Carlo Staropoli: Navarra Venues chef faces assault charge
A head chef at a popular wedding venue company that runs swanky events at exclusive sites including Le Montage and Curzon Hall has fronted court after police alleged he assaulted a woman.
Northern District Times
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The head chef of a prestigious Sydney venue company has fronted court on police allegations he assaulted a woman.
Carlo Staropoli, 33, from Ryde, faced Burwood Local Court for the first time this week after being charged with one count of common assault.
The Italian-born chef and new father has worked at popular wedding venue company Navarra Venues since October 2012 as an executive chef according to his LinkedIn.
Police allege Staropoli assaulted the woman between 10.30 and 10.40am on January 16 in Marsfield, according to court documents.
In court, Staropoli pleaded not guilty and the deputy registrar Angela Issa ordered a brief of evidence to be served by August 3.
During the COVID-19 restrictions, Staropoli scribed a blog piece on the company’s website titled ‘It All Looks Saucey To Me’ releasing recipes of his two favourite pasta sauces.
He was also pictured next to Drummoyne liberal MP John Sidoti at the grounds of NSW Parliament for an Italian Cuisine event last November.
A spokeswoman from Navarra Venues said they were aware of the court proceedings and claimed there was a “complete misunderstanding.”
“Carlo is one of our most respected chefs,” she told The Northern District Times.
His lawyer refused to comment.
Navarra Venues hosts events at five swanky venues including the waterfront Le Montage in Lilyfield and Curzon Hall in Marsfield.
The company made headlines last month after its CEO Sal Navarra said they were fed up with the government advice on restrictions and planned to reopen – ahead of the full easing of restrictions at the time.
“Navarra Venues took a stance to to (sic) keep our clients safe by upholding the NSW Government restrictions, now we are taking a stance to open – NAVARRA venues are bringing back events,” Mr Navarra said on Instagram in June.
Staropoli’s matter will return to court on August 17.