Balmoral Bathers Pavilion chef says new look coming
Balmoral Bathers Pavilion operator Serge Dansereau has announced an extensive redesign of the waterside venue — “everything you see now will go”, he said.
Balmoral Bathers Pavilion operator Serge Dansereau has announced an extensive redesign of the waterside venue — “everything you see now will go”, he said.
Mr Dansereau revealed the facelift after being named the successful tenderer for a 20-year lease.
Mosman Council this month said Mr Dansereau’s team beat three organisations pitching to run the restaurant, bar and cafe.
The Canadian-born chef has traded at the pavilion since 1998, and believed it was time for a complete refit of the interior.
“Everything you see now will go, and everything will be totally new,” he said.
Mr Dansereau said a lounge was one possibility.
“The lounge would be a flexible area where you can have a glass of wine or a dozen oysters if the cafe is really busy,” he said.
The bar will also see significant change.
“We want the bar to be less intrusive,” Mr Dansereau said.
“It takes up a lot of space and we want to open it so the view and vista comes through.”
The gallery will remain. Mr Dansereau is also limited in what he can do with outdoor seating due to strict council requirements.
A designer has been appointed and Mr Dansereau expected the work to begin towards the end of winter.
The venue would reopen about October.
“To have the last 20 years here as chef, owner and tenant, it’s been pretty good,” he said.
“To have the chance again to reincarnate myself and create a new space, I’m so grateful.”
Crafting cuisine
Asked whether there would be a change in the menu, Mr Dansereau said there would be a “tilt” towards French food.
“And there will probably be a little bit more seafood. You’ll see prawns appear on the menu,” he said.
“Sustainability is important. That’s what I want to bring with fish.”
The restaurant would continue to offer modern Australian cuisine.
The current lease expires at the end of the year.
Mr Dansereau’s next lease is for 2020 to 2039.
‘It’s scary’: Speed race has SailGP guns on edge
SailGP gun Kyle Langford has given an insight into the wet, wild and high risk speed chase that could see 100km/h broken on Sydney Harbour – and the fear and pain involved.
Ciao bella! ‘Beautiful’ Italian eatery arrives at beachfront hotel
Flocking to the northern beaches for a frolic in the surf? Food lovers might take a detour to a new eatery inspired by an Italian piazza serving up a scope of fare, from spaghetti to straccetti.