A super group of chefs was formed Tuesday 21 June as they rallied together to create a night of culinary delights, raising much needed funds for the Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal.
Auctions held throughout the night saw the group raise a grand total of $55,110 for the victims of the recent disasters in Japan. The stand out item of the night was the dinner for ten hosted by Philippe Mouchel, George Calombaris, Shane Delia, Joe Grbac, Vasilios Donoudis and Travis McAuley, in the home of the winner, which raised $28,500. Other auction items included a behind the scenes tour of the Melbourne Zoo, five nights accommodation in Malboroush New Zealand, donated by Carol Rothschild and four laps in either a Ferrari 458 Italia or Lamborghini LP640 Murceilgo with John Bowe, donated by John Bowe and Joe Callela.
Calombaris said that it was “an incredible night; we’ve got chefs here from all our restaurants, even Mama Baba which hasn’t opened yet, so it’s a first for us. We’re so proud to be able to support Philippe and a cause that means so much to him. The chefs of The Press Club group hosted a six course dinner for all guests and sponsors with wine to match at PM 24. The dinner, designed by the chefs, had a Japanese twist and was representative of all the restaurants they work in.