Last Friday, 18 September, we brought the Good Food & Wine Show to life beyond the show floor, with a special sold-out Signature Chef Series featuring Brendan Pang at Novotel Sydney Darling Square.
Bringing together incredible food and Australian wine, the evening gave guests the chance to experience Brendan’s cooking in a more intimate setting. Working alongside Praveen Rodrigo, Director of Culinary at Novotel Sydney Darling Square, they created a special four-course menu for the occasion, with Petersons Wines providing pairings throughout the night.
A taste of the evening
The evening began with a selection of Grilled Watermelon Nigiri, Pork Floss Banh Mi, Massaman Beef Puffs, and Truffled Mushroom Arancini from Praveen and the Novotel Sydney Darling Square culinary team, paired with Petersons Wines NV Sparkling Cuvée.
Brendan then took the lead on the savoury courses, beginning with his Red Curry Chicken Wontons in Coconut Broth, paired with Petersons Wines 2026 Armidale Riesling and 2026 Hunter Valley Grüner Veltliner.
For Tom Peterson of Petersons Wines, the Grüner Veltliner was one pairing he was particularly excited for guests to experience.
“The Grüner has enough texture to stand up to the coconut broth, while retaining the freshness needed to cut through its richness. The green apple, citrus and lime characters of the wine bring lift to the dish, while the subtle savoury, peppery edge plays beautifully with the spice and aromatics of the red curry.”
— Tom Peterson, Petersons Wines
For the main course, guests enjoyed Brendan’s Coconut Mauritian Prawn Curry with Roti, accompanied by Petersons Wines 2022 Shiraz Cabernet and 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache.
For Brendan, the prawn curry was an especially personal addition to the menu.
“Mauritian food is such an important part of my cooking and I always love getting the opportunity to introduce it to more people. It’s rich and fragrant, and there’s something about tearing off a piece of roti and using it to scoop up that coconut curry that I think makes it a really fun dish to share.”
— Brendan Pang
To finish, guests were served a Mango & Coconut Panna Cotta with Spiced Pineapple Compote, a special collaboration paired with 2026 Savannah Estate Limestone Coast Frizzanté.
Two chefs, one special collaboration
One of the things that made the evening so unique was that it marked the first time Brendan and Praveen had worked together.
Rather than trying to make their individual cooking styles the same, the menu gave both chefs the opportunity to bring their own ideas and influences to the table. Brendan’s Mauritian and Chinese heritage and love of Asian flavours came together with Praveen and the Novotel team’s Asian-fusion approach to create a menu that felt connected while still allowing each course to have its own identity.
As Praveen explained:
“Rather than trying to make those differences disappear, we wanted to celebrate them. Brendan’s dishes showcase his creativity, while the canapés and dessert allow our Novotel culinary team to express our own ideas.”
— Praveen Rodrigo, Director of Culinary at Novotel Sydney Darling Square
More than just dinner
What sets the Signature Chef Series apart is the opportunity to experience the Good Food & Wine Show in a completely different way.
Throughout the evening, guests were able to hear directly from Brendan and Praveen, learn more about the inspiration behind the dishes, and enjoy the menu in a relaxed and intimate setting.
For Brendan, that connection with guests is a big part of what makes the Signature Chef Series different from both a restaurant dinner and the Show itself.
“It’s great food and wine, but it’s also about hearing the stories behind the dishes, chatting with us throughout the evening and experiencing the menu in a much more personal way.”
— Brendan Pang
With a sold-out dining room, a one-off collaborative menu, and plenty of conversation along the way, it was a memorable night and another exciting chapter for our Signature Chef Series.
Stay in the know
Want to be the first to hear about upcoming Good Food & Wine Show events, experiences, and Signature Chef Series dinners? Sign up to our database and stay in the loop.
Interested in collaborating with us on a future Signature Chef Series event? Get in touch with our team at [email protected] to find out more.