QT Hotels has announced the appointment of Executive Chef, Michael Box, to Sydney’s dining institution Gowings Bar & Grill. Renowned for its high-energy service and dedication to local produce, QT’s signature brasserie will reimagine its classic heritage with a signature QT twist under Box’s direction.
Already inducted into the QT family, Box initially joined QT Sydney as Executive Sous Chef in 2015 before joining QT Canberra’s award-winning Capitol Bar & Grill as Executive Chef. It was in this role he developed an unrivalled pedigree in championing a food first philosophy driven by local produce. Box will reinforce his dedication to the best local artisan producers and suppliers as he takes the helm at Gowings Bar & Grill.
Incremental changes to the lunch and dinner menu are already underway, with Box reintroducing guest favourites including the “I Only Have A Minute” Steak and QT Canberra’s award-winning QT Rib Eye. In addition, returning to the in-room dining menu after popular demand is the infamous Not So Club, winner of the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide Awards Best Club Sandwich in 2016.
Meanwhile, updates to the Gowings Bar & Grill breakfast menu cater to the needs of the CBD power breakfast crowd as well as guests looking for a lazy morning brunch. Going well beyond typical hotel buffet fare, the à la carte menu includes Buckwheat Strawberry Pancakes with lemon ricotta, the nutritious Brain-Food Bowl of turmeric rice, za’atar avocado and sprouts for a productive start to the day, and the Gowings Breakfast, a QT take on a traditional big breakfast with scrambled eggs, pork bratwurst, chorizo chipolata sausage and asparagus served on thick cut sourdough toast.
“It feels great to be back in the Gowings kitchen, where it all began. The restaurant is a Sydney institution, loved by locals and celebrated for showcasing best in class, locally-sourced ingredients and produce, which is a real passion point of mine. I’m looking forward to reinvigorating the classics whilst delivering a timeless menu paired with flawless execution,” said Box.
The new Gowings Bar & Grill menu will be unveiled later this year