas White Group, responsible for in-house catering at the Opera House, has worked closely with the chefs to create a dining event that is as much a performance as it is a meal. With only a select number of seats available, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savour the culinary expertise of two of Australia’s finest chefs in one of the world’s most iconic locations.
The Menu: A Journey Through Australian Flavour
Each course on the menu will celebrate Australia’s finest seasonal produce, thoughtfully curated to reflect the unique connection between the chefs and their ingredients. Guests can expect to indulge in dishes that showcase the depth of flavour and variety that Australian agriculture has to offer, from the freshest seafood sourced from Sydney’s waters to the vibrant vegetables and herbs grown on Brae’s farm. Hunter’s dishes will reflect the spirit of Brae, taking inspiration from his farm’s bounty while also paying homage to the local flavours of Sydney. Alvarez, too, will bring her signature farm-to-table approach to the table, incorporating her prized suppliers into a menu that highlights the best of the region’s seasonal offerings. Together, they will create a dining experience that not only delights the senses but also tells the story of sustainability and connection to the land.
An Invitation to Experience the Future of Fine Dining
This exclusive collaboration between Dan Hunter and Danielle Alvarez is more than just a dining event—it’s a chance to experience the future of fine dining, where sustainability, ethics, and culinary artistry come together in perfect harmony. For those lucky enough to secure a seat, this event will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine in one of the world’s most iconic locations. With only 70 tickets available each night, this is a rare chance to experience the passion, creativity, and purpose that define Australian fine dining today. For those with a refined palate and a passion for exclusive experiences, dining with Hunter and Alvarez at the Sydney Opera House presents an unparalleled opportunity. With tickets now available, secure your place at the table and be part of this unforgettable celebration of sustainability, flavour, and the art of purposeful dining.
Written By: Brianna Bruns
Published: 11th November 2024