Where celebrity chef Curtis Stone is set to pop up in Melbourne this year

He grew up in Ascot Vale and loves horse racing — now celebrity chef Curtis Stone is set to bring his style and skill to Flemington.

One of Melbourne’s finest chef exports, Curtis Stone, is heating up Flemington’s renowned Birdcage enclosure with a new partnership.

The Victoria Racing Club will on Thursday anoint Curtis Stone Events as the Birdcage’s hospitality partner, alongside existing catering giants The Big Group and Food & Desire.

“I grew up just down the road in Ascot Vale and we used to go to the races all the time,’’ said US based Stone.

“We started the events business in Los Angeles and we’ve brought it back here to Australia and the Birdcage to me is the pinnacle of so many things in Melbourne. To be able to come back as a grown up and actually be part of it is super special.”

Curtis Stone with the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Stone’s fine dining, Michelin starred LA restaurant Gwen will be set up in the exclusive Birdcage, catering for up to 200 VRC members and guests each day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Curtis Stone Events will also deliver Lucky’s, a new corporate hospitality experience in the Birdcage for up to 300 guests each day.

“It’s a huge time for Melbourne and Australia,’’ Stone said. “It’s world famous and there’s pride in telling people we get a day off for the Melbourne Cup. It’s an incredible few days and really brings the city to life both on and off the track.”

Stone, who was born on Melbourne Cup Day, also has a syndicate with friends which he’s named after his childhood home in Charles Street.

VRC CEO Steve Rosich said it was a major boost to partner with the Australian chef and his Melbourne based events arm.

“Curtis Stone’s Birdcage Enclosure involvement promises to create an unforgettable experience for racegoers including VRC Members and guests, and corporate partners,” Mr Rosich said.

“The collaboration brings together the best in culinary expertise and event management and introduces a fresh perspective on hospitality and guest experiences to the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the renowned Birdcage.”

The Big Group returns to the Birdcage enclosure to deliver the VRC’s Bird Bath Bar, a new

retail quarter and fully inclusive private marquees for corporate guests.

“Together, Curtis Stone Events, The Big Group and Food & Desire will transform the

Birdcage Enclosure into a culinary and hospitality destination like no other,” Mr Rosich said.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on Saturday November with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on November 7, Kennedy Oaks Day on November 9 and TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 11.