An Introduction to...

        
ROCK Restaurant         

THE VISION

ROCK Restaurant and Firestick Café is providing a new standard of dining in the Hunter Valley. Australia's oldest wine region and one of its most popular recreational and visitor destinations has welcomed the opening of a new dining landmark - ROCK Restaurant - located on the Poole's Rock Wines estate in Pokolbin. "ROCK" aim is to become one of Australia's dining benchmarks.

Simplicity and harmony are integral to both the design of the restaurant and to the overall philosophy of hospitality at the ROCK. Architects Group GSA have captured the essence of the vineyard location and the surrounding Australian bushland. Muted tones and restful views will be served every day.

THE CHEF

Chef Andrew Clarke is a passionate advocate of fresh, seasonal and regional ingredients. His food challenges and excites, its presentation displays both form and balance like good artwork.

His state-of-the-art kitchen includes a wood-fired oven used to make traditional wood-fired pizzas during the day, and as a showpiece oven at night.

Andrew Clarke's cooking career began with Anthony Musarra at Mesclun Brasserie, where he quickly learned the basics of contemporary Australian cuisine. After a year, he moved to The Edge restaurant to work with Gary Skelton at his popular fast-paced restaurant in East Sydney. During this time, Andrew also worked with Matt Browns Greens delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to some of Sydney's finest restaurants. Subsequently, he accepted a position at Claude's Restaurant under Tim Pak Poy, one of Australia's finest chefs. Andrew worked at Claude's for three years during which time Tim passed on his skills, knowledge and passion for fine dining. Since then Andrew assisted prominent Sydney caterer Leigh Stone-Herbert of Absolute Ambrosia, and worked at a number of Sydney restaurants including the Bathers' Pavilion.

THE FINANCIAL PARTNER

There is no one more passionate about the establishment of the ROCK Restaurant than the chef's uncle and restaurant partner David Clarke, who founded Poole's Rock Wines in 1988. For several years, David has dreamt about a world-class restaurant overlooking the original block of 90-year-old shiraz vines at the Poole's Rock winery estate. "ROCK" showcases the Poole's Rock Wines portfolio the Poole's Rock, Cockfighter's Ghost and Firestick ranges as well as an extensive Cellar Collection alongside Andrew's artful food. That dream is now to be a reality.

ROCK Restaurant and its more casual daytime companion, the Firestick Café are now open.

ROCK Restaurant
Open Thurs-Sat from 6.30pm

Firestick Café
Open 7 Days 10am-5pm

DeBeyers Road Pokolbin, NSW Australia 2320
Phone (02) 4998 6968
Fax (02) 4998 6987
Email info@rockrestaurant.com.au
www.rockrestaurant.com.au

For more ROCK Restaurant information please contact:
Andrew Clarke
Mobile 0438 215 176
or
Maxine Cooley, Design & Marketing Manager     
Poole's Rock Wines
Telephone (02) 9563 2500
Mobile 0419 000 313
Email mcooley@poolesrock.com.au