One of the culinary stars of the Spicer’s Group, Cameron Matthews, has returned to the Sunshine Coast from executive chef life in the Hunter Valley to pursue a more individual expression of his art.
As the new Chef-in-Residence, Cameron’s Winston Restaurant will be replacing Alana Sapwell’s Esmay at the ex-Wasabi space on the Noosa River.
Wasabi may have closed, but in one of the few blessings of the pandemic, Danielle Gjestland’s same incredible restaurant space and relationships with top local providers have been made available in a ‘Chef-in-Residence’ format and will continue to be featured, Winston-style.
Mr Matthews said, “When you’ve worked in regional restaurants as long as I have, you realise what an amazing world there is beyond our urban area. It’s where all your food comes from, and I want to be connected to that, and the feeling of place that comes from your plate.”
The Winston dining experience is a set menu, with in-season extras, showcasing Matthew’s obsession with the best, freshest Sunshine Coast produce prepared with utmost attention to sight, taste and texture, perfectly matched by a small, hand-picked list of beverages from the best regions in the country.
During a stellar 11-year career with Spicers, Matthews’ first role from 2009 as head chef of The Long Apron Restaurant and Cooking School in Montville, saw it become one of Queensland’s most awarded Two Hat restaurants, and inducted into the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Hall of Fame.
His leadership in the kitchen and vision for natural provenance paved the way for his elevation to Group Executive Chef. In 2016 he revitalised the Hunter Valley operations with complete oversight of kitchen design, sourcing, menu and recruitment.
That same year, Matthews was one of 106 Australians from all walks of life who were awarded a highly regarded Churchill Fellowship by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to pursue and develop their passion overseas.
During his few months in Europe and North America, Matthews took residence at some the world’s leading restaurants committed to sustainability and environmental care and returned with new-found inspiration.
“What chef doesn’t want the opportunity to have their own restaurant and realise their own vision?” Matthews said. “Winston is a first step for me, allowing me to express my true self, all whilst located on the stunning Noosa River”.
Winston is the result of years of dreaming and planning, the culmination of decades of experience and the full expression of Matthews’ food philosophy. Winston may be many elements sizzling in harmony, but ultimately, it’s about an incredible dining experience that may never be repeated.
A restaurant by Cameron Matthews opened at 2 Quamby Place, Noosa Sound on December 9. For more information visit www.winstonrestaurant.com.au
