We adore the great food and atmosphere of Bistro 1834 at The Surveyor General Inn and with a new head chef taking over the helm its time to discover the new face behind the pass.
We sat down for a catch up with our new Head Chef Michelle last week before our busy Friday lunch service started and thought you would like to be introduced to her. Chef Michelle is in the kitchen most days and weekends, preparing her signature favourite 300gm Ranger Valley Wagyu rump steak, chargrilled and served with crispy chips and seasonal garden salad or creamy mash potatoes and winter vegetable.
Great childhood growing up on a farm in South Africa, Chef Michelle’s love of fresh produce started at a young age standing on a milk crate watching her grandmother and father prepare nutritious family meals and making desserts with her mother. Giving her an early taste of regional produce and deliciousness of cooking what is in season.
Chef Michelle has always enjoyed watching customers’ reactions to her food. Seeing their expression and watching their face light up is so fulfilling knowing you have created delicious menus that diners enjoy. Mainly working in country clubs and corporate hotels around the world before moving to Australia, Chef Michelle worked with Bendooley Estate from 2020-2024. Whenever she has been in the kitchen, her menus have always reflected her passion for seasonal produce and fresh flavours.
Growing up on a farm, Chef Michelle has always loved regional areas and the accessibility to great farm produce. Combine this with the great team and working environment, in an amazing historical pub with sandstone walls creating a charming space to enjoy your meal.
Chef Michelle recently competed in the “Chef of the Year”, an annual event for professional chefs from around Australia held 19th May 2024, making it to the second round. In her spare time away from the Surveyor General Inn you will find her in the garden or cross stitching.
Chef Michelle is currently looking forward to adding to our seasonal menu after the school holidays. At the moment we hope you enjoy many specials on our specials board including a delicious risotto perfect for our Berrima winters. And if your a dessert lover, make sure you sample her double chocolate, raspberry and orange brownie oozing sticky and gooey orange syrup. Yum!
Chef Michelle is continuing our delicious winter curry, perfect for bringing the whole family together at $20 a serve every Tuesday, and the traditional Sunday Roast where you can wind down, pour a glass of local pinot and roast your way through Sunday afternoon.
On your next visit to Bistro 1834, make sure you say hello, Michelle would love to meet you!