Mitch Orr returns home for Parramatta Lanes
RENOWNED chef Mitch Orr has become a household name in Sydney’s food scene but the west will always hold a special place in his heart. He’s returning as an ambassador for the annual Parramatta Lanes next month.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Liz Scully and Durga Owen make political run for western Sydney
- Driver in low-speed pursuit injures police officer
MITCH Orr has become a household name in Sydney’s food scene but the west will always hold a special place in his heart.
The co-owner and head chef of popular Rushcutters Bay restaurant Acme will return home next month as ambassador for the seventh annual Parramatta Lanes festival.
Orr grew up in Toongabbie and as a high school student did work experience at Riverside Theatres and the Albion Hotel in Parramatta.
“I started working as a kitchen hand at the Albion and that led into starting an apprenticeship,” he said.
“I spent about three years there. I also worked at Eurolounge in Castle Hill for a year and a half.
“Both of those jobs led me to my next job, which then led to the next one and the next one.
“And somehow I got to where I am today.”
Today Orr is at the top of the food game, having won the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year Award and worked in the kitchens of three-hatted Sepia in Sydney and Osteria Francescana in Italy.
Orr, who went to Toongabbie West Primary and Pendle Hill High, loved growing up in the west.
“Growing up in Toongabbie and being exposed to so many different cultures and life experiences definitely shaped who I am and how I cook today,” he said.
He said the “boom in Parramatta and the surrounding areas food scene is really exciting”.
Orr’s love for the west was part of the reason he signed on as ambassador for Parramata Lanes.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for where I grew up,” he said. “I’ve still got a lot of love for the hood so it’s really great to be asked to represent the area that helped shape me.”
He has partnered with Two Good Co for the event, to deliver a Filipino style dish that will see one meal donated to someone in need for every meal bought.
“Two Good Co are such a great organisation and cause. I’m lucky enough to collab with them pretty regularly and am a big supporter in what they do,” Orr said.
Parramatta Lanes
■ The festival, which attracted more than 100,000 visitors last year, will bring more than 45 food stalls and six bars to 14 lanes across Parramatta from October 9-12.
■ New additions include a roller skating rink on the rooftop of Eat Street Car Park, with food by Gelato Messina and Butter.
■ The program also includes a range of live music, dance and art.
IN OTHER NEWS
